IELTS test cities in Zimbabwe
The British Council's dates and locations page names Harare and Bulawayo, and its booking system confirmed sessions in both. IDP does not operate in Zimbabwe. We give cities, not addresses; the venue is in your booking confirmation.
| Test | Harare | Bulawayo |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic or General Training on computer | 22 dates each | 6 dates each |
| IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training) | 9 dates each | 5 dates each |
| IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 and B1 | 3 dates each | None open |
| Writing on paper | 1 date | None open |
Choosing between Harare and Bulawayo
Fees are the same in both cities (USD 375, or USD 400 for UKVI), so choose on date and travel. Harare has roughly three to four times as many dates. Bulawayo is useful for candidates in Matabeleland and the Midlands, but with about one date a month, book well ahead of any visa or university deadline.
Life Skills dates are scarce (three each of A1 and B1 in Harare over five months, and no A2), so family-visa applicants should book first and plan travel around the test. Nurses heading to the UK must sit IELTS Academic at a centre for the NMC; IELTS Online is not accepted.
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Booking
Book online through the British Council and pay by card or mobile money. Fees and refund rules are in IELTS exam fee in Zimbabwe.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I take IELTS in Zimbabwe?+
In Harare and Bulawayo, both run by the British Council.
Can I take IELTS for UKVI in Bulawayo?+
Yes. The British Council's booking system showed IELTS for UKVI dates in Bulawayo as well as Harare on 10 October 2026.
Where is IELTS Life Skills offered in Zimbabwe?+
In Harare. A1 and B1 dates were open; no A2 dates were listed when we checked.
Is IELTS cheaper in Bulawayo than Harare?+
No. The fee is USD 375 in both cities, and USD 400 for IELTS for UKVI.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS exam fee in Zimbabwe
- PTE test centres in Zimbabwe
- IELTS Life Skills
- IELTS for UKVI vs IELTS Academic
- IELTS for students from Zimbabwe
- 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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