English Language Training Center/SU IELTS

Mr. Ibrahim Al Farsi
Centre Coordinator
Tel: 26850188 Ext. 375
Email:  IMFarsi@su.edu.om
Office: Al Khaboura, 2nd Floor

Ms. Hamida Al-Kashari
Administrative Clerk
Tel: 26850188 Ext. 188
Email: HKashari@su.edu.om
ELTCinfo@su.edu.om
Office: Al Khaboura, 2nd Floor

Ms. Badriya Al Ajmi
Tel: 91271393 – 26850111
Email: bajmi@su.edu.om

Our Services

The English Language Training Center (ELTC) at Sohar University provides a variety of regular and tailored language training courses in an effort to cater for the diverse needs of students and graduates alike. To satisfy the growing demand for a needs-based IELTS test preparation, the ELTC designed flexible courses that suit the convenience of students and build on their prior language proficiency as well. To add to that, the ELTC runs face-to-face CELTA courses for recent graduates or teachers who want to progress in their careers.

Given that the center is still strongly committed to the development of students’ knowledge and skills, a range of general English courses are provided to allow students to choose the ones that help them make progress. In its attempt to meet the needs of schools, the ELTC also provides summer courses for school students that are in strict compliance with the Ministry of Education curriculum.

IELTS Tests

IELTS Test offer for Teacher Preparation Program student in the Faculty of Education & Art at Sohar University.

  • These students can register for IELTS during the 6 months period between December 2023 and May 2024.
  • a discount of 11 OMR for the first attempt at IELTS test. They will be charged 85 OMR instead of 96 OMR when they register for the first attempt.
  • a discount of 15 OMR for a retake of IELTS test. They will be charged 81 OMR on every retake.

IELTS Introduction

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) measures the language proficiency of people who want to study or work where English is used as a language of communication. It uses a nine-band scale to clearly identify levels of proficiency, from non-user (band score 1) through to expert (band score 9).

IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training

IELTS is available in: Academic – for people applying for higher education or professional registration, and General Training for those migrating to Australia, Canada and the UK, or applying for secondary education, training programs and work experience in an English-speaking environment. Both versions provide a valid and accurate assessment of the four language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

There are two types of the IELTS test: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training

IELTS Academic

The IELTS Academic test is for people applying for higher education or professional registration in an English speaking environment. It reflects some of the features of academic language and assesses whether you are ready to begin studying or training.
This approach is widely supported by the institutions that recognize IELTS.

IELTS General Training

The IELTS General Training test is for those who are going to English speaking countries for secondary education, work experience or training programs. It is also a requirement for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. The test focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts.
See the test format

Refund, Cancellation and Transfer Policy

In certain situations, you may need to postpone or cancel your test. If you postpone or cancel your application more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administration charge. If you postpone or cancel within 5 weeks of the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a medical reason. If you provide a medical certificate within 5 working days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus the local administrative cost.

Knowing that the IELTS Test fee is 84/ OMR if you cancel your test or request a transfer five weeks or more before the test date, the test center will charge an administration fee as follows:

Cancellation Fee 20/OMR
Transfer Fee 20/OMR

Enquiry on Result

Notes for candidates on the submission of Enquiries on Results (EOR)

  • You can choose to undertake an Enquiry on Results – which means having your IELTS test re-marked. You must make this request within six weeks of your test date. Your test will be sent to the head office of British Council or IDP: IA for re-marking by Senior Examiners.
  • You can choose to have one or more parts of your test re-marked. The fee is the same regardless
  • You will be charged a fee as determined by the Test Partners. You will receive a full refund if your result is changed to a higher band score
  • Complete the form below and forward it with payment to the IELTS Administrator at your test centre. The IELTS centre can inform you of the required fee
  • The re-mark is done by trained Clerical Markers and senior examiners employed by British Council and IDP: IA
  • British Council / IDP: IA Head Office will notify your test centre of the re-mark result. Your result will normally be available in 2 to 21 days, depending on several factors including the number of sections requested for remark. If you have not received a response after 28 days, please contact your test centre.
  • You will receive an EOR letter stating your final result status. You will be required to return your previously issued Test Report Form if your result is changed before a new one can be issued. You should make all enquiries regarding the progress of your re-mark to your original test centre.

