Book your exam online and access our free preparation materials today.
When you book an IELTS test with the British Council, you also get included in your test fee:
- Exclusive, free access to our popular online preparation course 'IELTS Ready Premium'
- Five extra Test Report Forms for free that we send free of charge to institutions you’re applying to (e.g. immigration offices, universities etc.)
Choose how to take your IELTS test and book online
You can take your test at one of our official test centres on paper or on a computer. All you need is a valid identification document and a bank card if you want to pay online.
Important registration information for IELTS on paper
If you’re not officially a resident in Malawi, you will not be able to sit an IELTS on paper test. However, you can still take the test on computer so please do choose that option.
Already booked an IELTS on Paper test and you do not hold Malawian nationality?
- If you booked your test before 16 January 2025, you will not need to show proof of residence.
- If you booked your test after 16 January 2025, you will need to show proof of residence by email at least three days before your test date.
Acceptable proof of residence includes:
- A valid Student Visa (stating purpose, length of visa and expiry date) stamped in the passport.
- A valid Work Permit (2 documents) including Visa (stating status and expiry) stamped in the passport and Work Permit card (showing expiry date).
| Tests we offer | Fee (MWK) | Available test dates |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic - in centre (paper or computer) | 400,200 | Find a test date |
| IELTS General Training - in centre (paper or computer) | 400,200 | Find a test date |
| IELTS for UKVI Academic- in centre (computer) | 413,100 | Find a test date |
| IELTS for UKVI General Training - in centre (computer) | 413,100 | Find a test date |
| IELTS for UKVI Life Skills (A1 and B1) - in centre | 269,700 | Find a test date |
What you need to book:
- Make sure you have a form of valid ID (Passport) at hand, as you will need to upload a clear photocopy of it when you book your test. Please note that candidates under 18 years of age have to supply written consent by a parent or guardian in order to apply for a test place.
- Download and read our Information for Candidates booklet, which contains important information about the test format, the question types and the test results. Please note that IELTS is not recommended for test takers under the age of 16.
- Pay for your test. You can pay for your test either through our online registration system, via bank transfer or deposit into our Standard Bank Account. Account name: British Council. Account Number: 9100001576213. In the Reference section of your payment please write: [IELTS / family name / city / test date].
- Once you have made the payment, please submit the proof of payment (bank transfer or deposit slip) through info@britishcouncil.org.mw or at our offices in Lilongwe or Blantyre during our open times: Monday 09.00 - 14.00, Wednesday 09.00 - 14.00 and Friday 09.00 - 12.00.
After you have booked your test
You will receive emails confirming:
- the start time of your test and the venue address
- your Speaking Test date
- your access to the free online preparation course: IELTS Ready: Premium.
More information about the test
Download and read our Information for Candidates to learn everything you need to know about the format, the different exam components and test results.