Step-by-step guide to Apply for IELTS Exam in Nigeria & Cost of Registration

The IELTS Exam is essential for those aiming to study or work in countries where English is the primary language of communication.

If you’re planning to study in the United Kingdom (UK), the United States, or Canada, or seeking visa-sponsored jobs in these countries, demonstrating your English proficiency through the IELTS Exam is crucial. However, certain scholarships, particularly for Nigerians, may waive the IELTS requirement.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the IELTS Exam, including its structure, registration costs, and application process.

Understanding the IELTS Exam

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognized test administered by the British Council to assess and certify the English proficiency of individuals from non-English-speaking countries.

The IELTS Exam is designed to support your goals of studying, working, or immigrating to an English-speaking country.

Jointly managed by the British Council, Cambridge University Press and Assessment, and IDP: IELTS Australia, this exam equips non-native English speakers with the certification needed to succeed in educational and professional environments worldwide.

IELTS Exams in Nigeria

The IELTS Exam has two main versions: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

IELTS Academic

This version measures your English proficiency for higher education. It is ideal for those pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Many professions, including medicine, nursing, accounting, and engineering, require an Academic test result for registration.

IELTS General Training

This version assesses your English skills in practical, everyday contexts. It is suitable for those seeking secondary education, work experience, or training programs in English-speaking countries. It is also a visa requirement for migrating to countries like Australia, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand.

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Cost of IELTS in Nigeria

The registration fee for the IELTS exam in Nigeria ranges from ₦249,000 to ₦285,000. The specific costs are:

• IELTS on Computer Academic and General Training Modules: ₦266,000
• IELTS on Paper Academic and General Training Modules: ₦256,500

Formats of the IELTS Exam

The IELTS Exam comprises four sections:

Speaking

• Duration: 14 minutes
• Involves answering questions about yourself and discussing familiar topics.

Listening

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Involves listening to recordings and answering questions based on them.

Reading

• Duration: 60 minutes
• It involves reading passages from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers.

Writing

• Includes both Academic and General Training versions.
• Academic: Describe a graph, table, chart, or diagram, and write an essay on a given topic.
• General Training: Write a letter and an essay on a given topic.

IELTS Test Centres in Nigeria

IELTS test centres are located across Nigeria, including Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Kano, Abuja, Benin, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Akure.

How to Register for the IELTS Exam Online

1. Visit the British Council website for Nigeria.
2. Click on “Take Exam” and then “Take Exam with British Council.”
3. Book your IELTS test.
4. Select a test date and the specific test you wish to take.
5. Choose your preferred test centre.
6. Create an account with the British Council if you don’t have one.
7. Proceed to the payment gateway, make your payment, and confirm your details.
8. You can also purchase preparatory materials before submitting your application.

Minimum Score Required for IELTS

The minimum score requirement varies by institution or organization. Generally, a score of 6.0 out of 9.0 is recommended. Each of the four sections (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) is graded on a scale of 1-9, and the average of these scores is your final result. Some organizations may require specific minimum scores for each section.

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Tips for Passing the IELTS Exam in Nigeria

1. Obtain IELTS preparatory materials.
2. Practice regularly to improve your skills.
3. Take practice tests to familiarise yourself with the exam format.

Countries Exempted from IELTS

Nigerian students applying to study in Canada, Australia, or the United States do not need to take the IELTS or TOEFL exams, as these countries recognize Nigeria as an English-speaking nation. However, the UK government has only exempted specific countries, including:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• British overseas territories
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Ireland
• Jamaica
• Malta
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• UK
• USA

Alternatives to IELTS

Several alternative English proficiency exams include:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)
• Pearson English Language Test
• Cambridge English Assessment
• Duolingo English Test
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
• SAT English Test
• Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)

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