IELTS Eligibility 2023: Eligibility for IELTS Exam and Required Documents

IELTS Eligibility 2023: The IELTS exam, also known as the International English Language Testing System, is a recognized language proficiency test accepted in countries such as New Zealand, Canada, Australia, the USA, and the UK. Many competitive schools in these countries consider IELTS scores as part of their admission criteria. While interested applicants often inquire about eligibility requirements, it is important to note that the conducting bodies of IELTS, including IDP IELTS, British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English, do not prescribe specific eligibility criteria for registration and exam participation.

Also Check: IELTS Registration

Proving English proficiency and abilities is essential to study in English-speaking countries. That is why, apart from taking aptitude tests like GMAT and GRE, applicants would be required to submit a separate language test score. That is when the IELTS exam plays a vital role as it is globally recognized by more than 11,000 businesses, universities, schools, and immigration organizations, 3,400 of which are located in the USA itself. Read on to thoroughly understand the eligibility requirements of IELTS.

IELTS Eligibility 2023

As discussed above, IELTS does not have any official prescribed requirements. Anyone can take the IELTS exam, regardless of age, nationality, ethnicity, gender, or background. As a consequence, there is no minimum eligibility standard set by the IELTS administering authority. Therefore, the IELTS exam is open to everyone who wants to pursue higher education or work abroad. However, before applying, candidates should thoroughly review the organization's or institution's limited eligibility conditions.

Lower Age Limit: The minimum age at which one can appear for the exam is 16 years. To be eligible, candidates need to be above 16 years of age with a valid passport. Students who are 16 and below will have no use in the IELTS exam as completing high-school education is another requirement. 

Upper Age Limit: There is no specified upper age limit for IELTS. Applicants above 16 years of age can register for the exam. Many working professionals who have worked in the industry for several years and are above 30 years of age, looking for an academic or work opportunity abroad also register for the test.

Qualification: There is no educational qualification for the test. Applicants just need to have completed basic school-level studies to register for the test.

IELTS Exam: Special Requirements

IELTS test centres make every attempt to assist test-takers with accessibility needs. IELTS offers a complete service for test takers who have special requirements, including specific learning impairments, hearing issues, vision difficulties, and medical conditions. This is done to ensure that the language ability of all test takers is assessed fairly and objectively.

These services include:

• Braille papers
• Listening test lip-reading version
• Speaking task cards in Braille or Enlarged Prints
• Special Listening CD with necessary pauses and stops
• Extra time devoted to people with medical conditions and infant feeding

Also Read: IELTS Slot Booking

IELTS Exam: Documents Needed

To register and appear for the IELTS exam, applicants will be asked to submit the required documents. To successfully complete the IELTS registration process, students need to submit these documents and also carry the same submitted documents on the test day to the test centre.

Documents Required to Complete the Registration Process

• Valid Passport- The only identification document that is considered valid is the passport of the individual. Other national IDs like one’s Adhaar card can be used but it is recommended to use the passport. Having an updated and recent passport is essential and a great requirement.
• Personal Information- candidates will be asked to fill up some personal details and they are advised to thoroughly re-check the given information and make sure it matches the information mentioned in their IDs.

Documents to Carry on the Test Day

The most crucial item to bring on the day of the IELTS test is identification, either a passport or a national ID depending on which candidate used while registering for the test. The same form of identification is required for the IELTS Speaking test as well.

Before entering the test centre, the test staff will check IDs and documents, and the IELTS Speaking Test examiner will check them again. However, on the day of the exam, students don't need to carry any passport photos because the IELTS test centre will take the picture when applicants register.