How to apply
Applications for the IELTS test can only be made using the Online Registration System. Before applying, please read the following essential information.
Acceptable forms of ID
- Passport – this must show your name in English, date of birth, ID number, expiry date and contain your photograph and signature.
- National ID Card (for EU citizens only)
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Application registration card (ARC).
A driving licence is not an acceptable form of ID. All names listed on your passport or ID must be listed in your application.
Making a payment
Payment is due within IELTS’ deadline. Payments can be made – once registered and in receipt of a Registration Reference Number – via the secure online payment system. Soon after your application, IELTS will email the payment link.
Please note: Once payment is made, the status of an application will continue to show as 'unpaid'. Payment reminder emails may still be sent until the administration team enters the payment details manually. The process is not automatic and during busy periods there may be a delay (especially those payments made out of hours or at weekends). Do not worry – when you have your receipt from the online store your application will not be cancelled. You can ignore payment reminder emails from that point.
The IELTS test day
On test day, you must bring the original ID document used to complete your application. Copies aren't accepted. Failure to produce the correct ID will result in not being permitted to take the test, with no refund. If you're sending your passport away for visa applications, please ensure the passport will be returned in time for your test. If in doubt, email us at the address below at the earliest opportunity.
For questions concerning acceptable forms of ID, or if the ID document you applied with is no longer in your possession, please email ielts@liverpool.ac.uk.
Cancellation, refund, and transfer requests
A Request for Refund or Test Date Transfer Form must be completed in full. Please email ielts@liverpool.ac.uk for a form, then complete/return to the same email address.
Policy notice:
Refund/Transfer policy is dependent upon the date you submit your request and whether exceptional circumstances apply.
Refund/Transfer request made more than five weeks before the test date:
- a full refund or free transfer
Refund/Transfer request made within five weeks of the test date:
Request is received within 14 days of making a payment:
- a full refund or free transfer, if your test date is more than 14 days away
- a partial refund* or paid transfer*, if your test date is within the next 14 days
- no refund or transfer**, if your test date is within the next 24 hours
Request is received more than 14 days after making a payment:
- no refund or transfer**
* Administrative fee applies (25% of the test fee)
**For all reasons apart from Special Consideration (see below)
Please note that you must select a new test date, where available, within three months of your original test date. You can only transfer the same booking once.
A different policy applies to One Skill Retake tests (OSR). For further information please contact ielts@liverpool.ac.uk
Special Consideration owing to exceptional circumstances
On rare occasions, there may be instances where you are unable to attend your test or are disadvantaged on the test day owing to illness, injury, or another exceptional event outside your control. In these cases, including instances such as bereavement, civil unrest or domestic crisis, you may apply for special consideration due to exceptional circumstances before the test and up to two calendar days after the test date. You can find more information on this process here.
To apply for special consideration, you need to submit the following documents:
- Supporting official evidence
- Request for Refund or Test Date Transfer Form
Please note that your request will not be assessed without receiving satisfactory evidence along with your request form. If you are submitting a medical certificate, it must be in English and signed by registered medical professionals. Please keep the original document with you as we may require it for further verification.
If the document reaches us within the deadline and your request is approved, you have two options to choose from:
- a refund of the test fee minus an administrative fee
- a single paid transfer to a new test date within the next three-month period
For general guidance on cancellations, refunds and transfers, you can also go to the IELTS website here.
Special arrangements procedure
Some test takers have special requirements such as a disability, hearing or sight impairment, dyslexia or a speech impediment, or a short term difficulty such as a broken arm. Special arrangements can usually be made in these circumstances.
Such test takers should email ielts@liverpool.ac.uk at the time of their application to inform us of these requirements. Please note that medical/other official evidence must be provided and dated following the 12th birthday - medical evidence written prior to this isn't acceptable. Please note that for some special arrangements, eg modified test material, a minimum of 3 months' notice is required. Visit the IELTS Special Requirements webpage for more information.
Minors (under 18s)
If the applicant is under 18, please contact the test centre separately for a consent form. Failure to do so may result in an application being rejected.