When Academic is commonly used
IELTS Academic is designed for people applying to undergraduate or postgraduate study in English, and it can also be used for some professional registration routes. Its Reading and Writing content reflects academic settings.
When General Training is commonly used
IELTS General Training focuses more on everyday and workplace English. It is commonly used for migration, work experience, training, and some study below degree level.
What is shared, and what changes?
Listening and Speaking are the same in Academic and General Training. Reading and Writing differ: the texts, situations, and task formats are chosen to suit each test purpose.
IELTS for UKVI and IELTS for UKVI Life Skills are separate options for specified UK visa routes. Life Skills assesses Speaking and Listening only. Check the exact visa and receiving organisation instructions; do not choose based on the test name alone.