How to Send IELTS Scores to Universities Abroad in 2026?

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How to Send IELTS Scores to Universities? Step-by-Step Guide

The applicants should keep in mind that most universities across the world prefer the electronic mode to receive the IELTS score. However, some universities might ask for IELTS scores to be delivered in offline mode on paper. Students need to confirm this from the respective university or college website. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to send the IELTS scores:

Step 1: Confirm University Requirements

• Confirm from the university website in which mode they need IELTS scores: online through e-delivery or through post in paper offline. Whether they accept e-delivery or a paper IELTS score card via postal services.
• Note the exact name and address of the university, college, or department for e-delivery as well as for postal delivery.
• Most universities now prefer fast and secure e-delivery.

Step 2: Send the IELTS score during registration.

• Applicants can add up to 5 institutions from the drop-down list of recognised institutions during the booking for the IELTS test. The charges for these 5 options are included in the IELTS test registration fees.
• If the university is not listed in the ‘recognised institutions’ list, then applicants can add their desired institution manually.
• The IELTS scores will be sent directly to the institutions when the IELTS results are out.

Step 3: Send scores after the IELTS results

• Indian students can send their IELTS score card through the IDP portal. Applicants can log in through the IDP portal (ieltsidpindia.com) using their credentials and look for score sending options.
• The first 5-score sending process fee is included in the IELTS exam fees. Additionally, IELTS score sending can cost ₹350 per university.
• Applicants can send scores to only 5 institutions in a day.

Note: Applicants can also contact their original test centre directly and request that they send the scores. They need to provide them with full details of the institution.

Step 4: Choose the delivery mode.

• E-delivery is highly recommended because it is fast (often within 1-2 days), secure, and accepted by most universities. Applicants can send to unlimited institutions. Universities verify via the free IELTS Results Service.
• Paper IELTS score report (Postal) is slower, taking 7-10 days for delivery. Applicants get 5 free sends; extras have a fee of ₹350 per institution. The test centre mails the official IELTS score.

Step 5: Track & Confirm

• Applicants will get confirmation via email once the request is processed.
• Ask the university to confirm they have received and verified the scores.
• Universities verify authenticity using the IELTS score report number on the IELTS Results Service.

Also Read

• IELTS Score Required for Admission in the US in 2026
• IELTS Score Required for Admission in Germany in 2026

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How Long Does It Take Colleges to Receive IELTS Scores?

How long it will take for an IELTS score to reach the university, college, or department completely depends on the mode of delivery. The online mode or the e-delivery usually takes less time compared to the offline paper-based delivery.

• IELTS on Computer: 1-5 days, often 1-2 days in many centers.
• IELTS on Paper: Up to 13 days.
• IELTS Online: 6-8 days.

Sending IELTS Scores to Universities:

• E-delivery (IELTS Results Service): Usually within hours to 2 days after processing, often 24-48 hours after your request or results release. Universities access via a secure portal.
• Paper IELTS score card (postal): Additional time for mailing can take days to weeks, depending on the destination and the courier.
• Test centers may take an extra time to a couple of weeks in busy periods to process bulk requests.

Tip: Request early and confirm receipt with the university. Universities verify via the free IELTS Results Service using the IELTS scorecard number.

Also read: Step-by-Step Guide for Registration for IELTS 2026

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Do Colleges Accept Self-Reported IELTS Scores?

Self-reported IELTS scores are not accepted by the universities, colleges or departments for the final or official admission process. The universities accept the IELTS score reports sent by the test centres only for the final admission.

Photocopies or self-uploaded PDFs are often not accepted by the universities for admission purposes. Some US universities, such as Cornell University, may allow self-reporting for review. But the official scores must be sent later for the final admission process.

Note: Always check the specific university’s admissions page, they specify requirements. Official scores are mandatory for visa or immigration purposes in many countries.

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US Common App Self-Reporting Guidelines for IELTS 2026

The US Common Application allows you to self-report your IELTS scores in the testing section. These are unofficial or self-reported scores used for initial application review by most universities, colleges and departments. Applicants must still send official scores directly from the testing agency if required by the college, especially after admission or for enrollment.

Applicants should note that only if the IELTS score reports meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the colleges they’re applying to should they use self-reported IELTS scores. Self-reporting is free in the Common App. Applicants should remember to send their official IELTS scores later, as these will be used in the final admission process.

Also Read

• Top IELTS Preparation Books for 2026: Reviews, Tips & Study Plans
• IELTS Strategy to Score 7+: Tips, Study Plan, & Books

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Common Mistakes Students Make to Avoid While Sending IELTS Scores in 2026

• Wrong institution details: Use the exact name or the account as registered in the IELTS system for e-delivery. Mismatches can delay or prevent delivery.
• Not confirming university preference: Some universities usually want a paper-based IELTS score report, while most prefer e-delivery. Always confirm with the university first which mode is preferred by them.
• Sending after the deadline: Applicants need to keep in mind that processing, along with delivery, takes time. Students should plan according to the deadline and date. They should request the delivery well before application deadlines.
• Using expired scores: The IELTS score report must be within 2 years of the validity period. No extensions are given officially to the validity of the IELTS scorecard.
• Assuming self-reporting is enough: Students need to keep in mind that a self-reported IELTS score can be used by some universities only for review purposes. They still need to send an official IELTS score report for the final admission process.
• Not tracking requests: Applicants must follow up via their candidate portal. They should check with the university for updates.

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IELTS score delivery timelines range widely, from 1-2 days for e-delivery to days or weeks for postal reports. Students must plan submissions well ahead of deadlines. With 5 free score sends included and ₹350 charged for each additional report, using the IDP portal efficiently becomes essential. Because universities rely only on official scores and reject self-reported or photocopied reports, confirming delivery mode and tracking requests is critical. Following these steps helps ensure universities receive verified scores on time for smooth admission processing.