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IELTS test centres · New Zealand

Taking IELTS in New Zealand.

IELTS in New Zealand is run by IDP, at its own centres in Auckland and Wellington and at partner venues such as the University of Canterbury, Wintec and Otago Polytechnic. The standard Academic or General Training test costs NZD 490 at every venue listed. IELTS for UKVI (NZD 505) and Life Skills (NZD 390) are offered only at the Auckland city centre.

Centres and fees checked on the official IELTS centre pages on 16 October 2026. Test centres in other countries. IELTS Studio is not a test centre and does not take bookings; every booking link goes to IDP.

Test venues
8
across 7 cities
Most common fee
NZD 490
at every venue listed
Results on computer
usually 1 day
paper: 13 days
Run by
IDP
the only IELTS provider in New Zealand

IELTS fees in New Zealand

Test Most venues Range across venues
Academic or General Training, on computer NZD 490 Same at every venue
IELTS for UKVI NZD 505 Same at every venue
IELTS Life Skills NZD 390 Same at every venue

Fees as listed on each centre's official page; the official pages note that local tax may apply. Confirm the amount when you book. Fees in other countries are in IELTS fees by country.

IELTS test centres in New Zealand

IELTS in Auckland

2 centres

IELTS in Christchurch

1 centre

IELTS in Dunedin

1 centre

IELTS in Hamilton

1 centre

IELTS in Tauranga

1 centre

IELTS in Queenstown

1 centre

IELTS in Wellington

1 centre

How to book IELTS in New Zealand

  1. 01 Decide which test you need. Skilled residence visas accept Academic or General Training; universities ask for Academic; UK visas need IELTS for UKVI or Life Skills.
  2. 02 Choose a centre below and open its official IDP booking link.
  3. 03 Pick a date and Speaking time, on computer or on paper where offered.
  4. 04 Enter your details exactly as they appear in your passport and pay online.
  5. 05 Check the confirmation email for the venue, arrival time and what to bring.

On test day

Bring your current, original passport, the one you booked with. IDP New Zealand accepts only an original and current passport on test day. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in.

Results

IELTS on computer: usually 1 day. On paper: 13 days. IDP New Zealand gives results typically within one day for IELTS on computer and 13 days after the written test on paper. You get an email when your electronic Test Report Form (eTRF) is ready, then download it or send it to organisations from your IELTS profile. To see what your scores mean, use the band score calculator.

Retakes and One Skill Retake

IELTS One Skill Retake lets you resit one skill within 60 days of an eligible IELTS on computer test, at centres that offer it. Immigration New Zealand lists IELTS One Skill Retake among its approved tests for skilled residence visas. How One Skill Retake works.

Cancelling or moving your test

One policy covers every IELTS booking in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific made on or after 1 July 2025. You can change your test date, format or module once for free. Cancelling refunds 100% 14 or more days ahead, 50% from 7 to 13 days ahead and nothing within 7 days. Serious illness or other events beyond your control can qualify for a transfer if you apply within 14 days with evidence.

Which test for your plans

Skilled residence visas

Immigration New Zealand asks the principal applicant for IELTS 6.5 overall and a partner or child aged 16 or older for 5.0, from a test taken at a centre within the last 2 years.

What band score you need

Australia

Skilled visas ask for competent, proficient or superior English: 6.0, 7.0 or 8.0 in each IELTS skill.

IELTS test centres in Australia

Canada

Express Entry needs IELTS General Training, and CLB 9 needs 8.0 in Listening.

CELPIP vs IELTS

UK visas

UK visa routes that need a Secure English Language Test require IELTS for UKVI or Life Skills, offered at IDP's Auckland city centre.

IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills

Preparing before your test

You can prepare online instead of at a coaching centre. IELTS Studio has full mock tests, Listening and Reading tests with explanations, and AI band feedback on Writing and Speaking, Academic or General Training. A free account needs no card. Start with a free IELTS mock test to see your band in each skill.

Common questions

How much is the IELTS test in New Zealand?

NZD 490 for IELTS Academic or General Training at every venue on the official ielts.org centre pages. IELTS for UKVI is NZD 505 and IELTS Life Skills NZD 390, both at IDP's Auckland city centre.

What IELTS score do I need for New Zealand residence?

For skilled residence visas, including the Skilled Migrant Category, the principal applicant needs IELTS 6.5 overall and a partner or dependent child aged 16 or older needs 5.0. Academic, General Training and One Skill Retake results are accepted if the test was taken at a centre within the last 2 years.

Where can I take IELTS in Auckland?

IDP runs IELTS on Victoria Street West in central Auckland and at a South Auckland venue in Manukau. The city centre also runs IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills. Addresses and maps are on this page.

How long do IELTS results take in New Zealand?

Typically within one day for IELTS on computer and 13 days for IELTS on paper, according to IDP New Zealand.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my IELTS test in New Zealand?

Yes, in full if you cancel 14 or more days before the test, 50% from 7 to 13 days before, and nothing within 7 days. You can also make one free change to the date, format or module instead.

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