IDP & British Council IELTS Exam Fee Updates (February 2026): Everything You Need to Know
Planning to study, work, or migrate abroad? Demonstrating your English proficiency is usually the first non-negotiable step on your journey. However, the cost of taking the IELTS exam can be a significant part of your application budget.
Because the British Council and IDP routinely adjust their pricing to account for inflation, regional taxes, and administrative costs, staying up-to-date is crucial. Here is a complete breakdown of the February 2026 IELTS exam fee updates, recent policy changes, and extra costs you should anticipate.
What’s New in 2026? Key Updates
If you are planning to book your test soon, these are the most important updates from IDP and the British Council for 2026:
- UKVI Tests Shifting to Computer-Only in Select Regions: The British Council announced that starting in February and March 2026, IELTS for UKVI tests in several regions (such as the Middle East) will transition entirely to computer-delivered formats. This change is designed to offer a faster, more streamlined testing experience with quicker result turnarounds.
Global IELTS Exam Fees Breakdown (February 2026)
Test fees vary significantly depending on your country and the specific test type you need. Below is a quick-reference table for standard IELTS Academic/General Training and IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) across major global hubs.
| Country | Standard IELTS (Academic/General) | IELTS for UKVI |
| Azerbaijan | 350 AZN | 475 AZN |
| Bahrain | 149 BHD | 165 BHD |
| Bangladesh | 28,450 BDT | 27,450 BDT |
| Cambodia | $185 USD | $210 USD |
| China | 2,170 CNY | 2,220 CNY |
| Hong Kong | 2,685 HKD | 2,880 HKD |
| India | 18,000 INR | 18,250 INR |
| Indonesia | 3,490,000 IDR | 3,951,500 IDR |
| Japan | 27,500 JPY | 31,900 JPY |
| Jordan | 165 JOD | 185 JOD |
| Kazakhstan | 105,000 KZT | 118,000 KZT |
| Kuwait | 85 KWD | 95 KWD |
| Lebanon | $230 USD | $250 USD |
| Malaysia | 930 MYR | 1,035 MYR |
| Myanmar | $210 USD | $235 USD |
| Nepal | 33,000 NPR | 36,400 NPR |
| Oman | 95 OMR | 115 OMR |
| Pakistan | 71,320 – 71,920 PKR | 72,000 PKR |
| Philippines | 12,350 PHP | 13,200 PHP |
| Qatar | 1,050 QAR | 1,200 QAR |
| Saudi Arabia | 1,350 SAR | 1,450 SAR |
| Singapore | 340 SGD | 365 SGD |
| South Korea | 286,000 KRW | 310,000 KRW |
| Sri Lanka | 65,000 LKR | 75,000 LKR |
| Taiwan | 8,300 TWD | 9,100 TWD |
| Thailand | 7,700 THB | 9,100 THB |
| Turkey | 10,500 TL | 11,600 TL |
| UAE | 1,470 AED | 1,570 AED |
| Uzbekistan | 2,300,000 UZS | 2,500,000 UZS |
| Vietnam | 4,664,000 VND | 5,252,000 VND |
Note: Whether you choose the paper-based or computer-delivered format, the base price of the exam is generally the exact same. However, computer-delivered tests offer more available dates and return your results in just 2 to 5 days.
Additional Costs: Retakes, Rescheduling, and Rechecking
Your initial booking fee isn’t the only cost you should prepare for. Life happens, and sometimes you may need to alter your test date or challenge a score.
1. IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR)
If you missed your target score in just one section (Reading, Writing, Listening, or Speaking), you no longer have to retake the entire exam. The One Skill Retake allows you to redo a single module.
2. Enquiry on Results (EOR) / Rechecking
If you believe your test was scored unfairly, you can apply for an EOR within six weeks of your test date. If your score is upgraded, this fee is fully refunded.
3. Rescheduling & Cancellation Policies
Need to change your test date? Timing is everything.
- Rescheduling: If you transfer your date more than 5 weeks in advance (or roughly 14+ days for some regional centers), you will pay an administrative fee.
- Cancellation: If you cancel your test 9+ days before the exam, you will receive a partial refund (the booking fee minus an administrative deduction). If you cancel within 9 days of the exam, you will receive no refund.
How to Book Your IELTS Exam in 2026
Booking your exam is a straightforward process, but strict verification rules apply.
- Choose your portal: Visit the official IDP or British Council website for your specific country.
- Select your test type: Ensure you select the correct module (Academic for study, General for migration, or UKVI if mandated by UK immigration).
- Pick a date and format: Choose between computer-delivered or paper-based tests.
- Upload ID: You must upload a clear, color scan of your valid passport. Your details must match the ID perfectly.
- Pay the fee: Payment can typically be made via Credit/Debit card, Net Banking, or offline methods like a bank deposit or Demand Draft.