IELTS fees in Saudi Arabia
| Test | Fee at the British Council |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic or General Training on computer | SAR 1,636 |
| IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training) on computer | SAR 1,744 |
| IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 | SAR 897 |
Where to take IELTS in Saudi Arabia
- On computer: Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, with daily sessions at several centres and a choice of speaking date at booking.
- On paper: Al-Hassa, Buraydah, Dammam, Hail, Jeddah, Jubail, Madinah, Makkah, Riyadh, Tabuk and Taif.
- Paper speaking tests can fall up to seven days before or after the written test; you are told the date a week ahead.
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.
Healthcare staff in the Kingdom planning a move to the UK or Australia face a separate bar: nurse registration sets its own, higher bands.
| Registration | IELTS | PTE |
|---|---|---|
| UK nurse registration (NMC) | IELTS Academic L7 · R7 · W6.5 · S7, or OET; two sittings within 12 months may be combined | PTE not accepted by the NMC |
| Australia nurse registration (Ahpra), tests from 23 Apr 2026 | IELTS Academic 7 overall, 7 in L/R/S, 6.5 in W | PTE Academic 63 overall with component minimums; OET also accepted |
Check your target, then practise
Official sources
Reviewed 25 September 2026. This guide helps you plan test preparation; check the current rules for your own program.
BandLadder pricing in SAR for Saudi Arabia
One-time access, no automatic renewal. Free practice needs no card. Prices are shown in your currency at checkout as well.
| Plan | Access | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sprint Pass | 7 days | SAR 23.99 |
| Quick Pass | 15 days | SAR 38.99 |
| Boost | 30 days | SAR 69.00 |
| Professional | 60 days | SAR 109.00 |
| Professional | 90 days | SAR 149.00 |
Frequently asked questions
How much is the IELTS exam fee in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
SAR 1,636 for IELTS Academic or General Training on computer at the British Council, SAR 1,744 for IELTS for UKVI and SAR 897 for IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1.
Where can I take IELTS in Saudi Arabia?
The British Council has 17 locations. Computer tests run in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam; paper tests in Al-Hassa, Buraydah, Dammam, Hail, Jeddah, Jubail, Madinah, Makkah, Riyadh, Tabuk and Taif.
Can I take IELTS for UKVI on paper in Saudi Arabia?
No. The British Council has stopped paper UKVI tests in Saudi Arabia. IELTS for UKVI is available on computer, with results in one to five days.
What IELTS band do nurses in Saudi Arabia need for the UK or Australia?
The UK NMC asks for IELTS Academic 7 in listening, reading and speaking and 6.5 in writing. Ahpra in Australia asks for 7 overall, 7 in listening, reading and speaking, and 6.5 in writing.
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