IELTS testing on the mainland to resume after four days of cancellations

IELTS testing on the Chinese mainland will resume tomorrow after technical problems forced cancellations over four consecutive days, disrupting candidates' plans during the overseas university application season, the British Council announced today.

The organization apologized to affected candidates and announced full refunds, free replacement tests and reimbursement of eligible travel and accommodation expenses.

The cancellations affected computer-delivered IELTS tests scheduled for Oct. 10 and 11, as well as IELTS One Skill Retake sessions on Oct. 10, 12 and 13.

In statements issued today, the British Council said the technical problems could have compromised test security, prompting the cancellations to protect the fairness and integrity of the examinations. It did not disclose the specific cause of the malfunction.

A screenshot from the British Council’s official IELTS website shows its Oct. 13 announcement detailing arrangements for candidates affected by recent test cancellations on the Chinese mainland. www.chinaielts.org

Candidates face application pressure

The disruption has come during the overseas university application season, leaving some candidates worried about meeting deadlines for English proficiency requirements.

Some candidates scheduled for One Skill Retake sessions Oct. 12 and 13 said the cancellations came just as their eligibility periods were about to expire, potentially delaying their applications.

IELTS One Skill Retake allows eligible candidates to retake one of the four test components — listening, reading, writing or speaking — within 60 days of their original full computer-delivered examination.

Some candidates also reported receiving last-minute cancellation emails Monday night, despite having received routine test notifications earlier that day.

Free tests and compensation

The British Council said it had fully refunded the fees for canceled examinations and announced additional compensation measures.

For candidates whose full IELTS tests were canceled, two free test sessions will be held Oct. 19 and 20. Those who have since rebooked may keep their new booking and receive a refund equivalent to one test fee, or transfer to a special session free of charge. Candidates unable to attend the special sessions who have not rebooked will receive a voucher for the same type of test, valid through December.

Separate arrangements apply to canceled One Skill Retakes. Candidates who have rebooked may retain their booking and receive a refund equivalent to one test fee, while those who have not will receive a free test voucher valid through December.

The British Council will also reimburse reasonable travel and accommodation expenses for affected out-of-town candidates who provide supporting documentation. It can issue official letters explaining the cancellations for submission to overseas universities or embassies.

IDP examinations unaffected

The disruption affected British Council-administered IELTS examinations, while tests operated by IDP Education, another official IELTS provider, continued as scheduled.

IDP has added examination slots for Oct. 17 through 31 on the Chinese mainland, providing additional options for candidates seeking to reschedule.

Candidates facing imminent university application deadlines have been advised by IELTS preparation teachers to contact their prospective institutions, explain the disruption and ask whether late submission of language test scores would be accepted.

The British Council said affected candidates would receive further instructions by email. It has also opened a dedicated customer service hotline at 010-58103306 and an email service at ieltsservice@britishcouncil.org.cn.