International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
What is IELTS?
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is a test of English abilities in four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. It was introduced in 1989 and is now available in over 125 countries. It is recognised by over 6000 organisations, including employers, universities, professional bodies and immigration authorities. IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.
The Listening and Speaking sections of IELTS are the same for all test takers. The Reading and Writing sections are different depending on whether you choose the Academic or General Training modules.
The Academic module is suitable for university entrance at undergraduate and postgraduate level and for professional registration.
The General Training module is suitable for the purposes of immigration to an English-speaking country and for people wishing to train or study below degree level.
For further information on the IELTS exam, please look at our links on the right of this page.
How can I prepare for the test?
The ELTC regularly runs courses to help students prepare for the IELTS exam. In order to find out more about our upcoming courses, please visit http://www.shef.ac.uk/eltc/part-time
There are also some very useful materials online to help you find out more about the IELTS test and practice before you take your exam. To find out more, look at our links on the right of this page.
When can I take IELTS at the ELTC?
Our testing dates for 2013 are as follows. Please note that the Speaking section will take place on the same date as the other three sections unless otherwise stated.
| February | 16th | Academic Module | July | 27th | Academic and General Training Modules | ||
| March | 2nd | Academic Module | August | 17th | Academic and General Training Modules | ||
| April | 27th | Academic and General Training Modules | September | 7th | Academic and General Training Modules | ||
| May | 18th | Academic Module | September | 21st | Academic and General Training Modules | ||
| May | 25th | Academic and General Training Modules | October | 26th | Academic and General Training Modules | ||
| June | 22nd | Academic and General Training Modules | November | 16th | Academic Module | ||
| July | 6th | Academic and General Training Modules | |||||
How can I apply to take the IELTS at the ELTC?
Step 1
The ELTC only accepts online registration for our IELTS exams. To register online, visit https://ielts.britishcouncil.org/universityofsheffield (or click on the link at the right of this page) and follow the instructions.
Please note:
- Registration for each test date closes 5 days before the test. You will not be able to register after that point.
- Completion of online registration does not guarantee you an IELTS test place. You must also send us the required documents and photographs and pay exam fees.
Step 2
After you complete online registration, you should send us the following;
- A photocopy of your ID document: This must be the same document you used during online registration. You will need to bring the same document to all your IELTS exams. It must be a passport or European ID card. You must send a clear photocopy and you must write on the back of your photocopy the date of the IELTS test you registered for. The name on this ID document must be exactly the same as they name you entered during online registration.
- 2 passport photos: these should be no more than 6 months old, in colour and of good quality. Your face must be clearly visible and you should not wear any hats, caps or glasses in the photo. You should write your full name in BLOCK CAPITALS on the back of both photos.
These items should be sent to:
The IELTS Administrator
English Language Teaching Centre
The University of Sheffield
78 Hoyle St.
Sheffield
S3 7LG
The UK
Step 3
For the year 2013, the fee for all IELTS sittings at the ELTC, The University of Sheffield will be £135.
The ELTC asks all IELTS test takers to pay their fees by credit or debit card through our secure online payment system. At the end of your online registration (see Step 1 above) you will see a link to our online payment site.
All fees should be paid no later than five days after you register and no later than 5 days before your IELTS test.
If you have any problems with payment of fees, please contact us at eltc.IELTS@sheffield.ac.uk.
When can I get my results?
Your IELTS test results will be available exactly 13 days after the test. On that day, they will be posted to you. It is also possible to collect them from the ELTC in person. To do this, you will need to bring your identity document with you. Results are never given by telephone, e-mail or SMS.
What can I do if I think there is a mistake in my results?
Test-takers can have one or all of their IELTS papers re-marked if they are not happy with the results they received. The process is called an Enquiry on Results (EOR) and costs £60.00. If you have taken an IELTS test at the ELTC and you would like an Enquiry on Results, you must contact eltc.ielts@sheffield.ac.uk no later than 6 weeks from the date of your test.
For more information on the IELTS test, please look at the links on the right of this page.
If you would like to ask us a question about our IELTS tests here at the ELTC, please email us at eltc.IELTS@sheffield.ac.uk or phone us at 0114 2224931.