IELTS/Higher Education & University/OET
Contents
What is IELTS?
IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. The test scores evidence the level of your language ability. The official website is IELTS | Welcome to IELTS website.
Who is it for?
Those looking to move to the UK (and a range of other countries) may need a certain IELTS score to get a visa. Also, people searching for a job in an English-speaking environment might find that a certain IELTS score is a necessity. In addition, those looking to study at English-speaking Colleges and Universities could find that a certain IELTS score is a requirement of the course.
What does the test include?
The test includes speaking, reading, writing, and listening. There are different tests depending on the level you are hoping to achieve.
To try some of the test questions visit the IELTS | Sample test questions website or the IELTS | IELTS Trial Test website.
How do I get ready for IELTS?
There are a lot of resources to help you do well in your IELTS tests. We have listed a few here for you, but there are lots more available. If you are in an ESOL group, ask your tutor for resources they recommend, or speak to other students and find out what has helped them.
- RefuAid is an organisation that funds a few places for people seeking asylum to improve their English and take IELTs. You can find out more, or submit an application form, on the Language Programme UK— RefuAid website.
- Webpages or applications:
Books:
Cambridge University Press (2023) IELTS 18 General Training Student’s Book with Answers ISBN: 1009275194
Cambridge University Press (2023) IELTS 18 Academic Student’s Book with Answers ISBN: 1009275186
Where can I take the test?
There are IELTS test centres all over the world. You can find one and book an IELTS test on the IELTS | Test centres website.
How much does IELTS cost?
Approximately £200 a test, but this will vary depending on the level you want to take. There is a a guide on The British Council website: IELTS UK: Book Your Test for Study, Work, or Visa, but you will need to check the details yourself.
What do the IELTS scores mean?
IELTS scores range from 0 to 9, with each band corresponding to a specific level of English proficiency. Here’s what each band score means:
- Band 9: Expert User
- Description: You have a full operational command of the language. Your use of English is appropriate, accurate, and fluent, and you show complete understanding.
- Band 8: Very Good User
- Description: You have a fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. You may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. You handle complex detailed argumentation well.
- Band 7: Good User
- Description: You have an operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally, you handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.
- Band 6: Competent User
- Description: You have an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings. You can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
- Band 5: Modest User
- Description: You have a partial command of the language and cope with overall meaning in most situations, although you are likely to make many mistakes. You should be able to handle basic communication in your own field.
- Band 4: Limited User
- Description: Your basic competence is limited to familiar situations. You frequently show problems in understanding and expression. You are not able to use complex language.
- Band 3: Extremely Limited User
- Description: You convey and understand only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.
- Band 2: Intermittent User
- Description: You have great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
- Band 1: Non-User
- Description: You have no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.
- Band 0: Did Not Attempt the Test
- Description: You did not answer the questions.
How IELTS Scores Are Calculated?
Your overall IELTS band score is the average of your scores in the four sections of the test: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section is scored individually, and the overall score is rounded to the nearest half band.
Practical Tips For Preparing For IELTS
- Set a Routine: Establish a regular study schedule.
- Create a Study Space: Designate a quiet area for studying.
- Practice Speaking: Use language exchange apps and practice with friends.
- Keep a Journal: Write daily entries in English.
- Use Flashcards: Review new vocabulary/grammar regularly.
We hope this guide helps you understand your IELTS scores and provides useful resources for your preparation. Good luck with your studies!
Higher Education/University - Scholarships
The North West of the UK offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support refugees and asylum seekers in accessing higher education. These scholarships are provided by universities and organizations committed to ensuring that individuals who have fled their home countries can rebuild their lives through education.
University of Sanctuary Scholarships
Many universities in the North West are part of the University of Sanctuary initiative, as part of Student Action for Refugees (STAR) scholarships. The scholarships provides fee waivers and maintenance grants to asylum seekers and refugees. These scholarships aim to remove financial barriers and support students throughout their studies.
Eligibility:
- Must have refugee or asylum-seeker status.
- Must be applying to a participating University of Sanctuary.
Participating Universities:
Some Universities that offer scholarships in the North West are:
The University of Manchester offers several scholarships for refugees and asylum seekers, including the Humanitarian Scholarship, which covers tuition fees, living costs, and visa expenses. The Article 26 Scholarship also provides a fee waiver, £5,000 per year, accommodation, and personal support.
The University of Liverpool provides undergraduate Asylum Seekers Scholarships with a fee waiver, £4,000+ per year, and a discount on university accommodation. For postgraduates, the Humanitarian Scholarships include a full fee waiver, accommodation, a stipend of up to £18,688, and language support.
Lancaster University offers the Sanctuary Scholarship, which includes a fee waiver, up to £5,000 per year, accommodation, and coaching support for eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The University of Salford provides a Sanctuary Scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate students, offering a fee waiver and £1,100 per year for those from forced migration backgrounds not eligible for student finance.
The University of Chester offers the Sanctuary Award, which includes a fee waiver, up to £2,500 per year in-kind support, and personal support for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Edge Hill University has previously offered a Sanctuary Award with a fee waiver and £800 for undergraduate students, though it is not currently available.
