How to Send IELTS Score to Universities – Complete Guide for 2025

For many international aspirants, the IELTS isn’t just a language test—it’s the bridge to global academic opportunities. After months of preparation and achieving your ideal band score, there’s one more vital step to complete: sending your IELTS scores to the universities you've applied to.

Most universities do not accept screenshots or self-uploaded PDFs. They require official IELTS Test Reports (TRFs) sent directly from the test providers—IDP or British Council—through secure channels. While the concept seems simple, the execution often leaves students confused due to:

• Differences between computer-based and paper-based test procedures
• Varying rules between IDP and British Council
• Free vs. paid score report dispatching
• University-specific score delivery preferences
• Strict deadlines that may affect your application status

To help you avoid delays and missed opportunities, this blog breaks down everything you need to know about how to send IELTS scores to universities.

How to send IELTS scores to Universities after taking the Test?

There are multiple ways to send your IELTS scores to universities—either at the time of registration, after receiving your results, or through your test provider’s portal. Each method varies slightly in terms of cost, timeline, and delivery mode.

Whether you took the IELTS test through IDP, British Council, or Cambridge, you can request your scores to be sent directly to universities using their respective platforms.

Key ways to send your IELTS scores include:

• ✅ At the time of registration – Choose up to five universities for free.
• 💼 After the test – Send additional score reports by paying a fee.
• 📦 Delivery format – Select digital delivery or hard copy mailing, based on the university’s preference.

Sending Scores at the Time of Registration (Free Option)

You can save both time and money by selecting up to five universities to receive your IELTS scores for free when registering for the test.

How it works:

• During your IELTS registration, you’ll be prompted to enter the names and details of five institutions.
• Once your results are available, scores are sent directly via electronic transfer (if supported) or postal mail.
• Make sure to provide accurate institution names, departments, and addresses to avoid delivery issues.

🔍 Tip: Not sure of the exact recipient or department? Always check the university’s official website or contact their admissions office before finalizing.

Sending Scores After the Test (Additional Reports – Paid Option)

If you need to send scores to more than five institutions or missed adding some during registration, you can send additional Test Report Forms (TRFs) after your results are out.

Steps to send additional IELTS score reports:

• 📄 Fill out a request form through the IDP or British Council portal.
• 💳 Pay a processing fee, usually ranging between INR 250 to INR 1,500 per report.
• 🏫 Enter the correct institution name/code and mailing address.
• 🚚 Choose your preferred delivery method:
  • Regular mail
  • Courier service
  • Electronic delivery (if the university supports it)

Processing Time: Usually takes 3–10 business days, so be mindful of application deadlines.

⚠️ Double-check whether the university still accepts IELTS scores at the time you send them—especially during rolling admissions or tight deadlines.

Understanding How IELTS Score Reporting Works

Before sending your IELTS results to universities, it’s essential to understand how the official score reporting system functions and why it plays a key role in your admissions process.

When you complete the IELTS test, you receive a Test Report Form (TRF)—this document is your official scorecard and the only accepted proof of your IELTS performance by universities and institutions.

Key points to understand about IELTS score reporting:

• 📝 One personal copy of the TRF is issued to the candidate for reference.
• 🎓 The testing agency can send up to five additional copies to institutions for free, during registration.
• 🖥️ Some institutions accept Electronic Test Report Forms (E-TRFs) via digital platforms.
• 📬 Others may still prefer physical TRFs sent by postal mail.
• ⏳ IELTS scores are valid for two years, and you can share them with as many institutions as needed within that period.
• 🏫 Each university has its own preferences for TRF format and delivery method (electronic vs. hard copy).

🔍 Important: Always check the university’s admissions page or contact them directly to confirm which TRF format they accept and the preferred delivery mode.

Understanding this process helps you avoid unnecessary delays or rejections due to mismatched delivery methods or expired scores.

Electronic vs. Physical Delivery – What Universities Prefer

When sending your IELTS scores, it’s crucial to understand the preferred delivery method of each university. While some institutions embrace modern, digital systems, others still rely on traditional mail for official documents.

Here’s how delivery preferences typically differ:

• 💻 Electronic Test Report Form (E-TRF)
  • Sent directly to institutions via a secure electronic system.
  • Preferred by many universities in Canada, the UK, and Australia.
  • Offers faster delivery and easier tracking.
• 📦 Physical Test Report Form (TRF)
  • A printed copy mailed from the test provider to the university.
  • Still required by some institutions, particularly in the USA and parts of Europe.
  • Takes longer and may be affected by postal service delays.

🔍 Always verify the delivery format preferred by each institution on their official admissions website before submitting your request.

Why this matters:
Sending the wrong format—like a physical TRF to a university that only accepts electronic scores—can lead to processing delays or even application rejection. Understanding these preferences ensures smoother communication between your test provider and the university.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sending Scores via IDP and British Council Portals

Both IDP and the British Council offer user-friendly online portals that allow test-takers to send additional IELTS score reports to universities. While the core steps are similar, the process differs slightly based on your test provider.

Sending Scores via the IDP IELTS Portal

IDP provides a seamless online system to request additional Test Report Forms (TRFs) after your test date. Here’s how to get started:

Steps to send scores via IDP:

• 🔗 Visit the IDP IELTS Score Request page.
• 🔐 Log in using your IELTS credentials.
• 🏫 Select the number of TRFs you want to send and enter university details.
• 📬 Choose the delivery method – electronic or physical.
• 💳 Pay the applicable processing fee online.
• 📩 After submission, you'll receive a confirmation email, and the delivery status can be tracked via your account.

