IELTS test fees in Australia: price, retakes, validity and test length
IDP IELTS Australia says an IELTS test costs $490, and the price is the same for Academic and General Training. IELTS for UKVI is $505. A One Skill Retake is $310 and a remark is $240. The partners recommend two years of validity, and the total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Searches for IELTS cost, price and fee in Australia usually need more than one number. You also want to know what a retake costs, how long a result lasts, what happens if you cancel, and how long the day is. This page puts those answers in one place, from IDP IELTS Australia's own pages, and shows where its pages or Home Affairs' pages say different things. It is not immigration advice. The owners' pages decide.
How much does IELTS cost in Australia?
IDP IELTS Australia's own price list, read on 2 October 2026.
IDP IELTS Australia runs IELTS in Australia and publishes one price list on its cost page. These are its figures, in Australian dollars. We have not rounded or adjusted any of them.
"The cost for an IELTS English test in Australia is $490. The price for the test is the same whether you take IELTS General Training or IELTS Academic."
| Test or service | Fee, as IDP lists it |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | $490 |
| IELTS General Training | $490 |
| IELTS for UKVI Academic | $505 |
| IELTS for UKVI General Training | $505 |
| IELTS Life Skills | $390 |
| IELTS One Skill Retake | $310 |
| IELTS Enquiry on Result (remark) | $240 |
"There is no separate registration fee or payment processing fee. There is also no late payment fee. However, in some locations, the test fee can be slightly higher."
"Please note that test fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the location where you take your test"
The page shows its own date, so you can judge how fresh the figures are.
A plain reading of the table: Academic and General Training cost the same, so you choose the test by what the organisation asking for your score needs, not by price. UKVI is for UK visa purposes and costs a little more. The One Skill Retake and the remark are separate services with their own prices, covered below.
Is the price the same in every city?
IDP says regional centres might charge more. Five centres outside the capitals showed the same price.
IDP's own wording is that most centres charge $490 and regional ones might be a little higher. Here is the exact sentence:
"Most Australian test centres charge $490 for an IELTS test in 2026. So, if you need to sit an IELTS test in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, or Adelaide, the price will be the same. But, if you want to sit your IELTS test in regional Australia, the test fee might be a bit higher."
We checked. We read the IDP city page for five centres outside the big capital cities. Every session we read showed the same price, and each city page shows how many sessions it listed. The Gold Coast page said 130 sessions but loaded only part of that list when we read it, so its price is confirmed only for the sessions that loaded.
| City | Sessions the page listed | Price on the sessions |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | 130 (the page loaded only part of the list) | AUD 490 on the sessions that loaded |
| Cairns | 22 | AUD 490 |
| Newcastle | 24 | AUD 490 |
| Wollongong | 32 | AUD 490 |
| Townsville | 18 | AUD 490 |
Our reading: a $490 price on the sessions we read does not prove every regional centre charges $490 today. The finder shows the price for the exact session when you book, and IDP says fees can change. Open your own city and date and read the figure on the payment page before you decide. Centre addresses and more on each city are on IELTS test centres in Australia.
"On the payment page, you will see the test fee for your IELTS test."
How to pay, and what comes with the fee
Cards, PayPal, Alipay, a free course and no late fee.
IDP lists the payment methods you can generally use. Each centre may offer a different set.
"Every test centre will have different payment options available. Generally, you will be able to use the following payment methods available:"
- Credit card / Debit card.
- PayPal.
- Alipay.
Booking has two other points worth knowing. First, there is no extra charge for booking late. Second, IDP says you get a free preparation course if you book early.
"With IELTS, there are no additional fees for late bookings."
"Book your IELTS test up to 24 hours before your test"
"Book your test with us and get free access* to an online IELTS Preparation Course valued at $80."
The asterisk matters. It means conditions apply, so read the terms on the booking page. The finder page does not list them.
For the full booking steps, see the IDP guide to finding a centre and booking. If you came here comparing tests, our PTE test fees page has the Pearson price list. If you are weighing Australia against Canada, the Canadian figures are on IELTS exam fee in Canada.
How long is the IELTS test?
