Press "Enter" to skip to content

What You Should Know About IELTS and TOEFL for Studies Abroad

IELTS stands for International English Language testing system. It is the world’s leading English language proficiency test, with over 1.7 million tests taken last year.

Which IELTS module should I take?

You should take the IELTS academic test if you want to study at University or join a professional organisation in an English speaking country. You should take the IELTS general test if you want to train or study at below degree level, work or undertake work related training in an English speaking country, or if you want to emigrate to an English-speaking country. Always check with the organization(s) you wish to apply to before you book your test!

How do I register for IELTS?

The IELTS test is offered at British Council offices or test centres in Nigeria. The test is available in two modules: Academic Module and General Training Module. You need to confirm from the relevant authority that requires you to take the test, which module of the test  you are to sit for.

The first step is to visit our Nigeria website http://www.britishcouncil.org.ng/exam/ielts, to find out more and help you understand your options.

You are required to apply online here: https://ielts.britishcouncil.org, select country then find the find the available test dates for your chosen Centre and module. Following the instructions of your Online Application Summary you can submit your application or send via courier to any of our offices closest to you. Do bear in mind that the speaking test is usually scheduled to happen on a different day from the date you have chosen but you will be notified 7 days before to give you time to plan.

**Test fee payment of NGN75, 000 is to be made by bank draft to British Council.

We accept bank drafts drawn from any Nigerian bank so you do not need bank account numbers to buy a bank draft. Please visit any Nigerian Bank and request to buy a bank draft in favour of British Council. Do note that registration is on a first come first served basis, therefore there is no deadline date for registration.

Alternatively, you can pay the test fee of NGN75,000 by bank transfer from Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank or First Bank to British Council Standard Chartered bank account. The payment instructions can be found in the IELTS application summary which you will receive after registering.

You can find more information in the Information for Candidates booklet. A copy of the booklet is available at any of our offices. You can also download a copy of the handbook from this link.

Where do I get IELTS preparatory materials?

The IELTS Study packs are available for N5500 each. We have in stock; The Official IELTS Practice Material (for sample questions and answers), Top Tips for IELTS General Training and Top Tips for IELTS Academics. They all come with CDs. If you are sending a proxy to purchase any of them, do ensure you let them know which you would like.

If you would prefer to have it delivered to you, you could send us a bank draft of NGN 7500 (5500 + 2000 courier fee) addressed to British Council, to cover the cost of delivery. Do ensure you provide an accurate mailing address.

How do I know the venue of my IELTS test?

An email will be sent to you 7 days before the test date to notify you of your schedule and venue. If you have not received this mail notification, please check with the British council office closest to your address. Also ensure you have your original international passport as no other form of identification will be accepted.

You can also send an email to [email protected] or call 01-4603090-9 if no notification is received by then.

READ ALSO:  The Columbia University Scholarship for Displaced Students 2021

Where are IELTS test locations?

IELTS tests are now available in Lagos, Abuja, Abeokuta, Port-Harcourt, Benin, Enugu, Ibadan.

How do i view my IELTS result online?

You can view your provisional scores online at https://ielts.britishcouncil.org/CheckResults.aspx

How long is the IELTS result valid for?

IELTS results are valid for 2 years after the test date.

What if I am not satisfied with my IELTS result?

Under the IELTS policy, if you are not satisfied with your result you can apply for an Enquiry on Results service (EOR) within 6 weeks from your test date. The cost is NGN15,000 and is payable by Bank draft addressed to British Council. You will also need to fill the EOR form at our office and submit your original Test Report Form.

If your score increases after the EOR you will receive a new Test Report Form and the EOR cost will be refunded. If your score remains the same the original Test Report Form will be returned to you.

Please note that there is no appeal after this re-mark. During the period of re-marking the test results are frozen and cannot be used to apply for a university placement or be sent to an immigration authority.

How can I change my IELTS test module?

Module changes are not automatic and are subject to availability. If there are no more spaces for the module you require, you may have to be transferred to another test date and you will need to pay a transfer cost of NGN13,000 before the test date.

How do I reschedule my speaking test date?

The speaking test cannot be randomly re-assigned as each candidate is scheduled to meet with an examiner at the specified time. You can however send your request to our IELTS team at [email protected] for consideration. An IELTS officer will let you know if you can be accommodated on an earlier or later speaking test date.

How do I change my IELTS test date?

Under the IELTS test policy, you can transfer or defer your test dates at least five weeks prior to your test date. Test dates can also be deferred or transferred less than the five weeks period under the following circumstances: serious illness, bereavement, hardship/trauma, and military service. Do bear in mind that there is a 17,000 naira charge for this.

What is the difference between IELTS and TOEFL?

They are both English language proficiency tests that examine the reading, writing, listening and speaking skills of candidates. They however have different contents.

There is no official comparison between IELTS and other English language proficiency scores. IELTS is a valid and secured test across all areas of test delivery, administration and results. We recommend you check with the organisation requesting your proof of English language which test they prefer you to take and the score they want.

