IELTS Official

Artificial intelligence is already part of language testing, as technological advancements are being harnessed for improved efficiency and standardisation. Recent research reveals that conversational AI shows promise for speaking assessments. However, the greatest challenge remains assessing interaction competence – the ability to manage real spoken interaction. Listen to our expert Yasin Karatay as he discusses the future potential of this technology, and how to ensure that test integrity remains front of mind. #IELTS #HigherEd #InternationalStudents #LanguageAssessment #UniversityAdmissions #ConversationalAI #TestIntegrity

Reflecting on the NEAS Australia Conference earlier this month. Over two days educators, leaders and partners leaned into some of the biggest questions shaping Australia's English language sector's future:   • How do we balance innovation with human connection? • What does quality look like in an AI-enabled world? • And how do we ensure English language education remains meaningful, relevant and human?   As a proud partner, IELTS was right at the centre of these conversations, helping shape what comes next for the ELT sector in Australia.   As Vincent Blokker put it: “The 2026 NEAS Conference raised the bar in every way, from the iconic MCG venue to the energy, collaboration, and the conversation shaping the future of our sector.”   #NEAS2026 #IELTS #EnglishLanguageTeaching #InternationalEducation #Innovation #StudentExperience

Today, we’re joining hundreds of student admissions and recruitment experts at UCAS Conference 2026. This year’s event focuses on four main themes: > Admissions mastery: core skills for operational excellence > Connecting admissions across campus > Admissions horizon: policy, pathways and what’s next > Change and transformation: building resilient admissions Are you attending? Find our stand and test your IELTS knowledge with our game. 👋 #IELTS #UCAS #HigherEd #InternationalStudents #UniversityAdmissions Hannah Young Roshan Patroo

UCAS 2026 ready!!! Looking forward to a few days connecting with old friends and making new ones! 😀#IELTS

New developments in conversational AI are revolutionising speaking assessments. But how do we leverage the potential for efficiency and standardisation without compromising the integrity and validity of high-stakes exams? New research shows AI-powered Spoken Dialogue Systems (SDS) can successfully elicit interactive language and differentiate proficiency levels. That offers benefits like scalability and consistent measurements.  But current limitations mean interactions still feel structured rather than fully authentic. Dive into our latest post to explore the full case for conversational AI in speaking assessments – and what the future holds for this promising technology. #IELTS #HigherEd #InternationalStudents #LanguageAssessment #ConversationalAI

Language assessment is there to support people – both the test takers and the organisations accepting their results. 👥 Any new technology must also keep people at the heart of its design. Here are the factors we think ensure integrity in testing innovation. Which do you think is the priority and why? #IELTS #HigherEd #InternationalStudents #LanguageAssessment #UniversityAdmissions

Innovation in testing isn’t something to be taken lightly. Even small changes could have an impact on test validity and the outcome of assessments. Tell us your biggest concern about AI and automation in language testing and explain why. 💬 #IELTS #HigherEd #InternationalStudents #LanguageAssessment #UniversityAdmissions

Our calendars are packed for May 2026. 🗓️ The month is taking us from one side of the world to the other with networking events in the US, UK and Australia for higher education and admissions specialists. Let us know which ones you’re attending in the comments below. #IELTS #HigherEd #InternationalStudents #LanguageAssessment

Are you thinking of applying for the Caroline Clapham Award? Elena Gorshkova is here to explain why it is worth your time and attention. She won the prize in 2025 for her innovative research into nonverbal behaviour in listening tests. Click the link in the comments to find out more.👇 #IELTS #HigherEd #CarolineClaphamAward #LanguageTesting

2026 marks over 25 years since the launch of the Caroline Clapham award. 👏 We’re proud to have recognised so many great researchers and supported them in their careers. As well as celebrating this year’s winners, we also like to look back on past recipients and see how far they’ve come. Svetlana Mazhurnaya, SFHEA was our 2021 Caroline Clapham Award winner and we’re excited to see her research is continuing to shape language assessment at the University of Reading. Think you could be next year’s winner? Find out how to register in the link in the comments. #IELTS #HigherEd #InternationalStudents #LanguageAssessment #UniversityOfReading #LancasterUniversity