How To Send IELTS Score To Universities? Easy TRF Sending Process 2024

12 min read

You’ve just scored well in the IELTS exam, a big win on your path to studying abroad! Now, you need to send your scores to the universities you’re applying to, and it seems like a tricky process.

how to send ielts scores to universities

Here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be complicated. When you register for the IELTS, you can list up to five universities. IDP India, which runs the IELTS, will send your scores directly to those schools. This means you can relax and focus on your next steps without worrying about score delivery hassles.

When you’re aiming to study abroad, especially in English-speaking countries like the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, sending your IELTS score to universities is a key part of the application process. Your IELTS scores give universities a clear idea of your English language skills, ensuring you meet their requirements.

Fortunately, the process of sending your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) has become much easier. Now, you can share your scores with universities quickly and confidently, helping you showcase your credentials and move one step closer to your academic goals.In this guide, we’ll address a crucial step in your application process “how to send an IELTS score to universities.” We’ll walk you through the easy TRF-sending process, empowering you to take control of your application journey and maximise your chances of securing admission to your dream university.

What is TRF & ATRF?

The Test Report Form (TRF) is an official document that displays your IELTS scores. It details your performance in each section of the test and is used by universities to evaluate your English proficiency.
The Additional Test Report Form (ATRF) is for sending your scores to more than five universities or institutions beyond the five included with your registration. This makes it simple to share your scores with additional schools as needed.

Process of Sending IELTS Score Report to Universities

Before sending your IELTS scores to universities, check the minimum score required by each institution. Top schools like Harvard, Stanford, Caltech, and MIT often require scores above 7.0, but many other universities accept lower scores.

You have several options for sending your scores. The quickest and most convenient way is online through the official IELTS website. Alternatively, you can send your scores by courier for added security, though it may take longer. Mailing them by post is another option, but it is slower and less reliable.

When you register for the IELTS exam, you can send your scores to up to five universities for free. If you need to send your scores to more than five universities, there is an additional fee of INR 250 per request. You can easily check your scores online using the same account you used to register and send them to multiple universities as needed.

Check out the stepwise process of how to send IELTS score to universities:

  • Login: Start by heading over to the IDP IELTS India website and log in with your credentials.
  • Add TRF: Once you’re in, look for the ‘Add TRF’ section and give it a click.
  • Fill Out Details: Now, you’ll need to fill in the details, such as your candidate number and test date. After that, pick the university you want to send your IELTS score to.
  • Choose Delivery Method: Next, decide how you want to send your TRF score. You can choose electronic delivery (if the university accepts it) or physical delivery by mail.
  • Cross-Check Information: Before you hit submit, take a moment to double-check everything. Make sure all the details are correct, especially the university info and delivery method.
  • Submit: Once you’re sure everything is spot on, go ahead and click the submit button.

Note: If a university requires a hard copy of the TRF, candidates must ask their IELTS test centre to forward a copy via airmail at additional costs.

You can attach a copy of your IELTS TRF (Test Report Form) to your university application form. Each applicant gets only one original copy of their IELTS TRF. This form includes your photo and uses unique identification technology to prevent any fake copies.

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Methods of Sending IELTS Score Report to Universities

Before you understand how to send your IELTS score to universities, it’s always a good idea to check their website to see their preferred method. Some universities might have specific instructions or portals for submitting scores.

While the choice of method depends on your preferences, it’s usually best to go with the electronic mode. It’s faster and more reliable, as deliveries by courier or post can take several days or even weeks. Plus, electronic submissions reduce the risk of your score report getting lost or delayed. This way, you can ensure your application is processed without any unnecessary hitches.

There are two main methods of sending your IELTS Score Report to Universities, as given below:

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Method 1: Electronic Mode

When you choose the electronic mode, your IELTS score report is sent directly to universities through the IELTS website or test centre. This is a quick and secure way to ensure your scores reach their destination.

Most universities accept scores electronically through the IELTS results service, but it’s always good to double-check with your chosen university.


If they support electronic submissions, follow their instructions to send your scores securely and promptly. Usually, this means linking your IELTS registration to your university application.

Method 2: Physical Mode

When you choose the physical mode, your IELTS score report is sent as a hard copy via postal mail or courier to the designated universities or institutions. It might take longer than the electronic mode, but it’s still a reliable way to ensure your scores reach the universities.

