Covid-19 and IELTS: Australian updates and resources
Covid-19 update
Last updated: Wednesday 21 January 2021
IELTS continues to monitor Covid-19 restrictions closely and the majority of our Australian IELTS test centres have commenced testing again. Please note these test centres will operate in a restricted manner, ensuring that all Covid-19 requirements are being met. If you have recently travelled from a designated Covid-19 hotspot, you will not be able to take your IELTS test until you have completed quarantine or any other state government requirements. Read more about what to expect on test day here. Please check your test centres calendar for the next available tests in November and December. If you are sick or in quarantine, please contact us via the form below or Live Chat to arrange an immediate transfer or refund of your test.
Covid-19 restrictions
Brisbane
We are pleased to announce that eased restrictions for Greater Brisbane will be in place from Friday 1:00am on 22 January. While face masks are no longer mandatory, you must carry a mask with you at all times and IELTS recommends test takers and staff to wear a facemask while attending a test centre. Read the official information from the QLD Government. If you have any questions, please contact us now. We’re happy to help.
Sydney & New South Wales
From Monday 21 December, new restrictions apply for Greater Sydney, Central Coast and Wollongong (check for more information). There are specific restrictions that apply to Sydney’s Northern Beaches area. Facemasks are mandatory in certain premises. Facemasks are strongly advised to IELTS staff and test takers. More information can be found here. Check the official information from the NSW Government.
Melbourne & Victoria
From Sunday 17 January 2021, facemasks are mandatory only in certain places across Victoria. IELTS recommends test takers and staff to wear a facemask while attending a test centre. More information can be found here. Check the official information from the VIC Government.
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For almost 30 years, IELTS has been a paper-based English test that people have used to achieve their work, study and migration dreams. But you asked for more choice – and we’ve listened. Meet computer-delivered IELTS: the same IELTS test you know, delivered via computer, with multiple test sessions a day and fast results.
IELTS Speaking Coaching
Practice your speaking skills with a qualified IELTS expert from IDP. Get one-on-one coaching sessions to help you prepare for your Speaking test. You will complete a mock Speaking test and receive a detailed report with tips to improve your written English. IDP also offers IELTS Writing Coaching.
Safety measures on test day
Take a closer look at some of the safety measures we have introduced to help keep you safe on test day during COVID-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Covid-19 restrictions affecting your IELTS test?
If you are unable to attend your scheduled IELTS test in NSW or Victoria due to a travel ban, ‘Stay at Home’ order, or specific government restrictions, please contact your test centre to arrange a transfer of your test date, or a full refund.
If we have to cancel a test session (for example because of new restrictions), you test centre will notify you directly to arrange a transfer of your test date. If you have any questions, please contact us now. We’re happy to help.
- Is my IELTS test still on?
For all of Australia
The majority of IELTS test centres have started testing again. Please check your test centre’s calendar for any updates and upcoming test dates in 2021. If you are located in another country, please contact your test centre or visit information for our global test taker community for more updates.
- When is the next available IELTS test in Melbourne?
We know the temporary suspension of IELTS testing in Melbourne was inconvenient, especially if you need a test for work, study or migration. However, to protect the health and safety of all Victorians, the State Government put certain restrictions in place. That also meant restrictions on IELTS testing. We have now started testing again, but you may experience some wait times.
We’ve released additional places in November and December.
- My test was cancelled, but my visa is expiring. What should I do?
On the 20th July, the Australian Government announced that “additional time will be given for applicants to provide English language results where COVID-19 has disrupted access to these services.” You can find this full announcement here.
If you need specific information on the Covid-19 visa arrangements, you can access the special information page from the Australian Government on this site.
- My Test Centre is closed, but I am expecting my IELTS results. What is going to happen?
If you have taken the computer-delivered IELTS test, you can preview your results online within 2-5 days after your test date. If you take the IELTS paper-based test, you can preview your IELTS results online 13 calendar days after your test date. You’ll need your passport number, personal details, and your test date to retrieve your results. Your results will be available online for 2 years.
Preview your IELTS results online
If you need to provide your IELTS results to the Department of Home Affairs, or to a University you can use the Test Report Form (TRF) number is at the top of this page. The organisation can use the number to review your result online.
- How can you practise while testing is suspended?
If your test has been suspended, we have prepared a few tools to help you use the time to improve your score.
- Set up a study plan
- Take a free IELTS practice test
- Get familiar with the computer format by practising with our free support tool
There are also a few other things you can do to position yourself to get your best score.
You can take an online practise test and get indicative band scores plus feedback from an official IELTS marker. Also, you can join the conversation on Facebook with daily tips on preparation. For visual learners, visit the official IELTS Writing video tutorials to help boost your Writing score.
Other fun ways to practice English at home:
- Sing along to English songs
- Watch films or television in English
- Listen to podcasts or the radio
- I cannot attend my test in Australia due to the restrictions, what can I do?
If you are unable to attend your scheduled IELTS test in Australia due to the travel ban or specific government restrictions, please contact your test centre or contact us online to arrange a full refund or test date transfer.
- I am in quarantine and cannot attend my IELTS test, what can I do?
If you are unable to attend your scheduled IELTS test in Australia due to quarantine, please contact your test centre or contact us online to arrange a full refund or test date transfer.
- I am sick and cannot attend my IELTS test, what can I do?
If you are unable to attend your scheduled IELTS test in Australia due to sickness, please contact your test centre or contact us online to arrange a transfer up to seven days before your test date.
You will be asked to complete a transfer/refund form and provide supporting documentation within two days after your test date. Your application will be reviewed by your test centre and you will be advised of the outcome.
- Can I wear a face mask in my IELTS test?
You are welcome to wear a face mask that covers your mouth and nose in your IELTS test. If you use a mask, you will be requested to remove it temporarily for photo identification and other purposes. You may find that staff and examiners are wearing face masks on test day.
If you sit a test in Melbourne, VIC, you are required to wear a face covering when leaving home and throughout the duration of your IELTS test. Test centre staff and examiners will also be wearing a face mask covering their mouth and nose during the test.
- Will wearing a face mask affect my Speaking score?
If I wear a mask, will it affect my Speaking test score? The short answer is: No, not in your IELTS Speaking test because we use real examiners. But some other tests require you to talk to a computer, where it may affect your score.
Read more about wearing a face mask during your Speaking test
- What changes have IELTS put in place in response to Covid-19?
IELTS is closely monitoring the evolving Covid-19 situation.
In response, IELTS Australia has made the following changes:
- All test takers in Australia are required to sign a declaration form regarding travel and quarantine before sitting their IELTS test
- We are increasing the space between test takers in computer-delivered and paper-based testing
- We are increasing the space between test takers and Speaking examiners
- We are maintaining the cleanliness of our test centres and computer-delivered IELTS labs, including computers, desks and headphones
- Test takers are permitted to wear face masks during their IELTS test
- Speaking examiners are permitted to wear masks during the Speaking test
Contact IELTS Customer Support
If you would like to contact our customer support team to arrange a refund or transfer, please contact us via the form below or via Live Chat.
- LiveChat: Instant response from an IELTS expert
Updates for international students
If you are an international student in Australia or travelling to Australia to commence your students, please find more information and resources from IDP:
Your health and safety is our top priority. More information on protecting yourself from Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV) is available here.
More resources are available here:
- Australian Government Department of Health: Information for university and higher education students and staff arriving from mainland China
- Australian Government Department of Health: Information for universities and higher education facilities
- Australian Government Department of Education Skills and Employment: Advice for international students travelling to Australia from mainland China
- Home Affairs visa updates