In the face of changing economic and migration conditions, IELTS has enjoyed 12% growth in number of tests sat in 2011 as compared to 2010. The latest figures marked the seventeenth year of continual growth in test numbers, with the number of tests taken tripling since 2005.
USA was the fastest growing market worldwide in 2011 with more than 50 test centres now open to candidates, while Canada also observed a significant rise in the number of tests taken in the past twelve months.
The East Asia region of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka was the second most significant growth market for IELTS in 2011.
Demand in China, India and Australia remained strong with these countries again administering the highest number of tests. IELTS also noted a significant increase across United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
IELTS is now recognised by more than 7,000 organisations including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 135 countries around the world.
IELTS demand has been powered by its extensive network of excellent test centres – it is available up to four times a month in more than 30 test centres in Italy, managed by the British Council.
“Many Italian universities trust and recognize IELTS results for various purposes such as for admission to international programmes (like Erasmus and Leonardo), for courses delivered in English and for credits towards degrees in many different subjects”, said Margaret Fowler, Director Examinations at British Council Italy.
“Demand for IELTS in China remains very impressive, with students taking the test for entry to educational institutions in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and USA amongst many other destinations,” explained John Gildea, Head of IELTS at British Council.
IELTS test content is developed by an international team of experts and undergoes extensive research to ensure the test remains fair and unbiased for any candidate regardless of nationality, background, gender, lifestyle or location.
IELTS is jointly owned by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL).
IELTS structure in detail
Over 3,000 institutions and programs in the USA accept IELTS scores as proof of English language skills. Over 1.7 million people each year are now using IELTS to open doors throughout the English-speaking world and beyond.
Simon Anholt at AIEC2010
Simon Anholt is an independent policy advisor, author and researcher. He specialises in national identity and reputation, public diplomacy and the public perceptions of nations, cities and regions. Simon developed the concepts of the 'nation brand' and 'place brand' in the late 1990s, and today plays a leading role in this rapidly expanding field.Simon spoke at the IELTS-sponsored AIEC2010 conference held in Sydney, Australia.
