You passed your IELTS. Congratulations. Now comes the next critical question every international student asks: how do I actually send my IELTS score to universities?
It sounds simple, but getting this step wrong, sending to the wrong address, missing deadlines, or not understanding the difference between a TRF and an eTRF, can delay or even derail your university application. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, step by step, with no confusion.
What is the IELTS Test Report Form (TRF)?
Before you can send your scores anywhere, you need to understand what you're sending.
The Test Report Form (TRF) is your official IELTS result document. It is issued by the British Council, or Cambridge Assessment English, these organisations that jointly own and administer IELTS. Your TRF contains:
- Your full name, date of birth, and candidate number
- Individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking
- Your Overall Band Score (scale of 1–9)
- Your CEFR level equivalent
- The test date and type (Academic or General Training)
- A unique TRF number used for verification
Key fact: IELTS is currently accepted by more than 10,000 universities, schools, employers, and immigration bodies worldwide, including 100% of universities in the UK and Australia, and over 3,400 institutions in the United States.
How Long is Your IELTS Score Valid?
Your IELTS TRF is valid for two years from the date your results are issued. This applies globally, for the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and all other major study destinations.
For example, if your result date is 1 June 2026, your TRF is valid until 31 May 2028.
Important: There is no way to extend the validity period. If your score expires before you complete your application, you will need to retake the exam.
For skilled migration applications (such as Australian PR), the validity period may extend to three years depending on the relevant authority's policy.
Methods of Sending IELTS Scores to Universities
There are two main methods for sending your IELTS results to universities:
1. Electronic Delivery (eTRF)
The fastest and most widely used method. Your scores are sent digitally through the official IELTS results portal directly to the institution.
How it works:
- Log in to your IELTS portal (British Council or IDP, depending on where you registered)
- Select the institution(s) you wish to send scores to
- Submit the request — delivery is typically instant or within 1–3 business days
Best for: Most UK, US, Australian, and Canadian universities that have registered for the IELTS e-Delivery service.
2. Postal Delivery (Physical TRF / ATRF)
A physical hard copy of your TRF is mailed directly to the institution. This is called an Additional Test Report Form (ATRF).
How it works:
- Enter the institution's mailing address during IELTS registration, OR
- Contact your test centre after results are issued to request an ATRF
- Pay the applicable fee per additional copy
- Allow 7–10 working days for delivery (longer for international post)
Best for: Institutions that specifically require an original hard-copy TRF.
Note: Most universities now prefer or require electronic delivery. Always confirm your target university's preferred method before submitting a request.
Free Score Sends: What You Need to Know
When you register for IELTS, you can select up to 5 institutions to receive your scores free of charge. This is one of the most underused advantages available to test takers.
- You can add these institutions during the registration process, before your test
- Some test centres also allow you to nominate institutions up to one month after your test date at no extra cost
- If you need to send to more than 5 institutions, or after the free window has closed, additional fees apply per TRF
Pro tip: Research your target universities before your test date and add them during registration, you'll save money and time.
Step-by-Step: How to Send IELTS Scores to Universities
Here is the complete process, from results to delivery:
Step 1: Access Your Results
Results are typically available 13 days after your test date for paper-based IELTS, and 3–5 days for computer-based IELTS.
- British Council registrants: Check your email for a results link, or log in to your British Council candidate portal
- IDP registrants: Log in to your IDP account and navigate to your results dashboard
- IELTS USA registrants: Access results through your IELTS USA account
Step 2: Download Your eTRF
From your portal, locate the "View eTRF" or "Download Result" option. Save a PDF copy for your personal records. This electronic version is your eTRF and is accepted by most universities.
Step 3: Verify the Institution's Requirements
Before sending, confirm the following with each university:
- Do they accept electronic (eTRF) or do they require a physical TRF?
- What is the correct department name and mailing address (for postal TRFs)?
- Is there a specific reference number or application ID to include?
- What is the score submission deadline?
