How much is the IELTS exam fee in Pakistan in 2026?

For standard IELTS, both providers publish the same terms (British Council policy, IDP Pakistan policy): cancel 15 or more days before the test and get 75% back; cancel within 14 days and nothing is refunded. A transfer is free 15 or more days ahead, costs up to 25% of the fee within 5 to 14 days, and is not allowed within 4 days (it counts as a cancellation).

IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills follow the UKVI policy (British Council UKVI policy): 75% back more than 14 days before, 50% within 14 days but more than 2 days before, 25% within 2 days, nothing on or after test day. A UKVI transfer must be requested more than 14 days ahead, to a date within three months, once only, with a fee of up to 25%.

IDP Pakistan refunds One Skill Retake in full if you cancel 72 hours or more before the session, with no administration fee; a no-show gets nothing. If illness or bereavement stops you, apply for special consideration before the test or within two calendar days after it; the British Council says such refunds can take 4 to 6 weeks.

The British Council lists four ways to pay: interbank transfer (IBFT) through online banking or an ATM, which it calls the most economical; a cash deposit at Standard Chartered or MCB; a bank draft payable to "British Council Pakistan"; or a credit card online. Cheques are not accepted. Payment must reach the British Council within 3 days of registering and at least 3 days before your first exam session.

Card payments are settled by an international merchant, so the British Council warns that the amount can differ from the displayed price because of exchange rates, and that banks deduct advance tax under section 236Y of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001: 1% for filers and 3% for non-filers. That tax is not refunded if you later cancel. Paying by IBFT or cash deposit avoids both issues.

IDP Pakistan accepts online card payment, cash at IDP branches and bank transfer (IDP registration). If you choose to pay offline after booking, pay within two days or IDP cancels the seat.

If you need IELTS for UKVI, compare providers first: on 9 October 2026 the British Council's UKVI test was PKR 6,820 cheaper than IDP's. Check that your university or visa actually needs UKVI before paying for it (IELTS for UKVI vs Academic).

The British Council includes five extra Test Report Forms sent free to institutions, plus free access to its IELTS Ready Premium preparation. Book the test only when you are ready: each attempt costs around PKR 75,000, and a missed transfer deadline costs you a quarter of the fee.

Take a free full IELTS mock test first; it is scored by BandLadder AI and shows which skill is holding you back. For PTE prices in Pakistan, see our PTE fee in Pakistan guide.