IELTS
IELTS fees and dates
Test fees by country, how to book, cancellation and transfer rules. This guide is part of our full IELTS guide.
Fees and booking
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Fee | About £215 in the UK, INR 18,000 in India, varies by country |
| Results | 3 to 5 days (computer), 13 days (paper) |
| Validity | 2 years |
| Formats | Academic, General Training, UKVI, Life Skills, IELTS Online |
How to register
- Choose Academic or General Training based on what your university or visa requires
- Book online through the British Council or IDP, choosing computer or paper and a centre
- Pay the fee and upload a passport copy; the same passport must be brought on test day
- Prepare with the free official practice materials and at least two timed mock tests
- Sit the test; check results online and send Test Report Forms to up to five institutions free
Questions
Which IELTS should I take for a UK university?
IELTS Academic for degree-level study. IELTS for UKVI Academic only if your university or visa route requires it, typically for pre-sessional English or below-degree courses.
What is a good IELTS score?
6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 satisfies most universities. Health, law and teaching programmes ask for 7.0.
How long are IELTS results valid?
Two years from the test date. Universities usually require the score to be valid on the course start date.
Can I study in the UK without IELTS?
Many universities accept Medium of Instruction letters, school English marks or alternatives like PTE and Duolingo. Check each course.
How many times can I take IELTS?
As many as you like. Results from different sittings cannot be combined.