According to a report published in the Times of India, post-Covid-19, there has been a 10 to 15% hike in the IELTS exam fee due to growing demand for the exam. Though it hit a roadblock during the pandemic, the stats are back to normal. Rather, it is increasing at a brisk pace. Furthermore, the IELTS test recorded three million applicants in the past year, reflecting its importance for students aspiring to study abroad in renowned universities.
Further, if you are wondering about the change in trends of IELTS exam fees, read through this article to learn more about the examination fees of various sections associated with this test.
Change in IELTS Exam Fee over 5 Years
The table below displays the change in the trend of examination fees over the course of 5 years.
| IELTS Test Type | Cost in Previous Years | Cost in 2021 | Cost in 2022 |
| IELTS Life Skills A1 and B1 | Rs. 13,850 | Rs. 13,840 | Rs. 14,600 |
| Computer-delivered IELTS | Rs. 13,250 | Rs. 14,700 | Rs. 15,500 |
| IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration | Rs. 18,500 | Rs. 15,100 | Rs. 15,750 |
| Pen and paper IELTS | Rs. 13,250 | Rs. 14,700 | Rs. 15,500 |
Overview of IELTS Examination Charge
Students who are not native speakers of English and wish to study or work in a country where English is the primary medium of communication must take language proficiency tests like the IELTS. The registration fee for IELTS is usually determined by the local currency in which it is paid. Therefore, the IELTS exam fee may vary from one country to another. The cost of an IELTS test depends on several factors, including the type of test one takes and which centre they choose to take it at.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the IELTS test fee in India. It also covers the cancellation and rescheduling fees and other associated costs.
Cancellation Fees of IELTS
Due to any reason, if an individual opts out of an IELTS appointment, they need to fulfil certain criteria to cancel the exam and initiate the refund process. However, individuals have to pay a cancellation fee as per the set guidelines of the IELTS exam.
- If a candidate cancels their test date before five weeks of the test date, they are entitled to a refund minus a 25% administrative fee.
- No refund will be initiated if the cancellation request is made in less than five weeks of the test date.
- Further, candidates will not receive any refund if he or she fails to appear for the test and will be considered a cancellation.
- However, on producing a medical certificate within five days of the test, they are eligible to receive a refund after a deduction of local administrative costs.
Additional TRF Fees for IELTS Test
If a candidate wishes to send their IELTS scores to more than five universities, they have the option of paying an additional fee. They will then receive a Test Report Form for each additional university. Candidates can only send scores to a maximum of five institutions in one day. If they wish to send their results to more universities, they must log in again the following day.
There are three ways to send additional test reports to universities. They are as follows –
- Courier
Aspirants must pay an additional fee of Rs. 1500 for every address. IELTS scores are delivered within four days through courier, and candidates can track their packages using the provided tracking number.
- Electronic
Candidates who wish to send their scores electronically must pay a fee of Rs. 250 per university. This fee is applied to universities that have chosen to accept electronic scores from candidates.
- Airmail
Candidates must pay a fee of Rs. 250 for every address to which they want the score to be sent. However, it may take up to two weeks for the scores to arrive by airmail. No tracking number is provided while sending additional TRF through airmail.
IELTS Rechecking Fees
Students who do not feel that their score reflects their ability can request a rechecking of their results. They must pay an upcharge of Rs. 8,475 for the service. To request a remarking on one or more test sections, students must submit an EOR (Enquiry on Results) form to the test centre where they originally took the test. Students can choose to remark only one section or all sections together.
Rescheduling Fees for IELTS Test
If a candidate needs to postpone or reschedule a test date, he or she must submit a request at least five weeks prior to the scheduled test date. The IELTS test fee is subject to change, depending on the time of year and the country in which it is being taken. Rescheduling a test date costs Rs. 3,300. A cancellation fee will be deducted if an individual cancels within seven days of the scheduled test date. Students willing to transfer their test date must choose a fresh date within three months of the original test date.
Note – IELTS candidates may reschedule or postpone their tests only once. They will not be eligible for refunds or further rescheduling if they fail to appear for their tests even on the second date.
Fee Waiver Scholarships for IELTS Exam
Although there are no provisions for reducing the IELTS exam fee, there are certain scholarship programs that aid in exam fee reduction. IELTS test fee waivers are available to candidates who meet the criteria for an IELTS scholarship. Students can receive reimbursement for their IELTS exam fees or have their IELTS test registration fee waived entirely if they’re selected to participate in one of these programs.
Apart from knowing about the IELTS exam fee, students must also be aware of the various factors related to the exam as well. For instance, in order to avail of any special assistance at the test centre, candidates must inform the local test centre at least six weeks before their test date. Since it is of critical importance to fulfil the IELTS band score requirement of different universities, it is a good idea to take the help of professionals in advance rather than having to retake the test in case you fail to get your desired score.
