IELTS · Guides · October 24, 2026 · 4 min read
IELTS fee in Nigeria 2026: ₦299,000, UKVI, remark fee, test centres and booking
The IELTS fee in Nigeria is ₦299,000 for Academic or General Training on computer, with both IDP and British Council. IELTS for UKVI costs ₦315,500 with either organiser. Both organisers now run the standard test on computer, with results in one to five days.
We checked the figures below on the IDP Nigeria and British Council Nigeria sites and booking pages on 2 November 2026. Naira fees change often: in October 2024 the test cost about ₦266,000. Always confirm the fee on the booking page before you pay.
IELTS fees in Nigeria
| Test | IDP | British Council |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic or General Training (computer) | ₦299,000 | ₦299,000 |
| IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General) | ₦315,500 | ₦315,500 |
| IELTS Life Skills | ₦298,500 (A1, B1) | ₦285,200 (A1, A2, B1) |
| Enquiry on Results (remark) | refunded if your band changes | ₦149,500 (UKVI ₦157,750) |
British Council shows its test fees only on the booking page (ieltsregistration.britishcouncil.org); the figures above are from there for Lagos and Abuja. British Council also runs a promotion until 31 December 2026: ₦25,000 off for the first 50 bookings each week, for Nigerian residents aged 18 and over.
One Skill Retake lets you retake one section within 60 days of a computer-delivered test, once per test. Neither organiser publishes its Naira fee, so check when you book.
Test cities
- IDP: 17 cities — Abeokuta, Abuja, Akure, Asaba, Awka, Benin, Enugu, Ibadan, Ife, Ilorin, Kano, Lagos, Makurdi, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Sango Ota and Uyo.
- British Council: computer-delivered IELTS in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan and Port Harcourt; IELTS for UKVI in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. Its general list also names other locations, so check what is available in your city when you book.
The fully paper-based IELTS is no longer offered: Listening, Reading and Writing are on computer, and Speaking is face to face with an examiner. British Council takes bookings up to 48 hours before a test date.
How to book
- Choose the test. Academic for university, General Training for work and migration to Canada or Australia, IELTS for UKVI for most UK visas other than degree-level study. See Academic vs General Training.
- Book online at ielts.idp.com/nigeria or britishcouncil.org.ng (IDP also takes bookings at its offices).
- ID. IDP asks you to upload your international passport. British Council accepts an identity card or passport that is valid on the booking date and on test day. If you will use the result abroad, book with your passport: its number appears on your Test Report Form.
- Pay by card. British Council also accepts PayPal and Klarna instalments.
Transfer and cancellation (British Council)
| When | Transfer | Cancellation |
|---|---|---|
| 15 days or more before | free | 75% refund |
| 5–14 days before | 25% fee | no refund |
| Less than 5 days | not allowed | no refund |
IELTS for UKVI has its own rules: 75% back more than 14 days before the test, 50% at 3–14 days, 25% at two days or less. IDP’s Nigerian policy pages were unavailable when we checked, so ask IDP when you book.
Results
British Council releases computer-delivered results in 1–2 days and IELTS for UKVI in 1–5 days, as an electronic Test Report Form; Life Skills takes 9 days. IDP gives 1–5 days. Sending your result electronically to institutions is free. More in IELTS results.
What score Nigerians usually need
- UK Skilled Worker and Health and Care visas: level B2, which means at least 5.5 in each skill of IELTS for UKVI.
- UK student visa for degree-level study: B2, 5.5 in each skill; the standard IELTS Academic is usually enough if your university accepts it.
- Nurses and midwives (NMC): IELTS Academic with 7 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 6.5 in Writing. Scores from two sittings can be combined, within limits set by the NMC.
- Canada (Express Entry): only IELTS General Training counts, and One Skill Retake is not accepted. Federal Skilled Worker needs CLB 7, which is 6.0 in each skill.
- WAEC instead of IELTS: some UK universities, such as Sheffield and Leeds, accept a WASSCE English credit instead of IELTS for admission. Check with your university before you book.
Requirements as of 24 October 2026; check the official page for your visa or programme. What each band means: IELTS bands and CEFR levels.
Common questions
Is IELTS cheaper with British Council or IDP? The standard test costs the same at both, ₦299,000, and so does IELTS for UKVI, ₦315,500, before any promotion.
Can I book with my NIN slip? Neither organiser lists it. Book with your international passport.
How do I avoid paying twice? Check your level first. The Nomto practice test uses the same on-screen format and gives a band for every section. If you are aiming for a specific score, read how the band score is calculated.