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IELTS Cancellations and Transfers Policy for Test Takers

Note: If you are taking IELTS for UKVI then different policy terms apply. Please consult the relevant policy document for UKVI IELTS tests here.

A. Cancellations

You may cancel your IELTS test registration at any time before taking your test by notifying your Test Centre. Refund terms depend upon when you cancel and whether exceptional circumstances apply.

1. TIME TO TEST DATE

1.1. More than 35 days before the test:

If you cancel your IELTS test registration more than 35 days before the test date, you will receive a refund of the total test fee.

1.2. 35 days before the test:

If you cancel your IELTS test registration within 1 to 35 days of test date then no refund will be given. For exceptions to this policy see sections 2. and 3. below.

2. TEST TAKER EXCEPTIONS

You may make a case for exceptional circumstances to your Test Centre before the test and up to 2 days after the test date if you did not attend the test. Your Test Centre will respond to you within 7 working days of receiving your case in writing. Your Test Centre will assess your case for exceptional circumstances.

All cases for exceptional circumstances must be supported by evidence and received by your Test Centre before or no later than two days after the scheduled test date. Without evidence, your request will not be considered.

If your Test Centre approves your case, you will receive a refund of the total test fee less 20% of test fee.

If your Test Centre does not approve your case, no refund will be provided.

We define exceptional circumstances as:

  • a traumatic experience

  • domestic crisis

  • unavoidable legal or military obligation

  • serious medical conditions which prevent you from attending or performing normally on the test day

  • bereavement or other forms of significant hardship

  • civil unrest or extreme weather.

3. TEST CENTRE EXCEPTIONS

Under certain circumstances outside Test Centre control, we may have to cancel your test. These circumstances include and are not limited to extreme weather conditions, natural disaster, civil unrest and industrial action.

In these circumstances, your Test Centre will provide you with as much notice as possible and give you the choice of either:

  • A full refund, or,

  • A transfer to a future test date convenient to you.

B. TRANSFER DATE

4.1. More than 35 days before the test:

You may change your test date at any time more than 35 days before the test.

You must select a test date, where available, within the next three months from your original test date. If your preferred test date is more than three months after your original test date, then your transfer will be treated as a cancellation.

You can request a transfer only once. Once your booking has been transferred to another date, you cannot request another transfer or a refund.

Subject to seating availability

A formal request must be sent via email and must complete the transfer form provided. Should you fail to submit the transfer form, your request will not be considered.

4.2. Within 35 days of the test:

You may request to transfer your test date within 4 to 35 days of the test. You will be charged 20% of the test fee.

If your transfer request is less than 4 days of the test date, it will be considered as cancellation and no refund. Please refer to section 2 and 3 for exception.

You can only transfer the same booking once.

Subject to seating availability. IDP will advise you the availability of your preferred test date.

A formal request must be sent via email and must complete the transfer form provided. Should you fail to submit the transfer form, your request will not be considered.