IELTS

The IELTS Academic test has four parts. The total time is about 2 hours 45 minutes.

• Listening – 4 recordings and 40 questions – ~30 min.
• Reading – 3 academic texts and 40 questions – 60 min.
• Writing – 2 tasks: describing a graph or chart, and an essay – 60 min.
• Speaking – a conversation with a certified examiner – 11–14 min.

You take the Listening, Reading and Writing parts in one sitting, with no breaks. The Speaking part is held separately – usually on the same day or within a few days of the other parts, depending on the test center.

IELTS is scored from 0 to 9 (in half-band steps). Each part is scored separately, and the overall band score is the average of the four parts, rounded to the nearest half band.

Typical scores for university admission:

• Most universities require 6.0 or 6.5, in rare cases 7.0.
• Always check the exact requirements in the program description on kastu.eu, on the official page of your chosen university or on the required English language tests page.

Results are valid for 2 years from the test date.

IELTS is organized by the British Council, together with IDP, at official test centers across the EU. Depending on the center, you take the test on a computer or on paper:

• You take the Listening, Reading and Writing parts at the test center.
• The Speaking part is a conversation with an examiner – face to face or by video call at the test center, on the same day as the other parts or a few days later.
• Tests are held several times a month; computer-delivered tests are usually available more often.

Places are limited, so register early. You will find the next test dates and available places on the official IELTS booking page.

The easiest way to register is online on the official IELTS booking page. You pay the full test fee when you register.

• The IELTS Academic test usually costs about €200–300. The exact fee depends on the country and the test center – you see it when you book.
• When you book, you choose the test date, the time and the time of your Speaking part.
• If one part doesn't go as planned, you can retake just that one part instead of the whole test. This is the One Skill Retake option, available for computer-delivered IELTS in many countries. More information on the official IELTS One Skill Retake page.

If you take the test on a computer, you get your results online within 1–5 days after the test. Paper-based results take longer.

• You can have your results sent directly to your chosen universities – handy if you take the test during the application period.
• If you disagree with your results, you can request a re-mark (Enquiry on Results, EOR) within 6 weeks of the test date. You pay a fee for this, but if your score changes after the re-mark, you get your money back. A re-mark takes 6–8 weeks.
• If you plan to retake the test, focus on the parts with your lowest scores, or use the One Skill Retake option.

• A valid identity document (passport or national ID card) – the same one you used when you booked.
• Your photo is taken before the test – it appears on your test certificate.
• Leave your phone and other electronic devices with your personal belongings.
• You may bring a drink, but only in a transparent bottle without a label.
• Arrive early – if you're late, you may not be allowed to take the test.

Start with the official materials – they reflect the test format exactly:

• Official IELTS preparation resources – free practice tests and sample questions.
• British Council preparation materials – free practice tests, video lessons and apps.

The test tasks are a bit different from the ones you know from school. Learn the format in advance and do the official sample tasks – then there will be no surprises on test day.

AI tools like ChatGPT can help you prepare for the IELTS test:

• Ask it to act as your Speaking examiner – practice answering out loud.
• Write essays and ask for feedback on grammar, vocabulary and structure.
• Ask it to explain difficult grammar rules in simple words.

These tools are available 24/7 and let you learn at your own pace.

You don't need to sit with a textbook. What matters most is hearing and using English every day:

• Watch TV shows and movies in English, with English subtitles.
• Follow English-language accounts on social media.
• Switch your phone's language to English.
• Listen to podcasts in English – about topics you find interesting.

Don't stay up studying the night before the test. Let your brain rest. A good night's sleep helps more than last-minute studying.

Focus on the process, not the result – you're getting ready to study in English, so enjoy the journey.

Most universities require 6.0 or 6.5, in rare cases 7.0. The exact requirements depend on the university and the study program. You will find them in the program description on kastu.eu, on the official page of your chosen university or on the required English language tests page.

For university admission you need the IELTS Academic version. General Training is meant for migration or work and is usually not accepted for university studies.

Yes, sometimes. Some Kastu partner universities in the Netherlands and Belgium accept a school-leaving exam in English instead of an international test. It depends on your country and the university. You will find the details on the school-leaving exam in English page.

If your university accepts your school-leaving exam in English as proof of your English level, you can submit it instead of IELTS. You don't need both – one is enough. You can also use the One Skill Retake option and retake only your weakest part.

Both tests are widely accepted. If your university accepts both, Kastu recommends TOEFL – it uses American English, and you take the whole test on a computer. In the Speaking part you record your answers with a microphone instead of talking to an examiner. Kastu applicants also get a 5% discount with the code LTU1000102. More information on the TOEFL page. If your university accepts only IELTS, choose IELTS Academic.

In most cases, yes – you can fill in the free Kastu application form now and upload your IELTS certificate later, so you don't have to wait for your results to apply. Check the final deadline for documents in the program description on kastu.eu and on the official university page. You also get an e-mail and SMS reminder.