How do I send my IELTS score report to universities and how many free sends are included?
You send IELTS scores through your official IDP or British Council test taker portal, and you get 5 free reports at registration. Electronic delivery is often free to unlimited universities, while extra postal or late requests cost around Rs 250 to Rs 350 per institution.
You send your IELTS results directly through the official portal where you registered, either IDP or the British Council, since universities never accept your personal PDF or screenshot. As part of registration you get 5 free score reports, and how much you pay after that depends on whether the university takes electronic or postal delivery.
How Many Sends Are Free
| Type of send | Cost |
|---|---|
| Nominated at registration | Up to 5 universities free |
| Electronic e-delivery | Often unlimited free via the portal |
| Postal delivery within one month | First 5 free, courier charges may apply |
| Extra or late reports | About Rs 250 to Rs 350, roughly USD 3.75 each |
Electronic Versus Postal Delivery
| Feature | Electronic (eTRF) | Postal (physical TRF) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 1 to 3 business days, often instant | 7 to 14 business days |
| Cost | Usually free and unlimited | First 5 free, courier fees apply |
| Tracking | Digital status in your portal | Courier tracking number |
| When to use | Default for US, UK, Canada, Australia | Only if the university refuses e-delivery |
My Advice
Before you choose postal delivery, search your university in the portal dropdown. If it appears there, it is registered for e-delivery and physical mail is a waste of money and time. If a university lets you self-report on its application, keep your TRF Verification Number handy from the bottom right of your certificate, since they use it to confirm your score online instantly.
What IELTS band do Australian universities actually need?
Know your target score, and how to hit it with free mock tests.
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