IELTS test preparation in Geneva
The Language House offers private and small group classes and on-line courses in Geneva to prepare for the IELTS test (academic and general).
Our experienced coaches will help you get the IELTS score you need for university entry or to continue your studies with a master’s or doctorate degree.
We also organise intensive IELTS courses (20 to 30 hours per week) in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
IELTS is now the world’s most popular English language test. If you’re looking to work, study or live abroad then taking an IELTS test can help you make that dream come one step closer. In 2019, four million people took the IELTS test.
There is no pass or fail. Students receive a mark for each paper (read, writing, listening and speaking) and an overall score out of 9.0. Most universities require a score between 5.5 (undergraduate) and 7.5. (post-graduate). The IELTS test dates are more flexible than the Cambridge exams. Exams are held almost every week.
For more information contact The Language House
'I took English lessons with Garry in order to improve my level and pass the IELTS Academic Test. The lessons were well-organised, dynamic and interesting! They helped me to prepare more effectively for the exam. Finally, I got a score of 7.5 which is the equivalent of C1 level. I recommend Garry as English teacher!'
Alina Daatsi, Geneva, Masters student
‘I am very happy with my results. I needed a mark of 5.0 and I managed to have 7.0. My trainer helped me a lot and made me feel at ease. I am very grateful.’
Rose-Marie William, University of Geneva
'I have just received a mail with my results. I received an overall score of 7.5. I got a 8.5 in reading and listening! I was not expecting that at all. My goal, which was more a hope than a goal to be perfectly honest, was to have at least 5.5 in each section and an overall of 6. I am delighted with these results and it is thanks to my two trainers Garry and Virag. You gave me very suitable tips and made my English improve extremely quickly. Honestly, when I was reasoning about transferring into another university, I thought it was just a delusion and that I would never meet the requirements to do so, notably because of English. I registered for the IELTS exam because it was good to assess my skills anyway. But now, studying abroad is starting to become a reality and it is thanks to you and I do NOT say these words to be polite. Before my first lesson with Garry, I had never spoken or written in English for more than five years and, at that time, my level was deplorable. I know that I still need to improve my English, especially speaking, but you have offered me the most beautiful - early - present for Christmas. I cannot thank you enough but THANK YOU very very much!'
Loic Remolif, Masters student
'Great news! I received an overall score of 7.5 for my IELTS test! I’m really happy with those results, thanks again for your help it helped me a lot!!! Very good preparation course, you helped me to improve my writing and my speaking with examples of exam papers as well as specific supports at the level I wanted to obtain.'
Tamara Mino, Masters Biology
‘I took a short and intensive IELTS exam preparation course with The Language House in order to be accepted for my Masters at a university in the Netherlands. My teacher was 100 per cent focused on the skills I needed to get the best result. He was always available to answer my questions and correct my work and suggest improvements. He knew how to guide and push me to get my English to the next level. After two months of hard work and lots of practice tests, I successfully passed my exam with an overall band of 7! It was better than I had hoped for. I strongly recommend The Language House if you want to improve your English and also enjoy a friendly atmosphere for studying.’
Max Fuchs, Geneva, Masters student
'I had a one month intensive class with The Language House in Geneva in order to pass my IELTS test which is compulsory to take part in an exchange program in my university. I got an overall score of 7.0 and all my scores were above 6.0 which was the minimum level I needed. The classes given by The Language House were focused on the skills I needed. It was lot of work. My teacher Garry Littman clearly knew how to get my English to the next level. It was hard work, particularly the writing, but at the end it was definitely a course that will help me in my academic and professional life. I’m deeply thankful for having this great opportunity to study at The Language House and for the responsiveness and support of my teacher.'
Yael Massini, International Relations studen
‘I highly recommend The Language House for anyone with a project of any kind and where learning English is essential. For my part I need the IELTS diploma to be able to go to Australia, so thanks to Garry, I am about to have it, his patient and his method of learning puts you in confidence and he makes you develop and use the maximum of your capacities . So thank you very much to The Language House for your help and your good mood. If you need to speak English go to The Language House without hesitation.'
