Rules, comparisons and data

What happens if you miss your IELTS test?

You lose the fee unless you can show a serious reason. IDP Australia treats an unannounced absence as non-attendance with no refund, and IDP India treats you as an absentee. With evidence of serious illness or an emergency you can ask for a transfer or refund, but the window is short: two calendar days under ielts.org's global rule, five days for IELTS for UKVI and 14 days at IDP Australia.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS
Take a free mock →Read the guide

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

The default: no result and no refund

IDP Australia says that if you do not attend your test, or part of it, and do not tell the centre, that is non-attendance, and you are not eligible for a refund (IDP Australia). IDP India says a registered candidate who fails to appear is deemed an absentee and a refund will not be applicable (IDP India FAQ).

IDP's IELTS declaration adds that you must attend all four test components to receive a result, and any exception must be approved in advance by the centre (IDP terms). Missing only Speaking is covered in what happens if you miss the Speaking test.

Deadlines for a serious reason

If illness, bereavement or another emergency stopped you, act quickly. The deadline depends on the test and the provider.

RuleDeadline after the testPossible outcomeSource
ielts.org special consideration (most tests)2 calendar days, and never after results are releasedRefund or transfer, sometimes less an admin feeielts.org
IELTS for UKVI exceptional circumstances5 daysFull refund less an admin fee of no more than 25%ielts.org
IDP Australia14 days, with a medical certificate dated on or before the test dayFree transfer to a new date if approvedIDP Australia
IDP IndiaApply on the transfer and cancellation formConsidered under special conditions; the centre's decision is finalIDP India

Know your target? Check where you stand

Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.

Take a free mock →

Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.

If you are sick on the morning of the test

Call or email before the test if you can. IDP Australia says that if you contact the centre on the day of your test, you can change your test date at no additional charge. If you are too ill to contact anyone, you can still request a transfer for up to 14 days after the test, with an approved medical certificate (IDP Australia). Our special consideration guide covers what evidence counts. Detailed rules are set locally and can differ by country and test centre, so check your booking confirmation or ask your centre if anything here does not match what you were told.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get a refund if I miss my IELTS test?+

Not by default. A refund or transfer is only possible with evidence of a serious reason, sent within the deadline.

Can I reschedule IELTS after missing it?+

Only through special consideration or, at IDP Australia, with a medical certificate within 14 days.

What if I miss IELTS because of a family death?+

ielts.org lists bereavement among the reasons for special consideration. Apply to your centre with evidence within two calendar days (five days for UKVI).

Can I get a result if I missed one part?+

No. IDP's terms say you must attend all four components unless the centre approved an exception in advance.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

Take a free mock