IELTS frequently asked questions

Why take British Council IELTS at MIT?

• You can complete all tests in one day
• You can take IELTS on computer on get your results in 3-5 days.
• Free* British Council online preparation resources - all IELTS test takers at MIT will receive access to personalised preparation resources. Book early and have time to make full use of this.
• Handy venues in Auckland.
• Convenient parking and/or close to public transport
• Friendly helpful staff
• MIT also has a list of recommended experienced private tutors (please contact the IELTS Test Centre).

Can I apply for my friend if I have his/her passport?

No. Please contact the IELTS administrator on +64 (09) 968 8617 or via email ieltsnz029@manukau.ac.nz for further advice.

What should I do if my passport is with the New Zealand Immigration Service for a new visa?

You must retrieve it by showing your IELTS test receipt and letter of confirmation to the New Zealand Immigration Service and send it back to them after the test is finished. You will not be able to take the test if you do not have your original passport on the test day.

If you do not have your passport, do NOT apply for the IELTS test until you can have your document with you for test day.

Please Note: a certified copy of passport and driver's licence are not accepted.

Is there any deadline for applications?

The IELTS application and the test fee should be received by the IELTS test centre at least '10 business days' prior to the test date of your choice. However, registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis and does not guarantee a first-choice test date. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis and does not guarantee a first-choice test date or time. We do encourage you to book your test as soon as possible to make full use of IELTS Ready Premium*.

If I have to repeat the test, can I do only one section (e.g. just Reading, or just Writing, etc.)

If you sit your IELTS on computer, you will be eligible to retake one section within 60 days of your first test. Find out more

If you sit your IELTS on paper you must do all four sections if you have to repeat the test. This is the same at all test centres.

When and where do I report?

You must report 45 minutes before your Speaking test time.

• MIT Ōtara IELTS Test Centre
• MIT Manukau IELTS Test Centre

For more details on the test centre locations, click on the button below.

Learn more

What else should I bring to the test?

Bring your current, original passport. All bags must be left outside the examination room in a locked room. No personal belongings are allowed into the examination room. You may bring water in a clear unlabelled plastic bottle. All stationery will be provided (pens, pencils, erasers etc.).

Can I bring anyone with me to the test?

No you are not allowed to bring anyone with you. Family, friends, and agents are not permitted in the test room during the IELTS test.

Does the test centre provide headsets for the Listening test, for all candidates?

Not for IELTS on paper tests. We test large numbers of candidates, so headphones would not be practical. However, we have modern sound equipment in every room and the quality of the sound for the Listening test is excellent. Headsets will be provided for the IELTS on computer tests.

Can I check my IELTS results online?

Yes, you can check your IELTS results online following below steps:

1. Please log in at https://ieltsregistration.britishcouncil.org/login
2. Go to ‘Tests’, select ‘Completed’. Click on the test date you want to check
3. In the ‘Date and location’ drop-down, select ‘Results’
4. View your IELTS results.

Is there any difference in the test from one IELTS centre to another?

No. Every IELTS centre in New Zealand uses the same test on the same test day. There is no difference in how the examiners evaluate and mark tests from one centre to another.

I have registered my British Council IELTS test with MIT. How do I pay?

After your registration, you will have 24 hours to complete the payment. Please pay here.

Can I have my IELTS test re-marked?

If you did not receive the score you expected, you can apply for your test to be re-marked. This is called an Enquiry on Results (EOR). You can choose which test sections you want to be re-marked. The fee for this service is NZ$250, which will be refunded if your score is increased for any section of the test.

You need to apply for re-marking no later than six weeks after the test date, regardless of whether you have taken IELTS on paper or IELTS on computer. You can submit an Enquiry on Results online from the Test Taker Portal . Alternatively, you can download the Enquiry on Results form and email to ieltsnz029@manukau.ac.nz or contact the IELTS centre. Make sure you attach your proof of payment.

The outcome of Enquiry on Result (EOR) can become available on the same day as your application and up to 21 days after your application. The time it takes depends on several factors, including the number of sections you’ve asked us to re-mark. If you have not received a response after 28 days, please contact the IELTS centre.

Is the IELTS on computer test completely different from the IELTS on paper test?

The IELTS on computer and IELTS on paper tests are practically the same in terms of content and marking. The difference would be the delivery of the test (on paper or computer) and the features available for each format. Otherwise, question types and assessment criteria are exactly the same for both.

Taking down notes during the IELTS test helps me remember important details. Will we be provided with paper to write notes on during the IELTS on computer test?

Yes, test-takers will be provided with pen/pencil and paper for note-taking during the test. However, you will be asked to leave the used paper after the test.

In the Listening test, are we given time to transfer our answers from our notepaper to the computer?

During an IELTS on computer test, you will be typing your answers directly on the test questions page on the computer, so there is no need for transfer time. You will be given 2 minutes to check your answers at the end of the test.

This is my first time taking the IELTS on the computer test. Is there a complete IELTS on computer practice test available for me to use?

The British Council has developed a full sample version of the IELTS on computer tests to help test-takers. It aims to familiarise test-takers with the features and format of the IELTS on computer test. You can access the familiarisation test here: https://www.ieltsasia.org/nz/prepare/familiarisation-test.

Is there a submit or save button in every section of the IELTS on computer test?

There is no need for a 'save' or 'submit' button while completing the IELTS on computer test. All answers are automatically saved as you go through the entire test. Similarly, the screen automatically ends the test when the time is up.

Will it be more difficult to answer directly on the computer rather than writing them down on the answer sheet?

Some test-takers find it more convenient to take the test on the computer because of their familiarity with using the computer in their work or study. Ultimately, the option to take the test on computer or paper depends on the test-takers' preference.

