IELTS One Skill Retake: Complete 2025 Guide
Quick Summary
Retake one section within 60 days of your original test. Computer-based only. Accepted by Australian immigration and many universities.
What is IELTS One Skill Retake?
Retake Only What You Need
If you achieved your target scores in 3 sections but fell short in one, retake just that section instead of the entire test.
60-Day Window
Must complete your retake within 60 days of your original test date.
Computer-Based Only
Available exclusively for computer-delivered IELTS (not paper-based).
Once Per Test
You can only retake one skill, one time per original test.
Eligibility Checker
Are You Eligible for One Skill Retake?
Where is OSR Available?
Available Countries (2025)
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Canada
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
- Nepal
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
L Not Available
- United States
- China (Mainland)
- Most of Europe
- Most of Africa
- South America
Note: Availability is expanding. Check with your local test center for updates.
OSR Pricing by Country
| Country | Currency | OSR Cost | Full Test Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR | ¹12,000 | ¹17,000 | 29% cheaper |
| UK | GBP | £145 | £200 | 27% cheaper |
| Australia | AUD | $290 | $405 | 28% cheaper |
| Canada | CAD | $250 | $350 | 29% cheaper |
| UAE | AED | 1,050 | 1,460 | 28% cheaper |
| Singapore | SGD | $280 | $395 | 29% cheaper |
How to Book OSR
1
Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet all requirements and your test center offers OSR
2
Log into Account
Access your IELTS account where you booked the original test
3
Select Skill
Choose which section to retake (L, R, W, or S)
4
Choose Date
Pick an available date within 60 days
5
Complete Payment
Pay the OSR fee for your location
6
Receive Confirmation
Get booking confirmation and test details
Who Accepts OSR Results?
Confirmed Acceptance
-
Australian Department of Home Affairs
For all visa categories including skilled migration -
UK Universities
Most Russell Group universities confirmed -
Canadian Universities
70% acceptance, check individual policies -
New Zealand Immigration
For skilled migration and student visas -
Singapore Universities
NUS, NTU, and SMU accept OSR
Verification Required
- US Universities - Varies by institution
- Professional bodies (nursing, engineering)
- Some scholarship programs
- Specific government positions
- Some European universities
Important: Always confirm with your institution/organization before booking OSR
Should You Take OSR?
OSR is Ideal If:
- You're 0.5-1.0 band short in ONE skill only
- Your other three scores meet requirements
- You have specific weakness in one area
- Time is critical (results in 3-5 days)
- Your target institution accepts OSR
- You took computer-based IELTS originally
Consider Full Retake If:
- Multiple skills need improvement
- You want to improve overall band significantly
- OSR not available in your location
- Target institution doesn't accept OSR
- You took paper-based IELTS originally
- More than 60 days have passed
Frequently Asked Questions
Your new overall band score will be calculated using your three original scores plus the new OSR score. The higher score is used if you score lower in the retake.
No, you can only retake one skill per original test. If you need to improve multiple skills, you'll need to take the full test again.
The higher of your two scores (original or retake) will be used in your final certificate. You cannot lose marks by taking OSR.
OSR results have the same 2-year validity as your original test, calculated from the original test date.