What is the cost of giving the IELTS exam in UK/Germany?
In the UK, the standard IELTS exam costs GBP 215 to 250, while in Germany it costs EUR 286. UKVI versions cost more, at GBP 257 to 313 or EUR 308, and Life Skills tests are cheaper at GBP 182 to 209 or EUR 206. Rescheduling carries a fee too.
Your IELTS cost depends on exactly which version you need and where you sit the test, but as a baseline the standard exam runs GBP 215 to 250 in the UK and EUR 286 in Germany. Visa specific and Life Skills versions are priced separately from the standard test.
Cost by Test Type
| Test Type | Cost in UK | Cost in Germany | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic or General Training | GBP 215 to 250 | EUR 286 | University admission, skilled migration |
| IELTS for UKVI | GBP 257 to 313 | EUR 308 | UK Home Office visa pathways |
| Life Skills (A1, A2, B1) | GBP 182 to 209 | EUR 206 | Family reunion, settlement, citizenship |
| One Skill Retake | GBP 162 to 183 | Varies by centre | Retesting a single weak section |
Hidden Fees to Budget For
- Rescheduling more than 5 weeks before your test usually carries only a small administrative fee.
- Cancelling or moving your date inside 5 weeks means you lose your entire fee.
- Appealing your score through Enquiry on Results requires an upfront fee, refunded in full if your band improves.
My Advice
Confirm which exact version you need, standard, UKVI, or Life Skills, before you pay, since booking the wrong one wastes both your money and your test slot. Check the British Council portal for your specific city, since prices shift slightly between test centres even within the same country.
What IELTS band do German universities actually need?
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