How This Calculator Works

This tool shows the approximate exam fee for each major English proficiency test in your country, then multiplies by the number of attempts you plan to take. The formula is simple:

Cost alone should not decide which test you take. The most important factor is which tests are accepted for your university or visa application. After that, cost, test format, and results speed become the deciding factors.

What Each Test Actually Costs

IELTS Academic and General Training

IELTS is the most expensive mainstream English test in most countries, typically costing between USD 215 and USD 260 depending on location. In the UK, it costs approximately GBP 195 to GBP 210. In Australia, around AUD 380 to 400. In Canada, approximately CAD 315 to 340. In Nigeria, fees range from NGN 85,000 to NGN 110,000 depending on the test centre.

IELTS UKVI (required for UK visa routes) costs slightly more than standard IELTS at the same centres, typically GBP 210 to GBP 250 in the UK. The IELTS Life Skills test (for UK visa purposes only) costs less, around GBP 130 to GBP 175.

TOEFL iBT

TOEFL iBT is priced in USD globally by ETS, but local test centres add administrative fees. In the USA, the fee is approximately USD 220. In the UK, it is around GBP 210 to 230. In Australia, around AUD 350 to 380. In Canada, around CAD 290 to 320. TOEFL at Home (online proctored) is available in most countries and is sometimes cheaper than in-person testing.

PTE Academic

PTE Academic is generally slightly cheaper than IELTS and TOEFL. In the UK, PTE costs approximately GBP 175 to 205. In Australia, around AUD 335 to 365. In the USA, around USD 200 to 220. In Canada, around CAD 265 to 290. PTE also offers same-day results, which is a significant advantage when time is short.

Duolingo English Test

Duolingo is the clear cost winner. The test costs USD 65 globally regardless of where you take it, since it is entirely online and proctored remotely. Results arrive within 48 hours. At roughly one-third to one-quarter of the cost of IELTS, it is an attractive option for university admissions where Duolingo is accepted. The limitation is that it is not accepted for immigration purposes in any of the six primary countries covered here.

Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency

Cambridge exams are among the most expensive options, typically costing GBP 175 to GBP 250 in the UK and equivalent amounts in other countries. However, unlike all other tests, Cambridge certificates never expire. If you pass once, the certificate is valid for life. This means the lifetime cost of a Cambridge exam, if you never need to retake it for expiry reasons, is lower than repeatedly retaking IELTS or TOEFL every two years.

Table of Truth: Test Fees by Country (Approximate)

Hidden Costs to Budget For

Score Sending Fees

IELTS: sending your score report to a university or institution is included at no extra charge in most cases. TOEFL: ETS gives you four free score sends at the time of testing. After that, each additional send costs USD 35. PTE: score sharing is free within the Pearson portal. Duolingo: free to share with institutions through the Duolingo portal. Cambridge: sending transcripts may incur an administration fee at some centres.

Preparation Materials

Official preparation materials cost extra. IELTS Official Practice Materials cost approximately GBP 25 to 35. The Official TOEFL Prep course on ETS costs around USD 40 to 80. PTE Official Practice Tests cost around USD 45. Cambridge practice test books cost GBP 20 to 30 per level. Free practice materials are available from all testing bodies, but comprehensive prep often requires buying official materials or a preparation course.

Test Centre Travel and Time

Computer-based IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL require you to attend a test centre. If you live in a city without a nearby test centre, add travel and accommodation costs to your budget. Duolingo is fully remote, which eliminates this cost entirely. This is one of the genuinely practical advantages of Duolingo beyond just the lower registration fee.

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Test on Cost

Mistake 1: Choosing Duolingo because it is cheapest without checking acceptance. Duolingo is accepted at thousands of universities but not at immigration authorities anywhere. If you need the score for a visa, Duolingo will not work regardless of cost.

Mistake 2: Not accounting for the cost of multiple attempts. Most candidates who aim for a competitive score retake the test at least once. Budget for two attempts from the start. Planning for one and then paying for a surprise second attempt at short notice is stressful and sometimes means paying a premium for an emergency booking slot.

Mistake 3: Ignoring preparation cost. A higher test fee paid once after proper preparation is often cheaper than a lower fee paid three times because you underperformed. Factor preparation costs into your total budget alongside the exam fee.

Mistake 4: Assuming rescheduling is free. All major tests charge a rescheduling fee if you change your test date within a certain window. IELTS typically charges 25 percent of the test fee if you reschedule within five weeks. TOEFL charges USD 60 to change dates. Book your date realistically and avoid changing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I cancel my English test booking?

All major tests offer partial refunds for cancellations, but the amount depends on how far in advance you cancel. IELTS typically refunds around 75 percent if cancelled five or more weeks before the test. TOEFL refunds approximately USD 80 of the test fee if cancelled more than four days before. PTE refunds vary by test centre. Duolingo offers a limited refund window after booking. Always check the current refund policy on the official test website before booking.

Is IELTS more expensive than TOEFL in every country?

Not always. In the USA, TOEFL is generally priced similarly or slightly below IELTS. In some markets like India and parts of Africa, IELTS is cheaper than TOEFL when comparing total fees including booking charges. The gap between the two is usually small. PTE is consistently priced slightly below both in most markets.

Does IELTS cost the same everywhere in the world?

No. IELTS fees are set locally by the British Council and IDP in each country. This means the same test costs significantly different amounts in different countries. A test taken in the UK costs around GBP 200, while the same test in Nigeria costs the equivalent of approximately USD 85 to 110. Some candidates in high-cost countries travel to a lower-cost neighbouring country to take the test, though this involves its own travel costs and logistical complexity.

How much does it cost to resit IELTS?

There is no discount for resitting. You pay the full exam fee each time. There is no “partial credit” or reduced fee for a second or third attempt. This is why preparation matters so much: each failed or underperforming attempt costs the same as the first.

Are there any free English proficiency tests for immigration or universities?

No. There are no officially accredited free tests accepted for immigration or university admission. The Duolingo English Test at USD 65 is the lowest-cost accredited option. Free English placement tests exist (such as those from the British Council or EF) but these are diagnostic tools, not official test reports, and are not accepted by universities or immigration authorities.

Prices shown are approximate and based on publicly listed test centre fees as of 2024 to 2025. Exchange rates and local fees change regularly. Always verify current pricing on the official British Council, IDP, ETS, Pearson, Duolingo, or Cambridge Assessment websites before booking. SabiCalculator is not affiliated with any testing body.