An Australian accent for Russian English

The Australian arm of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS Australia) is embarking on an unprecedented expansion across Russia, as it opens 24 new English language testing centres.

Having previously existed in Russia with just one testing centre, IELTS now spans 25 cities throughout the world’s largest country. The initiative was officially launched with a reception at the Australian Ambassador’s Residence in Moscow on 23 October and the first new IELTS centre opened in Vladivostok on October 17.

“Education has become one of Australia’s top export products, and we’ve certainly felt the impact of that throughout the world, particularly in China and India,” said IELTS Australia Regional Manager, Marylou Hayman. “Russia is also a rapidly expanding market in the English language testing sector.”

IELTS Australia commenced operations with one small centre at the Australian Embassy in Moscow in December 2005, and since then has dramatically increased its test numbers.

“According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the value of Australia’s education exports grew 21 percent in 2007. Australian Government statistics show there were over 450,000 international enrolments in Australia in 2007 — 18 percent above the previous year – and we’ve certainly experienced rapid growth as a result,” Ms Hayman added.

As the largest English proficiency test in the world, IELTS conducts 1 million tests annually. The test is used by Australia, New Zealand, UK and Canada for migration visa purposes, for both academic and industrial migration.

Aimed at creating more opportunities for Russian students to study in Australia, the UK and the USA, the opening of the new IELTS testing centres is a major Australian initiative that has been assisted by the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade). Senior Trade Commissioner Moscow Dan Tebbutt said Austrade was delighted to support this worthy initiative.

IELTS’ first Russian centre, located in Moscow, was a collaboration between IELTS Australia and Australian Education International, an Australian Government agency. The latest expansion includes partnerships with Bookhouse and Students International.

IELTS Australia and Students International have been conducting IELTS testing in several cities in Far East Russia since January of this year. Students International has now opened a new test centre in their own right in Vladivostok and will be testing in over 20 cities in the Russian Far East.

“IELTS and our partners have worked very hard to make this happen — we’re thrilled with this expansion into Russia, and look forward to assisting our Russian candidates in succeeding with their international ambitions,” Ms Hayman added.

With many professional organisation and educational institutions recognising the IELTS score, IELTS is offered in more than 500 locations in 121 countries with the greatest number of tests taken in China, India, Australia, UK and Pakistan, making IELTS the most popular international English language test of its kind in the world.

About IELTS

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System, the world’s proven English language test. Close to 6,000 organisations recognise IELTS as secure, valid and reliable indicator of true to life ability to communicate in English for education, immigration and professional accreditation. IELTS is jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) through more than 500 locations in 121 countries.

Candidates are tested in listening, reading, writing and speaking. After completion they receive a IELTS test report form. All tests are scored on a banded system from 1 (the lowest) through to 9 (the highest possible score). The candidate receives a score for each test and an overall score. An average score of 6.5 is deemed to demonstrate sufficient understanding of the English language for overseas students to study at most British universities. Most candidates tend to score between 4.5 and 6.5.