The standard IELTS exam fee in USA is $265 USD as of 2025. This price applies to both the Academic and General Training modules. The fee is set by the test’s co-owners: the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge English.
When you register for the IELTS exam fee in USA, payment must be made online via credit or debit card during registration on the official IELTS website or through authorized test centers. Cash, checks, and digital wallets like PayPal or Venmo are not accepted.
The IELTS exam fee in USA includes the cost of taking all four test sections—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—and sending your scores to up to five institutions at no extra charge. Additional Test Report Forms (TRFs) or late requests for score delivery may incur extra fees.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Beyond the base IELTS exam fee , candidates should consider other potential expenses. These include transportation to the test center (as IELTS is offered in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston), preparation materials (books, courses, or practice tests), and possible rescheduling fees.
If you need to reschedule your test, a $45 administrative fee applies if done more than five weeks before the test date. Cancellations within five weeks typically result in forfeiture of the full fee, unless you provide medical documentation.
Fees are subject to change, so always confirm the current exam fee on the official IELTS registration portal before booking. Some test centers may also offer premium services—such as faster results—for an added cost, though these are optional.
In summary, plan to budget $265 USD for the IELTS exam fee in USA, plus minor incidental costs. This investment supports a globally recognized credential accepted by over 3,400 institutions across the United States.