IELTS

Register for IELTS quickly and easily by following these steps:

1.Decide which version of IELTS is right for you

• IELTS Academic or 
• IELTS General Training

2. Check the locations and dates you want are available

As there are a limited number of places for all test dates, we recommend that you register two weeks ahead, though places may be available at shorter notice. You can download a document with more IELTS test dates or check online information on test place availability.

3. Register

You can register either online or at our Gwanghwamun centre (Seoul tests only):

 Register online

• Follow the online registration process
• Upload your photo (which much show you without glasses) 
• Pay the test fee of 225,000 won (including VAT) 
• Print a copy of your 'IELTS Application Summary' on the final screen before submitting your application (it will also be emailed to you) 
• Click on the 'Apply Now' button to submit your application 

Register at our Gwanghwamun centre (Seoul tests only) 

You can fill in your application form at our Gwanghwamun centre. Please note that seats are limited at busy times. You should bring with you:

• two passport photographs (which must show you without glasses) 
• your ID Card or passport (the document specified on your application form) 
• a photocopy of your ID card or passport 
• the test fee of 225,000 won (including VAT) (cash and credit cards accepted) 

Book your IELTS test with the British Council and receive exclusive access to a wide range of learning materials to help you get the best possible IELTS score:

Road to IELTS – 30 hours of free online study

Road to IELTS, written by the British Council, is a popular online self-study resource for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking practice. It includes:

• Practice materials
• Time tests
• Tutorials
• Online scoring
• Self-assessment tools to measure your progress

Access 10 hours of free study right now, and once you register for the IELTS test with us, you get a further 20 hours. 

British Council IELTS courses and workshops

We provide a number of courses taught by highly qualified English language teachers with in-depth knowledge of the IELTS test. 

If you think that you would benefit from face-to-face preparation, register for an IELTS course.

One-day IELTS Seminar

Register on a One-day IELTS Seminar, which will help you become more familiar with the test format and the types of questions you will encounter in the test.

IELTS test day advice

Find out everything you will need to know in our IELTS test day advice – what time you need to arrive at the test venue, what you should bring with you and what happens during each part of the test.

IELTS tips for success

Read our IELTS tips for success to make sure you perform at your very best on the test day. You can also watch videos of past candidates talking about how they prepared for IELTS.

Your IELTS results will be issued 13 calendar days after the day of your test and recorded on a Test Report Form, which will be posted to you. Find out how to understand your IELTS score. 

Can’t wait for your IELTS results to arrive by post?

You can preview your results online from 12.00 midday on the 13th day after the date of the written tests.

* You cannot obtain your results over the phone, by email or by fax.

Test Report Forms

• You will receive one copy of the Test Report Form
• The Test Report Form has an inbuilt security system and therefore cannot be copied
• Additional original copies can be posted to receiving institutions (e.g. universities, immigration officers, etc.); please include the relevant addresses when you register
• Institutions can also view candidates’ scores through the IELTS Test Report Form Verification Service, provided that they have the candidate’s Test Report Form number
• Institutions will not usually accept a Test Report Form that is more than two years old, unless you provide evidence that you have actively maintained or tried to improve your English since taking the test

What should I do if I don’t get the score I expected?

If you are dissatisfied with your score, you can apply to our Enquiry on Results Service to have your test re-marked. This must be done within six weeks of the test date. You can choose which modules are re-marked. There is a fee for this service, which will be refunded should the score on any module change. Enquiry on Results can take up to eight weeks to complete.

Please contact the Exams team for further information.

Can I retake the test?

You can take the test as many times as you wish. However, please note that to significantly improve your score it is necessary to undertake further study. IELTS research indicates that scores are unlikely to improve dramatically without extensive English language tuition in the interim.

What if I lose my Test Report Form?

For a period of two years after taking the test, you can apply for up to five free copies to be sent directly to an institution requiring them. Go to Obtaining extra Test Report Forms  for more information.

IELTS is the world’s most popular English language test with over 1.7 million tests taken each year. More than 7,000 organisations worldwide accept IELTS for education, employment and emigration.

The IELTS test is designed to reflect how you will use English for study and work in your new life abroad. In under three hours, IELTS assesses all of your English skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking.

Why take IELTS with the British Council?

With over 75 years’ experience in testing, the British Council is committed to developing a wider knowledge of the English language. Find out more about why you should take an exam with us.

Millions of people take IELTS with us for the following reasons:

SPEED

• Unrivalled availability of IELTS test days
• Results available online 13 days after taking your test

LOCATION

• Five test centres to choose from 

EXPERT ADVICE

• British Council English courses and resources to help you prepare for your IELTS test

BOOKING AND PAYMENT

• Convenient online booking facilities
• Flexible payment options
• Fees payable in cash or credit card

>> Find out about British Council scholarship opportunities