You've finished your IELTS test. Now what? This guide covers when your results arrive, how long they stay valid, and how to ask for a re-mark if a band looks wrong.
When do IELTS results come out?
| Test | Typical wait (IDP, Australia) |
|---|---|
| IELTS on computer (at a test centre) | Most results are available within one day. Sometimes they take a few extra days. |
Computer-delivered tests give you an electronic Test Report Form (eTRF). Most computer test centres no longer post a paper copy automatically, so ask your test centre if you need one. Timings can differ between test centres and countries, so check with yours. If you have a visa, job or university deadline, leave yourself a buffer.
How long are IELTS results valid?
IELTS results don't have a fixed expiry date. It depends on who you are giving them to:
- Most universities and employers won't usually accept results more than 2 years old.
- Australian visas (Home Affairs): for English levels such as Proficient and Superior, Home Affairs usually looks at tests taken in the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass.
- Ahpra (nurses and other health practitioners): results are valid for 2 years before you lodge your registration application, with limited exceptions.
Always check the exact rule on the organisation's own website. See our IELTS for Australian PR and IELTS for nurses guides.
How to ask for a re-mark (Enquiry on Results)
If you think a band is wrong, you can ask for an Enquiry on Results, where a different examiner marks the skill again.
- Deadline: apply within 6 weeks of your test date.
- Which skills: you can choose one or more skills to re-mark.
- Fee: with IDP in Australia the fee is A$240, however many skills you choose. It's refunded in full if your band goes up, and not refunded if it stays the same. Fees differ by country and test provider.
- How long: IDP Australia says re-marks may take from 2 hours to 21 days.
Before you pay for a re-mark, look honestly at your lowest skill. If Writing or Speaking is holding you back, practising those skills is often the better use of the money. You can also check whether a higher band in one skill would change your overall band.
Retake one skill instead
If you took IELTS on computer, IELTS One Skill Retake may let you resit just one skill instead of the whole test. Home Affairs accepts One Skill Retake results for eligible visas. Check that the organisation you're applying to accepts it before you book.
Test results, fees and rules can change. Always confirm with your test centre and the organisation you are applying to.
Frequently asked questions
How long do IELTS results take on computer?
In Australia, IDP says most computer results are available within one day. Sometimes they take a few extra days, so leave a buffer before any deadline.
How long are IELTS results valid in Australia?
Most organisations accept results up to 2 years old. For English levels such as Proficient and Superior, Home Affairs looks at tests from the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa. Ahpra accepts results from the 2 years before you lodge.
How do I get my IELTS re-marked?
Ask your test centre for an Enquiry on Results within 6 weeks of your test date. You can choose one or more skills. With IDP in Australia the fee is A$240 and is refunded if your band goes up.
Is the re-mark fee refunded?
With IDP in Australia, only if your band score goes up. If it stays the same, the fee is not refunded.