One of the mandatory requirements for every application abroad is the language certificate. There are several established standards for language certificates in English that are accepted at all universities: Cambridge Advanced (CAE), Cambridge Proficiency (CPE), TOEFL, IELTS. Some places also accept Pearson English Language Test (PTE Academic), Duolingo English Language Test (during the pandemic it was accepted as a compromise option in some places) and some other language certificates. We almost always recommend that all candidates go for IELTS for several reasons. The test is very widespread and there are many exam dates for it.

There are two different IELTS tests – General Training and Academic. The second, the academic option, is the one taken when applying to universities. The exam consists of 4 parts: Listening, Academic Writing, Academic Reading, Speaking. The first three parts are done independently on paper or on a computer, and the last part is done with a certified examiner. Exam scores range from 0 to 9. Most universities have a requirement between 6.0 and 6.5, some may have a 7 and some 5.5. The higher the score you manage to achieve than the minimum set by your university, the more competitive you will be as an applicant. A high score in the English test can tip the scales in university admissions - especially if you are fighting for the last place with another applicant, in which case the admissions committee starts to look at the individual achievements of each one and even 0.5 can be key. There are also many options for preparing for the test itself, starting from individual classes with a teacher to self-study.

Study Buddy has partnered with the IELTS Pass platform where our candidates can get quality training created by experienced tutors and video lessons from native speakers for the IELTS exam. Since the exam fee is by no means modest, it is better to be sure that you are prepared and will get the required result on the exam so that you do not have to retake it. Therefore, even if you are already attending another IELTS preparation course, you can take this one as an addition to your main preparation or even as the main one - the course is fundamental enough and gives you the opportunity to earn 9 points.

The advantages of the course from this platform:

• The course is in the form of video lessons (52 units), which you can take whenever you want - from a computer, tablet or phone.
• Includes study materials, vocabulary with 75+ phrasal verbs, model answers in the Speaking and Writing sections.
• All your materials and exercises can be stored in your account on the platform, it is cloud-based, there is no need to download and store, and in this way you can do the course even when you are traveling in public transport or lying on the beach.

The student price of Study Buddy is just £49.99 for the whole course. To register for the course, contact StudyBuddy at 0883 352 571 (phone, Viber, Whats App) or at info@studybuddy.bg.