IELTS Exam Fee in the UAE (2026): AED 1,470 in Dubai
By Aehtesham Mallick Reshad · Founder of IELTSbiz · Updated September 24, 2026
In short
The standard IELTS Academic or General Training test in the UAE costs AED 1,470 (about US$400) as of September 2026, booked through British Council & IDP. The test is computer-delivered, with results in 3–5 days. Fees are set locally and change over time, so confirm the current amount on the official booking page before you pay.
IELTS fees in the UAE by test type
| Test type | Fee (AED (د.إ)) |
|---|---|
| Academic / General Training | AED 1,470 · about US$400 |
| IELTS for UKVI | AED 1,570 |
| IELTS Life Skills | AED 750 |
| One Skill Retake | AED 989 |
Test providers
British Council & IDP
Delivery
Computer only
One Skill Retake
Available
Results
3–5 days (computer)
Widely available in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman.
Always confirm the current fee
The fee is consistent across the UAE — the same in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman. IELTS fees are set locally by the British Council and IDP and can change, so the figures above (verified September 2026) are a guide — the only reliable amount is the one shown on the official booking page for your test type on the day you book.
The cheapest test is the one you sit once
Whatever the fee, it buys one attempt — so the smartest money is spent walking in already at your target band. Work out the exact section scores you need, then close the gap before test day rather than paying to sit again. And if you fall half a band short in a single skill, the One Skill Retake is usually far cheaper than a full resit. For what else you may pay on top of the fee, see the IELTS exam fee and extra costs guide, or compare fees in every country.
Frequently asked questions
How much does IELTS cost in the UAE in 2026?
The standard IELTS Academic or General Training test costs AED 1,470 in 2026 (computer-delivered — paper IELTS ended in mid-2026), with IELTS for UKVI at AED 1,570, Life Skills at AED 750, and the One Skill Retake around AED 989. The fee is the same across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman.
Is the IELTS fee the same across the UAE?
Yes. The standard fee is consistent nationwide, so whether you sit the test in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or Ajman the cost is the same. Confirm the current figure on the British Council or IDP UAE website before booking.
How much is the IELTS exam fee in Dubai?
AED 1,470 for IELTS Academic or General Training — the same national fee charged in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman. IELTS for UKVI in Dubai is AED 1,570 and IELTS Life Skills AED 750. At the pegged rate of AED 3.6725 to the dollar, AED 1,470 is about US$400.