Cancellations and Transfers Policy

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 IELTS for UKVI tests here.

(This policy applies to all bookings paid from 14 July 2026 onwards. Bookings made before this date follow the old policy.)

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 15 days before the test date:

If you cancel your IELTS test registration more than 15 days before the test date, you will receive a 75% refund of the test fee.

1.2. Within 14 days before the test date:

If you cancel your IELTS test 14 days before the test date, no refund will be issued. Please refer to sections 2 and 3 below for exceptions.

2. TEST TAKER EXCEPTIONS

You may apply for special consideration under exceptional circumstances before the test, or up to 2 days after the test date if you were unable to attend. The Test Centre will assess your case and respond in writing within 7 working days of receiving your request.

All applications must be supported by valid evidence and submitted to the Test Centre no later than two days after the scheduled test date. Requests without supporting evidence will be automatically rejected.

• If approved: You will receive a 75% refund of the total test fee (the test fee less a 25% administrative charge).

• If rejected: No refund will be provided.

Exceptional circumstances are defined as:

• A traumatic experience

• A domestic crisis

• An unavoidable legal or military obligation

• Serious medical conditions that prevent you from attending or performing normally on the test day

• Bereavement or other forms of significant hardship

• Civil unrest or extreme weather conditions

3. TEST CENTRE EXCEPTIONS

Under certain circumstances outside the Test Centre's control, we may be required to cancel your test. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, civil unrest, and industrial action.

In the event of a cancellation, the Test Centre will provide you with as much notice as possible and offer you the choice of:

• A full refund, or

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

B. TRANSFER DATE

4.1. More than 15 days before the test date:

You may change your test date at any time more than 15 days before the test.

You must select a new test date, subject to availability, within three months of your original test date. If your preferred test date is more than three months after your original test date, 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.

A formal request must be sent via email along with the completed transfer form. If you fail to submit the transfer form within 5 days of your request, your request will be rejected.

4.2. Within 5 to 14 days before the test date:

You may request to transfer your test date within this timeframe, subject to a 25% administrative fee.

Any transfer request made less than 5 days before the test date will be treated as a cancellation, and no refund will be issued. Please refer to sections 2 and 3 for exceptions.

You can only transfer a booking once, subject to seating availability. IDP will advise you on the availability of your preferred test date.

A formal request must be sent via email along with the completed transfer form. If you fail to submit the transfer form and payment within 5 days of your request, or before the original test date passes, your request will be rejected.