The IELTS fee in Saudi Arabia in 2026 is SAR 1,636 for IELTS Academic or General Training at the British Council and SAR 1,705 at IDP (computer-delivered; SAR 1,875 with Writing on paper). IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) costs SAR 1,744 at the British Council and SAR 1,815 at IDP. The two official providers set their own prices, so check which one runs the test centre you book.
Fees on this page were checked on the British Council and IDP Saudi Arabia websites on 10 October 2026. Many expats in Saudi Arabia only compare test dates and miss that the two providers charge different amounts for the same certificate.
IELTS Fee in Saudi Arabia: British Council vs IDP (2026)
| Test | British Council | IDP |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic / General Training (computer) | SAR 1,636 | SAR 1,705 |
| IELTS Academic / General Training (paper, or Writing on paper) | SAR 1,636 (paper) | SAR 1,875 (Writing on paper) |
| IELTS for UKVI (Academic / General Training) | SAR 1,744 (computer) | SAR 1,815 |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1, B1) | SAR 897 | SAR 897 |
| One Skill Retake | SAR 1,099 | SAR 1,075 (computer), SAR 1,180 (Writing on paper), SAR 1,145 (UKVI) |
| Remark (Enquiry on Results) | SAR 690, refunded if the score goes up | Not published; ask the centre |
Follow Saudi Life Guide for Iqama, visa and job updates
New rules, fees and news as soon as we publish them. Join 83,500+ followers on Facebook.
Which Should You Choose: British Council or IDP?
- Lowest price: the British Council, at SAR 1,636 for the standard test.
- Most locations: IDP lists 31 centres in 17 cities, including Abha, Al Hasa, Al Khobar, Hail, Jazan, Madinah, Makkah and Tabuk. The British Council has 17 locations, with computer tests in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam and paper tests in 11 cities.
- Paper test: the British Council still runs fully paper-based IELTS. IDP offers computer tests with the option to write on paper.
- Same certificate: both deliver the same IELTS, accepted everywhere IELTS is accepted. Pick the cheaper or nearer centre with a date that suits you.
IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills
Choose IELTS for UKVI only if the UK Home Office asks for it, for example for some UK visa routes: SAR 1,744 at the British Council (now computer-only in Saudi Arabia) and SAR 1,815 at IDP. IELTS Life Skills (A1 or B1) tests only speaking and listening for certain UK family and settlement visas and costs SAR 897 at both providers.
One Skill Retake, Remarks, Refunds and Transfers
- One Skill Retake (OSR): retake just one skill within 60 days of a computer-delivered test, for SAR 1,099 (British Council) or SAR 1,075 (IDP).
- Remark: SAR 690 at the British Council, refunded if any band goes up; apply within 6 weeks. IDP refunds the fee if your band changes and asks you to contact the centre for the amount.
- IDP cancellations: 75% refund if you cancel 15 days or more before the test, no refund within 14 days. Transfers are free 15 days or more before, with a fee of up to 25% at 5 to 14 days.
- British Council UKVI cancellations: 75% refund more than 14 days before, 50% between 14 and 2 days, 25% within 2 days.
Results, ID and Test Day Rules
- Results: computer tests in 1 to 2 days at the British Council (up to 5) and 1 to 5 days at IDP; paper tests up to 13 days.
- ID: at the British Council, expats can use a passport or iqama and Saudis a passport or national ID. IDP asks for a passport or national ID, so expats should use their passport. Digital IDs are not accepted, and you must bring the same original document you registered with.
- Non-residents: visitors on tourist or business visas cannot sit paper tests at the British Council and must choose a computer test.
- Under 18: parental consent is required.
How to Book IELTS in Saudi Arabia
- Decide which test you need: Academic (study, professional registration), General Training (work and migration), UKVI or Life Skills (UK visas).
- Compare dates and centres on British Council Saudi Arabia and IDP IELTS Saudi Arabia.
- Book online with the ID you will bring on test day, and pay by bank card.
- Check the confirmation email for the speaking test time, which can be on a different day.
Booking the computer test about three weeks ahead gives the widest choice of dates and keeps the free transfer window open if your plans change. If IELTS is for a job move, update your CV with our free CV maker and check pay levels in the Saudi salary guide; for study, see Saudi scholarships for international students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IELTS fee in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
IELTS Academic or General Training costs SAR 1,636 at the British Council and SAR 1,705 at IDP (computer-delivered). IDP charges SAR 1,875 if you choose to write on paper. IELTS for UKVI costs SAR 1,744 at the British Council and SAR 1,815 at IDP.
Is IELTS cheaper at British Council or IDP in Saudi Arabia?
For the standard test, the British Council is cheaper at SAR 1,636 against IDP’s SAR 1,705. IDP has more centres (31 in 17 cities), so it may save you travel. One Skill Retake is slightly cheaper at IDP (SAR 1,075 on computer against SAR 1,099).
How much is the IELTS One Skill Retake in Saudi Arabia?
SAR 1,099 at the British Council and SAR 1,075 at IDP for the computer test (SAR 1,180 at IDP with Writing on paper). For UKVI it is SAR 1,145 at IDP. You can retake one skill within 60 days of a computer-delivered test.
How long do IELTS results take in Saudi Arabia?
Computer-delivered results arrive in 1 to 2 days at the British Council (up to 5 days) and 1 to 5 days at IDP. Paper-based results take up to 13 days, and Life Skills results up to 7 to 9 days.
Can I take IELTS with my iqama in Saudi Arabia?
At the British Council, expats can register with a passport or iqama and Saudis with a passport or national ID; digital IDs are not accepted. IDP asks for a passport or national ID, so use your passport for IDP. Bring the same document on test day.
How much does an IELTS remark cost in Saudi Arabia?
The British Council charges SAR 690 for an Enquiry on Results, refunded if your score goes up. IDP does not publish its fee; ask the centre. Apply within 6 weeks of your result.