IELTS test cities in Turkey by provider
City lists come from the British Council's dates, fees and locations page, IDP's test centre finder and the ielts.org test centre finder for Turkey, which showed 41 venues on 10 October 2026. IDP's finder counted 11 centres, and ielts.org also lists IDP venues in Mersin and Van. We leave out street addresses; use the finders when you book.
| City | British Council | IDP |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul (European and Asian sides) | Yes, including UKVI and Life Skills | Yes, five centres; UKVI at Vadi Istanbul |
| Ankara | Yes, including UKVI and Life Skills | Yes, including UKVI and Life Skills |
| Izmir, Adana | Yes, including UKVI | Yes |
| Gaziantep | Yes (UKVI sessions listed) | Yes |
| Antalya, Bursa | Yes | Yes |
| Mersin, Van | Yes | On ielts.org |
| Erzurum, Eskisehir, Kayseri, Kocaeli, Konya, Mugla, Samsun | Yes | Not listed |
| Aksaray, Karabuk, Karaman, Kirklareli, Manisa, Ordu, Tekirdag, Usak | Yes | Not listed |
How to choose a centre
For a UK visa, IELTS for UKVI is now computer-only in Turkey: the British Council says paper-based UKVI is no longer offered and names Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Adana as its UKVI cities (UKVI page); its session list also showed UKVI dates in Gaziantep. For universities and for Australia, New Zealand and Canada, any centre works.
In eastern and Black Sea cities such as Erzurum, Van, Samsun and Ordu, the British Council is usually the only provider listed, so check its dates first. If you prefer to handwrite your essay, both providers run IELTS on computer with Writing on paper at some venues. Bring a Turkish national ID card or passport; a residence permit is not accepted.
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Booking
Book with the provider running your centre, online or, for IDP, at an IDP office. Fees, payment and refund rules are in our IELTS exam fee in Turkey guide. Both providers offer One Skill Retake on computer within 60 days of your original test.
Frequently asked questions
How many cities in Turkey have IELTS test centres?+
The British Council lists 24 cities. IDP's finder showed centres in 7 cities, and ielts.org lists IDP venues in Mersin and Van too.
Where can I take IELTS for UKVI in Turkey?+
With the British Council in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Adana (and Gaziantep sessions were listed), or with IDP in Istanbul and Ankara. It is computer-only.
Is there an IELTS test centre in Erzurum or Van?+
Yes, with the British Council in both. ielts.org also lists an IDP venue in Van.
Can foreigners living in Turkey take IELTS there?+
Yes, but the British Council accepts only a passport or Turkish national ID card; a residence permit or Blue Card is not valid ID on test day.
Is paper-based IELTS available in Turkey?+
Not as a full paper test in the sessions we read. Both providers offer IELTS on computer with the Writing test on paper at some venues.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS exam fee in Turkey
- PTE test centres in Turkey
- IELTS One Skill Retake
- IELTS for students from Turkey
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 970 guides
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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