IELTS announced on 23 July 2024 that results for IELTS taken on computer can now arrive in as little as two days. A footnote on the announcement makes clear that most, not all, computer test results are issued within two days, so some may take longer.
Key facts
- Announced 23 July 2024
- Test IELTS on computer
- Results Most within two days
- Paper tests No new timeline given
Which tests are covered
The faster timing applies to computer-delivered IELTS. The announcement does not give a new timeline for the paper test. Since then, IELTS has said that paper-based testing will end from mid-2026, so the computer test is now the main format in most places.
Other results timings
For One Skill Retake, IELTS gives a results window of three to five days on its booking page. Results for IELTS Online were originally announced at six to eight days after the test when it launched in 2022.
What this means
If you have a firm deadline, such as a university offer condition or a visa appointment, the computer test gives you the best chance of a quick result, but do not plan around the two-day figure as a guarantee. Leave at least a week of spare time between your expected results date and your deadline, and more if you might need a retake. Check with your test centre for the results timing at that centre before you book, and remember that sending results to institutions can add further time. If your university or visa authority checks results online, ask how long its own verification usually takes once IELTS has released your score, and build that into your plan.