IELTS Results in Nigeria: When They Come Out, How to Check and How Long They Last
IELTS in Nigeria is taken on computer, and results usually arrive within 3 to 5 days, sometimes sooner. You check them online, your overall band is the average of the four skills rounded to the nearest half band, and most organisations accept results for two years.
The days between the test and the result are the longest part of IELTS for most people. I have had candidates refresh their email at midnight on the day of the test. Knowing exactly when the result comes and how the band is worked out takes a lot of that anxiety away.
In this guide
When do IELTS results come out in Nigeria?
Because IELTS in Nigeria is now taken on computer, results usually come out within 3 to 5 days of the test, and occasionally within one or two. The old 13 day wait applied to the paper test, which the British Council no longer runs in Nigeria.
You receive an email or text when your result is ready. If your Speaking test was on a different day from the other three parts, the clock starts from the later of the two.
How to check your IELTS result
You check your result online with the details you registered with, usually your ID number and date of birth or the login for your test taker account. Keep the email you received after booking, because it has the links you need. If you registered through Mafit, your counsellor can walk you through it, and we will usually be waiting for the result with you.
The online result is a preview. Your official document is the Test Report Form, issued electronically. That is what universities and immigration authorities rely on.
How your overall band is calculated
You get a band from 0 to 9 for each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Your overall band is the average of the four, rounded to the nearest half band. An average ending in .25 rounds up to the next half band, and one ending in .75 rounds up to the next whole band.
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Average | Overall band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.0 | 6.5 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 6.625 | 6.5 |
| 7.5 | 7.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 6.5 | 6.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 6.25 | 6.5 |
| 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
Look at the third row. A 5.5 in Writing still gives a 6.5 overall, but if your university or visa needs 6.0 in every skill, that result fails. Always check the per skill rule, not just the overall.
How long are IELTS results valid?
Most universities, immigration authorities and professional bodies accept IELTS results for two years from the test date. Some set a shorter or longer window, and visa routes often need the result to be valid on the day you apply, so plan your test around your application date, not just your deadline.
Sending your results
Universities and immigration authorities usually verify your result electronically, straight from the test provider. You can choose organisations to receive your result, and add more later. Check how each organisation wants to receive it before you pay for extra copies.
If a score disappoints
- Ask for a remark. You can request an Enquiry on Results, a re-mark of one or more skills, within six weeks of the test. If your band goes up, the fee is refunded.
- Retake one skill. Where One Skill Retake is offered, you can resit just the skill that let you down, usually within 60 days, instead of all four. Ask your counsellor whether it is available for your test date and centre.
- Book a full retake. There is no waiting period between IELTS attempts. Look at your weakest skill first and give yourself a few weeks of focused work before you sit again.
Book your IELTS with Mafit
Results in days, a free mock beforehand and free classes in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt or online. Registration is ₦279,000 with code MAFIT.
Common questions
How long does it take to get IELTS results in Nigeria?
IELTS in Nigeria is taken on computer, so results usually come out within 3 to 5 days of your test, and sometimes within one or two days.
How do I check my IELTS result online?
Use the results link in the email you got when you booked, and sign in with the details you registered with. Your official result is the electronic Test Report Form.
How long is an IELTS result valid?
Most organisations accept IELTS results for two years from the test date. Some set their own limit, so check with your university or visa route.
How is the IELTS overall band calculated?
It is the average of your Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking bands, rounded to the nearest half band. An average ending in .25 rounds up to the next half band and one ending in .75 rounds up to the next whole band.
Can I get my IELTS remarked?
Yes. You can request an Enquiry on Results within six weeks of your test. If your band increases, the fee is refunded.