About two hours and 45 minutes, in four sections.
People often search for how long the test is, because it changes how you plan the day. IDP Australia gives the total, and the length of each section.
"The total time for the four sections is 2 hours and 45 minutes."
| Section | Time, as IDP gives it |
|---|---|
| Listening | Approximately 30 minutes |
| Reading | Approximately 60 minutes |
| Writing | Approximately 60 minutes |
| Speaking | Approximately between 11 and 14 minutes |
"You take the Listening, Reading, and Writing tests on the same day, with no breaks in between them."
"Your Speaking test may take place on the same day as the other tests or up to a week before or after the other tests, depending on your test centre."
So the three written sections run back to back, with no breaks. Check your booking for the time of your Speaking test, because it can be on another day. On results, IDP says most are quick on computer:
Each session on IDP's city pages also shows a results time. The ones we read said results in 1 to 5 days. For the full format, see our PTE vs IELTS comparison, and for your speaking section see IELTS speaking tips.
How long is IELTS valid?
Two years is the owner's advice. Home Affairs allows three years for visas.
This is the question where the sources differ, so we show each one. The IELTS partners recommend two years. Individual organisations can set their own rule, and Home Affairs sets its own window for each visa and English level.
| Who says it | What they say |
|---|---|
| IELTS.org | We recommend that IELTS test results are considered valid for two years after a test has been taken. |
| IDP IELTS Australia | While it is up to each organisation to set a validity period that works for their purposes, the IELTS partners recommend a 2-year validity period for IELTS test results. |
| IDP IELTS Australia, results page | IELTS scores (TRF or eTRF) are typically valid for two years from the date of the test. |
| Home Affairs, Skills in Demand visa page | take the test within 3 years before you apply |
| Home Affairs, competent English page | You achieved one of the test scores in Table 1 or Table 2, in the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass. |
| Home Affairs, Direct Entry stream page | Your English test results cannot have been issued more than three years before you make your application. |
| Home Affairs, proficient English page | To prove you have proficient English, show us evidence that you have achieved one of the test scores listed in Table 1 or Table 2 in the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass. |
| Home Affairs, superior English page | To prove you have superior English, show us evidence that you have achieved one of the test scores listed in Table 1 or Table 2 in the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass. |
| Home Affairs, Student visa page | You must have completed the English language test: within the 2 years before you lodged your visa application, if you are Regular Evidence level; or within the 2 years before a decision is made on your visa application, if you are Streamlined Evidence level and the Department has requested evidence. |
| Home Affairs, functional English page | You achieved one of the test scores in Table 2 or Table 3 in the 12 months before your visa application. |
"Organisations that accept IELTS can choose to accept results for a longer period, so you should check with them directly."
Our reading: the two years is a recommendation and the visa windows are rules, so they do not contradict each other. The window depends on the visa and the English level: the Home Affairs pages we read say 3 years for the competent, proficient and superior levels, 2 years for Student visa evidence, and 12 months for functional English. For a university, employer or professional body, use the period they set. For a visa, use the Home Affairs page for your subclass. The question for your own case is which organisation asks, and what its page says. That is why people searching for IELTS valid for Australia often get two different answers. This page is not immigration advice. See English tests accepted for Australian visas for the test list.
One more date to note, if you want to check your result online before the form arrives:
"Your results will be available online for 28 days."
IELTS One Skill Retake: price, rules and who accepts it
Retake Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking alone, for $310.
One Skill Retake lets you sit just one of the four skills again if one score held you back. IDP gives the Australian price and the rules.
"In Australia, IELTS One Skill Retake costs AUD$310"
"The price for One Skill Retake is the same whether you retake IELTS Speaking, Listening, Reading or Writing. There is no separate registration fee or payment processing fee. There is also no additional fee for last-minute bookings."
