Covid-19 and IELTS: Australian updates and resources
Covid-19 update
Last updated: Friday 22 October 2021
IELTS continues to monitor Covid-19 restrictions closely. Please note some 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. 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
Canberra, ACT
Testing will resume in Canberra from November. As part of our effort to ensure safety, all test takers in ACT will need to provide evidence of being fully vaccinated. Read the full details of the policy and instructions to get proof of vaccination here. Remember to check the official information from the ACT Government website for the official updates.
Sydney, NSW
On Monday, 30 August, the NSW Government announced further restrictions to manage with the current COVID outbreak. IELTS testing will continue in a restricted manner to comply with official requirements. As per NSW Government restrictions, from 11/10/21, all test takers will need to provide evidence of being fully vaccinated to enter the test venue. Read the full details of the policy and instructions to get proof of vaccination here. Remember to check the official information from the NSW Government. Your test centre will contact you to provide you with further information if your test has been impacted.
Melbourne, Victoria
As part of our effort to ensure safety, from Friday, 15th October 2021, all test takers in Victoria will need to provide evidence of having at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine to sit the test. You will need to provide evidence that you have received your second dose (unless you have a medical exemption) from Friday, 26 November 2021. Read the full details of the policy and instructions to get proof of vaccination here. Remember to check the official information from the Victorian Government.
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IELTS in high demand
IELTS promotes a COVID-19 safe environment. Find out what additional precautions we’ve put in place to help protect your health and safety on test day.. At the moment, there is a high demand for IELTS tests, but some places are available. If you have any questions, please contact us now. We’re happy to help.
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Study while you wait
Try computer delivered IELTS
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?
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Are Covid-19 restrictions affecting your IELTS test?
If you are unable to attend your scheduled IELTS test 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.
Alternatively, if your IELTS Test Centre has to cancel a test session (for example because of new restrictions), the 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?
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Is my IELTS test still on?
All Australian 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?
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When is the next available IELTS test?
We know the temporary suspension of IELTS testing in some locations is inconvenient, especially if you need a test for work, study or migration. However, to protect the health and safety of all people, the Federal and/or State Government may put certain restrictions in place. That also meant restrictions on IELTS testing. While we have now started testing in the majority of locations, you may experience some wait times.
- My test was cancelled, but my visa is expiring. What should I do?
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My English test was cancelled, but my visa is expiring. What should I do?
For Student and Temporary Graduate Visas, the Department of Home Affairs allows extra time for you to provide English language test results if you were unable to take a test because of COVID-19. Where you have made an appointment for an IELTS test more than 28 days into the future, you may attach your booking confirmation in your ImmiAccount. You can book an IELTS test now for 28 days in the future.
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?
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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. Or, 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?
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How can you practise IELTS 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
And, there are also a few other things you can do to position yourself to get your best score.
For example, 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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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. However, 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.
Additionally, if you sit a test in locations where there are special restrictions in place, you may be required to wear a face covering throughout the duration of your IELTS test. As a result, 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?
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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, human 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?
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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, or check in with Government approved QR codes
- We strictly adhere to social distance requirements for test takers in computer-delivered and paper-based testing
- Also, we increase the space between test takers and Speaking examiners
- We maintain the cleanliness of our test centres and computer-delivered IELTS labs. This includes 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 from the following resources.
More resources are available here: