LAGOS, Nigeria – The British Council in Nigeria has announced a significant increase in the fees for the International English Language Testing System, IELTS, marking the second hike in 2024.
This adjustment reflects the ongoing concerns surrounding the Nigerian Naira’s fluctuating exchange rate against other major currencies.
An official update from the British Council, posted on their website this Thursday, February 29, 2024, cited “prevailing market dynamics” as the primary reason for the revised pricing structure.
According to the Council, the changes are a response to the evolving costs associated with delivering the exams, which are vital for English language proficiency assessment for non-native speakers.
Effective from March 1, the revised fees for various IELTS modules now stand as follows: Computer-based academic and general training modules are priced at N266,000, while the paper-based versions of these modules will cost applicants N256,500.
Those applying for UK visas and immigration (UKVI) purposes will face a fee of N285,500, and the IELTS Life Skills test has been set at N249,000.
This development follows a 29% price increase implemented in January 2024, which itself was a significant jump from the initial N107,500 fee.
The January adjustment saw computer-based academic and general training modules priced at N139,000, paper-based modules at N134,000, UKVI at N149,000, Life Skills at N130,000, and a one skill retake (O.S.R) at N87,570.
IELTS scores are a crucial component for individuals aiming to study abroad or seek employment opportunities in English-speaking countries, making these tests a pivotal step in their journey.
The repeated fee increases within a short span have raised concerns among potential test-takers, who now have to allocate a larger portion of their resources towards securing these essential language certifications.
The Nigerian government has faced widespread criticism for its handling of the economy, particularly in regards to the devaluation of the Naira.
These economic challenges have directly impacted the cost of services priced in foreign currencies, including educational assessments like the IELTS, further exacerbating the financial burden on Nigerian citizens aspiring to enhance their global mobility and career prospects.
