How Academia’s English courses prepare you for the IELTS
If you plan on studying, working or moving to Australia, you will have to learn how to use English.
We don’t just mean vocabulary and how to structure a sentence – in many cases, you may also have to prove your skills by sitting an English test.
So if you want your application to be successful, preparing for these tests is essential!
Our English courses in Melbourne and Brisbane help you improve your English skills, while our English for IELTS Preparation course is specifically designed to help you prepare for the test.
We know what you must be thinking – “What is the IELTS? And do I need to take it if I want to study in Australia?”
Read on and find out!
What is the IELTS?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System.
Simply put, it’s the world’s most popular English language test for non-native speakers.
Recognised by more than 140 different countries and used by thousands of schools and agencies, it is the standard for English skill.
The test assesses an individual’s listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, and is used to determine how well an individual can speak and understand English.
Thus, it measures their ability to work or study in an English-speaking environment.
Why you might need to take the IELTS
If you’re learning English as a hobby or to better understand your favourite English-language movies, you don’t need to take the IELTS.
If you are studying English for the intent of migrating, studying or working outside your home country however, the IELTS is essential!
Take the IELTS for school
If you are looking to move to Australia in order to pursue your academic aspirations, you will need to pass the IELTS.
There are two different types of the IELTS, and the one relevant to those looking to study is the IELTS Academic test.
Your score on the IELTS may determine whether your application to an Australian university or college is accepted.
Your IELTS score proves you are capable of completing assignments and understanding the content. For example, Melbourne’s Monash University requires all students to score at least 6.5 on the IELTS.
Even if you don’t meet the requirement, your IELTS score can give you a keen insight into your own English skills. You will know exactly what areas of English you need to work on and improve before beginning your education.
The General IELTS test is also used to gain entry into secondary education institutions. The content in high school doesn’t require as complex an understanding of English, so you don’t need to sit the IELTS Academic for secondary education.
If you are planning on studying in Australia but you’re unsure which institutions accept the IELTS for entry, you can use this resource to find out.
Take the IELTS for work
If you’re planning to move to Australia because you’ve secured an exciting new job opportunity, you may also need to sit the IELTS.
Some employers require the test be sat in order to determine your ability to confidently communicate with coworkers, clients and other important figures whose first (and possibly only) language is English.
However, you won’t need to sit the IELTS Academic test. You will be tested on different kinds of English, and thus you only need to take the IELTS General test.
Instead of focusing on academic writing and understanding textbooks, the general test focuses on testing day-to-day skills. In particular, most of our students find that the reading and writing sections of the general test are a little bit easier.
Take the IELTS for immigration
In certain cases you may even need to be able to pass the IELTS General test simply to migrate to certain English-speaking countries.
Each country has its own standards for English fluency. For example, in Australia the level of fluency depends on the type of visa you are applying for, with ENS and RSMS working visas requiring a minimum IELTS score.
Additionally, migrants may find that a high IELTS score helps them achieve attain a skilled migration visa.
Scores of 7 and above give you immigration points, which are used to assign migration visas.
Prepare for the IELTS: explore Academia’s English courses in Melbourne and Brisbane
Are you looking to study English in Australia? Are you hoping to improve your English so you can pass the IELTS?
If so, Academia’s English courses at both our Melbourne and Brisbane campuses can help.
When you choose to study with Academia you can trust that you are receiving a quality education in English. Our courses are government-accredited and certified by NEAS (National ELT Accreditation Scheme).
NEAS is a global leader in assuring the quality of English language education. In our last quality check, our English courses received the highest results possible.
Academia provides two seperate English courses for the IELTS test:
- IELTS 1 (Intermediate)
- IELTS 2 (Advanced)
IELTS 1 is recommended for students with an intermediate level of English – this would be someone who scores 5-5.5 on the IELTS.
If you are looking to raise your IELTS above 6, then you’ll need to complete the IELTS 2 course.
Academia offers English courses four days a week, Monday to Thursday. They also offer additional free classes on Fridays to help you get the best possible score on the IELTS.
Not to mention, Academia’s English clubs also meet on Friday – in addition to giving you a place to practice your English with other students, it is also a great way to make some new friends while you learn!
Find out more about studying an English course to prepare for the IELTS.
If you have further questions about our courses or the IELTS, please get in touch! We’d love to help you:
