With 65 test locations, booking your IELTS test in the UK has never been easier. Whether it’s a test for your student visa, emigration, professional development or a secure English language test (SELT) for UK visa, take IELTS with British Council.
The IELTS partners no longer offer IELTS for UKVI on paper in the United Kingdom since 2 November 2024. Test takers can still take IELTS for UKVI on computer in the United Kingdom. IELTS for UKVI on computer offers results within 1-5 days and is available throughout the week, offering test takers great availability.
Available tests
| Name of test | Type of test | Fee | Book |
| IELTS Academic and General Training |
Assessing listening, reading, writing and speaking abilities. Not for UK Visas and Immigration purposes. |
From £190 - 220 depending on location | Book now |
| IELTS for UKVI Academic and General Training |
SELT test for UK Visas and Immigration.* Assessing listening, reading, writing and speaking abilities. |
£220 | Book now |
| IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1, A2 and B1 |
SELT test for UK Visas and Immigration.* Assessing speaking and listening abilities. |
£155 | Book now |
*Please check gov.uk before booking SELT.
Choose the test that is right for you
There are different types of IELTS tests you can take, depending on what you want to do.
- Take the IELTS Academic test if you want to study at either undergraduate or postgraduate level, or if you want to work in a professional organisation in an English-speaking country.
It is also recognised by healthcare councils such as the General Medical Council (GMC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and General Dental Council (GDC) for registering as a healthcare professional in the UK, allowing you to work with major healthcare providers like the NHS. - Take the IELTS General Training test to study at below degree level, work in an English-speaking country or your own country and emigrate to an English-speaking country.
- If you are taking the IELTS test to support a UK visa application to work, live or study in the UK, you may need to take a secure English language test (SELT). Both the IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) Academic or General Training and the IELTS for UKVI Life Skills test are approved for applications for UK Visa and Immigration (UK visa renewal, British Citizenship, Settlement and Leave to Remain).
Before booking your test, make sure to check with the organisations you are applying to, or the government website.
What you need to book a test
1. A valid identification document
Have a form of valid ID (Passport) at hand, as you will need to upload a clear copy of it when you book your test. Your ID 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 consent form online. IELTS is not recommended for anyone under 16.
2. A form of payment, such as a bank card, to pay for your test
Payment methods vary between IELTS test centres, but most accept payment online or by card/cash at the test centre. Contact the test centre directly for more details.
IELTS test date confirmation
You will receive emails confirming:
- the start time of your test and the venue address.
- confirmation for the Speaking Test date.
- Access to a wealth of materials that cover all aspects of the IELTS test with IELTS Ready Premium.
- your IELTS Reference Number to access the Test Taker Portal.
Download and read our Information for Candidates (PDF 4MB), which contains important information about the exam format, the question types and the test result.
Special arrangements
IELTS is designed to be a fair test and your English language ability will be assessed objectively, regardless of any special needs that you may have.
We can help you with any special arrangements you require for your test. Find further information about our special arrangements.
Please contact your local test centre if you have special needs that may require a modified IELTS test version, which includes IELTS on paper.
Contact details
If you are taking an IELTS test and it’s not a SELT test for UK Visas and Immigration, please contact the IELTS test centre in which you have registered or taken your test. Download the pdf below for contact details.
If you are taking SELT (IELTS for UKVI or IELTS for UKVI Life Skills) for UK or Ireland, and would like assistance, please contact British Council Customer service UK.
Please use the web form here or call +44 (0)161 884 0291 between 08:00 – 20:00 UK time, Monday to Friday.