Updated 20 October 2026
Quick answer: In October 2026, IELTS Academic or General Training on computer costs KSh 41,580 in Kenya, and IELTS for UKVI costs KSh 44,840, at both test providers, IDP and the British Council. The British Council’s IELTS for UKVI Life Skills test (A1, A2 and B1) costs KSh 32,170. You can sit IELTS in nine towns through the British Council and in Nairobi and Eldoret through IDP. You book online and pay by card or mobile money.
Fees and centres below come from IDP IELTS Kenya, the British Council Kenya IELTS pages and the official IELTS test-centre listing. Last verified 19 October 2026.
In this guide
IELTS Fees in Kenya
| Test | IDP Kenya | British Council Kenya | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (at a test centre, on computer) | KSh 41,580 | KSh 41,580 | University applicants abroad; professional registration such as nursing councils |
| IELTS General Training (at a test centre, on computer) | KSh 41,580 | KSh 41,580 | Work and migration routes, for example Canada and Australia |
| IELTS for UKVI, Academic or General Training | KSh 44,840 | KSh 44,840 | UK visas that need a Secure English Language Test |
| IELTS for UKVI Life Skills (A1, A2, B1) | Not listed | KSh 32,170 | UK family, settlement and citizenship routes that test only speaking and listening |
Source line: IDP IELTS Kenya test dates page; British Council Kenya UKVI page; IELTS.org listing for the British Council centre in Nairobi. Fees are in Kenya shillings and are what you pay; neither provider lists tax separately. Some older British Council pages still show earlier prices of KSh 38,760 and KSh 30,000, so check the price shown at checkout.
Which IELTS Test Do You Need?
- Studying abroad (UK, Canada, Australia, USA, Europe): usually IELTS Academic. If the course is in the UK and the university is your visa sponsor, it may accept standard Academic; if the university tells you to take a Secure English Language Test, book IELTS for UKVI Academic.
- Working abroad or migrating (Canada Express Entry, Australia skilled migration, New Zealand): usually IELTS General Training.
- UK Health and Care Worker or Skilled Worker visa: IELTS for UKVI. Nurses also need the score their regulator sets, so check the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s current requirement before booking.
- UK family visa or settlement at A1, A2 or B1 speaking and listening: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills.
Always confirm with the university, employer or immigration authority. Booking the wrong version is the most expensive IELTS mistake.
UKVI score levels
The British Council sets out how UKVI levels map to IELTS for UKVI scores:
| Level the visa asks for | Test and score needed |
|---|---|
| A1 | Pass in IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 |
| A2 | Pass in IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2 |
| B1 in speaking and listening | Pass in IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 |
| B1 in all four skills | At least 4.0 in each part of IELTS for UKVI |
| B2 | At least 5.5 in each part of IELTS for UKVI |
| C1 | At least 7.0 in each part of IELTS for UKVI |
IELTS Test Centres in Kenya
British Council
The British Council runs IELTS in nine locations: Nairobi, Eldoret, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nyeri, Nakuru, Meru, Kisii and Kakamega. Its main Nairobi centre listed on IELTS.org is on the 8th Floor, Taj Towers, Upper Hill Road. IELTS for UKVI is offered only in Nairobi.
Contact: information@britishcouncil.or.ke, +254 111 195 600.
IDP IELTS
| Centre | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi, Westlands (computer-based) | 2nd Floor, Euro Towers, Muthithi Road, Westlands | 0700 860 616 |
| Eldoret, Elgon View (computer-based) | Potters House Academy, Elgon View | 0700 860 616 |
Test Formats Available
- IELTS on computer at a test centre. This is now the standard format in Kenya. Since 22 March 2026, the British Council delivers all UKVI IELTS tests on computer.
- IELTS on computer with Writing on paper, offered by the British Council for standard IELTS but not for UKVI tests.
- IELTS Online, taken remotely through the British Council. Check that your university accepts it, and note that UKVI only accepts tests taken in person at an official UKVI centre.
On the computer test, Listening, Reading and Writing are done on the same day with no break in between. At British Council centres you can choose your Speaking slot.
How to Book IELTS in Kenya
- Decide which test you need (Academic, General Training, UKVI or Life Skills) from your university or visa requirements.
- Pick a provider and town. Choose IDP or the British Council and a centre near you.
- Choose a test date on the provider’s booking page. Book several weeks ahead of any application deadline.
- Enter your details exactly as on your ID. Give an email address you check, because the confirmation, start time and Speaking slot are sent by email.
- Upload or present your ID. The British Council accepts only an original valid passport or Kenyan National ID; student IDs, voter cards and driving licences are not accepted. Non-Kenyans must use a valid passport. Candidates under 18 need written consent from a parent or guardian.
- Pay. The British Council accepts card or mobile money in its online system, or a cash deposit at any Standard Chartered branch using its virtual account deposit slip with your IELTS reference number. IDP takes online payment when you book.
- Wait for confirmation. Online payments are confirmed instantly; British Council bank payments can take up to two working days.
Results
For IELTS on computer, results usually come within one to two days, according to the British Council’s UKVI page. You can view provisional results online with your provider, and the British Council sends five extra Test Report Forms to institutions free of charge. IELTS results are generally accepted for two years, but each university or authority sets its own rule.
What the British Council Fee Includes
The British Council says its test fee includes access to IELTS Ready Premium, an online preparation course with interactive activities, video tutorials and practice tests, plus free practice tests. It has also run promotions, such as a KSh 1,500 Uber voucher for the first 50 bookings each week, so check the booking page for any current offer.
Budgeting for IELTS and Your Application
IELTS is usually only one cost in a study-abroad application. Add application fees, credential evaluation, visa fees and proof of funds. If you use an agent to apply, choose one from the official list of CUE-licensed study abroad agencies and never pay an agent for an IELTS “guaranteed score”. Students and graduates looking for part-time or remote work to fund the process can check JobinKenya.
Tips to Avoid Wasting Your Fee
- Check the exact test name your institution requires before paying; standard IELTS and IELTS for UKVI are different products.
- Make sure your name matches your passport, since your Test Report Form must match your visa documents.
- Take the free practice tests first and book only when you are scoring near your target.
- Read the provider’s cancellation and transfer rules before booking, because refunds shrink as the test date gets closer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is IELTS in Kenya in 2026?
KSh 41,580 for IELTS Academic or General Training, KSh 44,840 for IELTS for UKVI and KSh 32,170 for IELTS for UKVI Life Skills, as listed in October 2026.
Is IELTS cheaper at IDP or the British Council?
The standard and UKVI tests cost the same at both. Only the British Council lists the Life Skills test.
Where can I do IELTS for UKVI in Kenya?
The British Council offers it in Nairobi. IDP also lists IELTS for UKVI on computer at its Kenya centres.
Can I pay for IELTS with M-Pesa?
The British Council’s online booking offers mobile money as well as card payment. You can also pay cash at Standard Chartered using its deposit slip.
How long do IELTS results take in Kenya?
Usually one to two days for the computer-delivered test.
What ID do I need for IELTS in Kenya?
An original valid passport or Kenyan National ID. Non-Kenyans must use a passport.
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