If you are applying to study for a degree programme in English, particularly either as a non-native speaker or as someone that holds a passport from a non-native English speaking country, you will most likely need to undertake an examination to prove your English language proficiency. The most commonly accepted tests are IELTS (Academic), TOEFL, and the newer Duolingo English Test (DET).

These tests are important and serve two main purposes; (1) to demonstrate that you have an appropriate level of English in order to be able to excel in a university whilst studying in English, and (2) they are often required as part of applying for a sudent visa once you have received your university offer.

I would encourage all students if they are unsure whether they need it or not, to check with the university they are applying to. All universities are different and even students with a native English speaking passport may still be required to take the IELTS exam. Here is an example of an English entrance requirements from a British university to illustrate this:

"All international students must show evidence that they meet the English requirement for their course of study. This applies even if English is the native language of your home country. If this is the case, a pass at high school level which is equivalent to GCSE Grade C or above is sometimes acceptable."

Year 12 and 13 students will automatically be signed up to take the IELTS training day at school which normally takes place once per year in November and the reason being is that typically IELTS is the most widely accepted proof of English Language proficiency out of the three tests discussed. However, students will need to book and pay for their exam outside of school.

NOTE: I would encourage students to carefully check waivers for English Language requirements - sometimes they will accept a period of schooling in English or an IGCSE in English First Language (A-C) but this is worth checking with every institution as there are sometimes caveats to this.

Also, make sure that you double check the validity of the test that you undertake - an IELTS examination is only valid for 2 years and it is often calculated as 2 years from the start of your university course. As such, if you are taking any time off between school and going to university then it is worth taking this into account when planning when to take your exam.

In order to consider your options, please see the table below (adapted from Times Higher Education):