The British Council and IDP will no longer offer IELTS via the paper format in Nigeria. From 24 May 2025, all IELTS tests will be delivered exclusively on computer, providing a faster, more efficient and streamlined testing experience. IELTS on Paper and IELTS on Computer have the same test format, questions and scoring. IELTS on Computer also offers significant benefits to test takers at no additional cost:
-Faster results: Receive your results in 1-2 days
-Faster booking: Book your test as late as one day before registration closes
-More test dates: Access more frequent test dates
-One Skill Retake, which is only available with IELTS on Computer, allows you to retake just one part of the test - Listening, Speaking, Reading or Writing, without redoing the entire exam.
Test takers can continue to access the most widely recognised high-stakes English Language test with greater convenience and flexibility.
Book your exam online and access our free preparation materials today.
When you book an IELTS test with the British Council, you also get included in your test fee:
- Exclusive, free access to our popular online preparation course 'IELTS Ready Premium'
- Five extra Test Report Forms for free that we send free of charge to institutions you’re applying to (e.g. immigration offices, universities, etc.)
Choose how to take your IELTS test and book online
You can take your test on paper or on a computer at one of our official test centres. All you need is a valid identification document and a bank card if you want to pay online.
Important registration information for IELTS on paper
If you’re not officially a resident in Nigeria, you will not be able to sit an IELTS on paper test. However, you can still take the test on computer so please do choose that option.
Already booked an IELTS on Paper test and you do not hold Nigerian nationality?
- If you booked your test before 16 January 2025, you will not need to show proof of residence.
- If you booked your test after 16 January 2025, you will need to show proof of residence by email at least three days before your test date.
Acceptable proof of residence includes:
- A valid Student Visa (stating purpose, length of visa and expiry date) stamped in the passport.
- A valid Work Permit (2 documents) including Visa (stating status and expiry) stamped in the passport and Work Permit card (showing expiry date).
| Tests we offer | Fee | Available test dates |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS on Computer Academic and General Training - in centre | ₦266,000 | Find a test date |
| IELTS on Paper Academic and General Training - in centre | ₦277,000 | Find a test date |
| IELTS for UKVI Academic on computer - in centre | ₦285,000 | Find a test date |
| IELTS for UKVI General Training on computer - in centre | ₦285,000 | Find a test date |
| IELTS for UKVI Life Skills (A1 and B1) | ₦269,000 | Find a test date |
What you need to book
- A valid identification document. When you register, you’ll need to upload a scan of your ID. The ID document should be a Passport or NIN card (with a microchip embedded, not the temporary slip) for Nigerians. The ID document for non-Nigerians is strictly a valid Passport. ID must be valid at the time of booking and on the test day. Any other identity document will not be accepted. If you're under 18, your parents will also need to complete the Parent Consent for candidates under 18 form. IELTS is not recommended for anyone under 16.
- A bank card (Credit/Debit) to pay through our online booking system or bank transfer. Find out more about how to pay.
After you have booked your test
You will receive emails confirming:
- the start time of your test and the venue address.
- your Speaking Test date.
- your access codes to the free online preparation course: IELTS Ready: Premium.
More information about the test
- Download and read our Information for Candidates to learn everything you need to know about the format, the different exam components and test results.
- There are two speaking test formats – subject to availability you may change your speaking test format.