Globally, almost all colleges and universities where courses are taught in English require you to have an IELTS certificate to prove your English proficiency. Moreover, studying abroad in an English-speaking country makes it necessary to sit the IELTS exam. However, between IDP and British Council, many test-takers cannot easily make a choice.

The IELTS test at IDP is the same as one at the British Council. In addition, the marking (scoring) standards are just the same. Still, there are some differences that must be pointed out to help you choose more simply.

Who is IDP & British Council

With Cambridge English, they are the co-owners of IELTS together. IDP and British Council are international organisations that provide international English testing. Being based in over 30 countries, IDP is one of the world’s leading international education organisations which links students to learning and academic opportunities all over the globe. Being the reason why over 500,000 students now successfully study overseas, IDP provides the IELTS test in roughly 1,400 test locations spread across 56 countries. British Council, on the other hand, is also a charity organization which creates international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries, helping to build trust between them worldwide. They help support individuals to build skills, connections and gain confidence in partnership with the UK and British institutions.

Both are Official IELTS test providers

IDP Education and British Council are two organizations authorized by the IELTS governing body to administer the IELTS test around the world. IDP and BC have their unique brands and different businesses, they provide the IELTS test in the same format. Whether it is the IELTS on Paper (IOP) or IELTS on Computer (IOC), the examination will be administered in the standard IELTS format with no change or variation in both test centres.

Of course, IDP is Australian and British Council is British, but the test will still contain a range of accents, situations, topics and discussion subjects no matter where you take it. Speaking and writing examiners originally come from a wide range of countries, the United States and Canada being among them. The test difficulty level is the same plus the markings for the tests will be done following the same guidelines and criteria of the different band scores. While both organizations offer the same test, there are some differences in their services and operations:

Regional Coverage

IDP Education mainly operates in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Australia, while British Council has a greater presence in Europe, operating in countries in that region. Because of its broader regional coverage, IDP attracts a large number of test-takers annually. IDP Education primarily operates in the following regions:

1. Asia: IDP Education has a significant presence in countries like India, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and other Asian nations.
2. Middle East: IDP Education operates in several countries in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Turkey.
3. Australia: As a co-owner of IELTS, IDP Education has a strong presence in Australia, offering IELTS tests and other services throughout the country.

In addition to these regions, IDP Education also has operations in other countries worldwide, such as the UK, Canada, and New Zealand. However, its main focus lies in Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.

Test Center Locations

The availability of test centers may vary between IDP and British Council in certain regions or cities, which can affect candidates’ choices when selecting a test center. In certain regions or cities, one organization may have more test centers than the other, making it easier for candidates to find a test center nearby. This can influence a candidate’s choice of which organization to take the test with.

It’s essential for candidates to research the test center options in their area and compare factors such as availability, test dates, and facilities to determine which organization best suits their needs. For instance, the IFI IDP Qatar in Doha is located in West Bay, which is accessible by both public and private transport and offers parking spaces as well as other facilities like large and quiet testing rooms, headphones for the listening test and evening test sessions.

Test centers operated by IDP or British Council may have different facilities, such as the size of the testing rooms, available amenities (e.g., free refreshments), and accessibility features (e.g., wheelchair access). These factors can also influence a test-taker’s decision.

Additional Services

IDP Education offers a range of additional services, such as migration assistance, scholarships, student placement, and English language courses, while British Council focuses more on promoting cultural and educational opportunities through events and exhibitions.

IDP Education offers a range of additional services beyond administering the IELTS test. Some of these services include:

1. Study Abroad Services: IDP provides guidance and assistance to students who wish to study abroad, including course and institution selection, application process, visa assistance, and pre-departure briefings.
2. English Language Courses: IDP offers English language courses at various levels to help students improve their language proficiency for academic, professional, or personal purposes.
3. Migration Services: IDP assists individuals and families with the migration process, including visa applications, skill assessments, and settling-in services.
4. Student Placement: IDP helps students secure placements in schools, colleges, and universities worldwide, ensuring that they find the best fit for their educational goals and preferences.
5. Online Resources: IDP provides online resources, such as practice tests, preparation materials, and webinars, to help candidates prepare for the IELTS test and improve their English language skills.

Test Registration Process

The registration process and website interfaces may differ slightly between IDP and British Council, although both organizations provide online registration options and follow the same overall process. The available payment methods for registration fees might differ between IDP and British Council, depending on the region and local preferences. Also, the process of selecting a test center during registration may vary slightly between the two organizations. While both organizations provide confirmation emails and essential information after registration, the format and content of these communications may differ.

Despite these potential differences, candidates can expect a generally similar registration process with either IDP Education or British Council.

Test Dates

The availability of test dates and frequency of tests may vary between IDP and British Council test centers in a specific location. Candidates may need to consider which organization offers the most convenient test dates for their needs. The differences in IELTS test dates and frequencies between IDP Education and British Council can be attributed to a few factors:

1. Local Demand: Both organizations base their test schedules on the demand for IELTS in a particular region or city. If there is higher demand in an area served by one organization, they may offer more frequent tests or a greater variety of test dates.
2. Operational Constraints: The availability of test venues, staff, and resources can influence the scheduling of IELTS tests. Each organization may face different operational constraints, leading to variations in test dates and frequencies.
3. Competition: As competitors in the market, IDP and British Council may adjust their test schedules to provide more options or compete for market share in certain regions.
4. Coordination Efforts: Although both organizations strive to coordinate their test schedules to provide candidates with a variety of options, it may not always be possible to fully align their calendars due to the factors mentioned above.

Having said the above, . . .

The IFI IDP IELTS test centre in Doha Qatar has always stood out as the premier choice for test-takers, offering unparalleled services and a seamless experience from start to finish. With our exceptional facilities, highly trained staff, and commitment to adhering to the highest standards, we ensure that every candidate receives a fair and consistent assessment.

Our flexible scheduling and convenient location make it easy for you to choose a test date that suits your needs, and our additional resources, including study materials and online support, give you the tools you need to excel on the exam. Ultimately, our dedication to providing a top-tier IELTS testing experience, combined with our unwavering commitment to excellence, makes our centre the clear choice for your IELTS journey.