IELTS fees in Germany by provider
The British Council runs 13 of the 14 German centres on the ielts.org finder; IDP has one, Tandem Frankfurt, where all 24 upcoming sessions cost EUR 286. The UKVI and Life Skills prices are on the British Council's UKVI page; the other fees come from each centre's ielts.org page, including British Council Berlin and Englisches Institut Köln.
| Test | British Council | IDP |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic or General Training on computer | EUR 286 (EUR 276 in Cologne) | EUR 286 (Frankfurt) |
| IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training) | EUR 308 (Berlin and Frankfurt) | Not offered |
| IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 or B1 | EUR 206 (Berlin and Frankfurt) | Not offered |
| IELTS Online (Academic only, at home) | Offered; no price on the page we read | Not offered |
Computer, IELTS Online and what the fee includes
The British Council says that from 1 July 2026 all its IELTS tests in Germany are delivered on computer, with results typically in 1 to 2 days and One Skill Retake available (IELTS on computer). One Skill Retake must be taken within 60 days of the full test and is booked in the Test Taker Portal (One Skill Retake).
IELTS Online lets you sit IELTS Academic at home with a video-call Speaking test, results in 6 to 8 days. You must be 18 or over, and the British Council states it is not accepted by immigration authorities (IELTS Online). A British Council booking includes IELTS Ready Premium preparation and free practice tests.
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Take a free scored IELTS mock →Cancellation, transfer and refund rules in Germany
Germany has one rule the other countries in our guides do not: under EU law, the British Council gives a full refund if you cancel an online booking within a 14-day cooling-off period from your payment confirmation (cancellation and refund policy). After that, cancelling 15 or more days before the test returns 75%; within 14 days nothing is returned. Transfers are free 15 or more days ahead, cost 25% within 5 to 14 days, and are not allowed under 5 days.
IDP's German rules are the same as its Irish ones (IDP Germany policy). IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills refund 75% more than 14 days before, 50% within 14 days but more than two days before, 25% within two days, and nothing on test day (UKVI policy). Exceptional-circumstance requests for standard IELTS go to the centre within two calendar days of the test; refunds can take 4 to 6 weeks.
| When you ask | IELTS on computer | IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills |
|---|---|---|
| 15 or more days before | Transfer free; cancel and get 75% back | Cancel: 75% refund. Transfer once, within 3 months, fee up to 25% |
| 5 to 14 days before | Transfer for up to 25% of the fee; cancel: no refund | Cancel: 50% refund (if more than 2 days before); no transfer |
| Within 4 days (UKVI: within 2 days) | No transfer (treated as a cancellation); no refund | Cancel: 25% refund |
| Test day or after | No refund | No refund |
How to book and pay, and which test you need
The British Council takes credit and debit cards in its online booking system, plus PayPal, and Klarna if you prefer to pay in instalments without interest. You need an identity card or passport valid at booking and on test day; parents register for under-18s.
Most German test takers apply to universities in the UK, the US or Australia, which want IELTS Academic, not UKVI; check yours in our university requirements tool, for example Oxford, Harvard or Melbourne. Book IELTS for UKVI only for a UK visa that asks for it (UK student visa). German universities set their own rules, such as TUM and LMU Munich.
PTE Academic costs EUR 280 in Germany (PTE fee in Germany). Before paying EUR 286, take a free IELTS mock test scored by BandLadder AI.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the IELTS exam fee in Germany in 2026?+
EUR 286 for IELTS Academic or General Training on computer at the British Council and IDP on 10 October 2026, and EUR 276 at Englisches Institut Köln.
How much is IELTS for UKVI in Germany?+
EUR 308 at the British Council in Berlin and Frankfurt. IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 or B1 costs EUR 206.
Can I get a full IELTS refund in Germany?+
Yes, within the EU 14-day cooling-off period after your British Council payment confirmation. After that, cancelling 15 or more days before the test refunds 75%.
Can I pay for IELTS with PayPal or Klarna in Germany?+
Yes. The British Council in Germany accepts cards, PayPal and Klarna instalments without added interest.
Is IELTS on paper still available in Germany?+
No. The British Council says that from 1 July 2026 all its IELTS tests in Germany are on computer, and IDP's Frankfurt sessions are on computer too.
Keep reading
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Verified against the linked official sources on 10 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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