If a university doesn’t accept electronic submissions or if you prefer sending a hard copy, you can request an official Test Report Form (TRF) from the IELTS test centre where you took the exam.

Once you have the TRF, you can mail it directly to the university’s admissions office, following their specific mailing instructions for IELTS score reports.

IELTS Score Sending Fees

There is no extra fee for electronically sending the TRF (Test Report Form) to universities directly from an IELTS examination center. However, if you want to send your IELTS score to more than five universities, there is an additional charge of around $2.99 (INR 250) per extra university. This fee applies whether you are sending your scores electronically or physically.

If you need to request additional TRFs after more than a month from the test date, you’ll need to fill out the Application for the Issue of Additional TRFs (ATRF). This form incurs a fee of $2.99 (INR 250) per request.

Also Read: IELTS Exam 2024

Test Report Form (TRF)

The Test Report Form (TRF) is released within 3-5 days in case of computer-based tests and 13 days in case of paper-based tests. Test takers can either download the TRF online or collect it at IDP IELTS offices after the results are released. They need to bring the same identity proof used during registration.

Candidates will get one original Test Report Form unless they apply to UKBA (United Kingdom Border Agency) or CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada). In such cases, two TRFs are provided after proof of application is offered to CIC/UKBA.

An IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) includes the following information:

  • Test Type: Indicates whether the test was Academic or General Training.
  • Centre Number: This is the unique number assigned to the test centre where you took the exam.
  • Test Date: The specific date on which you took the IELTS exam.
  • Candidate Number: A unique identification number assigned to the candidate.
  • Candidate Details: This section includes details such as Family Name, First Name, and Candidate ID.
  • Personal Details: This section includes details such as Date of Birth, Gender, Scheme Code, Country, and First Language
  • Test Results: This section includes scores for each section of the IELTS exam (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) along with the Overall Band Score and the corresponding CEFR Level.
  • IELTS TRF Number: A unique number is located at the bottom right corner of the form.

Application for the Issue of Additional TRFs (ATRF)

The ATRF (Application for the Issue of Additional Test Report Forms) allows candidates to request additional copies of their Test Report Form (TRF) after more than a month has passed since the test date. Candidates need to complete the ATRF form and pay a fee of $2.99 (INR 250) per request.

Processing Time: The ATRF is processed within a few days, and the additional TRFs are sent to the requested institutions or provided to the candidate based on their preference.

Also Read: IELTS TRF & ATRF: Complete Details

How to Calculate IELTS Band Score

When you’re applying to universities in English-speaking countries, you’ll need to send your IELTS scores along with your application. Here’s a quick guide on how to calculate those scores before you attach them to your college applications.

IELTS scores are based on a 9-band scale for each of the four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Scores range from 1 to 9, and you can get either a whole or half band. You’ll receive a band score for each section, and your overall IELTS band score is the average of these four sections.

Let us put forward an example for better understanding.

SectionScore
Listening6
Writing7
Reading5.5
Speaking6.5
IELTS overall band score6 + 7 + 5.5 + 6.5 = 25/4 = 6.25

When an IELTS overall band score ends with .75 or .25, it is rounded off to the nearest half or whole band. In this case, 6.25 is rounded up to 6.5. So, in the above example, the effective IELTS band score is 6.5.

Steps to Check IELTS Score

Before checking your result, it’s good to know how your IELTS score is calculated. Your results are given based on a band score ranging from 0 to 9, with 0 being the lowest and 9 the highest.

Each of the four components – ListeningReadingWriting, and Speaking— scored individually on this scale. The overall band score is the average of these four scores, rounded to the nearest whole or half band.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to calculating your score before sending it to universities:

  1. Visit the Official IELTS Website: Go to the IELTS website or the site of the test center where you took the exam.
  2. Log In: Use your credentials to log in. If you don’t have an account, you may need to create one or use the details provided by your test center.
  3. Find Your Results: Look for the section where you can view your scores. This is usually under “Results” or a similar option.
  4. Enter Your Details: You’ll need to input some information:
    • Test Date: The date when you took the IELTS test.
    • Date of Birth: Your date of birth as registered with the test center.
    • Candidate Number: Your unique IELTS candidate number.
    • Identification Document Number: The number of the ID you used on test day.
  5. View Your Scores: Click on the button to view your results. It might be labeled “View Results” or “Check Results.”

By following these steps, you’ll be able to quickly and easily check your IELTS scores.

