IELTS
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It is for people who intend to study or work in an English-speaking environment. IELTS measures test takers’ ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking. Since 1989, IELTS has been proven and trusted worldwide to provide a secure, global, authentic and customer-focused test which measures true-to-life ability to communicate in English. IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council; IDP IELTS; and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
International recognition
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s leading English language proficiency test, with more than 4 million people taking it each year.
The IELTS test is developed by some of the world’s leading experts in language assessment. It has an excellent international reputation, and is accepted by over 12,500 organisations worldwide, including schools, universities, employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies.
IELTS Test
IELTS on Computer (IOC)
You have the option to take the IELTS on a computer for both the General Training and Academic tests. The test format, question types, timing, and content are identical whether you choose the computer-based or paper-based IELTS. The only difference lies in the experience on test day. If you opt for IELTS on Computer, you’ll complete the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections on a computer, typing your answers on the screen. During the whole test you will be provided with pieces of paper and a pencil to take down some notes.
The Speaking section remains unchanged and involves a face-to-face interview with an examiner.
Choosing to take the IELTS on a computer offers several advantages, such as receiving your results much faster—typically within 2 to 5 days.
IELTS on Paper (IOP)
You have the option to take the IELTS on paper for both the General Training and Academic tests. Just like the computer-based IELTS, the paper-base has the same format, including number of questions and time. If you opt to take IELTS on Paper, you will be required to sit at a desk and write out all your answers for the Listening, Reading and Writing sections. During the test you will be provided with a rough paper for note taking and black pen to fill in your answers.
The results for this test are available 13 calendar days after test completion.
Fast results
Many IELTS candidates need their test results to apply for jobs or higher education courses. We therefore guarantee the fastest possible turnaround time for IELTS on Paper to be available within 13 days and IELTS on Computer to be available between 2 to 5 days.
The module you should choose
IELTS is available in two formats – Academic and General Training. For more information on each module please refer to the official IELTS website.
Speaking Tests
Uniquely, IELTS tests your English conversation skills through a face-to-face Speaking test which means that you are assessed by having a conversation with a real person. This is the most effective and natural way of testing your English conversation skills.
Speaking Tests can be held up to 7 days before test day. Candidates will receive an email with all the necessary information. Candidates who miss their speaking test appointment, without prior notification or other valid reason, (illness accompanied by an original medical certificate), may request a rescheduling, subject to availability, against a payment of €25.
How to Apply
Online Registration
IELTS Malta offers online registration. You can book your IELTS Test online by following the instructions below:
- Download and read our IELTS Test Takers Guide, which contains important information about the test format, the question types and test results. Please not that IELTS is not recommended for test takers under the age of 16.
- Go to Book Now and select the module you would like to sit for.
- Select Malta from the country / territory drop-down menu, and then select Valletta from the city drop-down menu.
- Make sure to decide if you would like to take IELTS on Paper or on Computer before you apply.
- Once you have decided on the format and test date you will need to create an account and fill in all details necessary.
- You will be required to possess a valid ID at hand (EU national ID card or Passport). Please note that you will need to preset the same ID / Passport that you use on registration and test day.
- Lastly, follow the steps to complete the payment.
After you have made your IELTS booking you will receive emails confirming:
- The start time of your test and venue address.
- Your IELTS Speaking Test date
- Your access to the free online preparation courses: Road to IELTS Last Minute Version.
You will have the opportunity to list up to five organisations that you would like your Test Report Form sent to.
Advise IELTS Malta as soon as possible if you have a disability or special requirements, such as visual difficulties, or learning difficulties, as this will enable us to make necessary arrangements for you on the test day.
Important registration information for IELTS on Paper
If you are not officially a resident in Malta or you don’t have a European identification, you will not be able to sit an IELTS on paper test. However, you can still take the test on computer so please choose that option.
Acceptable proof of residence includes:
- A National European Identity Card
- A valid Student Visa (starting purpose, length of visa and expiry date) stamped in the passport.
- A valid Work Permit card (showing expiry date).
If you have any questions, please contact the IELTS Malta Team on: +356 22032318; +356 22032303 or email ielts@maltachamber.org.mt
Fees & Payments
The fee per candidate for the test is €250 for 2025 and €270 for 2026.
You may pay by cash, credit card, bank transfer or cheque. Cheques are to be made payable to “The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry”. Should you wish to pay directly from overseas, please email us for more details.
No application form will be accepted unless complete and accompanied by payment.
Postponement and cancellation
Candidates who postpone their application more than 5 weeks before the test date must pay an additional administration fee amounting to 25% of the application fee.
Candidates who cancel their application more than 5 weeks before the test date will receive a refund of the application fee less an administration fee of 25%.
Candidates who postpone or cancel their application less than 5 weeks before the test date will be charged the full test fee.
Candidates who are absent due to illness must provide a medical certificate by no later than five days from the test date. They will then be able to sit for their test within three months of the original test date.
Test Day Photography
IELTS has a procedure for enhancing test security that involves taking and authenticating photographs of test takers on the test day. Under this new procedure, IELTS staff will take an individual passport style photograph of all candidates present on the test day. The photograph will normally be taken on the day of the speaking test.
The test day photograph will be printed on the candidate’s test report Form and will only be used for test requirements. Test day photography will only take about a minute. Your identification document and photograph will be verified on the test day.
Results
On completion of the IELTS test, you will receive a Test Report Form (TRF). Results for IELTS on Paper will be issued 13 calendar days after the test day and for IELTS on Computer they will be issued 2 to 5 calendar days after the test. Only in exceptional circumstances may they be delayed.
Results by Post
After completing your IELTS on Paper test, the results will be issued both online and hardcopy. Please make sure that the IELTS team has the correct mailing address where the results can be posed.
If you would like to use a courier service, kindly contact ielts@maltchamber.org.mt . You are responsible for organising collection and payment of the service.
Results by Hand
Advise the IELTS team if you would like to collect your results by hand. On collection, you will need to present your identification document and sign the register.
Online Results
You have the opportunity to preview your IELTS score online for both paper-base and computer-base. Please note that you will only have a softcopy of your Test Report Form for IELTS on Computer. You can view your results by following the link received by email and login with your email and password.
Contact Details
The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry
The Exchange Buildings,
Republic Street,
Valletta VLT 1117, Malta
T: +356 2203 2000 | +356 2203 2318
E: ielts@maltachamber.org.mt
Opening Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 08:00 – 16:00
Friday: 08:00 – 14:30
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