✅ IDP typically processes requests within a few business days, depending on delivery method and destination.

Sending Scores via the British Council Portal

The British Council’s IELTS test taker portal is another efficient platform for sending your scores to more universities post-test.

Steps to send scores via British Council:

• 🌐 Visit the British Council IELTS portal.
• 🔑 Log in with your registration details.
• 📄 Select "Send Results" or "Additional TRF Request".
• 🏛️ Enter the institution names and mailing addresses.
• 🚚 Choose your preferred delivery method – electronic or postal.
• 💰 Pay the relevant fee securely online.

⏱️ Processing generally takes 3–5 business days, so plan accordingly to meet application deadlines.

How Long Does It Take to Send IELTS Scores to Universities?

The delivery time for sending IELTS scores can vary significantly based on the method you choose. Understanding these timelines helps ensure your scores reach universities before critical application deadlines.

Here’s what to expect:

• ⚡ Electronic delivery
  • Reaches universities within 2–5 working days after processing.
  • Faster and more reliable for institutions that accept E-TRFs.
• 📦 Physical delivery via courier
  • May take 10–14 business days, depending on destination, courier service, and holidays.
  • Suitable for universities that require hard copies.
• ✉️ Postal mail (non-courier)
  • Can take even longer and lacks tracking features.
  • Not ideal for tight deadlines.

🚚 If you're using express courier services (available through IDP or British Council), tracking options are usually provided to monitor the delivery status.

Tip: Always plan ahead—if your university accepts only physical TRFs, send them well in advance to avoid delays, especially during peak admission periods or holidays.

Fees Involved in Sending Additional IELTS Test Report Forms (TRFs)

While IELTS offers five free score reports during test registration, sending scores to additional universities comes with extra charges. These fees vary based on location and delivery method.

Cost Breakdown:

• 📍 India-based institutions: INR 250–INR 500 per TRF
• 🌍 International institutions: INR 1,250–INR 1,500 per TRF
• 🚚 Courier charges (e.g., DHL/FedEx): INR 1,500–INR 2,000+ per address

💡 Courier charges are usually higher but provide faster, trackable delivery—ideal for urgent submissions.

Payment Options:

• 💳 Payments can be made online through the IDP or British Council portals.
• Accepted methods include credit/debit cards and net banking.

Money-saving tip:
If you're sending multiple physical TRFs to universities in the same country or region, some providers allow bundled shipping to reduce overall courier costs. Always check with your provider before placing the request.

How to Track the Status of Your IELTS Score Delivery

After sending your IELTS scores, it's important to track their status to ensure they reach your chosen universities on time. This gives you peace of mind and helps prevent any unexpected delays in the admission process.

Ways to Track Score Delivery:

• 🖥️ Electronic submissions:
  • Trackable via your IDP or British Council portal.
  • Some platforms show real-time updates once the university receives your E-TRF.
• 📦 Couriered physical TRFs:
  • You’ll receive a tracking number after payment.
  • Track progress directly through the courier company’s website (e.g., DHL, FedEx).
• 🏛️ University confirmation:
  • It’s a good idea to contact the admissions office to verify receipt of your score, especially if the deadline is near.

What to do if delays occur:

• ⏳ If your score hasn’t been received after 10 working days, reach out to:
  • IDP support (if you took your test via IDP)
  • British Council helpdesk for additional guidance

📌 Always keep a copy of your TRF and payment receipt for reference during follow-ups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sending IELTS Scores

Making small errors when sending your IELTS scores can lead to delays or even score rejection. Knowing what to avoid can help ensure your scores reach the right place on time.

Frequent mistakes include:

• 🏫 Entering incorrect university addresses or departments
• 📤 Not checking whether the university accepts digital or physical score submissions
• 🕒 Waiting until the last minute to send scores before deadlines
• 📝 Using abbreviations, short forms, or nicknames instead of official university names
• 🚫 Sending scores after the university’s application deadline

✅ Always double-check the information you provide. Cross-reference with the university’s official admissions website or contact their international office to confirm the correct process.

University-Specific Score Submission Guidelines – What You Should Know

Different countries and institutions have unique preferences and systems for receiving IELTS scores. Following these specific guidelines is key to avoiding delays or missed deadlines.

Examples of country-specific requirements:

• US Universities
  • Typically require paper TRFs mailed to the Graduate Admissions Office
• Canadian Institutions
  • Prefer electronic delivery via platforms like ApplyBoard or OUAC
• UK Universities
  • Usually accept E-TRFs through UCAS or other university-specific portals

📌 Some institutions use third-party platforms or have strict instructions like "send scores only after submitting your application." Always check the university’s website or admissions guide for exact details, including any institution-specific codes.

Conclusion

How to Send IELTS Score to Universities is a crucial part of your study abroad journey—and one that must be handled with accuracy and timeliness. With a clear understanding of the process, you can avoid unnecessary delays or application issues.

By leveraging the tools provided by IDP and British Council, confirming each university’s preferred method of score delivery, and allowing adequate time for digital or postal transmission, you put yourself in a strong position.

Sending IELTS scores to universities doesn’t have to be stressful. With early preparation, attention to detail, and proper planning, you can ensure your scores reach the right destination—on time and without hassle.