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

IDP's rules for standard IELTS are on its Qatar reschedule and cancel page: a transfer is free 15 or more days before your Listening, Reading and Writing date, costs up to 25% of the fee within 5 to 14 days, and is not allowed within 4 days. Cancel 15 or more days ahead and you get 75% back; within 14 days the fee is not refunded. IDP notes these rules exclude IELTS for UKVI and that a centre may add local policies.

IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills follow the IELTS partners' UKVI policy at both providers: 75% back more than 14 days before, 50% within 14 days but more than two days before, 25% within two days, and nothing on or after test day. The British Council's country pages we read link only the UKVI cancellation policy, so for standard IELTS check the terms shown in your booking confirmation or Test Taker Portal before you cancel.

IDP refunds a One Skill Retake in full if you cancel 72 hours or more before the session, and nothing if you do not turn up. If a serious medical condition stops you sitting the main test, IDP says you can send a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date for a refund minus the local administrative cost. Special consideration for illness or bereavement can be requested before the test or up to two calendar days after it.

At the British Council you need a passport or national ID card and upload a clear copy when booking; candidates under 18 need written consent from a parent or guardian. You pay in its online registration system or book at its office in Doha. Non-residents cannot sit IELTS on paper, and non-Qatari paper candidates must email proof of residence (a residency visa or permit; tourist and business visas are not accepted) at least three days before the test. A British Council booking includes free IELTS Ready Premium (40 practice tests and lessons) and five extra Test Report Forms sent free to the institutions you apply to.

IDP says you can book online or at an IDP branch, uploading a clear colour scan of your passport and paying by credit card.

Book IDP's Qatar Aeronautical Academy venue for QAR 1,390, QAR 70 less than elsewhere, and choose Writing on Computer (QAR 140 less than Writing on Paper at that venue). If one skill falls short, the British Council's One Skill Retake (QAR 920) saves QAR 540 on a full resit within 60 days (One Skill Retake guide). If your university accepts it, IELTS Academic Online at QAR 1,290 is the cheapest option, but it is not accepted for UK visas (IELTS Online vs computer vs paper).

PTE Academic costs USD 375 in Qatar (PTE fee in Qatar). Before you pay for either, take a free full IELTS mock test scored by BandLadder AI.