The rules, from IELTS.org and IDP
| Rule | What they say |
|---|---|
| Who can take it | you have completed a full test at a centre that offers IELTS One Skill Retake your full test was an IELTS on computer test you sit your IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days of your full IELTS test. |
| How many times | You can only complete your retake once per full IELTS test. |
| How many skills | A maximum of one skill of the test can be retested for each full IELTS test. |
| Results time | You will receive your results within 3-5 days. |
| Which score you use | You may use either your Test Report Form and scores from your original four skill IELTS test or you can use your updated Test Report Form which includes your IELTS One Skill Retake score. |
| Writing on Paper | Yes, IELTS One Skill Retake is available if you have completed the IELTS Writing on Paper test. |
Does Home Affairs accept it? The two sources are worded differently
IDP says one thing and Home Affairs says another, and they matter for visa applications. Here are both.
| Who says it | What they say |
|---|---|
| IDP IELTS Australia | The Department of Home Affairs accepts IELTS One Skill Retake for all Australian visa subclasses |
| Home Affairs, English levels page | The department accepts IELTS test results that include One Skill Retake (OSR) for eligible visas. To find out if you are eligible, check the relevant visa page. |
| Home Affairs, Skills in Demand visa page, tests taken before 13 September 2025 | You must achieve the minimum scores in one sitting. Single skill retake results are not accepted. |
| Home Affairs, Skills in Demand visa page, tests taken on or after 13 September 2025 | Note: If your test offers a single skill retake option, we may accept your result for that skill. |
Our reading: the safe course is the stricter one. The visa page for your subclass is the rule, and it can differ by subclass and by test date. If a retake is the plan, read that page before you pay the $310. This is not immigration advice.
Retake, One Skill Retake or remark? Three ways to chase a better score
They cost different amounts and fix different problems.
If your score fell short, you have three options. They are not the same, and the wrong choice wastes money. IDP Australia says there is no limit on full retakes.
"There are no restrictions on how many times you can re-take the IELTS test."
| Option | Cost in Australia | What it is for | Key rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full retake | $490 | A new test in all four skills | No limit on the number of retakes |
| One Skill Retake | $310 | One skill was weak, and the others are fine | Within 60 days, once per full test, computer test only |
| Enquiry on Result (remark) | $240 | You think the marking does not match your performance | Within six weeks of the test. Fee refunded if the band changes |
More on the remark
"Your score does not go down from a remark. So, it will either remain unchanged or increase."
"You may choose to have one or more test modules re-marked, and the fee is AUD$240 regardless."
"Remarks may be completed within 2 hours to 21 days."
"However, you cannot cancel this process once requested, and you will not be eligible for a refund if your score doesn’t change."
Remark and One Skill Retake together: two statements to read side by side
| Where | What it says |
|---|---|
| IDP IELTS Australia, results page | Do you want to apply for a remark (EOR) on your full IELTS test? Do this before you register for One Skill Retake as you cannot request a remark after you've taken IELTS One Skill Retake. |
| IDP IELTS Australia, remark page | Yes. You can apply for an Enquiry on Results (EOR/remark) on your original test even after you have booked an IELTS One Skill Retake. |
These do not strictly conflict: one says before you take it, the other says after you book it. Our reading: if you plan to do both, ask for the remark first, and keep the result in hand before you spend $310.
Changing or cancelling a booking, and refunds
One free change, then a sliding refund.
IDP's policy for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific starts from one free change. Cancelling is a separate route, and your refund depends on how many days are left. The last row of the table is the catch: there is no refund if you previously changed your test date.
"The IELTS Cancellation and Refund Policy applies to all test centres in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific."
| When you act | What IDP says |
|---|---|
| Any time before the test | One free change to your test booking |
| 14 or more days before | Full refund if cancelled 14+ days in advance |
| 7–13 days before | 50% refund if cancelled 7–13 days in advance |
| Fewer than 7 days before | No refund if cancelled less than 7 days before |
| If you previously changed your test date | No refund |
| Detail | What IDP says |
|---|---|
| What counts as a change | Changing the date of your IELTS test Changing the module (from Academic to General Training or from General Training to Academic) Changing the format of your test (from IELTS on computer to IELTS on paper, or from IELTS on paper to IELTS on computer) |
| Which bookings it covers | The rules regarding changing your IELTS test or cancelling your test and requesting a refund apply to everyone who has booked an IELTS test in Australia, New Zealand, or across the Pacific on or after 1 July 2025. |
| Which services it does not cover | It does not apply to IELTS One Skill Retake, IELTS for UKVI, IELTS Life Skills, or Enquiry on Results. |
| Moving to another person or centre | you can’t transfer your test to another person or another test centre. |
| How long a refund takes | Refunds will be processed back to your original payment method and may take up to 7–10 business days |
| Special cases | To be considered for an exception you must submit a request to your test centre within 14 days of your scheduled test date, with official supporting evidence. If approved, you are offered a free transfer to a future test date; IDP says refunds are not offered under the exceptions policy. |
One older IDP Australia article still says something different, so you may meet both. Here is its wording and its date.
