Take IELTS
IELTS is the world's most popular English language test for education and emigration. Over 1.5 million tests are taken each year in over 500 locations worldwide.
Start your IELTS journey with British Council on our TakeIELTS website. Here you will find everything you need to know about the test including where, when and how to book your test session, how to prepare using our free study resources and our exclusive Road to IELTS online preparation kit, which countries and institutions accept IELTS and how to access your results.
When you have booked your session on TakeIELTS you can return to this page to browse the frequently asked questions, below, that cover additional information for candidates taking IELTS in your country.
We only accept payment via cash deposit into our bank account.
British Council banking details:Use your Name & Surname as payment reference.
Please remember to send us your proof of payment by email at ssa.enquiries@britishcouncil.org or fax it to +27 86 570 0422.
At least two weeks before the actual test, you will receive a letter confirming details of both the written and oral test. Please note that the oral test should be scheduled to occur within a seven-day period before or after the test. You will also receive an SMS to confirm the details of your test date and venue. Should you not receive either of these, please contact us.
Unfortunately we cannot reserve places before you have paid. For those candidates who have paid the fee, but not made a booking, we are unable to carry over or retain fees on your behalf. Such candidates will have to apply for a refund and book at a time convenient to them. Please note that fees cannot be carried over from year to year.
Two passport sized photographs (without spectacles) Please bring along on the day of the exam two recent, identical passport-sized photographs taken against a white background. No caps or glasses/spectacles to be worn in the photographs.
Note that your results cannot be printed without a photo.
Pen and pencil.Please note: If you do not have the correct identification document or you do not bring the two photographs, you will not be able to take the test. Make sure you arrive on time so that you have enough time to get comfortable.
Results are available 13 working days after the test. You can either pick your results up from our office or request them to be sent to you.
Unfortunately results cannot be given over the phone, by fax or email, and we are only allowed to give ONE certificate to each student. Candidates can however request to pick up their results in person instead of receiving them by post. This request can be made on the date of the test and we will ask you to add your name to our collection list. When the results are available we will call you; to collect your results you simply need to bring your ID book.
In addition to the certificate given to the candidate, candidates can request on their application forms (Section 24), that up to 5 copies of the results be sent to receiving institutions. Receiving institutions are local academic institutions (e.g. universities) and overseas institutions not registered to view candidate results online. Registered institutions only receive results online; here is a list of registered institutions. Unfortunately we cannot send to local institutions or departments (e.g. immigration agents).
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