Working out the exact IELTS fee in Pakistan can feel like a test in itself. Prices differ by city, by test type, and sometimes between what one page says and what you see at checkout. And with the fee now above PKR 75,000, nobody wants a surprise.
This guide brings together the latest IELTS fees from the official British Council and IDP websites, along with what the fee includes, the cheapest way to pay, and what it costs to reschedule, retake or cancel.
Fees last checked: October 2026. IELTS fees in Pakistan change a few times a year, so always confirm the amount on the official booking page before you pay.
IELTS Fee in Pakistan at a Glance
| Test | Fee (PKR) |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic or General Training (on computer) | 75,600 to 76,240, depending on city |
| IELTS for UKVI (on computer) | 78,820 (see note below) |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | 50,000 to 53,000 |
| IELTS One Skill Retake | 47,630 to 48,050 |
These fees took effect on 9 June 2026, and British Council and IDP now charge the same amount for the standard test in the same city. So your city and test type decide the fee, not the provider.
A note on the UKVI fee: IDP lists IELTS for UKVI at PKR 78,820. British Council’s Pakistan booking page still shows PKR 72,000, but its listing on the official IELTS website shows PKR 78,820. Check the exact amount at checkout before paying.
IELTS Fee by City
The standard IELTS Academic and General Training test on computer costs:
| City | Fee (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Lahore | 76,240 |
| Faisalabad | 76,240 |
| Multan | 76,240 |
| Sialkot, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Sahiwal | 76,240 |
| Bahawalpur, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin | 76,240 |
| Gujrat | 76,240 (British Council) or 75,600 (IDP) |
| Islamabad and Rawalpindi | 75,600 |
| Karachi and Hyderabad | 75,600 |
| Sukkur and Quetta | 75,600 |
| Peshawar and Abbottabad | 75,600 |
| Mirpur | 75,600 |
In short, most Punjab cities pay PKR 76,240 and everywhere else pays PKR 75,600. Not every provider tests in every city, so check which centres are available near you when you book.
Which IELTS Test Do You Need?
Make sure you book the right test, because switching later costs money.
IELTS Academic is for university admission abroad and for professional registration, such as doctors and nurses.
IELTS General Training is for migration to countries like Canada and Australia, and for work visas.
IELTS for UKVI is a version required for certain UK visa applications. It has the same content as Academic or General Training but is taken under extra security conditions, which is why it costs more.
IELTS Life Skills tests only speaking and listening, at A1 or B1 level. It’s used for some UK family and settlement visas.
If you’re unsure, check the exact requirement with your university or immigration body before booking. Our guide to the different IELTS test organisations explains how British Council and IDP compare.
What the IELTS Fee Includes
Your fee covers all four parts of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking), your official Test Report Form, and online access to your results.
When you book with British Council Pakistan, the fee also includes:
- Free access to IELTS Ready Premium, with 40+ practice tests, model answers and expert feedback
- Five extra Test Report Forms sent free of charge to the universities or immigration offices you’re applying to
How to Book Your IELTS Test
- Choose your provider: British Council or IDP. The fee is the same in your city.
- Choose your test type, city and date on the official booking site.
- Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport or CNIC. You must bring the same ID on test day.
- Choose your Speaking date. British Council lets you take Speaking on your main test day or within a week before or after it, depending on availability.
- Pay the fee within the deadline (see below).
- Check your email for confirmation and your reference number.
Candidates under 18 need written consent from a parent or guardian. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our IDP IELTS test booking guide.
How to Pay the IELTS Fee (and the Cheapest Way)
British Council Pakistan offers two kinds of payment:
Offline (recommended):
- Interbank transfer (IBFT) through your online banking app or an ATM. British Council itself describes this as the most economical option.
- Cash deposit at a Standard Chartered or MCB branch, using the bank details British Council provides.
- Bank draft payable to “British Council Pakistan”.
Online:
- Credit card payment.
Why offline is cheaper: card payments to IELTS are processed as international transactions. British Council notes that the amount charged to your card can differ from the listed fee because of exchange rates, and your bank may add its own charges and advance tax on top. An IBFT transfer avoids these extras.
