The online course will give you the same preparation as the in-person course, using the same materials, in about the same amout of time (approximately 12-15 hours). Students can see exactly what they have to do to get ready, and the course will tell them how ready they are. Every week, there is an opportunity to get feedback from a teacher on your speaking and writing tasks. Watch the short video below (click "CC" on the video screen to turn on subtitles) to learn all the details.
***The video mentions an exam on the computer, but the HEG now offers a paper-based exam in the school. If you prefer to take your exam on a computer, you can register yourself for a date at the exam centre in Bern. Please contact
language.center-heg@hefr.ch for more information.
What materials will we use in the courses?
All course participants (online and in-person) will have access to the complete set of practice materials on
the Road to IELTS website. Students will receive instructions about which tasks they should do, but they are welcome to do as much as they want.
When does the online IELTS preparation course start?
The online independent study IELTS preparation course is always available but feedback will only be provided between 10 March and 11 April (in the time before the next scheduled IELTS exam at the HEG). You can choose to receive a weekly email with goals and reminders to help you stay focused. You can also start the independent study course early to try it out and change to the in-person course if you are not satisfied.
When does the in-person IELTS preparation course meet?
In-person classes for the spring semester are currently being planned. They will begin in the week starting 10 March.
When can I take the IELTS exam?
The school is organising a paper-based IELTS Academic exam
on 12 April 2025 at the HEG and the preparation courses are designed around this date. However, you can take the IELTS anytime! There are usually three or four dates each month.
Check this page to see other dates and locations offered by our exam partner (make sure you are only looking at dates for the IELTS Academic exam). Please contact the Language Center before signing up for an alternate date.
The deadline for registration for the next exam at the HEG is 28 February.
Do I need to register for a course?
Yes. Please register for a preparation course by 28 February. We will notify you by email and provide a link to choose whether you want to do the online independent study course or the in-person course. It is possible to try the online course and change if you don't like it. Send an email to
language.center-heg@hefr.ch before 7 March if you want to change.
Any questions?