IELTS Academic vs General Training: Complete Comparison Guide

Updated February 2026 by AllThingsIELTS Team

Choosing between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training is one of the first decisions you need to make when preparing for the test. Getting this wrong could mean wasted time, money, and effort. This guide breaks down every difference so you can make the right choice with confidence.

What Are the Two IELTS Modules?

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is offered in two versions, often called "modules":

• IELTS Academic — Designed for people applying to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, or seeking professional registration (e.g., doctors, nurses, engineers) in an English-speaking country.
• IELTS General Training — Designed for people migrating to English-speaking countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK), those applying for secondary education or work experience programmes, and certain workplace training contexts.

Both modules assess the same four language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. However, the content of the Reading and Writing sections differs significantly between the two.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Listening and Speaking: No Difference

This is the simplest part of the comparison. The Listening and Speaking components are exactly the same regardless of which module you take.

Listening (30 minutes)

• 4 recorded sections, played once only
• 40 questions in total
• Mix of everyday conversations and academic monologues
• 10 minutes transfer time at the end (paper-based only)

Speaking (11-14 minutes)

• Part 1: Introduction and general questions (4-5 minutes)
• Part 2: Individual long turn / cue card (3-4 minutes)
• Part 3: Two-way discussion (4-5 minutes)

Prepare for these sections using our Listening strategies guide and Speaking cue card practice.

Reading Section: Key Differences

Academic Reading

The Academic Reading test contains three long passages taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. The texts are on academic topics of general interest—you do not need specialist knowledge to understand them, but the language is formal and often complex.

Typical topics include: scientific research, social studies, environmental issues, historical events, technology developments, and educational theory.

General Training Reading

The General Training Reading test has three sections, but the text types are very different:

The difficulty increases through the sections. Section 1 is straightforward; Section 3 approaches (but does not reach) the complexity of Academic texts.

Writing Section: Key Differences

The Writing section is where the two modules differ most significantly. Both tests have two tasks to complete in 60 minutes.

Task 1 Comparison

Task 2 Comparison

Task 2 is more similar between the two modules. Both require a 250+ word essay. However:

• Academic Task 2: Topics tend to be more abstract and require a formal, analytical tone. Examples include globalisation, government policy, education systems, and technological impact on society.
• General Training Task 2: Topics are more personal and practical. Examples include community issues, lifestyle choices, workplace problems, and everyday social issues.

For detailed strategies, see our IELTS Writing Task 2 tips guide and Task 2 overview.

Scoring Differences

Both modules use the same 0–9 band scoring system. However, there is an important distinction in the Reading section:

Use our Band Score Calculator to estimate your overall score based on individual section scores.

Which Version Do You Need?

Your choice depends entirely on your purpose for taking IELTS. Here is a clear guide:

You Need IELTS Academic If:

• Applying to a university for undergraduate or postgraduate study
• Applying for professional registration (medical, nursing, engineering, accounting, law)
• Your target institution specifically requires the Academic module

You Need IELTS General Training If:

• Applying for permanent residency in Australia, Canada, or New Zealand
• Applying for a UK visa (work or settlement)
• Applying for work experience or training programmes
• Applying for secondary education (below degree level)

Country-Specific Requirements

For immigration score requirements, visit our detailed Immigration Scores page.

Which Is Harder?

This is the question everyone asks, and the honest answer is: IELTS Academic is harder overall, primarily because of the Reading section.

Academic Reading passages use complex vocabulary, dense argumentation, and specialised (though not expert) language. General Training Reading Section 1 and 2 are notably easier, though Section 3 can be challenging.

For Writing, Academic Task 1 (data description) requires a specific skill set that many find harder than letter writing. However, General Training Task 2 essays are scored to the same criteria as Academic Task 2, so the writing expectations at the top band levels are the same.

The adjusted score conversion for General Training Reading (shown in the table above) means you cannot simply game the system by choosing GT to get a higher score. The conversion compensates for the easier content.

Preparation Tips for Each Module

For Academic

• Read academic articles, scientific magazines (New Scientist, National Geographic), and quality newspapers (The Guardian, BBC)
• Practise describing charts, graphs, and diagrams regularly
• Build academic vocabulary using our Vocabulary section
• Work on skimming and scanning techniques for dense texts
• Use our Reading practice tests

For General Training

• Practise reading advertisements, notices, and workplace documents quickly
• Master all three letter types: formal, semi-formal, and informal
• Pay attention to appropriate tone and register in letters
• Practise extracting specific information from short texts
• For Task 2 essay strategies, see our Band 7 tips guide

Can You Take Both Modules?

Yes. There is no restriction on taking both Academic and General Training. Some people take General Training for immigration purposes and Academic for university applications. Each test is booked and paid for separately.

You can also take them at different times. Just be aware that IELTS scores are valid for 2 years, so plan accordingly.

What About IELTS for UKVI?

IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) is a special version required for UK visa applications. It comes in both Academic and General Training formats. The test content is identical to regular IELTS, but it is taken at approved SELT (Secure English Language Test) centres with additional security measures.

For a full breakdown, see our dedicated guide: IELTS for UK Visa Requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary: Making Your Decision

The choice between IELTS Academic and General Training is straightforward once you know your purpose:

Whichever module you choose, start your preparation with our free study resources and use our personalised study plans to structure your preparation effectively.