Starting from 7 October 2024, test takers who are non-residents in Singapore will no longer be able to register for an IELTS on Paper test. Non-resident IELTS test takers may take IELTS on Computer instead.
This is an IELTS partner policy and applies to all IELTS on Paper tests in Singapore delivered by the British Council and IDP Education.
We will require all test takers who are not Singaporean nationals and who book an IELTS on Paper test to provide us with acceptable proof of residence valid for at least 3 months, by email at least three days before the scheduled test date.
If these test takers do not provide acceptable proof of residence or unable to do so, their booking will be cancelled and the test fee will be refunded. Alternatively, they may choose to take the IELTS on Computer test, which has no residency requirements.
Acceptable proof of residence includes:*
- A valid Student Card - Training Employment Pass / Work Holiday Pass (showing expiry date)
- A valid Work Permit – Employment Pass / EntrePass / Personalised Employment Pass / Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass / S Pass / Work Permit (showing expiry date).
- A valid Residence Card – Dependent’s Pass / Long-Term Visit Pass (showing expiry date) and Letter of Consent issued by ICA.
If you have further enquiries on the proof of residence, please contact our Customer Service team via sgexamteam@britishcouncil.org.sg.
Other important notes:
- For registrations made on or after 7 October 2024, all non-resident test takers in Singapore will be asked to provide proof of residence before permitted to take and IELTS on Paper test. Any non-residents already registered prior to 7 October 2024 will be allowed to sit an IELTS on Paper test without any additional requirements.
- Proof of residence (permits or visas) cannot be for periods of less than three consecutive months.
- If a test taker is unable to provide acceptable proof of residence within the stipulated deadline, then their IELTS on Paper booking will be cancelled.
- Test takers who are unable to provide acceptable proof of residence will be allowed to take an IELTS on Computer test without any proof of residence.
- Once the test centre notifies relevant registered test takers of the requirement for proof of residence, the test takers will have 72 hours to respond as required. Failure to respond with the right documentation will result in test cancellation and a full refund.
- If residency is approved, test takers will be required to present their residency documents on test day to reduce the risk of forgeries, or they will be refused entry to the test.