Most UK universities now accept eTRF through the IELTS Results Service e-Delivery platform.
Step 4: Submit Your Score-Sending Request
For Electronic Delivery:
- Log in to your IELTS portal (British Council or IDP)
- Navigate to "Send Scores" or "Request TRF"
- Search for your institution by name or country
- Confirm the department and address details
- Submit — you will receive a confirmation notification
For Postal / ATRF:
- Contact your original test centre directly
- Complete the ATRF request form
- Provide the exact mailing address of the institution
- Pay the required fee per copy
- Allow 7–10 business days for delivery
Step 5: Confirm Receipt with the University
After sending, follow up with the university admissions office to confirm they have received and processed your scores. This is especially important when applying close to a deadline.
How Do Universities Verify IELTS Scores?
Universities do not simply take your word for it, they verify directly. Here's how:
TRF Verification Number: Every TRF has a unique identification number. Admissions offices use the IELTS TRF Online Verification Service (available at ielts.org) to confirm the authenticity of any score report submitted.
eTRF Direct Delivery: When scores are sent electronically through the IELTS portal, universities receive them directly from the test authority — no risk of tampering or forgery.
Institutions can verify the authenticity of any IELTS TRF through the official TRF Online Verification Service at IELTS.
IELTS Score Requirements by Country (2026)
Different countries and universities set different minimum band score requirements. Here is a general overview:
| Destination | Typical Minimum Band Score | Notes |
| United Kingdom | 6.0 – 7.0 | Varies by course and university |
| United States | 6.5 – 7.0 | Graduate programmes often require 7.0+ |
| Australia | 6.0 – 7.0 | Student visa requires minimum 5.5 |
| Canada | 6.0 – 6.5 | Immigration (PR) may require 6.0+ |
| New Zealand | 5.5 – 6.5 | Depends on institution and level |
Example: Oxford University requires a minimum overall IELTS score of 7.5, with no less than 7.0 in each individual section for most graduate programmes. (Source: University of Oxford)
Always check the specific requirements of your chosen programme, as requirements vary significantly between courses and departments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many students lose time and money due to avoidable errors. Here are the most common:
Sending to the wrong address. Always verify the exact mailing address and department with the university before submitting a postal TRF request. A small error can mean your scores go undelivered.
Waiting too long. Some universities process score reports separately from your main application. If your scores arrive after their internal deadline, your application may be delayed.
Not using your 5 free sends. Thousands of students pay additional fees unnecessarily because they did not nominate institutions during registration. Do your research before your test date.
Sending an expired TRF. Your score is valid for two years. If it expires before the university processes your application, it will not be accepted. Plan your application timeline accordingly.
Assuming all universities accept eTRF. While most do, some institutions, particularly those in certain countries, still require a physical original. Always confirm in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send my IELTS score to a university after I've already applied?
Yes, in most cases. Contact the university admissions office to advise them that your scores are being sent separately, and provide your application reference number.
What if I have multiple IELTS results?
If you have taken IELTS more than once and both scores are within their 2-year validity period, you can choose which result to send. Send only the score that best meets the university's requirements.
Can a university reject my application if they cannot verify my TRF?
Yes. This is why it is critical to send scores through official channels, either via the IELTS portal or through your test centre, rather than submitting a scanned copy of your TRF yourself.
What is the difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training for university applications?
Universities requiring IELTS for undergraduate or postgraduate admission almost always require IELTS Academic. IELTS General Training is primarily for immigration and vocational purposes. Confirm which test is required before registering.
Can I resit IELTS if my score is not high enough?
Yes. There is no limit on the number of times you can take IELTS. For computer-based tests, you may also be eligible for the One Skill Retake (OSR) within 60 days of your original test, allowing you to retake just one section rather than the full exam.
Need help to upgrade your IELTS Score to study abroad?
Submitting your IELTS scores is only one part of the university application process. If you're finding it difficult to achieve the score required for your chosen university, get expert support from MIE English Academy and take the next step towards your study abroad goals.