"If you cancel or postpone your test more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administration fee."
Our reading: the guide is dated 07/03/2022, and the policy above covers bookings made on or after 1 July 2025. Use the newer policy, and ask your centre if your booking is older.
"Even though you can make one free change up until test day, it’s best to act early. Availability for future test dates or formats might be limited, especially during busy periods like university application deadlines."
Our reading: if you are unsure of your date, one free change keeps your full fee in play for a new date. But IDP's refund table says there is no refund if you previously changed your test date, so after you use the free change a later cancellation gets nothing back. If you may want your money back instead, cancel 14 or more days before the test for a full refund rather than changing first.
What your total could be: our sums from IDP's prices
Four scenarios, worked from the fees above.
These are our own sums, added up from the IDP prices in the table at the top. They assume you pay the listed fee and nothing extra. Your centre's price on the payment page is the final figure.
| What happens | Our sum | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Pass on the first sitting | 490 | 490 |
| One skill falls short, and you do a One Skill Retake | 490 + 310 | 800 |
| One skill falls short, and you sit the whole test again | 490 + 490 | 980 |
| You pay for a remark and the band does not change | 490 + 240 | 730 |
| You pay for a remark and the band goes up (fee refunded) | 490 + 240 − 240 | 490 |
So choosing a One Skill Retake over a full retake saves 180 when it is an option, and a remark can cost nothing at all if it changes your band. A remark is a gamble, so only use it when you think the marking was wrong. If a visa is involved, check that your visa page accepts the retake before you pay for it.
Your pre-booking checklist
- Which test does the organisation ask for: Academic or General Training?
- Which score do you need in each skill, not just overall?
- Does the organisation accept One Skill Retake, if you might need it?
- How old will your result be when you apply?
- What is the price on the payment page for your city and date?
- Is your Speaking test on the same day or another day?
Common questions
IDP IELTS Australia says the test costs $490, and the price is the same for IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic. IELTS for UKVI is $505 and IELTS Life Skills is $390. Fees can change and can vary by location.
The IELTS partners recommend a 2-year validity period. For visas, Home Affairs sets its own window by visa and English level: its pages we read say 3 years for some, 2 years for the Student visa and 12 months for functional English. Universities and employers set their own rule.
The total time for the four sections is 2 hours and 45 minutes, says IDP. That is Listening at about 30 minutes, Reading at about 60, Writing at about 60 and Speaking at 11 to 14. Speaking can be on a different day.
IDP says IELTS One Skill Retake costs AUD$310 in Australia, and the price is the same for any of the four skills. You must sit it within 60 days of your full computer test.
Yes, if you took IELTS on computer at a centre that offers One Skill Retake and you book within 60 days. You can use it once per full test. For a visa, check that your visa page accepts it, because Home Affairs says it accepts retake results for eligible visas.
Mostly. IDP says most centres charge $490 and regional ones might be a bit higher. On the sessions we read for Gold Coast, Cairns, Newcastle, Wollongong and Townsville, the price was AUD 490.
Yes, on a sliding scale. IDP says full refund if cancelled 14+ days in advance, 50% if cancelled 7–13 days in advance, and no refund if cancelled less than 7 days before. You also get one free change to your booking, but IDP says there is no refund if you previously changed your test date.
No. IDP says there are no additional fees for late bookings, and that you can book your IELTS test up to 24 hours before your test.