IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most popular official exams required to study, live or find a job in a place where speaking the English language is necessary. Split into two categories (IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training), here at IH Belfast we mainly focus on the Academic exam preparation but can cater to students who wish to prepare for either exam.  This is a proficiency exam, meaning there is no pass or fail – instead, scores are  graded on a 9-band system. Â
The Academic IELTS is designed for people who plan to study in English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. This test reflects the type of academic language you’re likely to encounter. If your goal is to study at a higher level, or if you’re looking to have your professional credentials recognised, this is the best option for you.
Our comprehensive program combines expert instruction, targeted practice, and personalised support to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the exam.
Tuition
20 General English lessons per week plus 5 hours exam preparation
Timetable
General English Monday – Friday; 09.00 – 13.00
with a 20 minute break at 11.00.
+ Tuesday and Thursday; 1400 – 16.30
Total teaching hours: 23.33h per week
Duration
12 weeks
Age
16 years +
Levels
Minimum B1 intermediate
Maximum Students Per Class
12
Start Date
Any Monday except holidays
Total Cost 2025
£3600 + £50 registration fee
Total Cost 2026
£3720 + £50 registration fee
Tuition
20 General English lessons per week plus 5 hours exam preparation
Timetable
General English Monday – Friday; 09.00 – 13.00
with a 20 minute break at 11.00.
+ Tuesday and Thursday; 1400 – 16.30
Total teaching hours: 23.33h per week
Duration
8 weeks
Age
16 years +
Levels
Minimum B1 intermediate
Maximum Students Per Class
12
Start Date
Any Monday except holidays
Total Cost 2025
£2400 + £50 registration fee
Total Cost 2026
£2480 + £50 registration fee
Tuition
20 General English lessons per week plus 5 hours exam preparation
Timetable
General English Monday – Friday; 09.00 – 13.00
with a 20 minute break at 11.00.
+ Tuesday and Thursday; 1400 – 16.30
Total teaching hours: 23.33h per week
Duration
4 weeks
Age
16 years +
Levels
Minimum B1 intermediate
Maximum Students Per Class
12
Start Date
Any Monday except holidays
Total Cost 2025
£1240 + £50 registration fee
Total Cost 2026
£1280 + £50 registration fee
We combine exam preparation with our General English classes in the morning to ensure you receive development in your core language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation). We will give you advice on your current level. The afternoon exam classes will focus on exam technique and awareness with use of past papers and exam specific course books. Our exam classes are aimed at familiarising you with the IELTS test, developing strategies on how to approach specific tasks and developing study skills and how to best prepare for the exam in your own time, to feel prepared entering the exam centre.
Note: IH Belfast does not currently offer the IELTS exam – you can register here.
Public Holidays 2025/26
School will close at 13.00 on 19 December 2025 and will reopen January 5 2026.
March 17
May 24
April 3
July 13
April 6
August 31
May 4
School will close at 13.00 on 18 December 2026 and will reopen January 4 2027.
Please note: Classes missed due public holidays are non-recoupable.
Whichever options you choose, students taking an IELTS preparation course in Belfast will need to commit to a minimum of 4 weeks in the city. It’s important to take a few practical concerns into account. The best way to prepare for IELTS is to immerse yourself in an English speaking environment. Moving to a new city is always a challenge.
With that in mind, here’s some key information for making the most of your time studying IELTS in Belfast…
Where you live during your IELTS course will have a massive impact on your experience. It can be difficult to find good short-term accommodation in Belfast. Short-term rentals are hard to obtain and often very expensive. To help with this, International House offers a range of accommodation options for your IELTS course.
These are all situated either in Belfast’s City Centre or University Quarter. These are the perfect locations to explore what the city has to offer outside the classroom.
