What is Online IELTS Preparation?
Online IELTS preparation gives you exam technique and the four exam skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) without travelling to the UK. Schools deliver the same prep their in-person students follow, with live teacher feedback on your writing and structured speaking practice in real time.
Courses to start with
See all 3About Online IELTS Preparation
Every school listed here is accredited (British Council, English UK or EAQUALS) and the teachers are IELTS specialists. Expect mock tests with band scores, individual feedback on Task 1 and Task 2 writing, and speaking practice with examiner-style cue cards. Most schools cover both Academic IELTS (for university and registered professions) and General Training (for migration, work and secondary school).
Looking for general fluency before exam prep? Start with online English courses. If you can travel, in-person IELTS preparation is available across the UK, with intensive 1–4 week courses near the test centre.
Schools that teach it
Questions students ask
What's the difference between Academic and General Training IELTS?
Academic IELTS is for university entry, registered professions (medicine, nursing, teaching) and student visas. General Training is for work visas, migration to the UK/Australia/Canada, and most secondary schools. Reading and writing tasks differ (Academic = essays from journal-style texts; General = letters and everyday articles). Listening and speaking are identical. Most online courses prepare you for either path.
How long does an online IELTS course take?
Four to twelve weeks is typical. If your English is around the band you need (B1/B2 = band 5–6, C1 = band 7+) and you just need exam technique, 4 weeks of intensive prep can work. If your level is below the target band, you’ll need longer — focus on general English first, then move to a 6–8 week prep course closer to your test date.
Will I get feedback on my writing and speaking?
Yes — that’s the main reason to take a teacher-led prep course rather than self-study. Online courses include weekly written assignments (Task 1 and Task 2) marked by an IELTS-trained teacher with specific band-score feedback, plus live speaking practice in pairs or one-to-one. Most schools also run a full mock test in the final week.
Do I have to take the IELTS test in the UK?
No — IELTS is offered worldwide at over 1,600 test centres. The course is online; you book your test separately at a centre near you (usually through ielts.org or the British Council). Some students take an online IELTS course from home and travel to the UK for the exam itself; others test in their home country.
Can I take a one-to-one IELTS course online?
Yes. Several schools offer one-to-one online IELTS coaching — useful if you’ve already taken the test once and need to push from band 6 to band 7 or 8, or if you have specific weaknesses (writing structure, listening accents, speaking fluency). One-to-one is faster but costs more per hour than group classes.
Not sure which course?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll send your enquiry to schools that match. Free, with no obligation.