Frequently Asked Questions

We have a 1-ON-1 meeting where you can go to ask specific questions. If scheduling a 1-on-1 meeting with a counselor, ask all your queries and the counselor will provide you with a complete in-hand experience and shortlist courses and countries suitable and be sure to include the program name in the reason for the meeting. If you are not able to schedule an appointment with the relevant OIE advisor, please email the advisor directly

The cost depends on the country, university, and lifestyle. Key expenses include:

• Tuition fees (varies by country and institution)
• Accommodation (on-campus or off-campus)
• Food and daily expenses
• Health insurance
• Travel costs (airfare and transportation)
• Visa and application fees

Many students apply for scholarships, part-time jobs, and education loans to manage their finances.

Yes! Many universities, governments, and private organizations offer scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or specific achievements. Some popular scholarships include:

• Fulbright Program (USA)
• Chevening Scholarships (UK)
• Erasmus+ (Europe)
• Australia Awards Scholarships
• DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Yes, a student visa is required to study abroad. The application process varies by country but generally involves:

• Acceptance from a recognized institution
• Proof of financial support
• Valid passport and passport-sized photos
• Visa application form and fees
• Health and character certificates (medical and police clearance)
• English proficiency test scores (if applicable)

It's best to start the visa process early to avoid delays.

Eligibility varies based on the country, university, and program you choose. However, common requirements include:

• A valid passport and student visa
• Academic qualifications (high school diploma, undergraduate degree, etc.)
• English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent)
• Standardized test scores (SAT, GRE, GMAT, if required)
• Financial proof of funding for tuition and living expenses

IELTS is an internationally accepted English language test that measures a person’s ability to communicate effectively in English. It is used by universities, employers, and immigration authorities to assess language proficiency. The test is accepted in over 140 countries and is commonly required for admission to higher education, job applications, and visa processing.

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) offers two main types of tests, each designed for different purposes:

1. IELTS Academic 📚

This test is for students applying to universities, colleges, and professional institutions in English-speaking countries. It measures whether you have the English language skills needed to succeed in an academic environment.

Who Should Take IELTS Academic?

• Students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate courses abroad.
• Professionals like doctors, nurses, and engineers applying for licensing or registration in countries such as the UK, Canada, and Australia.

Test Format:

• Reading: Three long academic passages (from books, journals, or newspapers).
• Writing: Task 1 requires describing a graph, chart, or diagram; Task 2 is an essay.
• Listening & Speaking: Same format as the IELTS General test.

Accepted Countries & Institutions:

• UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European universities.

2. IELTS General Training 🌍

This test is for those migrating to English-speaking countries or applying for work and non-academic training programs. It focuses on everyday language and communication skills.

Who Should Take IELTS General?

• People applying for work visas in Canada, Australia, the UK, or New Zealand.
• Individuals immigrating through programs like Canada PR (Express Entry) or Australia’s Skilled Migration.
• Those joining vocational training or secondary education programs.

Test Format:

• Reading: Shorter, more practical texts (advertisements, work manuals, notices).
• Writing: Task 1 requires writing a formal or informal letter; Task 2 is an essay.
• Listening & Speaking: Same as IELTS Academic.

Accepted Countries & Uses:

• Required for immigration to Canada, Australia, and the UK.
• Used for job applications and training programs.

3. IELTS UKVI (UK Visa and Immigration) 🇬🇧

This version is specifically for people applying for UK visas, including student and work visas. The test is the same as IELTS Academic or General but is taken at a UKVI-approved test center.

Who Should Take IELTS UKVI?

• Students applying for a UK Student Visa.
• Workers applying for a Skilled Worker Visa.
• Entrepreneurs applying for a Start-up or Innovator Visa.

Test Format:

Same as IELTS Academic or General, but the test center must be UKVI-approved.

4. IELTS Life Skills 🗣

A simpler version of IELTS designed for people needing to prove basic English skills (A1, A2, or B1 level) for UK visas and immigration. It only tests Speaking and Listening.

Who Should Take IELTS Life Skills?

• Spouses or family members applying for a UK Family Visa.
• People applying for UK Citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Test Format:

• Short Speaking and Listening tasks (10-22 minutes).
• No Reading or Writing sections.

