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Must I Pass IELTS To Study Abroad?
“You must pass your IELTS if, you want to study abroad”. “No IELTS, No travel abroad!”
Those are some of the numerous myths that make studying abroad an uphill task for many people and too enigmatic too. Well, they are not entirely true!
Today’s Clarity post is to help clear your doubts, dispel your fears, and empower you with the truth. To fully grasp the meaning of IELTS and understand its connection to studying abroad, let’s start off by deconstructing it and tell you what it is, and the reason why it is demanded by the top institutions and countries around the globe.
IELTS is an acronym for International English Language Testing System; it is a globally recognised test of English Language and is among what is generally known as ‘accepted proof of English language proficiency’.
Jointly administered by British Council, IDP and University of Cambridge ESOL, the IELTS report is accepted by more than 2000 educational institutions, government agencies and professional organisations across 120 countries and is a trusted evaluator of a candidate’s ability to use the English Language.
International education providers use it as a yardstick to confirm your ability to communicate in English Language, especially where it is the language of instruction for a particular course of study [even in Non-Native English Speaking countries]. Also, countries where English Language is the official language require it for certain classes of migrants. Candidates are tested in four skills/bands- Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The scores in each band is then calculated to an overall score/band. The highest possible overall score is a 9.
“Why the need to test my ability to use English Language when I already speak and understand the language”? This question is often asked by many international students from countries where English language is the official language, and the language of instruction.
Well, there are other factors to consider that validate the need to prove your proficiency in the use English. For example, a non-native English speaker who intends to study in a native English speaking country would find it difficult to learn effectively on the course/programme as well as interact with the local people, make new friends and settle down into the new culture and life where there is no interpreter; this could be a major challenge.
A second reason is the technical nature of the curriculum, course of study or profession, which usually have zero tolerance for errors caused by a candidate’s inability to communicate effectively. Medicine, Nursing, Engineering, Business, Law are among such courses requiring high levels of English proficiency. So, your potential education provider wants to be sure that you would be able to cope and adapt.
Nonetheless, there is good news. Some institutions allow for other ways to prove that you can use English Language for academic purposes and so waive the requirement for an IELTS report. They may take into consideration your high school English grade; the country you have lived or studied in [Native English Speaking Country] or an official letter from your previous institution that confirms that English Language is the language of instruction.
You will have to check through the admission requirements or contact them directly or speak to your trusted education counsellor to ascertain their stance concerning waiving the IELTS. It is important to also ask about the visa application requirements for the country you intent to study in; whether a proof of English proficiency is required.
Now, if IELTS is a prerequisite to gain admission into your preferred institution, we hope you will be happy to know that Clarity Education offers quality, and bespoke tutorial and test preparation services for test takers. The cost is incredibly affordable and covers your classes and study materials.
For further information on universities and other travel abroad related matters, feel free to contact us via our website Clarity Education Ltd You could also visit any of our social media channels or walk into any of our offices to speak to our experienced counsellors who will be glad to guide you.
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