Sending IELTS scores to universities is straightforward — but the process differs slightly depending on whether you use British Council, IDP, or IELTS Online, and whether you need paper Test Report Forms (TRFs) or digital verification. This guide covers everything.
How IELTS Scores Are Shared
IELTS scores can be sent to institutions in two ways:
| Method | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Test Report Form (TRF) | Physical paper certificate issued to the test-taker; can be forwarded to institutions |
| Digital Score Report | Electronic score sent directly to institutions by British Council/IDP |
| Online Verification | Institution verifies your score directly on the IELTS online verification portal |
Free Score Sends — How Many Do You Get?
When you register for IELTS:
- British Council: 5 free additional Test Report Forms sent to institutions of your choice
- IDP IELTS: 5 free additional copies included with your registration
You designate the recipients before your test date (before your results are released) at no extra charge.
After the test: Additional score copies cost approximately £18–£20 / $25–$30 per report.
Step-by-Step: Sending IELTS Scores to Universities
Before the Test (Free Option)
- During IELTS registration, you are asked to list up to 5 institutions to receive your score
- Enter each institution's name and address
- These score reports are sent automatically when your results are released (approximately 13 days after the test for paper-based; 3–5 days for computer-based)
After the Test (Fee Required for Additional)
- Log into your British Council or IDP account
- Go to "Order Additional Test Report Forms"
- Search for the institution by name
- Pay the fee per report
- Processing takes 1–2 weeks
Digital Verification — Most Universities Use This
Most major universities now verify IELTS scores electronically rather than requiring a physical TRF:
For British Council IELTS:
- Universities access the IELTS Online Score Verification portal
- They enter your TRF number and date of birth to verify your score
For IDP IELTS:
- Similar electronic verification system
What this means for you: You do not need to physically mail your TRF to most universities. You simply provide your TRF number as part of your application, and the institution verifies it online.
What Is a TRF Number?
Your TRF number is a unique reference printed on your Test Report Form — a combination of numbers and letters that identifies your specific test. You will need this number when applying to universities that verify scores electronically.
Format example: 18GB006123JONEA001G
IELTS for UKVI — Score Submission
For UK visa applications, IELTS for UKVI scores are verified differently:
- Your score is entered into the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system directly by the test provider
- The UKVI caseworker verifies your score through their internal system
- You do not need to mail a physical TRF to the Home Office
IELTS Score Validity and University Requirements
| Situation | Notes |
|---|---|
| Score sent before application reviewed | Valid as long as it was taken within 2 years of the application deadline |
| Score expires before enrolment | May need to retake — check the specific university's policy |
| Score sent before you pass the required band | Will be on file but may not meet the conditional offer condition |
Canada Express Entry — How to Submit
For Canadian immigration:
- Create your Express Entry profile on the IRCC portal
- Enter your IELTS test date and individual scores manually
- IRCC converts your scores to CLB levels automatically
- IRCC does not require a physical TRF at the profile creation stage
- If you receive an ITA and apply for PR, you will then be asked to provide verified score evidence
Common Questions
Q: Can I send scores taken before I registered with the university? A: Yes — as long as the score is within the 2-year validity window, you can order a TRF to send to any institution.
Q: Can I choose not to send a low score? A: Yes — you only send scores you choose to share. There is no requirement to submit all sittings.
Q: Do I need to send scores to Oxford and Cambridge before I apply? A: No — IELTS scores are typically submitted after you receive and accept an offer, not at application stage.
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