🇦🇪IELTS fee in the UAE: from AED 1,470

Neither — both charge an identical AED 1,470 for the standard computer-delivered test and AED 1,570 for UKVI across UAE test centres, so choose based on test date and location instead.

Not in the traditional sense. Both providers run computer-delivered IELTS, but you can choose to complete just the Writing section by hand on paper for an extra AED 150 (AED 1,620 total) — this option isn't available for IELTS UKVI.

Yes — AED 750 for IELTS Life Skills (A1 or B1) at either provider, versus AED 1,470 for standard Academic or General Training.

With IDP, rescheduling is free if requested 15+ days before your test date, and costs up to 25% of the fee for requests 5-14 days out. British Council charges roughly AED 342.50 to reschedule more than 5 weeks in advance, rising to as much as 25% of the fee closer to the test date.

With IDP, yes — a 75% refund if you cancel 15+ days before your test date; inside 14 days the fee is non-refundable except with a medical certificate submitted within 5 days. British Council instead uses a 5-week cutoff, refunding the fee minus a 25% admin charge.

AED 1,570 at both British Council and IDP, compared to AED 1,470 for the standard Academic or General Training test.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah all have British Council or IDP test centres, among more than 50 locations nationwide.

The fee covers all four skills — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking — plus one Test Report Form (TRF) sent to you and, if requested at registration, to a limited number of institutions or visa bodies free of charge. Extra copies of your TRF beyond the included number usually cost extra.

Two years from the test date, for both Academic and General Training. Most universities and immigration authorities won't accept a TRF older than that, so time your test around your application or visa deadline.

Yes, for a full retake — IELTS doesn't have a discounted retake fee. Some countries offer a cheaper IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR), letting you re-sit just one section instead of all four, where available.

A valid passport (the same one you'll bring on test day) is required at registration — your name and passport number must match exactly, since a mismatch can block you from sitting the test or collecting results.

No — a no-show without prior cancellation forfeits the full fee under both British Council and IDP's global policy. Always cancel or transfer in advance if you can't make it, rather than skipping the test.