IELTS said on 4 August 2022 that IELTS Online is now available in selected countries and territories. It is an at-home version of IELTS Academic with the same timing, content and structure as the test taken at a centre.
Key facts
- Announced 4 August 2022
- Test IELTS Academic only, taken at home
- Speaking Live video call with an examiner
- Results 6 to 8 days
- Migration Not accepted
How it works
Listening, Reading and Writing are taken on screen in the same way as IELTS on computer. Speaking is a one-to-one video call with a trained IELTS examiner. Security combines human and AI invigilation with identity checks. All tests are marked by IELTS examiners, and results are released six to eight days after the test.
At launch there was one session a week, with more sessions and locations promised over the following months.
What it is not for
IELTS Online is for academic purposes. IELTS stated that it was not accepted for migration, and General Training is not offered online. It is not a Secure English Language Test for UK visas.
What this means
IELTS Online can suit students who live far from a test centre, but only if every university on your list accepts it. Check each admissions page for the words IELTS Online, not just IELTS Academic, before you book. Do not use it for a visa, work or residence application. Prepare your room, computer and internet connection to the published technical requirements, and run any system check offered before test day. Allow for the longer results time compared with IELTS on computer at a centre. Since 2026 IELTS has been moving all centre tests to computer, so check the current ielts.org pages for the latest delivery options.