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United Kingdom · English test

Can you take IELTS online?

Yes, but only IELTS Academic, and only in some countries. IELTS Online lets you take the test at home, with Speaking on a video call. Universities choose whether to accept it, and UKVI doesn’t. For a UK visa you must test in person. Free official online practice is open to everyone.

Free practice test

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Ways to take IELTS

OptionWhereResults
IELTS on computerAt a test centre, Speaking face to faceUsually 1 to 2 days, up to 5
IELTS on computer with Writing on PaperAt a test centre, in selected countries. Writing is handwrittenWithin 5 days
IELTS Online (Academic only)At home, with a stable internet connection. Speaking by video callUsually 6 to 8 days

IELTS announced that from mid-2026 it no longer offers paper-based IELTS, with timings set market by market. IELTS for UKVI is computer-only, and Writing on Paper isn’t offered for it.

Before you choose IELTS Online

  • Check that your university accepts it. The Test Report Form shows the test was taken online.
  • It isn’t available for General Training.
  • It can’t be used for a UK visa.
  • One Skill Retake isn’t available for IELTS Online.

Free official practice online

ielts.org has free sample questions for every Listening and Reading question type, with answer keys and transcripts. There are also computer-delivered practice tests that look like the real screen, plus Writing samples with examiner comments.

IELTS Academic sample questions ↗IELTS General Training sample questions ↗

Explore

Everything else, in one place

OverviewIELTSQuestions and pass markHow many questions are on IELTS, and what’s the pass mark?ScoringHow IELTS band scores workBook IELTSHow to book your IELTS test in the UKCostHow much does IELTS cost in the UK?What to bringWhat to bring to your IELTS testResultsIELTS results: when they come out and how to check themWriting testIELTS Writing: Task 1 and Task 2Speaking testIELTS Speaking: the three parts and the cue cardListening testIELTS Listening: four parts, 40 questionsReading testIELTS Reading: Academic and General TrainingAcademic or General Training?IELTS Academic vs General TrainingIELTS for CanadaIELTS for Canada: CLB levels and Express EntryTest dates and centresIELTS test dates and test centresLife Skills (A1, A2, B1)IELTS Life Skills: A1, A2 and B1One Skill RetakeIELTS One Skill Retake: resit just one sectionOfficial samplesOfficial IELTS sample test questionsPractice testIELTS practice testWhere to learnWhere to prepare for IELTSStudy plannerIELTS study planner
Sources: IELTS and 5 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.