Everything You Need to Know
The IELTS on Paper was discontinued in Canada in May 2026. You can book a faster, more efficient IELTS on Computer today, and we are proud to introduce another option: IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper)!
This page explains why IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper) is being offered to IELTS on Computer test takers in Canada. It answers any questions you may have about the format, results, scoring, and whether it will affect the test experience in any way.
Note: IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper) is approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as one of the accepted tests for language proficiency for the Post Graduate Work Permit as well as Permanent Residency.
What is IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper)?
Writing on Paper enables you to take your IELTS test on computer and complete the Writing component by hand. This is great for test takers who prefer writing to typing.
Here’s what happens if you choose the ‘Writing on Paper’ option: During your IELTS test, tasks for the Writing component will be shown on screen, but you will be given an IELTS Writing Answer Sheet and a pen to complete the tasks.
If writing comes more naturally than typing for you, our Writing on Paper option can help you to give your best performance on test day.
What is the IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper) test format?
The task types, scoring and time allocation of the Writing component are the same whether you take it on a computer or write on paper. The only difference is that you write your responses by hand. IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper) is available for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
On Computer | Writing on Paper | Time allocation | Parts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Listening | On computer | On computer | 30 minutes | 4 |
Reading | On computer | On computer | 60 minutes | 3 |
Writing | Questions on a computer. Typed responses. | Questions on a computer. Handwritten responses. | 60 minutes | 2 |
Speaking | With an examiner | With an examiner | 11-14 minutes | 3 |
Note:
Writing on Paper is not available for test takers taking an IELTS for UKVI test.
Writing on Paper is subject to regulatory approval for use for Australian visa purposes: Writing on Paper is currently being reviewed by the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs for visa applications. Therefore, if you plan to study, work or migrate to Australia, you will need to take the full IELTS on Computer option.
‘Writing on Paper’ will be available in select cities and test centers in Canada from mid-2026.
Writing on Paper: Video Tutorial
Get to know the different question types in the Writing on Paper test and familiarise yourself with the platform's features. This tutorial will show you how the questions are displayed, how to navigate through the questions, and where to write your answers.
When do you get your Writing on Paper results?
You will receive your results within five days after your test date. Results will be delivered through eTRFs (digital or electronic Test Report Forms).
Your IELTS Test Results Form will not specify that you chose the Writing on Paper option. If you choose to take One Skill Retake for Writing on Paper, you must retake the Writing component in the same delivery mode you chose for your original test.
Why take Writing on Paper?
IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper) provides the familiar comfort of writing by hand while still allowing you to access the benefits of the IELTS computer-delivered test.
More flexibility Choose how to showcase your skills with the test delivery mode that works best for you
More choice With IELTS on Computer Writing on Paper, you can enjoy more test dates and test availability
Fast results You get results typically within 1-5 days
Plan your next steps with confidence You may also have the option to take One Skill Retake if you want to improve just one section of your test
Is the IELTS test format changing in any way?
No. There is no change to the test duration or timings for individual components. There are no changes to task types, content, timing, or scoring. Only the delivery method is changing. The content, difficulty, and scoring (0-9 band scale) for IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper) remain the same.
This is still the same IELTS test, backed by academic research and trusted by 12,500+ institutions and millions of test takers worldwide.
Will this change how IELTS results are interpreted?
No. IELTS results remain valid, comparable, and recognized exactly as they are today. The results scoring system, test structure, and assessment criteria remain unchanged.
How will this change affect the IELTS test experience for candidates?
Test takers will benefit from a more efficient and user-friendly experience. They will have access to more test dates and can be eligible for One Skill Retake (OSR) when taking the IELTS on Computer, which also offers faster results and a recognized interface that mirrors real-world academic and professional environments.
Access arrangements
To ensure fair access, we can offer certain Access arrangements for those with specific requirements. For further information, please visit the Access arrangements page.
