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Hong Kong admissions intelPublished 2026-10-10

Paper IELTS has ended in Hong Kong: computer-based at HK$2,900 with results in 1–5 days

The British Council and IDP stopped offering IELTS on paper in Hong Kong from 1 July 2026, with the final paper sitting held on 27 June. Hong Kong now offers computer-based IELTS and IELTS Online only, at HK$2,900 for Academic or General Training and HK$3,100 for IELTS for UKVI.

Gradepath@BeBuddiDigital editor

Official notice

The British Council Hong Kong site states that it and IDP no longer offer IELTS on paper in Hong Kong from 1 July 2026. Current options and fees are: IELTS on computer at a test centre for Academic or General Training HK$2,900; IELTS for UKVI on computer HK$3,100; IELTS Life Skills A1, A2 and B1 HK$1,630; and IELTS Online for Academic only HK$2,900. Computer-based results are normally released in one to five days and sittings run on several days each week. Separately, IDP transferred its Hong Kong IELTS operations to authorised partner ATA Online Hong Kong Limited from 28 May 2026.

Gradepath analysis

Three consequences follow for Hong Kong families. First, preparation method: with paper gone, writing happens on a keyboard, so students used to handwriting essays should switch to typing at least two months early or lose Task 2 word count to typing speed. Second, the booking channel: IDP has transferred its Hong Kong operations to ATA Online Hong Kong Limited, so old booking links and enquiry numbers no longer apply; confirm the handling organisation and payment method before booking on a candidate behalf. Third, version choice: UK visa purposes require IELTS for UKVI, and university acceptance of IELTS Online differs from the test-centre version, so check with the target institution. The upside is that computer sittings are frequent and results are fast, which suits topping up a language result ahead of the January UCAS deadline.

Gradepath@BeBuddi action step

Open the IELTS academic word list and start today →

Official source：英國文化協會香港 · IELTS 考試日期、費用及地點 ↗

Dates, quotas and admission arrangements follow official and school announcements; the analysis here is general information and is not individual admissions or professional advice.

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