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What is IELTS?

IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is the most popular high-stakes English language test for study, work, and migration.

IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English. The test conforms to the highest international standards of language assessment.

The IELTS test covers the four language skills – listening, reading, writing, and speaking. IELTS is recognised by more than 12,500 organisations in many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.

Respected and accepted world-wide, IELTS helps you boost your score and prepares you for success in the real world.

Which test type do you take?

Where you want to study, work, or migrate to will affect which test you need to take:

Make sure you visit the relevant government or institutional websites to confirm which test you need to take.

Why choose IELTS?

If you want more out of your new life abroad or are looking to build a better future, take IELTS. Success starts the moment you choose to test with the best. Backed by Cambridge English and trusted by more universities, governments and organisations than any other test.

IELTS is globally recognised and accepted by leading universities, academic and professional bodies, and immigration departments of Australia, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand, making it the preferred option for anyone looking to move abroad for study, work or migration. 

On the other hand, the UK does not acknowledge TOEFL as a valid English Language test for migration. Moreover, the Australian immigration department only recognizes the lengthier version of TOEFL, the TOEFL iBT. OET is designed only for healthcare professionals, limiting its usefulness for individuals outside of the healthcare industry.

IELTS examiners always understand you and your accent. For PTE’s speaking component of the test, you will be taking it in a room with other test takers which can be distracting for some participants. As for TOEFL’s speaking test, you will be talking to a computer while with IELTS, your spoken English is assessed by a real person who understands different accents. 

With a test centre network across 140+ countries, you can take the IELTS test anywhere. Some other major tests are only available on a computer; however, with IELTS, you have more choices to take IELTS on paper, IELTS on computer, or IELTS Online based on your preferences. 

The best opportunities for moving and living abroad start the moment you choose IELTS.

Do I take IELTS on paper or IELTS on computer? 

You can take the IELTS test on paper or computer. The contents, test part times, question types, scoring and results of the IELTS on paper test are the exact same as the IELTS on computer test, but your test day experience is a little different. 

 

How can you book the test?

You have to submit your application online here.

How can you prepare for the test?

Before you head into your test you should understand the IELTS test format by learning about each part of the test, question types and how IELTS examiners assess your Speaking and Writing tests.

To Improve your skills in all four parts of the IELTS test, check the below resources from IDP:

 

What should you do on the test day?

  • Allow plenty of time to get to the test. You will be required to register and to show your passport or National ID Card before you enter the examination room. 
  • If you are late, you will not be allowed to enter. Avoid the added tension of having to rush.
  • No personal items to be taken into the test room. Test day staff will collect and safely store your personal belongings. 
  • On test day, a member of staff will verify your ID. It must be the same ID that you used when you booked the test. It must also be original, valid and include a recognisable photo of yourself.
  • The test centre will then take a photograph of you. You will be required to temporarily remove anything covering your face.
  • A finger scan will also be taken.
  • Before you enter the test room, your finger will be scanned again to verify your identity
  • When it is time to enter the IELTS test room, a test invigilator will guide you to your seat.
  • You are not permitted to leave during the last 10 minutes of either of the IELTS test components. If you need to go to the bathroom at any other time, raise your hand and ask a member of staff.
  • If you have a problem (for example if you think you have been given the wrong paper, you cannot hear the instructions, or you feel ill) raise your hand to attract the attention of the supervisor.
  • You cannot leave your seat until your papers have been collected and you have been told to leave. You must leave any notes and materials on the desk.

When will you get your test results?

IELTS on Paper →Your test results and your Test Report Form (TRF) will be released 13 days after you complete the test.

IELTS on Computer → You test results will be available from 3 to 5 days after you complete the test. 

IELTS for UKVI → If you had taken the IELTS Academic for UKVI or the IELTS General Training for UKVI tests, your test results will be available 13 days after you complete the test on paper and your test results will be available from 3 to 5 days after you complete the test on computer. 

Life Skills for UKVI → If you had taken the Life Skills A1, A2 or B1 tests, your results will be available 7 days after you complete the test.

IELTS One Skill Retake → You will receive a new Test Report Form (TRF) when you take IELTS One Skill Retake. This new TRF includes the new result for the one skill you’ve retaken. It also lists the other three scores from your original test. 

NOTE: Test Centers are NOT permitted to give test results over the telephone, via fax or e-mail to the candidate.

How many IELTS Test Report Forms (TRF) can you get?

You will receive one original Test Report Form, unless you are applying to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), or United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA). In these cases, you can receive two. Proof of application to CIC and UKBA must be provided.

You can collect your TRF at IDP IELTS offices when your results are released. You need to bring the form of identity you used to register for the test to pick up your TRF.

What is the IELTS Transfer, Cancellation and Refund Policy?

Test day transfers and cancellations 

You must give a minimum of 5 weeks before your test day if you wish to: 

  • Request a refund for your IELTS test 
  • Change your test date  
  • Cancel or postpone your IELTS test 

No refund will be given to test takers who fail to show up on the day of their test. If you wish to retake the test on another day, you must register and pay the test fee again. 

Cancellation at least 5 weeks ahead of your test date 

If you cancel your IELTS test at least 5 weeks ahead of your test day, you will receive a refund, minus a 25% administrative fee. 

Cancelling within 5 weeks of your test date 

If you cancel your IELTS test within 5 weeks of your test date, you will receive no refund. 

If unforeseen circumstances prevent you from taking your test, you are eligible for a refund if you can provide evidence within 5 days of your test that your ability to sit the test will be or has been affected by serious illness or cause, such as:  

  • Serious Illness Hospital admission or serious injury 
  • Death of a close family member 
  • Hardship or trauma, victim of a crime, victim of a traffic accident 
  • Loss of job 
  • Military service 

You must inform the test centre by email about your request. A Request for a Refund or Test Day Transfer must be supported by appropriate documentation and evidence. These supporting documents may include a medical certificate from a qualified medical practitioner, a death certificate, a police report, or termination letter from the company.  

If the refund request has been approved, you will be notified via email together with the Refund/ Test Day Transfer Link Form which you will need to complete. Processing of a refund will take around 3 to 4 weeks. You will also be charged a 25% administrative fee. This covers the cost of processing your request which is 25% of your current test fee. 

The Request for a Refund and Test Day Transfer are subject to verification before approval or rejection. 

Additional policies might be applicable to your country. Please check with your local IDP IELTS Test Centre for the in-country Transfer and Cancellation Policy. 

We’re always here to help 

We will always ensure that you get the best possible experience when taking your IELTS test with us and we will help you with any questions that you have.  

 More people succeed with IELTS.