The British Council Nigeria has announced an increase in the prices of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for the second time in 2024.

The hike comes amidst ongoing concerns about the exchange rates of the Nigerian Naira against other foreign currencies.

An update on the Council’s website on Thursday attributed the new rates to what it described as “prevailing market dynamics.”

“The change in fees is due to the evolving market dynamics and increased costs in the delivery of our exams.”

The Council added that the new prices for the IELTS range of tests which took effective from March 1, 2024.

With the new prices adjustment, applicants willing to write IELTS computer academic and general training modules will now pay N266,000, while those opting for paper academic and general training modules are required to pay N256,500; UK visas and immigration (UKVI) applicants will pay N285,500 and IELTS life skills now costs N249,000.

The Council had only in January effected a 29 per cent increment on the price of writing the test from the initial N107,500 being paid for the test prior to last month.

The January prices had the IELTS on computer academic and general training modules set at N139,000; IELTS on paper academic and general training modules pegged at N134,000; while the UKVI was increased to N149,000, Life skills, N130,000; and one skill retake (O.S.R) at N87,570.
IELTS scores are internationally recognized English language assessments for migrants aspiring to study overseas and skilled workers applying for jobs abroad.

The Nigerian government has been at the centre of criticism over the recent weakening of the Nigeria Naira against other foreign currencies.