How much is the IELTS exam fee in Kenya?

Most Kenyan candidates heading to the UK need one of two tests. A Health and Care Worker or Skilled Worker visa needs a Secure English Language Test at CEFR B2, which the British Council lists as at least 5.5 in each of the four parts of IELTS for UKVI, so budget KES 44,840 (British Council). B1 still applies to people already on those routes before 8 January 2026 who are only extending. See IELTS for the UK Skilled Worker visa.

If you are a nurse or midwife heading for the UK, book IELTS Academic (or IELTS for UKVI Academic) at a test centre. The Nursing and Midwifery Council says it does not accept IELTS Online or One Skill Retake, because all four skills must be tested in one sitting (NMC). Our IELTS for nurses in the UK guide has the scores.

IDP and the British Council use the same deadlines for standard IELTS in Kenya (IDP policy, British Council policy). The British Council says refunds can take 4 to 6 weeks. Both accept special-consideration cases (illness, bereavement and similar) up to two calendar days after the test. IDP's One Skill Retake is fully refunded if cancelled 72 hours or more before the session (IDP).

IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills follow a separate British Council policy: cancel more than 14 days ahead and you get 75% back, within 14 days but more than two days ahead 50%, within two days 25%, and nothing on or after test day. A UKVI booking can be transferred once, more than 14 days ahead, to a date within three months, and the centre may charge up to 25%. (British Council UKVI policy). More detail is in our IELTS cancel, reschedule and refund guide.

The British Council's online booking offers card or mobile money payment, or you can pay cash at any Standard Chartered branch in Kenya with its virtual account deposit slip, quoting your IELTS reference number. Online payments confirm instantly; bank payments within two working days. Kenyans can register with a passport or national ID; non-Kenyans need a passport, and UKVI tests always need one (British Council).

IDP asks you to upload a clear colour scan or photo of your passport and pay by card online, or register at a local IDP branch (IDP). Every attempt costs the full fee, so practise free before you pay.