Payment deadline: British Council requires payment within 3 days of registering, and at least 3 days before your first exam (Speaking or the main test, whichever comes first). If payment doesn’t arrive in time, you can lose your seat. Cheques aren’t accepted.
IDP shows its own payment options at checkout.
Rescheduling, Retakes and Refunds
Plans change, so it’s worth knowing these costs before you book. The figures below are from IDP Pakistan’s fee table. British Council’s charges are similar but check its cancellation and refund policy for exact amounts.
Transferring your test date
Moving your test date is free if you do it more than 2 weeks before your test. Within 2 weeks, IDP charges:
| Test | Transfer fee (PKR) |
|---|---|
| IELTS on computer | 19,000 |
| IELTS for UKVI | 19,700 |
| IELTS Life Skills | 13,200 |
Cancelling for a refund
If you cancel within the allowed period, you get a partial refund, not the full fee. For example, IDP refunds PKR 57,240 of the PKR 76,240 fee in Lahore and Faisalabad, and PKR 56,600 of the PKR 75,600 fee in Islamabad and Karachi.
Retaking one section
If one score lets you down, you may not need to retake the whole test. IELTS One Skill Retake lets you retake a single section (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking). At IDP it costs PKR 48,050 in Lahore and Faisalabad and PKR 47,630 in Islamabad and Karachi. Read our full guide to IELTS One Skill Retake for eligibility and rules.
Challenging your score
If you think a score is wrong, you can request a remark (an Enquiry on Results). It’s expensive, at PKR 40,500 for IELTS on computer at IDP, but the fee is refunded if your score goes up.
Beware of Discount Scams
Social media is full of “agents” offering IELTS bookings for PKR 50,000 or 60,000. There are no official discounts for individual test takers. Book only through the official British Council or IDP websites, so your payment actually reaches the test provider.
Test Day Checklist
- Your original ID: the same passport or CNIC you used to book. Photocopies and phone photos aren’t accepted.
- A clear water bottle with the label removed.
- A light jacket. Test rooms are often very cold.
- Arrive early. Check-in includes ID checks, photos and security, and it takes longer than most people expect.
Make Your Fee Count
At over PKR 75,000, IELTS is a big investment, and a retake costs almost as much again. The best way to protect that money is to book only when you’re consistently hitting your target band in practice.
Try an IELTS assessment test online to see where you stand, use our IELTS Band Score Calculator to check your practice scores, and follow our complete guide on how to prepare for IELTS to build a study plan. For free practice, see the best websites for free IELTS mock tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IELTS fee in Pakistan in 2026?
The IELTS Academic or General Training test on computer costs PKR 75,600 in most cities, including Islamabad, Karachi and Peshawar, and PKR 76,240 in Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan and most other Punjab cities. These fees took effect on 9 June 2026.
Is the IELTS fee different at British Council and IDP?
No. For the standard Academic and General Training test, British Council and IDP charge the same fee in the same city. Your city and test type decide the price.
Is IELTS Academic more expensive than General Training?
No. Both cost the same in every city.
What is the IELTS UKVI fee in Pakistan?
IDP lists IELTS for UKVI at PKR 78,820. British Council’s booking page shows PKR 72,000, but its listing on the official IELTS website shows PKR 78,820, so confirm the amount at checkout.
What is the cheapest way to pay the IELTS fee?
An interbank transfer (IBFT) through online banking or an ATM. Card payments are processed internationally, so the amount charged can be higher because of exchange rates and bank charges.
Can I reschedule my IELTS test?
Yes. Transfers are free if you request them more than 2 weeks before your test. Within 2 weeks, IDP charges PKR 19,000 for IELTS on computer.
Is the IELTS fee refundable?
Partly. If you cancel within the allowed period, you receive a partial refund. For example, IDP refunds PKR 57,240 of the PKR 76,240 fee in Lahore.
How much does IELTS One Skill Retake cost in Pakistan?
At IDP, One Skill Retake costs PKR 48,050 in Lahore and Faisalabad, and PKR 47,630 in Islamabad and Karachi.
How long is an IELTS score valid?
Most universities and immigration bodies accept IELTS results for two years from the test date.
