Alternatives to IELTS for Iranians: which tests can you still take?

IELTS has not run in Iran since 31 January 2026, nor TOEFL since August 2026, Duolingo is closed to holders of Iranian ID, and LanguageCert has given no official answer. The key point: for several tests, travelling abroad doesn't by itself solve this, because the limit is on where you live. We can't confidently call any test the solution; this article shows where each one stands and how to check.

We checked the situation up to 5 November 2026, and it changes quickly. We couldn't reach ETS's, Pearson VUE's or British Council's own pages; their words come as quoted by the specialist blog TOEFL Resources, and we've labelled them.

Each test in one table

IELTS: stopped in Iran, limits next door

IDP announced it was stopping IELTS in Iran, with the final test on 31 January 2026. IDP cites financial and regulatory factors outside its control, and says earlier results stay accepted worldwide.

Outside Iran, limits have grown too:

• Turkey: as TOEFL Resources quotes British Council's site, since 14 October 2026 Iranian candidates need valid proof of residency in Turkey and can't test on a tourist visa, even if they registered earlier.
• Iraq: according to an unofficial report, British Council centres don't accept candidates holding only Iranian ID.
• Armenia: the same source reports a similar condition, but itself calls the reports spotty.

These reports concern British Council. We saw no statement about IDP's centres. Some guides name Yerevan, Istanbul and Doha, but ask that centre in writing before buying a ticket.

TOEFL and GRE: travelling isn't enough either

TOEFL and GRE stopped in Iran in August 2026, after the USA suspended General License G. ETS's latest wording, as quoted by TOEFL Resources, has three points:

• Iranian nationality alone doesn't prevent taking TOEFL.
• But ETS can't process registrations or payments for someone resident in Iran, even for a test outside Iran.
• The at-home version isn't for residents of Iran either, even while they are temporarily abroad.

PTE: the Pearson VUE route

Pearson VUE, as quoted by the same source, has been unable to deliver exams to residents of Iran since 8 September 2026, unless they prove primary residency in another country. The quoted text doesn't name PTE, and we saw nothing on Iran on PTE's pages. Since PTE is delivered through Pearson VUE, it very likely applies; that's our inference, so ask Pearson.

Duolingo

According to RFE/RL, the Duolingo English Test is unavailable in Iran and to users with Iranian identification. That holds even for someone who travels to another country, if they test with Iranian documents.

Where does LanguageCert stand?

In the sources we read, neither LanguageCert nor any reliable report says anything about residents of Iran. That means we don't know, not that it's open. We found no centre in Iran, and although the official site says the test is available worldwide, we didn't see Iran in the Academic centre finder.

If LanguageCert does prove possible for you, its main destinations are the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and the Netherlands; it isn't accepted in Canada's Express Entry. The details, the cities and what to ask in writing are in countries and centres.

Other routes worth asking about

• The university's own assessment: GOV.UK says that at degree level and above, a licensed university can assess your English itself, as long as it is equivalent to B2.
• An alternative test or interview: some universities have set temporary routes for candidates in Iran. Ask the admissions office what they accept.
• Previous study in English: some universities accept it.
• An earlier result: if you hold a valid score, first ask whether it's still accepted.

What to do now

1. Get your destination's exact list of tests and alternatives in writing.
2. For each test, ask the provider and centre in writing whether they'll register you, given where you live and your passport.
3. State where you live truthfully, and don't choose a route that needs false details: a result can be cancelled.
4. Until you have a definite answer, don't buy a non-refundable ticket.
5. Keep your English ready meanwhile. The skills carry across tests, and the test comparison helps you see what's useful.

If your destination accepts LanguageCert, you can move ahead meanwhile with the preparation guide and practice in the test's format, and get the written answer before you register. You can check a practice score with the score calculator too.

Frequently asked questions

Has IELTS been cancelled in Iran?

Yes. According to IDP, the final test in Iran was on 31 January 2026.

Can I go to Turkey for IELTS?

For British Council's centres in Turkey, reports say proof of residency has been required since 14 October 2026. We saw no statement on IDP's centres. Ask that centre in writing.

Can Iranians still take TOEFL?

It depends on where you live. As quoted from ETS, nationality alone is no bar, but a resident of Iran can't register, even for a test outside Iran.

What's the best alternative to IELTS?

There's no one answer. For Canada's Express Entry, only IELTS General, CELPIP and PTE Core are on the English list. For the UK and Australia, LanguageCert is too. Look at your destination first, then at whether you can register.

Has my earlier IELTS score become invalid?

No. IDP says results stay accepted worldwide, though whoever receives one may ask for a more recent result.

Certyar is an independent preparation site, not affiliated with LanguageCert; it doesn't run the test or take registrations. For the official details, see LanguageCert Academic's page.