Overseas universities must do more than check IELTS scores

Concern has recently been expressed over problems faced by overseas students taking up studies in English-speaking countries, whose level of English may not be strong enough to enable them to succeed. Chinese students struggling at British universities have been specially mentioned.

The IELTS system has been criticised in relation to this. However, the fault lies not with any particular internationally recognised test of English, or the students themselves, but inappropriate admission decisions made by these foreign universities.

In selecting overseas students for study in a university in Britain, Australia, Canada or elsewhere, university admissions tutors need to consider many factors. However, it seems that applicants presenting just IELTS scores of 6.5 or above, plus adequate funding, are automatically welcomed. These two points alone are far from being enough to give an applicant a good chance to do well on that overseas course. Some universities are now coming to appreciate that.

The IELTS - or International English Language Testing System - is expressly intended not to be used in that way. The IELTS application form clearly states, 'IELTS is specifically designed not to be the sole method of determining university admission'.

Furthermore, it states that, 'IELTS is designed to be but one of many factors used by academic institutions ... in determining whether a test-taker has sufficient English skills to successfully be admitted as a student'. It seems that many admissions tutors have not done their own homework.

A good score obtained a while back, perhaps just after attending one of the many intensive IELTS-preparation courses, may well not equate with that student's English level a year or two later, when the time comes to start a course overseas.