IELTS FAQs

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) measures the language proficiency of people who want to study or work where English is used as a Language of communication. It uses a nine-band scale to clearly identify levels of proficiency, from non-user (band score1) through to expert (band score 9).

IELTS is available in two versions: Academic or General Training. Academic is for people applying for higher education or professional registration, while General Training is for those migrating to Australia and Canada, or for applying for secondary education, training programmes and work experience in English-speaking environment. Both versions provide a valid and accurate assessment of the four language skills; listening, reading, writing and speaking. Listening and Speaking are the same for both tests, but the subject matter of the Reading and Writing sections differs depending on which test you take.

The total written test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training and IELTS Life Skills are accepted by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as proof of English proficiency for those wishing to live, work and study in the UK.

At UOWD, we offer the standard IELTS Paper-Based and Computer-delivered IELTS test. If you have to take the UKVI IELTS Test, you will need to register with our test partner IDP at https://my.ieltsessentials.com/UKVI. UOWD is a test venue for UKVI IELTS and Life Skills but these tests are managed and administered by IDP.

IELTS Paper based test fee is AED 1050 (VAT inclusive)

Computer Delivered IELTS test fee AED 1260 (VAT inclusive)

UOWD offers IELTS paper based testing three times a month. Visit the following link to find the test date of your choice and register: https://www.uowdubai.ac.ae/ielts-application-form-book-and-pay

We offer Computer delivered IELTS testing 6 days in a week and 3 sessions a day (Morning, Afternoon and Evening). Visit the following link to find your preferred date and time and to register: https://www.uowdubai.ac.ae/ielts/computer-delivered-test

Based on demand you can now take your IELTS test on a computer with faster results and more test dates. General or Academic, paper or computer the choice is yours.

The test content and structure remain the same in both options and, importantly, the Speaking test remains face-to-face with a certified IELTS Examiner.

The features of Computer-Delivered IELTS are as follows:

• You will get the results in 5-7 days
• We provide more test dates and sessions: 6 days a week and 3 times a day
• You can finish all components of the test in one day!

With computer-delivered IELTS there are more test dates and sessions available, allowing you to choose a test time most convenient for you.

For IELTS paper based test, if you postpone or cancel your application more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund, minus an administrative charge. If you postpone or cancel within the 5 weeks of the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a medical reason. If you are unable to attend due to a serious medical condition and provide a medical certificate within 5 days of test date, you will receive a refund or transfer minus an administrative cost.

For Computer delivered IELTS test, if you postpone or cancel your application more than 7 days before the test date, you will receive a refund, minus an administrative charge. If you postpone or cancel within 7 days of the test date, you will be charged the full fee. If you are unable to attend due to a serious medical condition you must provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, you will receive a refund or transfer minus an administrative cost.

The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are completed immediately after each other and with no break. The speaking test will be on the same day or in specific test (Saturdays) the speaking test can be held a day before the test (Friday). At UOWD, we aim to complete all four components in 1 day. This applies to both the Paper based and Computer delivered IELTS testing.

Test rules and guidelines can be found on the Notice to Candidates provided in the IELTS Application Form. You are also advised to read the Information for Candidates booklet carefully so that you understand the test format and know what to expect on test day. You can view the information for candidate booklet for IELTS paper based here:
https://www.uowdubai.ac.ae/sites/default/files/2018-03/Information_for_Candidates.pdf

Computer Delivered IELTS information booklet:
https://www.uowdubai.ac.ae/sites/default/files/2019-03/IELTS_Computer_Delivered_Test_Takers_A4_2019_SCREEN.pdf

You must bring the original valid passport/national identity card i.e. Emirates ID you used on the IELTS Application Form to the IELTS Test. Mobile phones, pagers and other electronic devices must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in the area designated. If you do not switch off your phone/pager or if you keep it with you, you will be disqualified from the test. Applies to both Paper based and Computer delivered IELTS testing.

At UOWD, we provide high quality infrared wireless headsets for the Listening test with flexibility to adjust the volume to your convenience.

The Speaking test is a discussion over 11-14 minutes with a certified and highly qualified IELTS Examiner. The speaking section assesses your use of spoken English and consists of three parts. Every test is recorded.

You must bring the same original valid passport/national identity card i.e. Emirates ID you supplied on your IELTS Application Form and continue to use the same identity documents for each part of the test. Your identity will be checked before you enter the speaking test room.

As IELTS is an international test, a variety of English accents is used in both of these tests.

Yes, you can use all capital letters in the IELTS Listening and Reading components and also in the Writing component, however it’s not mandatory to do so.

You do not need to bring your own stationary; we will provide you with stationary on test day.

You must use a pencil for all parts of the test. Stationary is provided by UOWD. Applies to IELTS paper based testing.

Food and drink is not allowed inside the test room. You can eat and drink before the test or after the test ends. You can carry water in a clear and transparent bottle (any printed label on bottled water should be removed) before entering the test room. Applies to both Paper based and Computer delivered IELTS testing.

The university provides free basement parking in Block 14-B2 on Saturdays from 7.00am to 1.00pm only. This is available on a first come first served basis, subject to presentation of the test confirmation letter to the security staff.

Free Test Day Shuttle Service:
UOWD offers Free Shuttle service from the Dubai Internet City Metro Station to the Test Venue and back. Candidates can avail this facility by presenting their test confirmation letter at the pickup & drop off points.

The schedule for the shuttle is as follows:
Pick-up (From DIC Metro Station to UOWD): 7:30 am every Saturday
Drop-off (From UOWD to DIC Metro Station): 12:20 pm every Saturday

IELTS uses a 9 - band scoring system to report test scores in a consistent manner. You will receive individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and an overall band score on a band scale from one to nine. Applies to both Paper based and Computer delivered IELTS test.

There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Scores are graded on the 9-band system. Each educational institution or organisation sets its own minimum IELTS scores to meet its individual requirements. Applies to both Paper based and Computer delivered IELTS test.

The IELTS result is valid for two years. Applies to both Paper based and Computer delivered IELTS test.

For IELTS Paper based test, your Test Report Form will be available within 13 calendar days after your test date. You will only receive one copy of your Test Report Form. You will also receive results via SMS (if you have opted for this service). Alternatively, results can be viewed on our secure UOWD online portal. The Test Report form can be collected from our office during office hours.

For Computer delivered IELTS test, results are issued within 5 to 7 working days from the date of the test. Results are sent via sms and can be viewed online on our secure UOWD online portal.

Note: IELTS test results cannot be Emailed
For more information on your test results contact [email protected]

Yes, you can obtain a copy of your test result if you have lost or damaged your original copy. This is only possible within the two-year validity timeframe.

You will need to send a written request to [email protected] with a copy of your ID document. Our team will provide you the details for applying for an additional copy of the Test Report Form. Applies to both IELTS Paper based and Computer delivered IELTS.

There is no time limit on re-sitting the test. However, we strongly recommend you do some additional preparation course before taking the test again. At UOWD, we offer an Intensive IELTS preparation course covering all four skills and we offer an IELTS Writing Masterclass. For more details on our IELTS preparation click here: https://www.uowdubai.ac.ae/language-studies-centre/ielts-preparation
Applies to both Paper based and Computer delivered IELTS test.

You can apply for a re-mark, known as an Enquiry on Results, within six weeks of the test date. The fee for this is AED 577.5 (VAT inclusive), which will be fully refunded if your band score changes. Note that IELTS Examiners and markers follow strict assessment guidelines and are regularly monitored. The IELTS testing process has the highest quality control procedures. Applies to both IELTS Paper based and Computer delivered IELTS.