I prefer taking the test with fewer people inside the venue. How many people will take the IELTS on computer test at the same time?

Compared to the IELTS on paper test, the IELTS on computer test is less crowded. Fewer people take the test at one time, however, there are more test sessions to choose from.

Can IELTS on computer be taken at home?

While IELTS on computer is taken through a computer, it will still be delivered in an authorised testing venue where security measures are in place.

With IELTS on computer tests, do I get the option to playback the recording in the Listening test?

Similar to the IELTS on paper test, you only get to listen to the recording once.

Can we navigate from one part to another to view other parts of the test while still on the current section?

Yes, you may view other parts of the test within the same section (Listening, Reading, and Writing). There is a navigation bar at the bottom of the screen which allows you to check other parts and questions within the same subtest.

Can we highlight words and phrases on the computer screen when completing the IELTS on computer test?

Yes, the screen includes features like highlighting and note-taking. Other standard functions like, click and drag, copy and paste (CTRL+C and CTRL+V) are also available.

Is it mandatory to clear the highlighted text and notes after completing the Reading test?

No, there is no need for you to remove any highlights or notes you have made during the test. These do not affect your score in the IELTS on computer test.

In the Writing test, do we need to count the number of words as we answer the questions?

One of the benefits of taking the IELTS on computer test is the availability of the word count function. When you take an IELTS on computer test, there is no need for you to manually count the words in the Writing test, unlike in the IELTS on paper test.

Are we allowed to leave the room if we have finished the test earlier than the scheduled time?

After completing the test, you are not allowed to leave the room earlier than the rest. Since everybody will be starting the test at the same time, all computers will end and close the screen simultaneously.

Are grammar and spell-checks available when you take the IELTS on computer test?

Although some features of the IELTS on computer tests are similar to other computer software, it does not include grammar and spell-checks.

Is IELTS on computer available in the same locations as the IELTS on paper test venues?

Some locations may provide both IELTS on computer and IELTS on papers tests, but not all. Please check the availability of an IELTS on computer test in your preferred test centre location.

How do I access IELTS preparation resources through IELTS Ready Premium?

Once you have booked and paid for your test with the British Council at MIT, log in to the Test Taker portal to gain access. Click on the tab called ‘Preparation’.

Why should I register early for my IELTS test?

The earlier you register with us, the more time you have to explore the comprehensive preparation resources offered by ‘IELTS Ready Premium’ and get better prepared for your test.

What is OSR?

OSR enables IELTS on computer test takers to retake one section of their test – either Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking.

This means if you did not achieve the test score you need, you will be eligible to retake the one section of your test you want to improve, rather than having to retake the whole test again. See OSR fees.

Book and sit your IELTS on computer test with us to be eligible.

How do I get my test report form?

Test report forms are posted on the results release date as notified at the end of your test. They are sent by standard New Zealand post mail and usually take 3-5 days within New Zealand. However, there can be delays around holiday weekends, lock-downs etc.

If I need my test report form urgently can I pick it up from the centre?

Yes, you can. You can contact the IELTS centre up until the morning of results release day and ask for them to be held for pick up. Please remember to bring your passport with you when you collect your results in person. If you do not contact the centre before midday, 12.00pm on results release day your test report form will be automatically posted to the address you registered under.

I live outside of Auckland but need my test report form urgently. How can I have it sent to me other than standard NZ Post mail?

You can contact the IELTS centre up until the morning of results release day and ask for your test report form to be sent to you by tracked courier. There is a charge of $10 for tracked courier within NZ or $50 for tracked courier overseas.

Can I get an additional copy of my test results?

You can request an additional copy of your test results. Please complete the form, sign and email the form to ieltsnz029@manukau.ac.nz with a copy of your passport. There is an additional fee to complete this, see fees page.

Can I have copies of my test report form sent to universities or institutions?

Institutions need original copies of your IELTS Test Report Form. Photocopies will not be accepted. We can send up to five additional copies of your Test Report Form directly to institutions you are applying to (for instance universities, immigration officers, etc.) Please complete the form, sign and email the form to ieltsnz029@manukau.ac.nz with a copy of your passport.

Some universities or institutions have subscribed to electronic download of scores, so please make sure you check with the test centre before sending them your results.

Can I cancel or postpone my IELTS test?

You can cancel or postpone your IELTS test registration at any time before taking your test by notifying your test centre. You can find more information on this process here.

Please contact the administrator on +64 9 968 8617 or via email ieltsnz029@manukau.ac.nz for further advice.

How are MIT keeping me safe when I sit my IELTS test?

Here are the things we are doing to keep you as safe as possible:

• All test takers and staff are welcome to wear a mask
• We have small groups of test takers with plenty of room for social distancing
• We provide sanitiser at every step of the test day.

What if I have a cough or cold, or someone in my household does?

Please do not attend your test. Contact ieltsnz029@manukau.ac.nz and we will advise you what to do next.

What other steps are being taken to keep me safe?

Finger scans and computers will be wiped down after each use and sanitiser will be freely available throughout the test.

Don't have your passport with you?

If you don't have a copy of your passport available you can still submit your online application, then email a copy of your passport.

Email: ieltsnz029@manukau.ac.nz

Include your full name and test date in the subject line.

Once we have received your application, passport copy and payment we will email you confirmation and receipt within 10 business days.

Please note: you must bring your current, original passport to your test. You will not be permitted to sit the test without your passport.

What should I do if I have a new passport issued after I have registered for a test?

Please send a copy of your new passport to the test centre as soon as possible so your records can be updated. This must be done before the test day. It is not possible to update your records on test day and you will not be permitted to sit your test.