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IELTS Registration in South Africa (Fees, Dates & Location)

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized English language test that is designed to test the English language proficiency of non-native English Speakers. The exams are for foreign speakers who wish to study, work and live in an English-speaking environment.

The IELTS exams are offered in different countries including South Africa. So, in this guide, we’ll be showing you the online registration procedure for IELTS in South Africa 2024.

To register and take the IELTS test in South Africa is very simple. You can either take the test on paper or on a computer at any of the official test centres in South Africa.

Either way, you’ll be taking the same IELTS test, with the same test content and structure. The only difference is that you can choose to type your answers or write them on paper – whichever suits you best.

Page Contents

IELTS on Computer

If you choose the computer-based test, you’ll be answering the Listening, Reading and Writing sections on a computer at one of the test locations. The IELTS Speaking test will be done face-to-face with a trained IELTS Examiner, as this is the most effective way to assess your speaking skills.

With computer-delivered IELTS, you will now have more test dates to choose from – and your results will be available in 5-7 days.

Computer-delivered IELTS tests are available in various locations across South Africa at one of our official test centres.

IELTS on Paper

If you choose this option, you will write the answers to the Listening, Reading and Writing sections on paper. The Speaking test will be conducted face-to-face with a trained IELTS Examiner.

Your results will be available after 13 calendar days from the test date. If you have any special requirements, you should take the paper-based test.

IELTS South Africa Registration 2024

Registering for IELTS in South Africa isn’t that difficult. As such, we’ve put together a step by step guide on how to register for IELTS online in South Africa.

1. First, find an IELTS exams centre in South Africa. There are officially five centres in South Africa: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria. It’s advisable you choose the one closest to you.

2. Register for your test online with the britishcouncil. Create an account with the British Council and then proceed to choose a test. Select your preferred test dates and centres when you’re registering.

3. IELTS test date and confirmation. Once you have successfully registered, you’ll receive a confirmation message that indicates the date and time for which you have been scheduled for the exams.

4. Your speaking test may be scheduled on the same day as other sections, or on a different day usually with a 7-day period before or after your main test date.

5. After booking your test, you’ll also receive an automatic email with your access codes to the free online courses.

6. You will also receive your IELTS Reference Number to access the Test Taker Portal. Please make sure that you have included your personal email address correctly when you book your test.  Please DO NOT put an email address in the name field for receiving institutions.

7. Pay for your test. You can pay for your test through the British Council online registration system. In the Reference section of your payment please write: [IELTS / family name / city / test date].

Note the following:
  • The IELTS exam is not recommended for test-takers under the age of 16.
  • Knowing about the specific exam dates can be useful as they will help you plan on how to attend IELTS classes in South Africa as this could improve your performance in the exams.

Requirements for IELTS Exams in South Africa

Candidates will not be allowed to take the test without the original ID document. The ID document should be South African Identity Card or South African Identity Book or if you are not from South Africa, a copy of your Passport. A student ID, Voters ID and driver’s license will not be accepted.

Please note that candidates under 18 years of age have to supply written consent by a parent or guardian in order to apply for a test place.

Cost of IELTS Test in South Africa

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam is taken after settling a certain amount of fees. The fee depends on the type of test that you want to take. Below is the breakdown of fee for IELTS test in South Africa.

Test type Fee Book
IELTS Academic and General Training – paper-based test ZAR 3720 Book now
IELTS Academic and General Training – computer-delivered test ZAR 3720 Book now
IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (Academic and General Training) ZAR  3720 Book now
IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) ZAR 2790 Book now

NB: If you are applying for a visa to emigrate to the UK or Canada then you may need to apply for the IELTS for UKVI test.

However, you may have to incur extra costs for attending classes that will prepare you for the exams. The British Council in South Africa is responsible for registering people for the course. The areas offering these test are currently in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and, Durban.

How to Pay for IELTS Registration

The IELTS payment can be done online or via any branch of Standard Chartered Bank. To make payment, you need to make a deposit of the required fee via a direct transfer (EFT) into the British Council account using the details below.

Account Name:  BRITISH COUNCIL
Account number: 801913302XX

(The last 2 digits in the account number must be completed by the payee.  The XX must be replaced by the month of the exam.  See diagram below)

Beneficiary Bank Name:  Standard Chartered Bank
Branch Code:  730020
Swift Code: SCBLZAJJ

Payment Reference*

Please input the candidate ORS reference number followed by the candidate full name (See example below)

Month of the exam           Code

Apr                                      01

May                                     02

Jun                                      03

Jul                                       04

Aug                                     05

Sep                                     06

Oct                                      07

Nov                                     08

Dec                                     09

Jan                                     10

Feb                                     11

Mar                                     12

EXAMPLE: If your exam month is April, the account number will be 80191330201

The payment reference will be ZA150-137072-1750 John Doe

Kindly send us a copy of your proof of payment by email to [email protected] within 48 hours of completing your IELTS online application.

IELTS South Africa Test Dates

The British Council offers the registration to interested candidates on a first come first serve basis. In fact, it is recommended that people find out the dates the exams are scheduled to happen and then plan to register at least five weeks before their preferred dates.

However, there may be slots available even later than this period. You need to keep checking online for the status of the test places availability since it ceases to show once the application slots are all filled up.

Contact British Council Contact

If you need assistance or have questions about your IELTS registration, you can contact the British Council offices in Johannesburg.

  • Email

Please remember to include the name of the registered candidate if you are contacting us on their behalf.

Email: [email protected]

Phone and Fax

Tel: +27(0)11 560 9300

Fax: +27(0)86 5700 422

Johannesburg Office

Public access times:
Monday-Thursday:         13h00 to 16h00
Friday:                              08:00 to 13:00

Our offices are closed on weekends and public holidays:

275 Jan Smuts Avenue.
Corner of Jan Smuts and Bompas Road
Dunkeld West, Johannesburg