Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Rules by country
Module changes are handled by the test centre that took your booking. Two published policies:
| Where | Module change rule |
|---|---|
| IDP Australia | Date, format or module changed once free; module change no later than 48 hours before, else a new date may be needed |
| IDP India | Email ielts.india@idp.com; request is reviewed and approved |
| Elsewhere | Ask your centre; a change may be treated as a transfer |
IDP Australia
IDP Australia says IELTS lets you change your test date, test format or module free of charge, once, right up to the test date, for example switching from Academic to General Training. Its FAQ asks you to contact the centre as soon as possible and no later than 48 hours before the test for a module change, and notes that changes to an IELTS on paper booking depend on availability (IDP Australia).
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IDP India and the rest of the world
IDP India says changes to your test city or module after registration must be emailed to ielts.india@idp.com, and the request will be reviewed before approval (IDP India FAQ). Elsewhere, ielts.org's global policy allows one transfer per booking to a date within three months; a module change that needs a new date may count as that transfer (ielts.org).
Before switching, check which module your university, employer or visa needs. IDP says higher education and professional registration usually need Academic, while General Training suits secondary study, work or migration (IDP).
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to change IELTS from Academic to General?+
IDP Australia allows one free change of module. Other countries set their own rules; ask your centre.
How late can I change my IELTS module?+
IDP Australia asks for at least 48 hours before the test.
Can I change module on test day?+
Do not rely on it. The Reading and Writing papers differ, so contact the centre well before.
How do I change my IELTS module in India?+
Email ielts.india@idp.com. IDP India reviews and approves the request.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS cancel, reschedule and refund rules
- What is IELTS? Academic vs General Training
- How to book IELTS
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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