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IELTS test centres · United Arab Emirates

Taking IELTS in the UAE.

IELTS is run in the UAE by the British Council and IDP, at their own offices and at partner venues across all seven emirates. Fees are set by each venue, so they differ: the standard Academic or General Training test on computer costs between AED 1,365 and AED 2,000 depending on where you sit it, and most venues charge AED 1,590. Almost every UAE centre now runs IELTS on computer, with results in a few days.

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 the British Council or IDP.

Test venues
57
across 9 cities
Most common fee
AED 1,590
range AED 1,365–AED 2,000
Results on computer
1 to 5 days
paper: about 13 days
Run by
BC & IDP
British Council and IDP

IELTS fees in the UAE

Test Most venues Range across venues
Academic or General Training, on computer AED 1,590 AED 1,365–AED 2,000
IELTS for UKVI AED 1,680 Same at every venue
IELTS Life Skills AED 810 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 the UAE

IELTS in Dubai

20 centres

IELTS in Abu Dhabi

12 centres

IELTS in Sharjah

8 centres

IELTS in Al Ain

6 centres

IELTS in Ajman

3 centres

IELTS in Fujairah

3 centres

IELTS in Ras Al Khaimah

3 centres

IELTS in Dibba

1 centre

IELTS in Umm Al Quwain

1 centre

How to book IELTS in the UAE

  1. 01 Decide which test you need: Academic, General Training, IELTS for UKVI or Life Skills. The organisation you are applying to tells you.
  2. 02 Choose a centre below and open its official booking link. British Council venues book through the British Council registration site and IDP venues through IDP.
  3. 03 Pick a date and time. With IDP you can often choose your Speaking slot separately.
  4. 04 Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport or UAE national ID, and pay online by card. IDP also accepts cash at its offices and bank transfer.
  5. 05 Check the confirmation email for the venue, arrival time and what to bring.

On test day

Bring the original passport or UAE national ID card you used when booking. IDP asks for a scan of it during registration; the British Council takes the details at booking and checks the original on the day. Without the same valid ID you cannot sit the test and are not eligible for a refund or transfer.

Results

IELTS on computer: 1 to 5 days. On paper: about 13 days. IDP gives 1 to 5 days for IELTS on computer and 13 days for paper. The British Council gives 3 to 5 days for computer-delivered results. You see results online first, then receive the Test Report Form. To see what your scores mean, use the band score calculator.

Retakes and One Skill Retake

If one skill falls short, IELTS One Skill Retake lets you resit just that skill within 60 days, at venues that offer it. IDP lists it at AED 1,000 on computer, AED 1,100 with Writing on paper and AED 1,060 for IELTS for UKVI. Check that the organisation you are applying to accepts it before booking. How One Skill Retake works.

Cancelling or moving your test

IDP refunds the fee, minus an administration charge, if you cancel or move your test more than five weeks before the test date. Within five weeks there is no refund unless you have a serious medical reason. The British Council applies its own terms, so read them on the booking page.

Which test for your plans

UK visas

Several venues run IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills, which UK visa routes require. Check the centre list for the UKVI label.

IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills

Canada

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

CELPIP vs IELTS

Australia

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

IELTS vs PTE for Australian visas

University in the UAE or abroad

Universities ask for IELTS Academic, usually with a minimum in each skill.

What band score you need

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 exam fee in the UAE?

Most UAE venues charge AED 1,590 for IELTS Academic or General Training on computer, but the fee is set per venue and ranges from about AED 1,365 to AED 2,000 on the official ielts.org centre pages. IELTS for UKVI is usually AED 1,680 and IELTS Life Skills AED 810.

Where can I take IELTS in Dubai?

The British Council and IDP both test in Dubai, at their own offices in Oud Metha and Barsha Heights (The One Tower) and at partner venues in Academic City, Knowledge Park, Business Bay, Deira, Al Garhoud and Al Nahda. The full list with addresses and maps is on this page.

How long do IELTS results take in the UAE?

For IELTS on computer, 1 to 5 days according to IDP and 3 to 5 days according to the British Council. Paper-based results take about 13 days.

Is the IELTS fee the same at the British Council and IDP in the UAE?

At their main centres, yes: both list AED 1,590 for the computer test. Some partner venues charge less, for example AED 1,390 or AED 1,395 at certain university and college venues, and one hotel venue lists AED 2,000. Compare the venues near you before booking.

What ID do I need for IELTS in the UAE?

Your original passport or UAE national ID card, the same document you used to book. Without it you cannot take the test.

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