East Asia · Japan
IELTS in Tokyo
Tokyo is the busiest IELTS test market in Japan, with both British Council and IDP running computer-delivered tests almost weekly. Most candidates are university students applying to Australia, the UK, or graduate programmes in North America, with a smaller share applying for Australian or UK skilled-worker visas.
IELTS Academic
JPY 27,500 (~USD 175)
IELTS General Training
JPY 27,500 (~USD 175)
Test providers & formats in Tokyo
Providers
- • British Council Japan
- • IDP Education Japan
Formats available
- • Computer-delivered (most common)
- • Paper-based (limited)
Test centres in Tokyo
- British Council Tokyo (Iidabashi)
- IDP IELTS Test Centre Shinjuku
- IDP IELTS Test Centre Shibuya
- JSAF British Council partner sites
Booking notes: Computer-delivered slots are released weekly and fill within 48 hours during peak admissions seasons (Aug–Oct, Jan–Feb). Pay by credit card; results in 3–5 days for CD format.
IELTS score requirements for popular destinations from Tokyo
Most Tokyo candidates apply to: Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, United States.
Australia (student visa, postgraduate)
Overall 6.5Component minimums: 6.0 in each band
Most G8 universities ask 7.0 overall for humanities; engineering often accepts 6.5.
United Kingdom (student visa, university)
Overall 6.5Component minimums: 5.5 in each band
Russell Group typically requires 7.0 for arts/social sciences. UKVI Academic IELTS required for visa.
Canada (study permit, undergraduate)
Overall 6.5Component minimums: 6.0 in each band
Top Canadian universities (UofT, McGill) ask 6.5–7.0 depending on programme.
Australia (subclass 482 skilled visa)
Overall 5.0Component minimums: 5.0 in each band
Higher scores improve points. Engineering Australia migration assessment requires 6.0 each.
Requirements change. Always verify directly with the institution before booking your test.
Preparation tips for candidates in Tokyo
- 1Most Tokyo test-takers under-perform on Speaking, not Writing — Japanese learners are usually stronger on grammar than fluency. Drill speed talking, not accuracy.
- 2Schedule the computer-delivered test rather than paper; results in 3–5 days lets you iterate faster against application deadlines.
- 3Use the British Council Iidabashi practice sessions — they run free familiarisation seminars roughly monthly.
- 4Time pressure on Reading catches Japanese candidates more than the questions themselves; practice 60-min full Reading mocks twice a week.