A Comprehensive Guide to IELTS Fee in Pakistan, Registration, and Saving Strategies
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most popular English language test that many aspiring international students and professionals appear for. More than 3.5 million IELTS tests are attempted each year, and thousands of candidates in Pakistan take this test in hopes of better opportunities abroad.
If you’re in Pakistan and setting your sights on studying or working abroad, understanding the IELTS test fees and registration process is an essential first step. This article covers in-depth the IELTS fee in Pakistan, registration methods, and the centers located across the country.
While every attempt has been made to provide factual information, please note that that the IELTS fees can be changed at anytime without prior notice.
Understanding IELTS Test Fee in Pakistan
The cost of taking the IELTS in Pakistan varies slightly depending on the test format (paper-based or computer-delivered) and the location of the test center. Here’s a breakdown of the current fees (as of June 2024) to give you a clearer picture:
Academic and General IELTS Fee:
To confirm available slots for IELTS test booking, head over to British Council IELTS Registration.
To book through IDP Pakistan, heave over to IDP Pakistan Test Venue and Registration
Read more: IELTS on Computer vs. IELTS on Paper; What’s the difference?
Both, British Council and IDP offer safe and secure online payment methods to book and pay for your IELTS test. Here are these explored:
British Council:
- Interbank Transfer (IBFT): This is the most economical option, allowing you to initiate the transfer conveniently through online banking or ATM. At the time of registration, you will be given a bank account number. Transferring your funds to this number will not only register you for the IELTS test, but also save you from hefty credit card conversion fees, and withholding taxes levied by FBR, saving you around 8,000 PKR in additional fees.
- Credit Card: If you do not have enough cash in your bank account, then choose credit or debit card. But do note, as mentioned earlier, there are extra fees associated with this payment method that the government has levied. Be prepared to pay around 8,000 PKR on top of the 58,960 PKR IELTS fee.
IDP IELTS:
- Online Payment: IDP offers the ease of paying using a credit card during the online registration process itself.
- Cash Payment: There is no other method that we know so far.
A Look at IELTS Fees in the Middle East
It’s worth noting that IELTS fees can vary depending on the region. While Pakistan’s fees fall somewhere in the middle range, Middle Eastern countries have almost double the rates, which when converted to Pakistani currency, go upward of 100,000 PKR.
The IELTS Test Administrators in Pakistan
The responsibility of administering the IELTS test in Pakistan falls upon two official partners:
- British Council: A globally recognized organization that conducts IELTS exams across the world.
- IDP IELTS Australia: An education organization that co-owns IELTS and offers test centers conveniently located within Pakistan.
Both the British Council and IDP IELTS maintain the same high standards and deliver the IELTS exam with the same level of quality. The choice between them boils down to your preference for the registration process and payment method.
Strategies to Save on IELTS Fees
Taking the IELTS doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips to help you save on your test fees:
- Plan Ahead and Register Early: Many institutions offer discounts for early registration. Booking your exam well in advance can translate into significant cost savings.
- Opt for the Computer-Based Test: The computer-delivered IELTS typically comes with a slightly lower fee. If you’re comfortable with the computer format, this can be a budget-friendly option. The price difference between computer-based and paper-based IELTS is roughly 6,000 to 7,000 PKR.
- Explore Group Discounts: If you’re registering with a group of friends or colleagues aiming for the IELTS, some institutions might offer a group discount. It’s always worth inquiring about this possibility but there are never any guarantees that you will save money this way.
By familiarizing yourself with the IELTS fees in Pakistan, the available payment methods, and these cost-saving strategies, you can approach your test preparation feeling empowered and financially informed.
Remember, both the British Council and IDP IELTS provide high-quality testing experiences. So, weigh your options, choose the most suitable path, and confidently embark on your journey towards achieving your IELTS goals!