The test center EOR fee as follows:

Enquiries on Results (EOR) Fee ( Download Enquiry on Results Form) 48/OMR

Test Report Form Policy

Third Party Collection of TRF

TRFs are either despatched to candidates or collected by the candidates in person from the test centre. Candidates can authorise a third party to collect TRF by

  • Providing the test centre with written authorisation for a third party to collect the TRF, which includes the full name and ID document number of that third party.
  • Having the third party present a copy of the candidate ID used on test day along with a signed authorisation from the candidate. This ID copy must be checked against the candidate test day ID copy available at the test centre from the test.

Issue of Additional TRF(s)

  • Candidates may request up to two additional TRFs under condition of loss or damage
  • Requesting third additional TRF will charge candidates an administration fee and will be as follows:
    Additional TRF Processing Fee 10/OMR

Videos

Free Academic Practice Materials (Road To IELTS)

Free General Training Practice Materials (Road To IELTS)

Free IELTS Practice Test

How do I apply for the test?

Registration in Person

  1. Candidates need to fill in an application form and submit it with the required documents to the registration desk to be processed. The main required documents are: valid copy from applicant’s Identification Card(ID) or resident card (for expatriates) or Passport with visa
  2. Signed the application form
  3. If these documents (ID, passport with visa) are not provided and completed, the registration cannot be processed.
  4. Upon submission of the application form with the required documents, applicants will receive an email or an SMS receipt for their submission.
  5. The registration request(s) will be processed by the concerned personnel and, if it is confirmed, then an email/ SMS will be sent if there is an available spot in their preferred session. Then applicants need to come to the registration desk to finalize the test payment (stamped receipt from SU finance department is required). Upon completing payments, candidates will receive a confirmation and joining instructions by email/ SMS.
  6. If there is no available spot in their preferred session, they will be asked to register for an alternate session.
  7. If a place is not available, they will need to adjust the preferred session dates/hours.

Register by E-mail
Download the IELTS Registration Form from our website

Should I take the academic or general module?

You should speak to the institution that has requested an IELTS test from you and ask which one they require, but as a guideline:

  • The Academic module is for people who want to study an undergraduate or postgraduate degree course, or who wish to register with a professional body.
  • The General Training module focuses on basic survival skills in a broader social and educational setting. General Training is suitable if you are joining a training program or doing work experience in English speaking countries, but is not designed for degree level. This module is also suitable for those wishing to emigrate to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK

I have applied but haven’t received my confirmation letter. Where is it?

It takes around 5 days for us to process your application. Once processed, we will send you an SMS about your confirmation letter that contains your test date(s), payment confirmation and a test venue. Please make sure you check your phone.

During busy periods it can take over 5 days for us to process your application and send SMS about your confirmation letter. If you haven’t heard from us after 10 days and are concerned, please contact us

What proof of identification can I use?

Please ensure that you bring the same passport / ID for both speaking and writing test which you have submitted at the time of registration. You will not be allowed to take any modules of the test without the original passport / ID.

What if I am late for the test or cannot make it due to an emergency?

On the day of your test, registration is at 7:10 am. Unfortunately, candidates who arrive late for registration will not be allowed to take the test and will lose their test fee.
If you cannot attend the test because of a medical emergency, you must provide us with a medical certificate within five days of the missed test. The letter must clearly state the reason why you were unable to attend the IELTS test and must be appropriately dated. Please scan and email the letter to IELTS.Info@su.edu.om or you can come in person to our centre.

Can I transfer my test to a different date?

In certain situations, you may need to postpone or cancel your test. If you postpone or cancel your application more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administration charge. If you postpone or cancel within 5 weeks of the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a medical reason. If you provide a medical certificate within 5 working days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus the local administrative cost.

Special requirements

If you require a modified version of IELTS (i.e. braille papers, enlarged font, special CD for Listening, etc.), you must give the test centre three months’ notice. If your circumstances require special arrangements to be made, (i.e. extra time, headphones for Listening, etc.) you must give the test centre a minimum of 6 weeks’ notice. Please be aware that you will be requested to provide a medical evidence to support your claim. The medical report should be written in English and within a period of two years before the test date, by a medical professional.

Can I collect my results?

You can collect your results from our office on the 13th day after you take the test. The IELTS desk is open between Sunday and Thursday from 08:00 am – 04:00 pm. Please note, you must bring your passport or Identity Card with you if you wish to collect your results in person.

Can I send someone to collect my results for me?

Candidates can authorise another person to collect their results for them as long as the person collecting has been given written authority by the candidate and can prove their own identity (passport or identity card only).

The person collecting your results must bring the following to collect a TRF:

Results can only be collected during our visiting hours: between Sunday and Thursday from 08:00 am – 04:00 pm

I have lost my Test Report Form – what should I do?

