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.

• IELTS Paper based test fee: AED 1470 (VAT inclusive)
• IELTS on Computer (Computer Delivered IELTS) test fee: AED 1470 (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

IELTS on Computer test runs 7 days a week with flexible morning and afternoon sessions. Visit the following link to find your preferred date, time and location: https://www.uowdubai.ac.ae/ielts#degree-tab-1

The test content and structure remain the same in both options and the speaking test is done on the same day.

IELTS on Paper (Please note Proof of Residency is mandatory for IELTS on Paper test. If this is not available, please consider registering for IELTS on Computer instead)

• You answer the listening, reading and writing test on paper using a pen
• Available 3-4 times a month
• Result take 13 days to be released
• Test Report Form is issued as a physical copy

IELTS on Computer

• You answer the listening, reading and writing test on a computer
• Available 7 days a week
• Result take 1-5 days to be released
• Test Report Form is issued as a digital copy (physical copy is only available upon request)

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 IELTS on Computer 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 IELTS on Computer 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/2021-09/information-for-candidate-booklet-global-2018.pdf

IELTS on Computer Terms and Conditions: https://book.ielts.idp.com/term-and-conditions-incentre

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 IELTS on Computer testing.

For IELTS on Paper, we provide high quality infrared wireless headsets for the Listening test with the flexibility to adjust the volume to your convenience.

For IELTS on Computer, all workstations have their own wired headsets for the Listening test and the volume can be adjusted from the computer.

The Speaking test is a discussion for 11-14 minutes with a certified and highly qualified IELTS Examiner. This section assesses your use of spoken English and consists of three parts. The interview may be conducted face to face or through a video call.

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.

Bringing your own stationery into the test room is not allowed. The test centre will provide the stationery required for the IELTS test.

You must use a pen for all parts of the test. Stationery is provided by the test centre. Applies to IELTS on Paper test. Pencils will be provided to you for IELTS on Computer test for note-taking purposes only.

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 IELTS on Paper and Computer test.

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 IELTS on Paper and Computer test.

There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Scores are reported on a 9‑band scale. Each educational institution or organisation sets its own minimum IELTS score requirements. This applies to both IELTS on Paper and Computer test.

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

For IELTS on Paper 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 provisional 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 IELTS on Computer test, results can be downloaded from your portal within 1 to 5 working days from the date of the test.

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. 

Please note that a fee of AED 52.50 (VAT inclusive), applies for this service.
This applies to both IELTS on Paper and IELTS on Computer test.

There is no time limit on re-sitting the IELTS test. However, we strongly recommend completing additional preparation before taking the test again. UOWD offers an Intensive IELTS Preparation Course with an IELTS Booster Program, covering all four skills and suitable for both General and Academic Training candidates.

We also offer a free monthly IELTS Masterclass. Register here: https://admissions.uowdubai.ac.ae/ielts-masterclass/

For details about the IELTS Booster Program, visit: https://www.uowdubai.ac.ae/ielts

Applies to both IELTS on Paper and Computer test.

If you wish to improve only one section of your test: Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking - you may choose to retake just that skill instead of repeating the full test. Your scores for the remaining skills will remain the same as in your original test.

Eligibility:

• Must be completed within 60 days of your original test date
• Please note that this is available only to candidates who took a full IELTS on Computer test at an IDP or UOWD Test Centre in Dubai

How to book One Skill Retake:

Log into your account to book for One Skill Retake: https://bx.prod.ielts.com/account/signin

Follow the step-by-step video guide to register for OSR: https://uowd.box.com/s/zrk12i5ygkhx81chh6x2q9m9ysesej0a

One Skill Retake only applies to IELTS on Computer 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 on paper and Computer tests.

Please send an email to [email protected] should you wish to apply.