IELTS registration in Nigeria costs ₦279,500 to ₦300,000 depending on your test provider and format, while TOEFL costs ₦170,000 to ₦250,000 depending on whether you pay directly through ETS or use a Nigerian registration agent.
My name is Babatunde Oladepo, and I created NG Career after spending four frustrating months in 2019 applying to programmes using outdated information from websites that never verified their sources. I almost lost ₦50,000 to a fake recruitment agency that promised Canadian jobs but disappeared after collecting document verification fees. That experience taught me that Nigerians deserve trustworthy, fact-checked information about studying and working abroad.
This guide contains verified IELTS and TOEFL fees for February 2026, pulled directly from official registration portals and confirmed against multiple sources.
IELTS Exam Fees in Nigeria (February 2026)
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is jointly owned by British Council, IDP Education Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. According to the British Council official website, both British Council and IDP administer identical tests with the same scoring system, though their pricing differs slightly.
Important note about pricing: Some websites advertise IELTS registration fees as low as ₦110,000 to ₦120,000. According to internationalexam.com payment portal, these figures appear on older pricing pages but conflict with current official rates of ₦279,500 to ₦300,000 shown on the same site’s main IELTS page. Always verify fees directly on the official British Council or IDP booking portal before making any payment.
British Council Nigeria IELTS Registration Fee 2026
According to gregmattoeflnigeria.com and examplanet.com, current British Council IELTS fees are:
| Test Type | Standard Fee | With Promo Code “MAFIT” |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (Computer) | ₦279,500 to ₦285,000 | ₦274,300 |
| IELTS General Training (Computer) | ₦279,500 to ₦285,000 | ₦274,300 |
| IELTS for UKVI | ₦295,000 to ₦300,000 | ₦289,800 |
| IELTS Life Skills A1/B1 | ₦279,000 to ₦291,000 | Varies |
Some registration agents list higher fees. According to internationalexam.com main IELTS page, standard IELTS is listed at ₦300,000 and IELTS-UKVI at ₦320,000, which includes additional services and materials.
IDP Education Nigeria IELTS Price 2026
Based on current data from examplanet.com:
| Test Type | IDP Fee |
|---|---|
| IDP IELTS Academic and General Training | ₦285,000 |
| IDP IELTS for UKVI | ₦300,000 |
| IDP IELTS Life Skills | ₦291,000 |
Paper-Based vs Computer-Delivered IELTS
According to internationalexam.com, IELTS is available in both computer and paper-delivered formats.
| Format | Availability | Results Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Computer-delivered | Multiple times weekly | 3 to 5 days |
| Paper-based | Limited dates | 13 calendar days |
British Council Nigeria IELTS Test Locations
According to the British Council Nigeria official website at britishcouncil.org.ng, IELTS testing is available at the following locations:
Abeokuta, Abuja, Ajah, Akure, Asaba, Benin, Calabar, Enugu, Festac, Lagos Mainland (Gbagada and Ikeja), Ibadan, Ikorodu, Lagos Island (Ikoyi), Ilorin, Kano, Osogbo, Port Harcourt, Surulere, Uyo, Warri, and Yaba.
Test Center Selection Tips
- Lagos centers (Ikeja, Gbagada, Yaba) fill fastest. Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead for Saturday slots
- Abuja center has more weekday availability
- Newer centers (Asaba, Calabar, Uyo) often have shorter booking queues
IELTS Exam Dates in Nigeria
According to internationalexam.com, you can take the IELTS exam with the British Council or IDP up to once a week (four times a month). The British Council and IDP global schedule offers 48 test dates per year.
To check real-time availability, visit the British Council Nigeria booking portal at britishcouncil.org.ng/exam/ielts/dates-fees-locations.
Booking strategy: Saturday slots at Lagos centers fill within days of opening. If your preferred date is unavailable, check again early Monday morning when cancelled slots are often released, or choose weekday morning slots which typically have better availability.