IELTS TRF Download Procedure

An IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) includes personal details such as your name, date of birth, nationality, and a photograph. Additionally, it provides your scores for each section of the IELTS test along with your overall band score.

Here’s the procedure to download your IELTS TRF:

  • Log into your IELTS IDP account.
  • Locate the option to download results. An automatic pop-up might guide you to the score section.

Download your eTRF (Electronic Test Report Form), which is available in CSV or XML format.

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Conclusion

Scoring well on the IELTS is a significant achievement and an important step toward studying abroad. Now, you need to send your scores to the universities you’re applying to.

Here’s the good news: You can streamline this process. When you register for the IELTS, you can choose up to five universities to receive your scores directly for free. If you need to send your scores to more than five universities, there’s a small fee per additional request.

To make the most of your IELTS scores, check out our IELTS Masterclass. Our top educators provide practical tips and strategies to help you excel. With Leap Scholar’s support, you’ll have the expert advice you need to achieve your study abroad goals.

Get in touch today, and let’s work towards your academic future!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. How many attempts can I make to get my desired IELTS score?

    A. You can take the IELTS test as many times as you need to achieve your desired score. There’s no limit on the number of attempts, but it’s a good idea to review your previous test results and work on any areas where you might need improvement before re-taking the exam. Each attempt can help you get closer to your target score.

  • Q. How can I prepare for the IELTS exam for free?

    A. You can totally prep for the IELTS exam without spending a dime! Check out free online resources like practice tests and sample questions from the British Council and IDP. YouTube’s got tons of helpful videos, and joining study groups can give you some great tips. Plus, LeapScholar’s IELTS Masterclass offers free live classes on all four sections of the IELTS Academic exam, taught by top educators from India.

  • Q. How many days will I get my TRF score?

    A. You’ll get your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) in around 13 days after your test. This includes all the time you spend marking and processing your scores. You can either pick it up from the test centre where you took the test or check it online through the IELTS candidate portal, depending on what your test centre offers.

  • Q. How many TRFs can be processed for a student?

    A. You can have up to five IELTS Test Report Forms (TRFs) processed for free, which can be sent directly to up to 5 organisations or institutions of your choice. If you need more than five, there’s an additional charge of Rs. 250 ($2.99) per extra TRF for online and offline. Other postal charges will be applicable in addition to the basic charge. 

  • Q. How is the IELTS TRF verified?

    A. The IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) is verified using a standardised online verification system. Institutions or organisations can check the authenticity of your TRF by entering the TRF numbers provided on your form into the system. This ensures that the scores are legitimate and accurately reflect your performance on the test.

  • Q. How long is the IELTS TRF valid for?

    A. Your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) is good for two years from the date you took the test. During that time, it’s accepted by schools and organisations as proof of your English skills. However, once those two years are up, the TRF expires, and you’ll need to retake the IELTS to get a new one for your applications.

  • Q. Can you reschedule the IELTS exam?

    A. Absolutely, you can reschedule your IELTS exam as long as you do it at least five weeks before your original test date. Just keep in mind there’s an admin fee of Rs. 4,250 for the Paper-Based IELTS and Rs. 4,300 for the IELTS on Computer. You can reach out to your test centre or use their online portal to handle the rescheduling and get any extra details you need.

  • Q. How to send IELTS scores to universities if your test centre has closed?

    A. If your IELTS test centre has closed, you can still send your scores to universities through an online process. Simply complete the Additional IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) request online. This service is available for up to two years after your test date, with each request costing INR 250 ($2.99). Just fill out the form online, and your scores will be sent to your chosen institutions.

  • Q. How do I know if my IELTS score is sent to the university?

    A. To track your IELTS score report, log in to your IELTS account and check the “Test Report Form (TRF)” section for updates. You can also use the IELTS online portal for additional tracking options. Contact the university’s admissions office or relevant department directly if you need more details. They can provide you with the status of your IELTS score and confirm if it has been received.

  • Q. What if I lost my IELTS TRF?

    A. If you lose your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF), you can request a replacement from the test centre where you took the exam. It’s a good idea to contact them directly to find out their specific process for getting a duplicate. You’ll need to provide ID and details to confirm your identity and test info before they issue a replacement.

Know More about IELTS

Know more about IELTS

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Manisha Angre

Experienced IELTS prep trainer and education management industry veteran. Specializes in public speaking, international education, market research, mentoring, and management.

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