  • Candidates may request up to two additional TRFs under condition of loss or damage
  • Requesting third additional TRF will charge candidates an administration fee
  • I want to appeal my test result. What do I do?
  • You can choose to undertake an Enquiry on Results – which means having your IELTS test re-marked. You must make this request within six weeks of your test date. Your test will be sent to the head office of British Council or IDP: IA for re-marking by Senior Examiners.
  • You can choose to have one or more parts of your test re-marked. The fee is the same regardless
  • You will be charged a fee as determined by the Test Partners.  You will receive a full refund if your result is changed to a higher band score
  • Complete the form below and forward it with payment to the IELTS Administrator at your test centre. The IELTS centre can inform you of the required fee
  • The re-mark is done by trained Clerical Markers and senior examiners employed by British Council and IDP: IA
  • British Council / IDP: IA Head Office will notify your test centre of the re-mark result. Your result will normally be available in 2 to 21 days, depending on several factors including the number of sections requested for remark. If you have not received a response after 28 days, please contact your test centre.

You will receive an EOR letter stating your final result status. You will be required to return your previously issued Test Report Form if your result is changed before a new one can be issued. You should make all enquiries regarding the progress of your re-mark to your original test centre.

Download Enquiry on Results Form

Training Courses Details

The IELTS Preparation Courses aim at teaching candidates valuable English skills and strategies to take the IELTS test and achieve a band score above 6. The 4 IELTS preparation courses on offer are delivered in two modes:

  • Regular Courses

                    ► IELTS Test Preparation

1) IELTS Test Preparation
  • Course Overview: This course assists candidates in preparing for the IELTS test more efficiently and effectively. Candidates are guided through a process of thoughtful learning of the format of the four parts of the test, understanding the test question types and discovering essential practical exam tips.
  • Who Should Register? Candidates who wish to sit for IELTS test and score band above 6 and are keen on passing the IELTS mock test for this course
  • Minimum and Maximum Number of Candidates per Course: 10 – 15
  • Course Format: 36 hours over 3 weeks, 12 lesson over 5 days
  • Course Location: Al-Khaboura Building /Common Room /2nd Floor

Contact

Mr. Ibrahim Al Farsi
Centre Coordinator
Tel: 
26850188 Ext. 375
Email:  
IMFarsi@su.edu.om
Office:
 Al Khaboura, 2nd Floor
To download the registration form, click here.

The English Language Training Center (ELTC) is hosting General English courses in an effort to contribute to the sustainable development of the local community. These courses on offer are delivered in two modes:

  • Regular courses
  • Summer-school courses

1) General English Regular Courses

  • Course Overview: This course assists candidates in improving their English language proficiency in terms of the four skills and providing them with more professional and academic options in their future careers. This course is available at 5 levels: Beginner (A1), Elementary (A2), Intermediate (B1), Upper Intermediate (B2) and Advanced (C1). Candidates could be taught in mixed ability classes. The key aspects of the language including the four skills, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation are at the heart of this course delivery.
  • Who Should Register? Motivated adult learners aged 18 plus who are keen on steadily improving their fluency, accuracy and confidence in using the language
  • Minimum and Maximum Number of Candidates per Course: 10 – 15
  • Course Format: 60 hours over 6 weeks, 10 lessons over 4 days: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
  • Course Location: GFP building
2) The Summer-school Course
  • Course Overview: This course assists school students in satisfying their natural curiosity about foreign language learning. This course is available at 5 levels: Beginner (A1), Elementary (A2), Intermediate (B1), Upper Intermediate (B2) and Advanced (C1). Students could be taught in mixed ability classes. They can benefit from a range of engaging classroom activities, campus tours to learn about the university’s facilities and a tailored workshop program. For the sake of their safety, the trusted teams of the summer school staff closely supervises students and ensure they are all safe and happy.
  • Who Should Register? School students from grade 4 to grade 11 who are enthusiastically willing to engage in funny and fruitful learning summer events
  • Minimum and Maximum Number of Candidates per Course: 10- 15
  • Course Format: 36 hours over 4 weeks, 9 lessons weekly, 3 days a week, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
  • Course Location: GFP building

Contact

Mr. Ibrahim Al Farsi
Centre Coordinator
Tel: 
26850188 Ext. 375
Email:  
IMFarsi@su.edu.om
Office:
 Al Khaboura, 2nd Floor
To download the registration form, click here.