Barbara Schaal student Geneva and Australia
'The Language House in Geneva has become the place where I found my full confidence in improving my English language. With the encouragement from Garry I passed my IELTS (6.5) with flying colours. The best place and this will always be a home for me . Thank you Garry for the best English classes. Thank you.
Tereza Rostas, Masters student
'Garry helped me to effectively prepare for the Academic IELTS test and obtain the results I needed. I highly recommend him as a language coach. I got an overall score of 8.0. He gave me excellent advice on how to improve my academic writing and helped me to regain fluency.'
Suzy H, Geneva, Masters student
Questions and answers about IELTS
Which test should I take, academic or general?
There are two types of IELTS test: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
You should check which test you need to do with the organisation you are applying for. Each organisation has a different requirement.
If you are applying for higher education or professional registration, you will need the Academic test. The preparation for the Academic IELTS will also help you when you begin studying or training, as the focus is on academic language.
If you are going to an English-speaking country for secondary education, to do work experience or train, then you will need the General Training test. It is also a requirement for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. This test focuses on the workplace and more general social contexts.
The Listening and speaking papers are the same for both tests, but the subjects in the Reading and Writing sections are different for the two tests.
Is the IELTS test difficult ?
The IELTS test is a challenging test, but with preparation and practice you will progress. It’s important to know how to approach the question types in the test and to practise them regularly before you take the test.
How can I prepare for the IELTS test in Geneva?
At the Language House, we offer well-structured courses that are tailored to your needs. You will quickly go up a level and you will learn how to approach the different types of test question. We will help you to meet your objectives through structured practice and preparation.
How can I practise?
First of all, surround yourself with English. Read widely and from different text types, listen to different sources and speak in English as much as you can.
For the test, you need to practise the same types of questions that you will find in the test. We will provide you with a course book and online platform for self-study, to support the work you do in your classes. There is also practice material available online.
Which test is better, IELTS or TOEFL?
The first thing to do is check which tests are accepted by the institution you would like to apply for. If you can choose either, you can try the free online tests and materials for each to see which you prefer.
We believe IELTS evaluates language skills in a more comprehensive way. Other advantages are that the Speaking test is with a real person, whereas in the TOEFL test, you have to speak into a microphone. The IELTS test is also recognized by a greater number of institutions and immigration departments.
How many people take the IELTS test?
According to IELTS test statistics, more than 4 million tests were taken around the world in 2023.
Where can I take the test?
The IELTS tests are held about every two weeks in Geneva and also Lausanne. There are three test centres where you can register and book your exam.
How much is the exam fee?
The cost in early 2025 was around CHF 420.-
What is the IELTS test format and how long will it take?
The IELTS test has four sections: Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11-14 minutes). The total test time for the written papers is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
The written papers are in this order on the same day: Listening, Reading and Writing , without any breaks. Your Speaking test will be held either on the same day or the day before, depending on local arrangements.
What should I remember on the day?
Make sure you take the identification that you registered with and not a different ID, or you won’t be allowed to sit the test.
When will I receive my IELTS test results?
You will receive your results 13 days after the test date if you have taken IELTS on paper, 1-5 days if you have taken IELTS on computer and 6-8 days if you have taken IELTS Online.
Will I get a band score for each paper?
You will be awarded an overall band score, the mean result of all four parts, and a band score for each of the skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The band ratings are from 0 to 9.
What happens if I don’t get the result I need on one paper?
You can now retake one skill only within 60 days of the original test. This means you don’t have to retake the whole test, but you can retake only one paper.
TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
The TOEFL is also for students who want to study at university. The exam is popular in the USA. There is no pass or fail. You are given a score that indicates your level of competence. The test has been overtaken by the IELTS exam is recent years.
TOEIC – Test of English for International Communication
The TOEIC is an appropriate test to take if you need to have a certificate that shows your level of English in a work-related situation. We believe a Business English or professional English course is a better investment.
