The honest answer is that there is no single global price. A retake budget usually has three parts: the search or application cost, the host school's own fee, and the IB assessment charges collected through that school. The total changes by country, subject, session, travel distance, and how close you are to the deadline.
Here is how to think about the main cost categories.
1. IB Assessment Fees
The old flat candidate fee was removed from November 2019. For current retakes, the amount a student ultimately pays for IB assessment is confirmed through the IB World School that registers the candidate.
How it is confirmed: By the accepting school or coordinator
How it is usually organized: By selected subjects and any relevant core requirements
Important: Treat public price examples as planning estimates, not official IB invoices
Cost note: Ask the accepting coordinator for an itemized breakdown before final registration. IBretake shows its own search package before checkout, but school and IB assessment amounts are confirmed after a school accepts.
2. Subject and Core Component Fees
IB assessment charges for students are handled through schools. The final amount can depend on the subjects selected, any relevant core components, currency, session timing, and school administration policy.
Subjects: Confirm each HL or SL subject with the accepting coordinator
Core components: Confirm separately if TOK, EE, or another non exam requirement is relevant
Retake boundary: IBretake does not arrange IA, coursework, tutoring, or coursework supervision
3. School Administration Fee
This is where costs vary the most, and where you have the most control. The school registering you as a retake candidate charges an administration fee covering:
Processing your registration through IBIS
Exam venue, invigilation, and security
Coordinating exam day logistics and candidate records
Secure storage and shipping of exam papers
Typical planning range: $150 to $800+ per subject or request, depending on the school
Some schools charge a flat fee regardless of subject count; others charge per subject. Schools in London, Singapore, and Dubai tend to charge more than schools in other regions, but not always.
4. Late Registration Surcharge
If you miss the standard registration deadline, the IB may allow a late registration window. Late fees can apply and should be confirmed by the accepting coordinator before you rely on a placement.
After the late deadline closes, no registrations are accepted. Period.
5. IBretake Search Package and Refund Timing
IBretake shows the package price before checkout. After payment, your search becomes active and eligible coordinators in the selected zone are contacted. School names stay private until a school accepts your request.
Before 5 working days: Refunds are not yet available unless support handles an exceptional case.
After 5 working days: You can request a full refund if no school has accepted you yet.
After 14 days: If no school accepted the request, the full refund process starts automatically.
After acceptance: The placement is considered successful and refunds are no longer available.
No IA services: IBretake does not arrange new IA, coursework, tutoring, or coursework supervision. If your retake depends on IA or coursework handling, confirm that separately with the relevant IB coordinator before relying on a placement.
Total Cost Examples
Scenario
Estimated Cost
1 exam subject, on time
$400 to $600
1 exam subject, higher fee city
$550 to $1,200+
3 exam subjects, on time
$900 to $1,800
1 exam subject, late registration
$550 to $800
How to Reduce Your Retake Costs
Register early. Avoid late fees where possible.
Use a realistic search zone. Administration fees vary widely, so searching more than one country can improve your chances.
Resolve IA or coursework separately. IBretake is for exam hosting searches, not IA or coursework support.
Keep subjects together where practical. One accepting school may be simpler than splitting registrations.
Look beyond the obvious cities. Schools in less "premium" locations often charge significantly lower admin fees for the exact same exam.
