IELTS

What Is the IELTS Exam?

IELTS is an internationally recognized exam used to determine individuals’ English language proficiency and is accepted by thousands of institutions in more than 100 countries worldwide. Each year, millions of candidates take the exam. In Türkiye, the exam is administered by British Council and IDP IELTS Turkey.

IELTS scores are widely accepted for admission to higher education institutions in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United States, as well as for English preparatory class exemption at some universities in Türkiye. In addition, professional organizations and companies accept IELTS results as proof of English proficiency and use them in recruitment, performance evaluations, and promotion processes.

What Does the IELTS Preparation Course Aim For?

IELTS preparation courses are specifically designed training programs for the two different types of the IELTS exam. Candidates receive targeted instruction in the Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking sections they will encounter in the exam, and lesson planning is customized accordingly.

The main objective of the course is to help candidates achieve a valid and competitive IELTS score. Candidates aiming for a high result should carefully choose a preparation course that will lead them directly to success.

Why Choose English Time IELTS Preparation Courses?

English Time, recognized as one of the most successful English language schools in Türkiye and supporting thousands of students every year, prepares candidates for IELTS exams with expert instructors specializing in academic English.

English Time IELTS preparation courses consist of four main skill areas:

1. Listening
2. Reading
3. Writing
4. Speaking

Before the course begins, candidates take a Placement Test to assess their General English level. This test identifies candidates’ strengths and weaknesses in each skill area.

For example, if a candidate is strong in Reading and Listening but weaker in Speaking and Writing, instructors focus more intensively on the weaker areas.

Candidates who aim for success in the IELTS exam should have a minimum General English level of Upper-Intermediate.

Online and Private IELTS Training Options

At English Time Language Schools, IELTS preparation courses are also offered through online English education programs. Candidates who do not wish to attend face-to-face classes can choose the Online IELTS Course option.

The education system is practice-based, designed according to the exam format and strategies, and does not include General English instruction. All lessons are conducted by expert instructors in language laboratories.

In addition to online courses, candidates may also choose one-on-one private IELTS lessons, including instruction from native English-speaking teachers.

Information about IELTS preparation course dates and campuses is regularly announced on the English Time website.

All students who apply for IELTS preparation courses can benefit free of charge from English Time’s activity classes and all other social events.

Who Should Attend IELTS Preparation Courses?

IELTS preparation courses are suitable for individuals with different goals, including:

1. Those who want to study at universities abroad
2. Individuals planning an academic career
3. Those who want to work abroad
4. Candidates applying for immigration to countries in Europe and North America
5. Students seeking exemption from English preparatory programs at universities in Türkiye
6. Applicants applying to institutions in Türkiye that require an IELTS certificate
7. Candidates applying for PhD, Master’s, and postgraduate programs in Türkiye or abroad

How to Apply for the IELTS Exam?

IELTS is administered in two formats: Academic and General Training. Candidates must first decide which exam type they will take.

Applications must be completed online through the official organizations responsible for exam administration in Türkiye: British Council and IDP IELTS Turkey.

During the online application process, all required personal information and documents must be completed accurately. After registration, candidates should select an exam date. It is recommended to register 5–6 weeks in advance, as exam quotas fill up quickly.

After completing the application, the exam fee must be paid using the bank details provided on the application platform.

Important Note:

To ensure correct matching of the payment with the candidate, please include the following information on the payment receipt:

1. Candidate’s Full Name
2. Exam date and reference number
3. (Example: Ali Yılmaz, 27 November IELTS, TR002-24092-00010)

Candidates may also make payments directly at bank branches through contracted banks.

Differences Between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training

IELTS is divided into two types: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

1. The Listening and Speaking sections are the same in both exams
2. The Reading and Writing sections differ according to the exam type
3. IELTS Academic is generally more challenging than IELTS General Training
4. IELTS Academic is required for education abroad
5. IELTS General Training is preferred for employment and immigration purposes

IELTS Exam Format – Sections of the IELTS Exam

The IELTS exam assesses four core language skills:

IELTS Listening

1. 40 questions
2. 30 minutes duration
3. Paper-based exams include an additional 10 minutes to transfer answers
4. Computer-based exams require answers to be entered immediately
5. Conducted using headphones

Listening sections:

1. Conversation between two speakers
2. Monologue on daily topics
3. Discussion among up to four people in an educational context
4. Academic-level monologue by native speakers

IELTS Reading

1. Measures reading comprehension skills
2. 40 questions
3. 60 minutes duration
4. Question types include gap filling, matching, true/false, and multiple choice
5. 3 reading passages are provided

IELTS Writing

1. Measures the ability to express ideas in written English
2. Consists of two tasks
3. 60 minutes total
4. Recommended time: 20 minutes for Task 1, 40 minutes for Task 2
5. Writing tasks differ in content between Academic and General Training exams

IELTS Speaking

1. 10–15 minutes duration
2. Consists of 3 parts
3. Part 1: Introduction
4. Part 2: Topic-based speech
5. Part 3: Discussion based on Part 2

Frequently Asked Questions About the IELTS Exam

How long does the IELTS exam take?

The exam lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes.

What is the IELTS exam fee?

The IELTS exam fee is 10,500 TL (valid for 2025).

How is the IELTS exam fee paid?

Payment can be made via mobile banking or bank branches.

How long are IELTS results valid?

IELTS results are valid for 2 years.

What level is required to prepare for IELTS?

Candidates should have at least an Upper-Intermediate level of English.

What is IELTS used for?

IELTS is used for education, preparatory class exemption, employment, and immigration applications in Türkiye and abroad.

Why is IELTS preferred in Türkiye?

For preparatory class exemption at universities and applications to public and private institutions.

Which organizations administer the IELTS exam in Türkiye?

British Council and IDP IELTS Turkey.

How many types of IELTS exams are there?

Two types: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

How often is the IELTS exam held?

Candidates may take the exam as many times as they wish. It is held approximately four times per month.

When are IELTS results announced?

Results are released 13 days after the exam.

Is there an age limit for the IELTS exam?

There is no age limit, but it is not recommended for candidates under 16 years old.