UCLan (University of Central Lancashire) offers a Sanctuary Scholarship with a fee waiver and a support package worth up to £5,000 per year for undergraduate students from a range of immigration backgrounds.
The University of Cumbria provides a Sanctuary Scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students, including a full fee waiver, free year-round campus accommodation, and a £3,000 annual grant.
How to apply for a scholarship
To apply for these scholarships, prospective students should:
- Research: Visit the university websites and the STAR network to find detailed information about available scholarships.
- Prepare Documents: Gather necessary documents such as proof of refugee or asylum-seeker status, academic transcripts, and personal statements.
- Submit Applications: Follow the application procedures outlined by each university, ensuring all deadlines are met.
How to apply to university
Whether someone pays fees as a “Home” student or an “Overseas” student is decided by the governments in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Each country may have different rules, so it is important to check.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs has advice and guidance on The UKCISA – international student advice and guidance – Home or Overseas fees: the basics website.
Advice and Guidance on how to apply for university can be found on the Student Action for Refugees – How to apply website.
Pre-university courses
To help learners from other countries prepare for university, some universities deliver courses. These courses may be called ‘EAP’ which means English for Academic Purposes or ‘pre-sessional’. These courses focus on helping learners practice skills needed for studying at University level. More information can be found on the following websites:
- Student Action for Refugees – Pre-university courses website.
- The Displaced Student Opportunities website lets you filter for information that suits your needs around pre-university courses.
Further Information to help refugees and Asylum Seekers access HE and University
There are challenges around financing and eligibility that need to be overcome for refugees and people seeking asylum to gain access to Higher Education. The Refugee Education UK have a range of useful resources on the Refugee Education UK | Advice sheets for practitioners website, focusing on transitions for young refugees and asylum seekers.
For further guidance and advice for university staff please visit the Student Action for Refugees – Guidance for universities website.
Helpful Website Links
The Student Action for Refugees – University scholarships website lists some schemes, but please contact the universities directly to get up to date information.
The Displaced Student Opportunities website lets you filter for information that suits your needs around scholarships.
Detail on eligibility and finance can be found on the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) UCAS: Student finance for refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Conservatoires website.
What is OET?
OET stands for Occupational English Test. It it used by Health Professionals around the world to demonstrate their English language skills, in order to register and practice in an English-speaking location.
Who is it for?
The OET exam has been developed for several types of health professions including:
- Dentistry
- Dietetics
- General Medicine
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Optometry
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry
- Radiography
What does the exam include?
The exam has reading, writing, listening and speaking sections.
All the content is connected to medical English. The structure of the OET exam is explained on the What’s the criteria for and structure of the OET Test on the OET website.
What do the OET scores mean?
The test evaluates four key areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each of these sub-tests is scored on a scale from 0 to 500, and the scores are then mapped to a letter grade ranging from A (highest) to E (lowest).
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what each OET score means:
- 450-500 (Grade A)
- Description: Indicates a high level of proficiency in the English language. Candidates at this level can communicate fluently and accurately, and they can understand written and verbal discourse with ease.
- Equivalent IELTS Band: 8.5 – 9
- 350-440 (Grade B)
- Description: Reflects a good level of proficiency. Candidates can communicate effectively, although some inaccuracies or hesitations may occur, which do not impede communication.
- Equivalent IELTS Band: 7 – 8
- 300-340 (Grade C+)
- Description: Demonstrates an adequate level of proficiency. Candidates can communicate adequately despite occasional errors.
- Equivalent IELTS Band: 6.5
- 200-290 (Grade C)
- Description: Shows a moderate level of proficiency. Candidates can understand standard input but may require clarification on higher-level language.
- Equivalent IELTS Band: 5.5 – 6
- 100-190 (Grade D)
- Description: Indicates a basic level of proficiency. Candidates can interact and understand simple and routine tasks but may require frequent clarification. Errors frequently occur, causing strain in communication.
- Equivalent IELTS Band: 4 – 5
- 0-90 (Grade E)
- Description: Reflects a very limited level of proficiency. Candidates can understand familiar and basic phrases and can interact only if the other person is prepared to clarify information.
- Equivalent IELTS Band: Below 4
How are the OET scores calculated?
Each of the four sub-tests (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) is scored individually. The scores are reported in ten-point increments (e.g., 350, 360, 370, etc.). There is no overall grade for the OET; instead, candidates receive a separate score for each sub-test.
How do I get ready for the OET?
To prepare for the OET test have a look at some of the free resources are available for download and postal delivery from Study guide on the OET website.
For further support, a list of classes, both online and in person, can be found on the Preparation Providers page on the OET website.
Practical Tips to Prepare for the OET
- Set a Routine: Establish a regular study schedule.
- Create a Study Space: Designate a quiet area for studying.
- Practice Speaking: Use language exchange apps and speak with friends.
- Keep a Journal: Write daily entries in English.
- Use Flashcards: Review new vocabulary/grammar regularly.
Where can I take the test?
There are several centres across the North West of England where you can take an OET test. You can find one near you by visiting the Book a test page on the OET website.
How much does it cost?
Approximately £320.
Further information
For further information please see the OET – The English Language Test for Healthcare Professionals website.