Which IELTS Test Should You Take?

IELTS consists of four sections, which are completed in the following order:

1. Listening (30 minutes):

   • Four recordings with different accents (British, American, Australian, etc.).
   • Questions include multiple-choice, sentence completion, and diagram labeling.

2. Reading (60 minutes):

   • Academic Test: Three long academic passages with questions.
   • General Training Test: Texts from newspapers, advertisements, and workplace documents.

3. Writing (60 minutes):

   • Academic:
     • Task 1: Describe a graph, chart, or diagram.
     • Task 2: Write an essay on a given topic.
   • General Training:
     • Task 1: Write a letter (formal or informal).
     • Task 2: Write an opinion-based essay.

4. Speaking (11–14 minutes):

   • Conducted face-to-face with an examiner.
   • Three parts: Introduction, discussion on a given topic, and abstract questions.

The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are completed in one sitting, while the Speaking test may be taken on the same day or within a week before or after.

How is IELTS scored?

IELTS is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9 in half-band increments (e.g., 6.5, 7.0). Each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) is scored separately, and the overall band score is the average of all four.

Band Score Meaning:

• 9.0 – Expert user
• 8.0 – 8.5 – Very good user
• 7.0 – 7.5 – Good user (commonly required by universities)
• 6.0 – 6.5 – Competent user (acceptable for work and study in many countries)
• 5.0 – 5.5 – Modest user
• Below 5.0 – Limited or non-user

Registering for the IELTS test is simple and can be done online or in person. Follow these steps to book your exam:

Step 1: Choose the Right IELTS Test

Before registering, decide which IELTS test you need:

• IELTS Academic – For university admissions.
• IELTS General Training – For work or immigration.
• IELTS UKVI – For UK visa applications.
• IELTS Life Skills – For UK family/spouse visas.

Step 2: Find a Test Center Near You

IELTS is conducted by British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment English.
You can find an official test center through:

• British Council: www.britishcouncil.org
• IDP IELTS: www.ielts.org
• Cambridge IELTS: www.cambridgeenglish.org

Choose a center that offers paper-based or computer-based IELTS based on your preference.

Step 3: Select a Test Date

• IELTS is available multiple times each month in most locations.
• Some test centers offer computer-based IELTS, which provides results faster.
• Book your test at least 1 month in advance to get your preferred date.

Step 4: Register Online or In-Person

📌 Online Registration:

1. Go to the official  IDP website.
2. Select your country and test center.
3. Choose Academic or General Training IELTS.
4. Fill in your personal details (name, passport number, contact info).
5. Upload a scanned copy of your passport or national ID (this is mandatory).
6. Pay the test fee online using a credit/debit card, PayPal, or bank transfer.

📌 In-Person Registration:

• Visit a nearby IELTS test center with your passport or ID.
• Fill out the IELTS application form.
• Pay the exam fee in cash or through a bank transfer.

Step 5: Receive Your Test Confirmation

After completing the registration, you will receive:
✅ A confirmation email with your test date, time, and venue.
✅ Details about the Speaking test schedule (it may be on a different day).
✅ Instructions on what to bring on the test day.

Step 6: Prepare for the Exam

• Download IELTS practice tests from the British Council website.
• Take mock tests to familiarize yourself with the format.
• Ensure you have your passport/ID ready for the test day.

IELTS Test Fee & Payment Methods

The IELTS test fee varies by country and test type.

• Cost: Around $185 – $250 USD (varies by location).
• Payment Methods: Credit/Debit card, PayPal, bank transfer, or in-person payment.

📌 Can I change my test date after registration?
Yes, you can reschedule at least 5-7 days before the test. A fee may apply.

📌 Can I cancel my IELTS test after booking?
Yes, but cancellation policies vary. If canceled more than 5 weeks before the test, you may get a partial refund.

📌 What happens if I miss my test date?
You will lose your test fee unless you provide a valid medical reason with proof.

📌 Can I take the IELTS test online?
Yes, IELTS Online is available for Academic IELTS, but the Speaking test is conducted via video call.