Current IELTS Promotions (February 2026)
According to gregmattoeflnigeria.com, several promotional discounts are currently available:
Through Registration Agents:
- Promo Code “MAFIT”: ₦5,200 discount on British Council IELTS registration, reducing the fee from ₦279,500 to ₦274,300
- UKVI Discount: ₦5,200 off IELTS UKVI, reducing fee from ₦295,000 to ₦289,800
- Score Incentive: Up to ₦100,000 reward for scoring 8.5 band through certain agents
- Free Training Bundle: 4 to 6 weeks of physical classes, over 125 video lessons, 600+ practice questions, up to 4 full-length mock tests, and Cambridge textbook included free with registration
Which IELTS Type Do You Need?
| If You Need | Register For | Why |
|---|---|---|
| University admission | IELTS Academic | Required by universities worldwide for English language certificate verification |
| Canada Express Entry | IELTS General Training | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires GT for points-based immigration |
| UK student or work visa | IELTS for UKVI | Mandatory requirement from UK Visas and Immigration for visa applications |
| UK spouse or family visa | IELTS Life Skills | Speaking and listening only |
TOEFL Test Cost in Nigeria (February 2026)
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). According to the official ETS website at ets.org/toefl, the base TOEFL iBT fee is $182 USD globally.
TOEFL Registration Cost Nigeria
| Registration Method | Price Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Direct ETS payment (requires dollar card) | ₦170,000 | internationalexam.com |
| Through Nigerian registration agents | ₦240,000 to ₦250,000 | examplanet.com, gregmattoeflnigeria.com |
The price difference exists because Nigerian agents handle dollar transactions and add service fees. If you have a domiciliary account or virtual dollar card, registering directly through ETS saves ₦70,000 to ₦80,000.
Additional TOEFL Fees (ETS Official)
According to the official ETS website at ets.org/toefl:
| Service | Fee (USD) | Approximate Naira |
|---|---|---|
| Express Registration (within 7 days) | $49 | ₦64,000 |
| Rescheduling | $69 | ₦90,000 |
| Reinstatement of Cancelled Scores | $20 | ₦26,000 |
| Additional Score Reports (beyond 4 free) | $20 each | ₦26,000 each |
TOEFL Registration Package Benefits
According to gregmattoeflnigeria.com, registering TOEFL at ₦250,000 through agents includes:
- Free physical classes (4 to 6 weeks)
- Free interactive online classes
- Latest Kaplan TOEFL textbook
- Live online classes (not pre-recorded) for 4 weeks
- Over 120 video lessons
- Magoosh Premium TOEFL account (shared access)
- Official Guide to the TOEFL textbook (E-book)
- Barron’s TOEFL textbook (E-book)
- Cracking the TOEFL iBT from Princeton Review (E-book)
- Over 420 practice questions
- Up to 6 full-length mock tests
- Up to ₦20,000 reward when you score 110
TOEFL Test Centers in Nigeria
According to internationalexam.com, TOEFL test centers are available in:
- Lagos
- Abuja
- Port Harcourt (Rivers State)
- Ibadan (Oyo State)
- Owerri (Imo State)
- Asaba (Delta State)
- Enugu
- Jos (Plateau State)
IELTS vs TOEFL: Complete Cost Comparison
| Factor | IELTS | TOEFL | Cheaper Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Registration | ₦279,500 to ₦300,000 | ₦170,000 to ₦250,000 | TOEFL (direct payment) |
| Rescheduling Fee | 25% of registration (~₦70,000) | $69 (~₦90,000) | IELTS |
| Free Score Reports | Up to 5 included | 4 included | IELTS |
| Cancellation Refund | 75% (5+ weeks notice) | 50% (4+ days notice) | IELTS |
| Results Turnaround | 3 to 5 days (computer), 13 days (paper) | 4 to 8 days | IELTS (computer) |
| Test Validity Period | 2 years | 2 years | Equal |
According to internationalexam.com, IELTS is more preferred in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, while TOEFL is popular among applicants to universities in the US and Canada.
How to Pay for IELTS and TOEFL in Nigeria
IELTS Payment Options
- Naira debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) at British Council or IDP portals
- Bank transfers to official accounts
- Cash payments at authorized registration centers
TOEFL Payment Methods
According to the official ETS website, acceptable payment methods include:
ETS Account: Credit/debit card, electronic check (e-check), PayPal, or Alipay
Phone Registration: Credit/debit card or electronic check
Mail Registration: Credit/debit card
For Nigerian test takers without international payment options:
Option 1: Dollar Card Use a domiciliary account with a dollar debit card to pay directly on the ETS website at the official $182 rate.