IELTS certificates are accepted by over 4000 educational institutions, employers, professional bodies and immigration authorities worldwide as proof of candidates English language proficiency. This includes UK, US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and many countries across the world. For further information on the IELTS test, please consult the IELTS website http://www.ielts.org and https://ielts.britishcouncil.org/.

Do you offer tutorials for candidates who wish to take the IELTS tests?

We do not offer IELTS training in Nigeria. We however recommend that you familiarise yourself with the format of the test. There are IELTS Study packs available for N5500 each. We have in stock; The Official IELTS Practice Material (for sample questions and answers), Top Tips for IELTS General Training and Top Tips for IELTS Academics. They all come with CDs. If you are sending a proxy to buy any, do ensure you let them know which you would like.

Will I be allowed to write the test with another means of ID?

The original international passport is the only form of identification allowed by candidates taking the test in Nigeria. Candidates are informed of this from the point of registration till the Test Notice sent prior to the exam. No other form of identification is allowed and you will not be admitted to take the test with any other forms of identification or documents in place of the international passport. Do ensure you get in touch with the relevant authority holding your documents to expedite the process of retrieving your international passport because the British council reserves the right to retain the test fee on these grounds.

About TOEFL | See FAQs

The TOEFL® test is an English language assessment that is often required for admission by English-speaking universities and programs around the world. In addition to being accepted at more than 10,000 institutions in over 130 countries, including Australia, Canada, and the US, TOEFL scores help you get noticed by admissions officers who consider the TOEFL test a more accurate measure of your ability to succeed in a university setting.

READ ALSO:  Malardalen University Scholarship to study in Sweden 2021

There are no age or eligibility requirements to take the TOEFL test.

Scores are valid for 2 years from your test date, so make sure to consider that in your plans.

There are four sections in the TOEFL iBT ® test: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. All four skills are measured and scores are based on criteria set forth by ETS, the maker of the TOEFL test. The test measures your level of English proficiency in all four of these skills, and English-speaking institutions use your scores to determine if you would be able to succeed in their academic environment.

Where are TOEFL test locations in Nigeria?

TOEFL tests are available in Aba, Abuja, Asaba, Benin City, Enugu, Ibadan, Jos, Lagos, Owerri and Port-Harcourt.

The TOEFL iBT test is given on predetermined dates, over 50 times a year, at thousands of secure, Internet-based test centers around the world.  Select from a list of test locations and dates. The revised TOEFL® Paper-delivered Test is offered in areas where testing via the Internet is not available. You can register online or by mail.

The test fee depends on the location where you will be taking the test. For more information on registration, fees, test dates and locations, visit here.

Online registration is the fastest, easiest method. You can choose the country and city where you want to test, and see what dates are available at test centers all over the world. Registration is available five to six months before the test date; but be sure to register early to reserve your seat. Get started here.

You can cancel or reschedule your test up to three full days before your test date, not including the day of the test or the day of your request. You can do so by logging in to your TOEFL iBT account here. Click “View Orders” on your home page, then click “Modify” or “Cancel” on the Order Summary page.

If, due to unforeseen circumstances, your test is rescheduled by ETS prior to the test date, and you are unable to test on the new date, you can select any available test date and you will not be charged the rescheduling fee. If you find out the test administration has been canceled only after you arrive at the test center, you can reschedule your test at no charge or receive a full refund of your test fee.

READ ALSO:  International Scholarships at the University of Huddersfield for Nigerians 2021

If you take the test and your scores are canceled by ETS, ETS will determine, at its sole discretion, whether you are eligible to retest at no charge or receive a refund.

If you have incurred travel costs to get to the test center, you may be eligible for reimbursement of reasonable and documented travel expenses for yourself only within 30 days of your original test date. Refunds are in US dollars. Contact ETS here.

There are just two things you need to bring with you on test day: 1) an acceptable, valid ID with your name, recent photo and signature, and 2) your Registration Confirmation, including your registration number. No mobile devices or other personal items are allowed in the testing room.

Scores are typically available online and sent within 10 days of your test date; delivery times vary based on your location. For test dates after January 1, 2015, you can download a PDF copy of your score report approximately 13 days after your test date. (Note: Downloadable score reports are currently not available for tests taken in China).

You can retake the test as many times as you wish, but only once within any 12-day period.

Yes you can, for a fee. Keep in mind that your registration fee covers the cost of sending up to four official score reports to the universities, institutions or agencies you select before you test.

What score do I need to be accepted by a university?

There are no passing or failing scores for the TOEFL test. Universities and programs that accept TOEFL scores set their own score requirements based on specific English skills their students need to have. Therefore, score requirements can vary. It’s recommended that you contact the institution directly to fully understand the requirements.

If an institution requires an English-language proficiency test for admission, it probably accepts TOEFL scores. Universities and programs set their own score requirements based on specific English skills their students need to have, so you should check with the institution directly about its score requirements.

 

BE THE FIRST TO GET LATEST SCHOLARSHIP ALERTS

Enter Your Email Below To Get Latest Scholarships Alerts Via Inbox

Join 387 other subscribers

%d bloggers like this: