International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

About IELTS

The listening and speaking sections of IELTS are the same for all test takers.

The reading and writing sections are different depending on whether you choose the academic or general training modules.

The Academic module is suitable for university entrance at undergraduate and postgraduate level and for professional registration.

The General Training module is suitable for the purposes of immigration to an English-speaking country and for people wishing to train or study below degree level.

IELTS is available in 140 countries, and last year over 2.9 million tests were taken. It is recognised by over 10,000 organisations worldwide, including employers, universities, professional bodies and immigration authorities.

IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment.

For further information on the IELTS exam, please follow the links below:

• ELTC IELTS Exam preparation courses
• IELTS British Council website
• Road to IELTS
• Information for IELTS candidates (PDF, 776KB)
• IELTS notice to candidates (PDF, 180KB)
• IELTS terms and conditions (Word document, 21KB)

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How to prepare

The ELTC regularly runs courses to help students prepare for the IELTS exam.

To find out more about our upcoming courses, please visit our part-time courses page.

There are also some very useful materials online to help you find out more about the IELTS test and practice before you take your exam:

• IELTS preparation
• Road to IELTS

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Available test dates

IELTS on Paper

Saturday 24 February 2024 - Academic module only - Book Now

Saturday 23 March 2024 - Academic and General Training modules - Book Now

Saturday 27 April 2024 - Academic and General Training modules - Book Now

Saturday 25 May 2024 - Academic and General Training modules - Book Now

Saturday 22 June 2024 - Academic and General Training modules - Book Now

IELTS on Computer

Academic and General Training modules

Wednesday 14 February (IELTS on Computer) - Closed for new bookings

Wednesday 21 February (IELTS on Computer) - Book Now

Wednesday 28 February (IELTS on Computer) - Book Now

Wednesday 6 March (IELTS on Computer) - Book Now

Wednesday 13 March (IELTS on Computer) - Book Now

Wednesday 20 March (IELTS on Computer) - Book Now

Wednesday 27 March (IELTS on Computer) - Book Now

Wednesday 3 April (IELTS on Computer) - Book Now

Wednesday 10 April (IELTS on Computer) - Book Now

Wednesday 17 April (IELTS on Computer) - Book Now

Wednesday 24 April (IELTS on Computer) - Book Now

Wednesday 1 May (IELTS on Computer) - Book Now

Wednesday 8 May (IELTS on Computer) - Book Now

Wednesday 15 May (IELTS on Computer) - Book Now

Wednesday 22 May (IELTS on Computer) - Book Now

Wednesday 29 May (IELTS on Computer) - Book Now

Wednesday 12 June (IELTS on Computer) - Book Now

Wednesday 19 June (IELTS on Computer) - Book Now

Wednesday 26 June (IELTS on Computer) - Book Now

Please note that the Speaking section will take place on the same date as the other three sections unless otherwise stated.

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How to apply

Step one

The ELTC only accepts online registration for our IELTS exams.

Register for IELTS onlinePlease note:

• Registration for each test date closes 5 days before the test for both IELTS on Paper and IELTS on Computer. You will not be able to register after that point.
• Completion of online registration does not guarantee you an IELTS test place. You must also send us the required documents and pay exam fees.

Step two

When completing your online registration you must enter your name exactly as it appears on your ID. 

The ELTC IELTS team will contact you before your test to confirm your details. If there are any changes you must send a copy of your ID before your test. This can be done via email as a picture or scan. 

You will need to bring the same ID to all your IELTS exams.  

It must be a valid passport, biometric residence permit (BRP) or European ID card.

Step three

Test fees for IELTS sittings at the ELTC are £205 for tests in 2024.

The ELTC requires all IELTS test-takers to pay their fees by credit or debit card through our secure online payment system. We aren't able to accept any other payment methods for IELTS bookings at our centre.

At the end of your online registration (see Step one above) you will see a link to our online payment site.

All fees should be paid no later than five days after you register and no later than 5 days before your IELTS test. 

If you have any problems with payment of fees, please contact us at eltc.IELTS@sheffield.ac.uk.

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Further information

Can I cancel my IELTS test or change to a new date?

If you would like to cancel your IELTS test, you should inform us by email at eltc.IELTS@sheffield.ac.uk at least 35 days before your test. We will then refund your test fee minus £25 for admin charges. If you cancel less than 35 days before your test, your fee will not be refunded.

To transfer to a different IELTS test date contact eltc.IELTS@sheffield.ac.uk at least 35 days before your test.

We will then send you a transfer request form to complete and charge a £25 fee for admin.

I have to send my passport to the Home Office for visa renewal. Can I still take the IELTS test?

You cannot register or take the test without a valid ID (passport, UK residence permit or EU Identity card) and you must bring the same original ID with you on test day. You will not be allowed to take the test without an original ID, and will not receive a refund. If you have any questions, please contact eltc.IELTS@sheffield.ac.uk

Results

Test results for IELTS on Paper will usually be available 13 days after the test. On that day, they will be posted to you. It is not currently possible to collect any IELTS test results in person.

IELTS test results for the IELTS on Computer version of the exam will be available 3-5 days after taking the exam.

What can I do if I think there is a mistake with my results?

Test-takers can have one or all of their IELTS papers re-marked if they are not happy with the results they received.  The process is called an Enquiry on Results (EOR) and costs and £90. If you have taken an IELTS test at the ELTC and you would like an Enquiry on Results, you must contact eltc.ielts@sheffield.ac.uk no later than 6 weeks from the date of your test.

Contact us

If you would like to ask us a question about our IELTS tests here at the ELTC, please email eltc.IELTS@sheffield.ac.uk or phone at +44 114 222 4931. Our office hours are Monday to Friday 9am-4pm.