Option 2: Virtual Dollar Card Services like Grey or Eversend create virtual dollar cards funded with Naira.
Option 3: Registration Agents Nigerian agents handle the USD payment and charge you in Naira plus a service fee.
Option 4: Someone Abroad A trusted contact with a US dollar card can pay using your ETS account login details.
Standalone Training Costs
According to examplanet.com, if you register directly without an agent bundle:
| Training Type | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Classes (4 weeks) | ₦40,000 to ₦70,000 | ₦70,000 |
| Live Online Classes (Monthly) | ₦55,000 to ₦60,000 | ₦55,000 |
| Study Materials (Textbooks) | ₦15,000 to ₦20,000 | ₦15,000 to ₦20,000 |
According to internationalexam.com, physical lectures cost ₦70,000 per month and online lectures cost ₦75,000 per month.
Other English Proficiency Tests in Nigeria
According to internationalexam.com and examplanet.com:
| Test | Registration Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PTE Academic | ₦170,000 ($170) | Australia, some UK universities |
| Duolingo English Test | ₦50,000 | Budget option, growing acceptance |
| SAT (includes English) | ₦110,000 to ₦120,000 | US undergraduate admissions |
| GRE | ₦180,000 to ₦380,000 | Graduate school admissions |
| GMAT | ₦270,000 to ₦310,000 | Business school admissions |
Score Requirements by Destination
Canada
| Programme | IELTS Minimum | TOEFL Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.0 to 6.5 overall | 80 to 90 |
| Masters | 6.5 to 7.0 overall | 90 to 100 |
| Express Entry Immigration | CLB 7 (6.0 each band) | Not accepted |
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) only accepts IELTS General Training for Express Entry applications.
For comprehensive scholarship information, see our guide on Canada scholarships for Nigerians 2026.
United Kingdom
| Programme | IELTS Minimum | TOEFL Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.0 to 6.5 overall | 72 to 90 |
| Masters | 6.5 to 7.0 overall | 90 to 100 |
| Tier 4 Student Visa | UKVI IELTS required | Not accepted for visa |
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires IELTS for UKVI specifically for visa applications. Our UK student visa application guide explains the complete process.
Australia
| Programme | IELTS Minimum | TOEFL Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.0 to 6.5 overall | 79 to 93 |
| Masters | 6.5 to 7.0 overall | 90 to 100 |
| Skilled Migration | 7.0 to 8.0 overall | Not accepted for immigration |
See our Australia student visa guide for Nigerians for detailed requirements.
United States
| Programme | IELTS Minimum | TOEFL Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.0 to 7.0 overall | 80 to 100 |
| Masters/PhD | 6.5 to 7.5 overall | 90 to 110 |
| Top 50 Universities | 7.0+ overall | 100+ |
US universities generally prefer TOEFL, particularly Ivy League and top-50 institutions.
Germany
Germany offers over 1,800 English-taught masters programmes with minimal tuition (€0 to €500 per semester).
| Programme Type | IELTS Requirement | TOEFL Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| English-taught Masters | 6.0 to 6.5 | 80 to 90 |
| English-taught PhD | 6.5 to 7.0 | 90 to 100 |
For German opportunities without English tests, see our guide on scholarships in Germany without IELTS.
Ireland
| Programme Type | IELTS Requirement | TOEFL Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.0 to 6.5 | 80 to 90 |
| Masters | 6.5 to 7.0 | 90 to 100 |
Top Irish universities like Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and University of Galway typically require IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0. Ireland offers post-study work visas of up to 2 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IELTS 6.5 Pass or Fail?
IELTS has no pass or fail threshold. A 6.5 band score is classified as “competent user” and meets requirements for most Canadian, UK, and Australian university programmes. Competitive programmes may require 7.0 or higher.
What is IELTS 6.5 Equivalent to in TOEFL?
IELTS 6.5 equals approximately TOEFL 79 to 93. Different institutions may apply their own conversion standards.
Is 72 a Good TOEFL Score?
A score of 72 meets minimum requirements for some universities but falls below the 80+ threshold most competitive programmes require. Top universities typically expect 90 to 100+.
How Long Are IELTS and TOEFL Results Valid?
Both tests are valid for 2 years from the test date. Universities and immigration programmes do not accept expired results.
