Take an IELTS English exam with the British Council in South Africa

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	IELTS in South Africa


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IELTS is the world's most popular English language test for education and emigration. Over 1.5 million tests are taken each year in over 500 locations worldwide.

Book your test now or explore our TakeIELTS website to find out everything you need to know about the test. TakeIELTS will help you choose and prepare for your test using our free study resources and exclusive Road to IELTS online preparation kit. It also has a database of countries and institutions that accept IELTS, and instructions for accessing your results.

When you have booked your test please return to this page to browse your country's frequently asked questions.

		What are the costs?


Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria	ZAR 1,900.00
Port Elizabeth	ZAR 2,500.00
Study pack	ZAR 400.00

For logistical reasons testing in Port Elizabeth incurs more cost and can only be held when there are more than 10 candidates registered for a session. In cases where fewer candidates register, their test date will be rescheduled or they will be refunded.

		How do I pay?

Step 1. Please make a payment using one of the banking methods below:

Electronic Transfers

			Bank: Standard Charted Bank
			Account Name: BRITISH COUNCIL
			Account Number: 001-883526-00
			Branch Code: 730020
			SWIFT Address: SCBLZAJJ
			Branch: Johannesburg Branch
			Type: Current Account

Cash Deposits

			Bank: Nedbank
			Account Name: SCB - BRITISH COUNCIL
			Account Number: 145-41169-19
			Branch Name: Corporate Client Services JHB
			Branch Code: 145405

Credit Card

You may also pay with your credit card by completing this form.

Step 2. Please send your proof of payment or credit card form to SSA.Enquiries@britishcouncil.org or fax it to +27 (0)86 570 0422

Step 3. Please keep a copy as proof of payment

		When and where can I take my test?

	Please click on the 'Take IELTS' banner above to find upcoming test dates and locations.

		How do I prepare for my test?

			1. Please click on the 'prepare for your test' link to the left to find information about ‘Road to IELTS’ - an exclusive online offer to British Council candidates.
			2. The official IELTS Practice Materials kit including sample tests and a listening CD can be purchased from your nearest British Council office. Please complete this order form and email it to SSA.Enquiries@britishcouncil.org or fax it to +27 (0)86 570 0422.

		What will happen before the test?

			Approximately one week before the actual test, you will receive a letter confirming details of both the written and oral test. Please note that the oral test should be scheduled to occur within a seven-day period before or after the test. You will also receive an SMS to confirm the details of your test date and venue. Should you not receive either of these, please contact us.
			Unfortunately we cannot reserve places before you have paid. For those candidates who have paid the fee, but not made a booking, we are unable to carry over or retain fees on your behalf. Such candidates will have to apply for a refund and book at a time convenient to them. Please note that fees cannot be carried over from year to year.

		What should I take to the test?

			Proof of your identity (ID book or passport). This must be valid and must be the same document used when you applied. No other form of identification will be accepted
			Two recent, identical passport-sized photographs taken against a white background. No caps or glasses/spectacles to be worn in the photographs
			Your confirmation letter with your candidate number
			Pen and pencil

If you do not have the correct identification document or you do not bring the two photographs, you will not be able to take the test. Make sure you arrive early so that you have enough time to get comfortable.

		When will I receive my results?

Results certificates are posted via registered mail 13 days after the main test date. We will give you your tracking number at the test, so that you can trace your parcel at any time by calling the Post Office tracking service on 0860 111 502.

Unfortunately results cannot be given over the phone, by fax or e-mail, and we are only allowed to give ONE certificate to each student. Candidates can however request to pick up their results in person instead of receiving them by post. This request can be made on the date of the test and we will ask you to add your name to our collection list. When the results are available we will call you; to collect your results you simply need to bring your ID book.

In addition to the certificate given to the candidate, candidates can request on their application forms (Section 24), that up to 5 copies of the results be sent to receiving institutions free of charge. The results will be sent via registered mail. Should you wish your results to be couriered, please see the Results Service below. Receiving institutions are local academic institutions (e.g. universities) and overseas institutions not registered to view candidate results online. Registered institutions only receive results online; here is a list of registered institutions. Unfortunately we cannot send to local institutions or departments (e.g. immigration agents). Please note: results will only be sent to institutions free of charge if this is indicated in your original application form. Should you need to send the results to an institution after you have registered you will need to make use of the Test Report Form Service. Apply for the results service by downloading and completing the test report form. Your results will be sent via courier to any international institution.

In addition to the actual Test Report Form that will be posted to you, you can now view your results online. Click here to see your results.

		refund, cancellation and re-marking policies?

Refund, transfer of date and cancellation policy

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Enquiry on results policy

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		Do you need more information?

	If you require further information about IELTS, please visit the TakeIELTS website. For registration queries, please e-mail or exams helpdesk.

		Disclaimer

The British Council and the examining boards take all reasonable steps to provide continuity of service. We feel sure you will understand, however, that we cannot be held responsible for any interruptions caused by circumstances beyond our control. If examinations or their results are disrupted, cancelled or delayed, every effort will be made to resume normal service as soon as possible. The British Council’s liability will be limited to the refund of the registration fee or retesting at a later date. All fees are valid for the current registration period only and are subject to change. Please check the relevant web pages for the latest fees before registering for the next session of exams.

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