Rules, comparisons and data

Can you change your IELTS test centre or city after booking?

Often not. IDP Australia says you cannot transfer your test to another test centre, because all test centres are separate organisations. IDP India allows you to ask for a change of test city by email, and the request is reviewed before approval. Where a move is refused, the usual route is to cancel under your centre's refund policy and book again where you want to sit.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS
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Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

What IDP says

IDP Australia's FAQ is direct: you are unable to transfer the test to another test centre, because all the test centres are separate organisations (IDP Australia). Changes of date, module or format must be made with the centre where you booked.

IDP India runs every IDP centre in the country and handles it differently: to change your test city or module after registering, email ielts.india@idp.com and the request is reviewed and then approved or refused (IDP India FAQ).

ProviderChange of centre or city
IDP AustraliaNot possible: centres are separate organisations
IDP IndiaEmail ielts.india@idp.com; subject to review and approval
ElsewhereAsk the centre you booked with; ielts.org says detailed policies vary by location

If you cannot move: cancel and rebook

If a change is not possible, you can cancel and book at the centre you want. The refund depends on timing. ielts.org says you can cancel at any time before the test and the refund depends on when you cancel (ielts.org). IDP Australia refunds in full at least 14 days before the test, 50% between 7 and 14 days, and nothing within 7 days (IDP Australia). Full country rules are in our cancel and refund guide.

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Two cases where another centre is normal

One Skill Retake: ielts.org says you can take a One Skill Retake at any test centre where it is offered (ielts.org), and IDP Australia says you can book it at any eligible IDP centre in your city (IDP Australia).

Access arrangements: if your centre does not have the equipment or space you need, such as a separate room, ielts.org says it will do its best to help you find a centre that does (ielts.org). Detailed rules are set locally and can differ by country and test centre, so check your booking confirmation or ask your centre if anything here does not match what you were told.

Frequently asked questions

Can I move my IELTS booking from IDP to the British Council?+

No source describes a transfer between providers. IDP Australia says centres are separate organisations; cancel under the refund policy and book again.

How do I change my IELTS test city in India?+

Email ielts.india@idp.com. IDP India reviews the request before approving it.

Is there a fee to change IELTS test city?+

IDP India does not publish one for city changes. Ask when you email, and check the transfer rules if the date also changes.

Can I take One Skill Retake at a different centre?+

Yes, at any centre that offers it, according to ielts.org.

Keep reading

Related

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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