  • Course Overview: These courses aim at meeting the specific training needs of Sohar University stakeholders. With extensive expertise in English language training, the English Language Training Center (ELTC) has the potential to design tailored and diverse courses to satisfy the increasing demand of a growing local market for on-going professional development programs. The On-request courses are delivered in strict compliance with 5 levels within the CEFR: A1 (Beginner), A2 (Elementary), B1 (Intermediate), B2 (Upper Intermediate) and C1 (Advanced).
  • Who Should Register? Clients who are seeking a life-long personal professional development and enthusiastically keen on engaging in self-discovery learning opportunities
  • Minimum and Maximum Number of Candidates per Course: 10- 15
  • Course Format: 60 hours over 6 weeks, 10 lessons weekly, 4 days a week (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday).
  • Course Location: GFP building

Contact

Mr. Ibrahim Al Farsi
Centre Coordinator
Tel: 
26850188 Ext. 375
Email:  
IMFarsi@su.edu.om
Office:
 Al Khaboura, 2nd Floor
To download the registration form, click here.

The future of your learning and skills development starts with the English Language Training Center (ELTC) located at Sohar University. To advance your knowledge and or career, the following training calendar offers a variety of courses for you to acquire, maintain and optimize the skills you need to personally and or professionally grow and reserve your place in a highly competitive future job market.

IELTS preparation courses fees

IELTS PREPARATION COURSEs LOCATION  DATES DURATION FEES Exc. VAT STATUS
 

IELTS Test Preparation

Sohar University – ALL To download the IELTS Test Preparation Course Dates and Fees,
Click here
3 Weeks 100 OMR Available

General English courses fees

GENERAL ENGLISH COURSES  LOCATION  DATES  DURATION FEES Exc. VAT STATUS
 

Regular Courses

Sohar University – ALL To suit the convenience of clients 6 Weeks per Course 200 OMR per Course Available
 

Summer School Course

 

Sohar University – ALL July every academic year 4 Weeks 100 OMR Available

On-request courses fees

ON-REQUEST COURSES  LOCATION  DATES  DURATION FEES Exc. VAT  STATUS
 

Needs-based Courses

 

Sohar University – ALL To suit the convenience of clients 6 Weeks per Course 200 OMR per Course Available When Requested

IELTS Test Format

30 minutes (plus 10 minutes transfer time)
You will listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then write your answers to a series of questions.

Recording 1 – a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context.
Recording 2 – a monologue set in an everyday social context, e.g. a speech about local facilities.
Recording 3 – a conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context, e.g. a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment.
Recording 4 – a monologue on an academic subject, e.g. a university lecture.

Assessors will be looking for evidence of your ability to understand the main ideas and detailed factual information, the opinions and attitudes of speakers, the purpose of an utterance and evidence of your ability to follow the development of ideas.

Description

Paper Format There are four sections with ten questions each. The questions are designed so that the answers appear in the order they are heard in the audio.

The first two sections deal with situations set in everyday social contexts. In Section 1, there is a conversation between two speakers (for example, a conversation about travel arrangements), and in Section 2, there is a monologue in (for example, a speech about local facilities). The final two sections deal with situations set in educational and training contexts. In Section 3, there is a conversation between two main speakers (for example, two university students in discussion, perhaps guided by a tutor), and in Section 4, there is a monologue on an academic subject.

The recordings are heard only once. They include a range of accents, including British, Australian, New Zealand, American and Canadian.

Timing Approximately 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes transfer time).
No. of Questions 40
Task Types A variety of question types are used, chosen from the following: multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion, sentence completion.
Answering Test takers write their answers on the question paper as they listen and at the end of the test are given 10 minutes to transfer their answers to an answer sheet. Care should be taken when writing answers on the answer sheet as poor spelling and grammar are penalised.
Marks Each question is worth 1 mark.

60 minutes
The Reading section consists of 40 questions, designed to test a wide range of reading skills. These include reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical argument and recognising writers’ opinions, attitudes and purpose.

