The 5 Best IELTS Practice Tests & Preparation Websites for International Students. Preparing for the IELTS exam can feel overwhelming, especially with the number of resources available online. But whether you’re studying to gain university admission in Canada, the UK, the USA, or Australia, one thing is certain: consistent practice with high-quality materials is the fastest way to boost your score.
This guide brings together the best IELTS practice tests, plus the top websites used by thousands of successful students worldwide.
If you want a score of 7.0, 7.5, or even higher, start with these.
Why You Need Practice Tests Before Your IELTS Exam
Many international students underestimate how technical the IELTS exam is. It’s not just about knowing English—it’s about understanding the exam structure, timing, question types, and scoring system.
High-quality practice tests will help you:
- Understand the exact IELTS exam format
- Build speed and accuracy under timed conditions
- Reduce exam anxiety and increase confidence
- Identify weak areas (grammar, listening speed, reading comprehension, etc.)
- Practice real, exam-level questions—from official test makers
Let’s explore the top free and paid resources you should use.
Top 5 IELTS Practice Tests for International Students (Free & Paid)
1. IELTS Prepare (Free) – by IDP Education
Best For: Official practice from the exam owners
Cost: Free (with optional paid upgrades)
IDP Education—one of the official owners of IELTS—offers a complete online prep portal called IELTS Prepare. This platform includes:
- Free IELTS practice tests (printable + online)
- Sample questions for all four sections
- Tips from examiners
- Video lessons and articles
- Courses for Academic and General Training
Because the materials come directly from the test makers, students can trust the accuracy and difficulty level. Don’t forget to use the included answer keys for self-grading.
2. IELTS Ready (Free) – by British Council
Best For: Full preparation pathway + progress tracking
Cost: Free after registering for IELTS with British Council
Once you book your IELTS with the British Council, you gain access to IELTS Ready, one of the most complete free prep tools online. It includes:
- 90+ interactive lessons
- Timed practice tests
- Grammar & vocabulary boosters
- Writing and speaking practice tasks
- “My Progress” dashboard
- Test countdown and band-score calculator
It’s widely considered the best free IELTS course available.
3. Computer-Delivered IELTS Practice Tests (Free)
Best For: Students taking the CBT version of the exam
Cost: Free
If you’re taking the computer-based IELTS, this official practice test is essential. The content is the same as the paper-based test, but the format feels different.
You’ll get:
- Real computer-delivered question simulations
- Listening, Reading & Writing practice
- Downloadable answer keys
- Familiarization with the digital interface
This tool is perfect for students who struggle with typing, digital reading, or on-screen timing.
4. IELTS.org USA Practice Tests (Free)
Best For: Students applying to U.S. schools
Cost: Free
IELTS.org provides a library of:
- Academic Reading & Writing sample tests
- General Training sample tests
- Examiner-style answer samples
- Listening practice materials
Even if you’re not studying in the U.S., this website contains excellent, high-quality sample questions.
5. Cambridge IELTS Academic or General Student’s Book (Paid)
Best For: Authentic exam papers & long-term study
Cost: GBP £38 / CAD $65
Cambridge Assessment English—another IELTS co-owner—publishes yearly IELTS books containing:
- Four real past exam papers
- Listening audio files
- Answer keys
- Model writing answers
- Speaking test examples
These books are the closest you can get to the actual exam experience on paper.
Top IELTS Preparation Websites Every Student Should Use (2025 Edition)
These websites consistently help students reach Band 7.0+.
1. IELTS Liz
Perfect for: Writing, Speaking, Listening, Reading
Why it’s useful:
- Clear lessons
- Sample answers
- Band-score strategies
- Free videos and tips
2. IELTS Simon
Perfect for: Writing improvement
Why it’s useful:
- Daily lessons
- Simple techniques
- Practical writing guidance
- Band 7+ sample essays
3. British Council Learn English
Perfect for: General English improvement
Why it’s useful:
- Grammar, vocabulary & listening practice
- Free exercises
- Real English listening materials
4. IELTS Advantage
Perfect for: Writing Task 2, Speaking
Why it’s useful:
- Essay structures
- Cohesion & coherence strategies
- Sample script breakdowns
5. IELTS Buddy
Perfect for: Full test prep
Why it’s useful:
- Vocabulary lists
- Writing samples
- Speaking topics
- Practice questions
6. IELTS Online Tests (MUST USE!)
Perfect for: Full-length simulated exams
Why it’s useful:
- Timed mock tests
- Score estimation
- Realistic CBT experience
- Huge library of past-style questions
This site is essential for building stamina and experiencing the actual pressure of exam day.
How to Use IELTS Websites Effectively (Real Strategy)
1. Study daily for 30–60 minutes
Break it down:
- 10 mins vocabulary
- 20 mins practice questions
- 30 mins reading/listening/writing drills
2. Focus heavily on your weakest skill
Identify your lowest-performing section and spend 70% of your study time there.
3. Take full-length mock tests weekly
Use IELTS Online Tests + Cambridge books for this.
Simulate real conditions:
- No pausing
- No music
- Use only allowed exam tools
4. Review your mistakes immediately
This is what separates Band 6.0 students from Band 7.5 students.
5. Track your progress
Use:
- A notebook
- Google Sheets
- Study apps
Record each score and improvement pattern.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for IELTS doesn’t have to be confusing or expensive. By using high-quality resources—especially those created by IDP, British Council, Cambridge, and trusted IELTS teachers—you can drastically improve your score.
These practice tests and websites will help you:
✔ Understand the format
✔ Build exam confidence
✔ Improve speed and accuracy
✔ Score higher on test day
Stay consistent, practise smart, and you’ll be ready for your exam in no time.
Good luck on your IELTS journey!
