IELTS Academic vs General Training for Australia immigration
Which IELTS module to take for Australian skilled visas, the scores that earn points, and how Competent, Proficient and Superior English map to bands.
By English Grader study guides · AI-assisted educational content · Official sources linked below
The short answer
Australia's skilled visas accept either module, but General Training Reading needs far more correct answers for the same band—choose deliberately, not by default.
The three English levels
For points-tested skilled visas, the Department of Home Affairs defines three levels. Competent English is roughly 6.0 in each skill and earns no points. Proficient English is 7.0 in each skill and earns 10 points. Superior English is 8.0 in each skill and earns 20 points.
Both IELTS Academic and General Training are accepted for most skilled visas—check your specific visa subclass.
- Competent: 6.0 each skill (0 points)
- Proficient: 7.0 each skill (10 points)
- Superior: 8.0 each skill (20 points)
Which module should you choose?
The Listening and Speaking tests are identical. Writing Task 1 differs: a report (Academic) versus a letter (General). Reading differs most: General passages are simpler, but the band conversion is much stricter—you need roughly 34/40 for Band 7 in General versus about 30/40 in Academic.
If your reading is strong, Academic can be the easier route to 7.0. If you struggle with long academic texts, General may suit you despite the stricter conversion.
Related guide: Full Academic vs General comparison
Preparing for Proficient or Superior
At Band 7+, small errors decide the result. In Writing, that means consistent accuracy, not ambitious vocabulary. In Speaking, it means extended answers with natural fluency.
Get feedback on every practice essay—self-study without feedback rarely moves candidates from 6.5 to 7.0.
Get essay feedback →Verify with Home Affairs
Visa requirements and accepted tests change. Confirm the current rules for your visa subclass on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Start practising →Put this into practice
Convert your raw scores under both Academic and General Reading scales.
Guest AI tries are limited to one use per feature per day. Sign in for saved progress. AI feedback and band estimates are practice guidance, not official IELTS results.
Official sources and further reading
- IRCC: language testing for Express Entry (Canada)
- UK Visas and Immigration: prove your English
- Australian Department of Home Affairs: English language requirements
Practice examples and study routines are illustrative advice, not official band-scored answers or predictions of exam questions.