From 7 October 2024, test takers who are non-residents in South Korea will no longer be able to register for an IELTS on Paper test. Non-resident IELTS Test Takers may register for the IELTS on Computer test instead.
This is an IELTS partner policy and applies to all IELTS on Paper tests in South Korea delivered by the British Council and IDP Education.
We will require all non-South Korean national test takers who have booked an IELTS on Paper test to provide acceptable proof of residence in South Korea, valid for at least 3 months, by email at least three days before their scheduled test date.
Acceptable proof of residence includes:
1. Foreigner Residence Card (외국인등록증) showing expiry date.
Other important notes:
- Any non-residents already registered before 7 October 2024 will be allowed to sit their registered IELTS on Paper test without any additional proof of residence. This change only affects non-residents registering after 7 October 2024.
- Proof of residence (Foreigner Residence Card) cannot be for periods of less than three consecutive months.
- If a test taker is unable to provide acceptable proof of residence within the stipulated deadline, then their IELTS on Paper booking will be cancelled.
- Test takers unable to provide acceptable proof of residence will be allowed to take an IELTS on Computer test without any proof of residence.
- Once the test centre notifies relevant registered test takers of the requirement for proof of residence, the test takers will have 72 hours to respond as required. Failure to respond with the right documentation will result in test cancellation and a full refund.
- Approved non-South Korean resident test takers for IELTS on Paper will also have to present their residency documents on test day. They have to present the same documents they used for registration, or they will be refused entry to the test.
Why take IELTS on Computer?
IELTS on Computer is the most modern and convenient way to take the IELTS test. The test format, question types, time allocated to each test part, content and marking are exactly the same for both IELTS on Computer and IELTS on Paper tests. The only difference is that with the IELTS on Computer test, test takers will complete the Reading, Listening, and Writing components of the test using a computer in our test centre. The Speaking component remains the same.
IELTS on Computer is conducted for far smaller groups, usually with a maximum of around 20 people. Many test takers find the test day experience to be more personalised, the registration process is quicker, and we guarantee a same day speaking test. Test takers also receive IELTS results faster – just 1 to 5 days after the test. Test takers have access to IELTS on Computer practice and familiarisation materials on IELTS Ready Premium – accessible with their registration details completely free of charge.
For more information about IELTS on Computer and to know more about the preparation materials available from the British Council including IELTS Ready Premium, free IELTS webinars and more, please visit this page.