You can take your test at one of our official test centres on paper or on a computer. You can also take IELTS Online (IELTS Academic only) from the comfort of your home or any private space with a stable internet connection.

All you need is a valid identification document and choose the most convenient way of payment for you.

Test type Fee Available test dates
IELTS Academic
- in centre (paper
or computer)
GEL 680  Find a test date
IELTS Academic Online GEL 680 Find a test date
IELTS General
Training - in centre
(paper or computer)
GEL 680  Find a test date
IELTS Academic for
UKVI - in centre
(paper or computer)
GEL 745  Find a test date
IELTS General
Training for UKVI - in
centre (paper or computer)
GEL 745   Find a test date
IELTS Life Skills
(A1 and B1) - in centre 
GEL 644  Find a test date

The British Council cannot accept payments made from banks (or other financial institutions) sanctioned by the UK or any other relevant jurisdiction. Where the British Council discovers evidence of payment from a sanctioned bank and/or sanctioned financial institution we will freeze all funds related to that payment and will be unable to deliver the service for which the payment was intended. Please therefore ensure that you do not make payments from an account in a sanctioned bank and/or sanctioned financial institution.

What does the fee include? Our IELTS test fee includes exclusive preparation materials, free practice tests and much more.

What you need to book

  1. A valid identification document. When you register, you’ll need to upload a scan of your ID. It must be valid at the time of booking and on the test day. If you're under 18, your parents will also need to complete the Parent consent for candidates under 18 form. IELTS is not recommended for anyone under 16.  

  2. A bank card. You can pay through our online booking system or bank transfer. In the Reference section of your payment please write: [Reference Number / name / test date]. Your reference number is a 15 digit number that starts with GE001. Failure to quote your registration reference number may delay your application process; this may lead to a change from your preferred test date or cancellation of your registration. Once you have made the payment, please send us the bank transfer receipt by email within three working days of your online registration, otherwise, your application will be cancelled.

After you have booked your test

You will receive emails confirming:

  • the start time of your test and the venue address
  • your Speaking Test date
  • your access to IELTS Ready Premium

More information about the test

Download and read our Information for Candidates to learn everything you need to know about the format, the different exam components and test results.

IELTS terms and conditions

Read the terms and conditions for taking IELTS with the British Council.