How to Send Your IELTS Score to a University

Last Updated: February 16, 2023 References

The IELTS is the International English Language Testing System, a standardized test used for people from non-English-speaking countries who want to study in English-language universities. Since some universities require this test as part of the application process, you have to send your Test Report Forms (TRFs) to the universities you're applying to. You have two options for this. You could request your TRFs while registering for the test and they'll be sent immediately when the test is scored. If you prefer to see your scores first, you can request your TRFs after taking the test.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Requesting Your Scores during Test Registration

1
Make a list of universities you're applying to. If you know which institutions you’re applying to before taking the IELTS, you can have your Test Report Forms (TRFs) sent automatically after you take the test. The British Council requires the full mailing address of all universities you send your scores to, so copy these down and double check to make sure you have the right address. You can send your scores to 5 universities free of charge if you request it before the test date. If you request your scores after the test, there is a fee applied.
- Check with the universities you're applying to and make sure they require the IELTS. You wouldn't want to take the test for nothing!
- Some universities have multiple campuses in different locations. Make sure you’ve written down the address for the correct campus.
- Note that if you take this option, you won’t see your scores before they are sent out to universities. If you’re not confident in your results, you should request the scores after you’ve seen them first.
2
Register for the IELTS. The IELTS are overseen and administered by the British Council. All the information for registering and taking the test can be found on their website, https://www.britishcouncil.in/exam/ielts.
- The registration process includes inputting your personal information and choosing a test date. Provide your full name, address, phone number, email address, country of origin, and birth date.^{[1]
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- Different countries may also request other information, like your passport ID number.
- Don’t schedule your test yet if you’re not prepared. Prep sites recommend that you spend 1-2 months preparing for the IELTS. Study and then take the exam when you're ready.^{[2]
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3
Click “Yes” when the Test Portal asks if you want to send your scores. During the IELTS registration process, the website will ask if you want to send your scores to any universities. If you know which universities you’re applying to, click “Yes” to select this option.^{[3]
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- You can select up to 5 universities during the registration process and have your score sent free of charge. If you want to send your scores to more than 5 universities, you’ll be charged a fee.
4
Enter the correct information for up to 5 universities. Using your list of universities, type in all the necessary information that the registration site requests. This usually includes the full mailing address. Follow all instructions and provide all the requested information so your TRFs are sent to the correct place.^{[4]
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- The British Council needs the university's full address so it can check if a university is enrolled in the IELTS Verification Service, which allows them to receive scores electronically. If a university isn’t enrolled, the scores are sent by mail.
5
Request additional TRFs if you apply to more than 5 universities. The registration process will also ask if you would like to send your scores to additional universities. If so, then select “Yes” and input the information.^{[5]
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- The processing fee varies depending on your country. In Canada, for instance, the fee is $20 (Canadian) per each additional university you send your scores to.
6
Take the test. When you’ve registered all your universities, you can take your test on the allotted date. When your test is scored, the TRFs will be sent to the universities you selected.
- IELTS scores are usually available 13 calendar days after the test. You can then log in to your account and view your scores. By this point, your scores will have been sent to the selected universities.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Sending Your Scores after the Test

1
Check your scores on your IELTS Portal. After 13 days have passed, your scores are available on the IELTS Test Taker Portal. This is the same portal where you registered and took the test.^{[6]
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- The "Check Results" option should be on the right side of the interface. Click this, and select "Preview results online."
2
Decide if you want to send these scores. The IELTS is scored from 0 to 9, with 9 being the top score. See where your score sits on this spectrum. If you’ve done well, then go ahead sending these scores. If your score was low, consider rescheduling the exam for a better result.^{[7]
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- Universities commonly require a score of at least 7 on the IELTS for admission.^{[8]
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- Universities have different expectations for the required IELTS score. Check with the universities you’re applying to and see what the qualifying score is. Even if you’re not happy with your grade, you still may be above the qualifying grade.
3
Select “Apply for Additional TRFs” in your Portal. When you’ve decided to send your score, select this option on the left side of your Test Taker Portal.^{[9]
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- Note that if you’ve taken the IELTS multiple times, you can choose which result you want to send. Remember to select your best score!
4
Fill out the information for the universities you’re applying to. Have a list of universities ready and enter their names and full addresses so your TRFs are sent to the correct place.
- The British Council needs the full address so it can check if a university is enrolled in the IELTS Verification Service, which allows them to receive the scores electronically. If a university isn’t enrolled, the scores are sent by mail.
- Also check with your university and see if they prefer a particular method of delivery.
5
Submit and pay the fees. Since you’re requesting these TRFs after the test date, there will be a fee for processing and delivering your scores. The fee depends on what country you’re in.^{[10]
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- Universities should receive electronic TRFs in about 5 business days and paper TRFs in about 10 business days.
- You can check the fees ahead of time on your local IELTS website. Each country has its own portal. Type in your local area for information in your locality at IELTSregistration.org.