Do I have to take UKVI in IELTS to study in the UK now?

If you want to study in the UK now, whether IELTS must take UKVI version depends on your specific situation. Generally speaking, if you intend to apply for a Tier 4 student visa in the UK to attend undergraduate or postgraduate courses of highly credible sponsors (namely British universities), then you need to provide UKVI-approved English language test scores, including the UKVI version of IELTS scores. However, if your English level has reached the direct admission requirements of the school, or the courses and schools you apply for do not need a Tier 4 visa, then you may not need to take the UKVI version of IELTS.

The main difference between UKVI version of IELTS and ordinary IELTS is that UKVI version of IELTS is the same as ordinary IELTS in test content, difficulty and scoring standard, but it meets the language proficiency certification requirements of UK Visa and Immigration Bureau (UKVI) for specific types of UK visa applications. Therefore, for international students who need to apply for a Tier 4 visa, the UKVI version of IELTS is essential.

However, it should be noted that not all British universities require international students to provide UKVI IELTS scores. Some universities will accept ordinary IELTS scores as proof of language ability, as long as your scores meet the requirements of direct recording in the school. Therefore, before deciding whether to take UKVI IELTS, you need to know the specific requirements of the school and course you are applying for.

Based on my personal experience, if you plan to apply for undergraduate or postgraduate courses in the UK and need to apply for a Tier 4 visa, then I suggest that you still take the UKVI version of IELTS, which is safer. Because although some schools will accept ordinary IELTS scores, in case your scores are not enough or school policies change, you may need to take the UKVI version of IELTS again, which is a waste of time and money. And if you have determined that you don't need to apply for a Tier 4 visa, or your English level has reached the direct admission requirements of the school, then you can choose to take the general IELTS.

In short, whether you need to take UKVI IELTS depends on your specific situation and the requirements of the school and course you are applying for. Before making a decision, I suggest that you carefully understand the relevant information and consult professionals.