- Fee (British Council)
- BWP 4,710
- IELTS for UKVI
- BWP 5,050
- Test city
- Gaborone
- UK visa (B2)
- 5.5 each
IELTS fees in Botswana
| Test | Fee (British Council, Gaborone) |
|---|---|
| IELTS on computer (Academic or General Training), IDM | BWP 4,710 |
| IELTS for UKVI on computer, IDM | BWP 5,050 |
| IELTS for UKVI on paper, Botswana National Productivity Centre | BWP 4,660 |
BandLadder pricing in BWP for Botswana
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| Plan | Access | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sprint Pass | 7 days | BWP 69.78 |
| Quick Pass | 15 days | BWP 111.72 |
| Boost | 30 days | BWP 195.62 |
| Professional | 60 days | BWP 321.47 |
| Professional | 90 days | BWP 419.35 |
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Practice IELTS Academic →Test centres and format
The finder lists two British Council venues, both in Gaborone: the Institute of Development Management on Mobuto Road, with IELTS on computer including UKVI, and the Botswana National Productivity Centre, which lists IELTS for UKVI on paper only.
The band each destination needs
| Route | IELTS | PTE equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom: Skilled Worker, degree-level study | IELTS for UKVI 5.5 each (B2) | PTE Academic UKVI 59 each |
| Australia: Competent English (skilled visa eligibility) | IELTS 6.0 each | PTE 47 / 48 / 51 / 54 (L/R/W/S) |
| Australia: Proficient English (+10 points) | IELTS 7.0 each | PTE 58 / 59 / 69 / 76 |
| Canada: Express Entry CLB 7 | IELTS General 6.0 each | PTE Core L60 · R60 · W69 · S68 |
Australia's Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 each) adds 10 points and Superior (8.0 each) adds 20, achieved within three years of the visa application. Canada accepts only IELTS General Training for Express Entry, and the result must be under two years old. UK universities usually ask 6.0 to 6.5 for undergraduate and 6.5 to 7.0 for postgraduate study.
What universities ask for
| University / level | IELTS | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| University of Cape Town (South Africa) | IELTS Academic 6.5, at least 6.0 in each component | PTE Academic 67, at least 59 in each communicative skill |
| University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa) | IELTS 6.5 | Not listed |
| University of Melbourne (Australia), English Level 1 | IELTS 6.5, at least 6.0 in each skill | PTE Academic 64, at least 60 in each skill |
UCT's results must be no more than two years old, and these are the minimums for consideration; faculties can set higher. Wits lists IELTS 6.5 or Cambridge C1 Advanced 185 for admission, and TOEFL only in exceptional cases; PTE is not on its list. Melbourne gives every course an English level on its course page; Level 1 is the lowest in its table.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the IELTS fee in Botswana in 2026?+
BWP 4,710 for IELTS on computer (Academic or General Training) and BWP 5,050 for IELTS for UKVI on computer at the British Council in Gaborone; IELTS for UKVI on paper is BWP 4,660.
Where can I take IELTS in Botswana?+
In Gaborone, at the Institute of Development Management or the Botswana National Productivity Centre, both run by the British Council.
What IELTS score do South African universities ask for?+
The University of Cape Town asks IELTS Academic 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component; Wits asks 6.5.
What IELTS score do I need for a UK visa from Botswana?+
B2 for Skilled Worker and degree-level Student visas: IELTS for UKVI 5.5 in each skill. Universities set their own bands, usually 6.0 to 6.5 for undergraduate and 6.5 to 7.0 for postgraduate study.
Official sources
Reviewed 11 October 2026. This guide helps you plan test preparation; check the current rules for your own program.
- IELTS: British Council, Institute of Development Management, Gaborone (fees)
- IELTS: British Council, Botswana National Productivity Centre (fees)
- IELTS: test centre finder
- University of Cape Town: language requirements
- Wits University: English language proficiency
- University of Melbourne: English language requirements
- gov.uk: Skilled Worker knowledge of English
- Home Affairs: Competent English
- IRCC: language testing for Express Entry
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