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Taking the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is often required for those wishing to study or work abroad.

In countries like the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and more, most universities and organisations will ask for a qualification of English proficiency; the IELTS serves as a standardised, international framework aimed at non-English speakers.

Today, over across more than 140 countries take the IELTS each year, and there are many ways to prepare for your IELTS exam.

Not sure which one to take? Here’s a list:

Types of IELTS tests

Before you prepare for your IELTS exam, you should know that you have the flexibility to choose an option that suits your needs.

For example, for the General Training and the Academic tests, the Speaking and Listening sections are the same.

However, the Reading and Writing sections of these tests differ, as they are designed to assess language ability that is more relevant for each specific sector.

IELTS Academic

The most likely option for students — if you’re planning to study abroad, most universities will require you to take the .

Keep in mind that this test will feature vocabulary that is commonly used in academic settings, which are suitable for undergraduate or postgraduate students. It can also be used for those seeking professional registration, such as doctors or nurses.

You can take the IELTS Academic at your country’s test centre or do it online. The test encompasses four sections — listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

IELTS General Training

Catered to those who wish to migrate to an English-speaking country to live and work.

To prepare for your , you should be aware that this test focuses on everyday English language skills used in social situations and workplace environments.

There is no online option for the IELTS General Training, so you’ll have to take it in a centre.

IELTS for UKVI

If you wish to live, work, or study in the UK specifically, the (UK Visas and Immigration) is a good option.

This is the test to take if you are looking to become a UK citizen, live on a family, student, or skilled worker visa, or represent an overseas business or religious party. There are different levels, too:

• IELTS for UKVI
• IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1
• IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2
• IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1

Do note that the UKVI will only accept tests taken in person at an official IELTS for UKVI test centre, as UKVI requires an additional layer of security when taking language tests. So make sure to plan accordingly!

Learn how to prepare for your IELTS exam with these tips. Source: AFP

Prepare for your IELTS exam the right way

You don’t have to spend too much money and time if you want to prepare for your IELTS exam. Keep in mind that you need to save money for your future abroad, too.

Here are some great ways to help prepare for your IELTS exam:

Subtitles on

When watching a movie at home or on streaming services, try looking for the script online or reading the subtitles as the characters speak.

After enough practice,  you could even turn the subtitles off and treat it as a listening test.

This is particularly useful if you don’t have a speaking partner and makes a nice change from boring textbooks.

Read and digest

Reading in preparation for IELTS can become tedious and boring, especially if you’re only reading textbooks.

Switch things up and read online magazines, newspapers, and books about topics that you’re interested in.

We recommend sites such as The Washington Post, Forbes, The Guardian, and The New York Times.

Listen to speeches

Between TED Talks and Barack Obama, the Internet is filled with great speeches that cover a myriad of topics.

You can listen to these and follow the transcript – mimicking the speaker can be hugely beneficial to picking up fluent dialogue and new vocabulary.

It’s also a great opportunity to practice body language while speaking a language you’re unfamiliar with.

Podcasts

There are a huge number of podcasts available online, and many of these are specifically aimed at IELTS preparation.

Podcasts are free and some even release new material on a daily basis. You can listen to these on the move and study wherever you are.

The is particularly useful to prepare for your IELTS exam.

Bond together with others while learning a new language. Source: AFP

Language exchange

Okay, this is tough if you’re in an area with few English speakers, but there are always ways you can do it.

If there’s a language school or university nearby, contact them to ask whether they could help you find a language exchange partner.

If not, go online and use resources like Discord – there will be many native English speakers willing to exchange practice in their language for yours, online.

Word games

You don’t have to go out and buy a board game like Scrabble – although you could – as there are a number of online word game resources that can help you improve your vocabulary.

If you’re taking a study break, then don’t waste it on a gossip website or instant messaging; instead, do a few word games and make the most of all your time to prepare for the day.

has plenty of entertaining minigames to try out.

Keep in touch

Letters and emails are a great way to enhance your reading and writing skills.

Whether you’re writing to friends and family or contacting organisations, the act of letter writing itself, as well as the potential responses, can be incredibly useful.

Try writing messages or emails in English and send it to family members or friends as a form of practice.

Listening to pop stars like Sabrina Carpenter is a great way to prepare for your IELTS exam. Source: AFP

English songs

Enjoy listening to music? It’s a great way to prepare for your IELTS exam.

Visit lyric sites like , or follow the lyrics of a song through your Spotify or Apple Music.

Granted, there’ll be quite a lot of slang to deal with in newer music releases, but if you go back to the 1960s, for example, you can pick up words, phrases and speaking methods pretty efficiently.

Record yourself speaking

This might sound a little embarrassing, but it’s so important to listen to yourself to pick up little mistakes.

You can easily hear mistakes in others’ speech, and you can pick out someone who isn’t a native speaker just by listening, so you should know what others hear when you speak.

Act as your own sounding board and make sure you’re as strong as you can be. This way, your pronunciation, stress and accent should improve rapidly.

Visit online communities

Platforms like Reddit, Discord, and even Facebook have groups and channels dedicated to learning English.

The is a top 1% Reddit community with over 464,000 members, while Discord has the Study Together and English groups.

Gain tips from others online, help other people out, and pick up new tips to prepare for your IELTS exam.

Good luck!

Disclaimer: This article was last updated on April 28th, 2025.