IB Remarks: Everything You Need to Know

Receiving your IB results can feel overwhelming, especially if they are not what you expected. This can be even more stressful if your university place or diploma award depends on your final grades.

If you’re unhappy with your results, you may be thinking about requesting a remark. In the IB, this process is called an Enquiry Upon Results (EUR).

Before making that decision, it’s important to understand how EURs work, what the risks are, and whether they are likely to make a difference.

This guide explains everything you need to know about IB remarks, including when they may be worth considering, how the process works, and what outcomes you can expect.

Key Takeaways

• An IB “remark” is officially called an Enquiry Upon Results (EUR)

• You must request an EUR through your school’s IB coordinator

• Your grade can go up, stay the same, or go down after a review

• Most EUR requests do not result in a grade change

What Is an IB Remark?

An IB remark, officially known as an Enquiry Upon Results (EUR), is a request for your exam work to be reviewed after results are released.

You cannot submit this request yourself. Your school’s IB coordinator must submit it on your behalf.

For most students, this involves a Category 1 EUR, where externally assessed work is reviewed again by an examiner.

During this process, the examiner checks:

• That the mark scheme was applied correctly

• That marks were awarded consistently

• That marks were added and recorded accurately

It is important to understand that this is not a completely new marking process. Instead, it is a review to confirm that the original marking was correct.

After the review, your grade may:

• Stay the same

• Increase

• Decrease

If your grade changes, the new result becomes your final grade.

When Should I Request an IB Remark?

You Are Close to a Grade Boundary

If you’re just one or two marks below the next grade, a small change could increase your overall score.

This is when an EUR is most likely to be worthwhile.

Your Result Was Unexpected

If your result is significantly lower than expected based on your predicted grades or past performance, it may be worth looking into further.

However, it is important to remember that not all unexpected results are caused by marking errors.

Your University Place Depends on It

If your university offer depends on your IB score, an EUR may be worth considering, especially if you were close to the required grade.

You should contact the university as soon as possible to explain your situation. In some cases, they may be able to hold your place while the review is completed.

How Do I Request an IB Remark?

You cannot request an IB remark directly. Instead, you must go through your IB coordinator, who will submit the Enquiry Upon Results (EUR) on your behalf.

The process usually involves:

• Speaking to your coordinator

• Reviewing your marks and grade boundaries

• Deciding whether to request an EUR

• Giving written consent, as your grade can go up, stay the same, or go down

The IB will send the outcome to your school, and your coordinator will share the result with you.

What Are the Different Types of IB Remarks?

The IB offers several types of Enquiries Upon Results (EURs), but not all of them involve re-marking your work.

Category 1 EUR (Re-mark)

This is the most common type.

Your externally assessed work is reviewed again by an examiner. Your grade can go up, stay the same, or go down.

Category 1 Report

This provides feedback on how your work was marked, but it does not lead to a change in your grade.

Category 2 Services

These allow schools to request copies of your marked scripts or the return of materials. They do not involve a review of marking and will not change your grade.

Category 3 (Re-moderation)

This applies to internally assessed work.

It allows schools to request a review of how marks were applied across a group of students, rather than for an individual student. This must be requested by your school, not by you directly.

How Much Does an IB Remark Cost?

The cost of an IB remark varies depending on the type of EUR and your school.

In general:

• Fees are usually charged per subject

• Schools decide how fees are handled and may pass the cost on to students

• If your grade changes after a re-mark, the fee is often refunded

Because fees can vary, your IB coordinator will be able to confirm the exact cost for your situation.

What Are the Deadlines for IB Remarks?

Deadlines for IB remarks are strict. Requests must be made within a set period after results are released, and the exact deadline depends on the type of EUR.

In practice, this usually means you have a limited window of time after results day to submit your request.

Because deadlines are firm, it’s important to:

• Speak to your IB coordinator as soon as possible

• Decide quickly whether to proceed

Can My Grade Go Down After a Remark?

Yes, your grade can go down.

During an EUR, your work is reviewed again to check that the mark scheme was applied correctly. If the original mark was too high, it may be reduced.

Because of this risk, you need to give written consent before your school can submit a request.

How Long Does an IB Remark Take?

The time it takes to receive the outcome of an IB remark depends on the type of EUR requested.

In general:

• Re-marks are often completed within a few weeks

• Many are returned within around 2–4 weeks, although this can vary

Your IB coordinator will receive the result and let you know when it is available.

What Happens If I'm Still Not Happy After a Remark?

If you’re unhappy with the outcome of a remark, you may be able to take the next step through the appeals process.

Appeals focus on whether the correct procedures were followed, rather than re-marking your work again. For a full explanation of how IB appeals work, see our guide on how to appeal IB results.

Is an IB Remark Worth It?

In some situations, an IB remark can be worth considering, but it is important to be realistic.

Most EUR requests do not result in a grade change.

An EUR is most likely to be worthwhile if:

• You are very close to a grade boundary

• Your university place depends on your result

• Your grade is significantly lower than expected

Before requesting a remark, you should also consider:

• The cost

• The time it may take

• The risk of your grade going down

Because IB results are used globally for university admissions, it is important to think carefully about your next steps. In some cases, you may still be able to move forward without requesting a remark. Our guide to the next steps after your IB can help you think through your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Universities Accept My Results If I Request a Remark?

Yes. Universities understand that EURs are part of the IB results process.

If your place depends on your grades, you should contact the university as soon as possible to explain your situation. In some cases, they may be able to hold your place while you wait for the outcome.

Can I Request a Remark for Internal Assessments?

Not directly.

Internal assessments are handled through re-moderation (Category 3 EUR), which must be requested by your school rather than individual students.

Do All IB Remark Processes Work the Same Way?

Yes. The IB uses a centralised system worldwide, so the EUR process is consistent across all schools and countries.

Final Thoughts

Requesting an IB remark can feel like an important decision, especially if your diploma or university place depends on your results. While a grade change is possible, most reviews confirm the original result.

Before requesting an EUR, it is worth considering all your options, including speaking to your chosen university and exploring alternative routes if needed. In many cases, you may still be able to move forward without requesting a review.

By understanding how EURs work and speaking to your IB coordinator, you can make a calm and informed decision about your next steps.

To reduce the chances of needing a remark in the first place, it’s worth making sure your revision is as effective as possible. Save My Exams offers a wide range of IB study resources, including revision notes, flashcards, exam questions and tutorial videos, to help you feel confident and prepared for your exams.

References:

• Assessment & exams - International Baccalaureate® (opens in a new tab)

• Getting results - International Baccalaureate® (opens in a new tab)