Can I Get a Refund if I Cancel?
IELTS: 75% refund if cancelled 5+ weeks before test date. No refund for later cancellations.
TOEFL: 50% refund if cancelled 4+ days before test date.
What is the IELTS Rescheduling Policy?
According to internationalexam.com, you can request a test date transfer at least 5 weeks before your booked test date after paying a cancellation/postponement fee. The new test date must be within 3 months of the original date.
What is IELTS 6.0 in CEFR Level?
IELTS 6.0 corresponds to CEFR B2 (Upper Intermediate):
| IELTS Band | CEFR Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 to 4.5 | B1 | Intermediate |
| 5.0 to 6.0 | B2 | Upper Intermediate |
| 6.5 to 7.5 | C1 | Advanced |
| 8.0 to 9.0 | C2 | Proficient |
Can I Learn IELTS in 3 Months?
Yes. Three months provides adequate preparation time for candidates with intermediate English proficiency. A recommended schedule:
- Weeks 1 to 4: Focus on reading and listening sections
- Weeks 5 to 8: Intensive writing practice with feedback
- Weeks 9 to 12: Speaking practice and full mock tests
Is TOEFL Harder Than IELTS?
The difficulty depends on your strengths. Key differences:
| Aspect | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking format | Face-to-face with examiner | Record responses to computer prompts |
| Writing format | Letter/report + essay | Integrated tasks + essay |
| Accent | British English dominant | American English dominant |
Take practice tests for both to determine which format suits you better. Our detailed IELTS vs TOEFL comparison covers format differences in depth.
What is the Hardest Part of IELTS?
Most Nigerian test takers report Writing Task 2 and Speaking as most challenging due to:
- 40-minute time limit for two writing tasks
- Real-time assessment with no preparation for speaking topics
- Academic vocabulary requirements
- Registration Process
IELTS Registration Steps
According to internationalexam.com, IELTS registration can be done via WhatsApp, online, mail, or in person at authorized offices nationwide. You need:
- Valid international passport (required for registration and on test day)
- Those below 18 years need parent or guardian to book the test
- Once registration is complete, your test center will send written confirmation
TOEFL Registration Steps
- Create free account at ets.org/toefl
- Select TOEFL iBT (test center) or Home Edition
- Choose test date and center from available options
- Add up to 4 institutions for free score reports
- Complete payment via international card, PayPal, or e-check
- Receive confirmation email with registration number
For complete document requirements, see our guide on documents needed for studying abroad.
Warning: Avoid Registration Scams
The high cost of these exams attracts scammers targeting Nigerians looking for cheaper options.
Red Flags
- Prices significantly below official rates (IELTS at ₦75,000 to ₦120,000 is likely outdated or does not include actual test registration)
- Guaranteed high scores or score improvements
- Payment requests to personal bank accounts rather than company accounts
- Promises of exam questions in advance
- Pressure to pay immediately without verification time
How to Verify Legitimate Agents
- Check if the agent is listed on British Council, IDP, or ETS official partner pages
- Visit their physical office before paying
- Request receipts and official confirmation from the test administrator
- Search for reviews from verified test takers
Our detailed guide on how to spot fake recruitment agencies explains additional warning signs.
Total Budget Planning
Minimum Budget (TOEFL with Direct Payment)
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| TOEFL Registration (direct) | ₦170,000 |
| Self-study materials | ₦15,000 |
| Total | ₦185,000 |
Standard Budget (IELTS with Agent Bundle)
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| IELTS Registration (with free training) | ₦274,300 |
| Transportation to classes | ₦15,000 |
| Total | ₦289,300 |
Comprehensive Budget (Including Potential Retake)
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| First IELTS Attempt | ₦279,500 |
| Possible Second Attempt | ₦279,500 |
| Additional study materials | ₦20,000 |
| Total | ₦579,000 |
Plan for a potential retake. Many test takers do not achieve target scores on the first attempt.
Next Steps After Your Score
According to internationalexam.com, from the time of result declaration, your results will be available online for the next 28 days. You can log in with your ID, password, passport number, and test date information to view your result.
Once you receive results, begin applications immediately. Our comprehensive guide on how to apply for scholarships covers the complete process from finding opportunities to submitting winning applications.