IELTS Academic Test – this includes three long texts which range from the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. These are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers.  They have been selected for a non-specialist audience but are appropriate for people entering university courses or seeking professional registration

Description

Paper Format Three reading passages with a variety of questions using a number of task types.
Timing 60 minutes (no extra transfer time)
No. of Questions 40
Task Types A variety of question types are used, chosen from the following; multiple choice, identifying information, identifying the writer’s views/claims, matching information, matching headings, matching features, matching sentence endings, sentence completion, summary completion, note completion, table completion, flow-chart completion, diagram label completion and short-answer questions.
Sources Texts are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers, and have been written for a non-specialist audience. All the topics are of general interest. They deal with issues which are interesting, recognisably appropriate and accessible to test takers entering undergraduate or postgraduate courses or seeking professional registration. The passages may be written in a variety of styles, for example narrative, descriptive or discursive/argumentative. At least one text contains detailed logical argument. Texts may contain non-verbal materials such as diagrams, graphs or illustrations. If texts contain technical terms a simple glossary is provided.
Answering Test takers are required to transfer their answers to an answer sheet during the time allowed for the test. No extra time is allowed for transfer. Care should be taken when writing answers on the answer sheet as poor spelling and grammar are penalised.
Marks Each question is worth 1 mark.

60 minutes
The Reading section consists of 40 questions, designed to test a wide range of reading skills. These include reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical argument and recognising writers’ opinions, attitudes and purpose.

IELTS General Training Test 

  • this includes extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks and guidelines. These are materials you are likely to encounter on a daily basis in an English-speaking environment.

Description

Paper Format There are three sections. Section 1 may contain two or three short texts or several shorter texts. Section 2 comprises two texts. In Section 3, there is one long text.
Timing 60 minutes (no extra transfer time)
No. of Questions 40
Task Types A variety of question types are used, chosen from the following: multiple choice, identifying information, identifying writer’s views/claims, matching information, matching headings, matching features, matching sentence endings, sentence completion, summary completion, note completion, table completion, flow-chart completion, diagram label completion, short-answer questions.
Sources The first section, ‘social survival’, contains texts relevant to basic linguistic survival in English with tasks mainly about retrieving and providing general factual information, for example, notices, advertisements and timetables.

The second section, ‘Workplace survival’, focuses on the workplace context, for example, job descriptions, contracts and staff development and training materials.

The third section, ‘general reading’, involves reading more extended prose with a more complex structure. Here, the emphasis is on descriptive and instructive rather than argumentative texts, in a general context relevant to the wide range of test takers involved, for example, newspapers, magazines and fictional and non-fictional book extracts.

Answering Test takers are required to transfer their answers to an answer sheet during the time allowed for the test. No extra time is allowed for transfer. Care should be taken when writing answers on the answer sheet as poor spelling and grammar are penalised.
Marks Each question is worth 1 mark.

60 minutes
Topics are of general interest to, and suitable for, test takers entering undergraduate and postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration. There are two tasks:

  • Task 1 – you will be presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event.
  • Task 2 – you will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. Responses to both tasks must be in a formal style.

Description

Paper Format There are two Writing tasks and BOTH must be completed.
Timing 60 minutes
No. of Questions 2
Task Types In Task 1, test takers are asked to describe some visual information (graph/table/chart/diagram) in their own words. They need to write 150 words in about 20 minutes. In Task 2, they respond to a point of view or argument or problem. They need to write 250 words in about 40 minutes.
Answering Answers must be given on the answer sheet and must be written in full. Notes or bullet points are not acceptable as answers. Test takers may writ

60 minutes
Topics are of general interest. There are two tasks:

  • Task 1 – you will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information, or explaining the situation. The letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal in style.
  • Task 2 – you will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. The essay can be fairly personal in style.

Description

Paper Format There are two Writing tasks to complete.
Timing 60 minutes
No. of Questions 2
Task Types In Task 1, test takers are asked to respond to a situation, for example, by writing a letter requesting information or explaining a situation.

In Task 2, test takers write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem.

Answering Answers must be written in full in the answer booklet. Notes or bullet points in whole or in part are not acceptable as answers. Test takers may write on the question paper but this cannot be taken from the test room and will not be seen by the examiner.

11 – 14  minutes The speaking section assesses your use of spoken English. Every test is recorded.

  • Part 1 – The examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies and interests. This part lasts between four and five minutes.
  • Part 2 – You will be given a card which asks you to talk about a particular topic. You will have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. The examiner will then ask one or two questions on the same topic.
  • Part 3 – You will be asked further questions about the topic in Part 2. These will give you the opportunity to discuss more abstract ideas and issues. This part of the test lasts between four and five minutes.

Description

Paper Format The Speaking test consists of an oral interview between the test takers’ and an examiner. All Speaking tests are recorded.
Timing 11–14 minutes
Task types There are three parts to the test and each part fulfils a specific function in terms of interaction pattern, task input and test takers output.