UK Study Raises Alarms Over “Less Traditional” English Language Tests
2 Min Read
A new study by the Universities of Dundee and Cambridge has sparked debate across the English Language Testing (ELT) sector, raising concerns about the preparedness of international students entering UK universities through “less established” English tests like Duolingo and Oxford International Education Group’s ELLT.
The report, based on feedback from 50 UK institutions, questions the validity, security, and academic readiness of students admitted via newer, online tests. It highlights growing dissatisfaction among academic staff, with 44% of respondents rating students’ academic English as “poor” and less than 10% calling it “good”.
IELTS, the most widely accepted test in the UK and co-owned by IDP, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, and the British Council, was described as the “common currency” of Secure English Language Testing (SELT). In contrast, Duolingo’s English Test was accepted by just six universities at the time of the survey.
Duolingo responded strongly, calling the study “based on outdated views” and noting that over 5,900 institutions globally—including all Ivy League universities and a third of the UK’s Russell Group—now accept its test.
Oxford International also defended its ELLT, stating the test has grown post-pandemic, is benchmarked against IELTS and TOEFL, and follows strict security protocols, including biometric ID checks and AI proctoring.
However, critics argue that the study is biased, noting that four of the five authors are affiliated with IELTS. Cambridge Press has denied any partiality, emphasising the report underwent peer review and reflects real concerns about declining English standards.
Experts have cautioned against over-reliance on anecdotal data. “The criticisms are not presently supported by comparative evidence,” said ELT expert Michael Goodine.
The findings come at a pivotal time as the UK prepares to launch its own Home Office English Language Test (HOELT), with current tender discussions exploring remote digital testing.
The report urges universities to put quality before convenience when selecting language assessments, especially as international students make up 23% of the UK’s higher education population.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
Top Stories
British Council Hosts New Directions South Asia 2025 in India
February 28, 2025 | By Ezra
Bangor University to Cut 200 Jobs Amid Financial Crisis
February 27, 2025 | By Jace
AI-Generated Journalism Fails to Meet Audience Expectations: RMIT Report
February 26, 2025 | By VaidantMore Articles
PTE Academic Improvements ( Near- term August 2025)
1. New Real-World Speaking Tasks Announced “Respond to a Situation”: Candidates will be given a situation and asked to…
By Sunithi
US Colleges Brace for Drop in International Enrolment Amid Policy Uncertainty
US universities are preparing for a potential decline in international student enrolments for…
By Advay
Ireland Hosts Record 128,000+ English Language Students in 2024, Injecting €792 Million into Economy
Ireland’s English Language Education (ELE) sector welcomed a record 128,761 international students…
By Siya
New Zealand Unveils Growth Plan to Attract 35,000 More International Students by 2034
New Zealand has launched an ambitious 10-year strategy to boost international student numbers by…
By Daniel
Australia Hikes Student Visa Fee to AUD 2,000, Becomes Costliest Study Destination
Australia has raised its student visa application fee for Subclass 500 from AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,000, effective…
By Kai
Glasgow Caledonian University Pauses International Recruitment Amid Compliance Concerns
Glasgow Caledonian University has temporarily suspended international student recruitment for several…
By Ezra
Canada Raises Financial Requirement for International Students Starting September 2025
Canada has announced an increase in its cost-of-living financial requirement for international students, raising the threshold to…
By Advay
US Escalates Subpoena Battle with Harvard Over International Student Records
The United States has intensified its legal standoff with Harvard University, as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) formally…
By Jace
US Corrects Data Error After 200,000 International Students Overlooked
The United States has admitted to a significant federal data error that undercounted over 200,000 international students in…
By Aahana
Trump Administration Reconsiders Time Limits for US Student Visas
The United States may soon reintroduce fixed time limits on international student visas, ending the current…
By Ezra
Denmark Expands Positive List for Foreign Workers from 1 July 2025
Denmark has announced a major update to its Positive List for foreign workers, increasing the number of eligible job roles…
By Daniel
UK Home Office Explores Remote Testing Options for £680m HOELT Tender
The UK Home Office has launched a fresh round of market engagement for its upcoming Home Office English Language Test…
By Neerav
Kazakhstan Emerges as Global Education Hub with Surge in International Campuses
Kazakhstan is fast becoming a new hotspot for international higher education as universities from across the globe prepare…
By Kai
Italy to Issue 500,000 Work Permits for Foreign Nationals Between 2026 and 2028
In a significant move to address labour shortages and demographic decline, Italy has announced plans to issue…
By Vaidant
Norway Proposes Fee Flexibility for Non-European Students Amid Enrolment Drop
In response to a steep decline in international enrolments, the Norwegian government has proposed giving universities and colleges…
By Siya
France’s ESCP Business School Launches New Schools, Deepens India Ties
France’s ESCP Business School has announced a major expansion plan under its 2026–2030 Bold & United…
By Advay
JGU Signs MoUs with Cambridge Colleges to Launch Study Abroad Programmes
India’s O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) has formalised strategic partnerships with two colleges of…
By Kai
Visa Denials Top the List of Challenges for US English Language Sector
Despite slight growth in student numbers, visa denials have emerged as the leading challenge facing the US English Language…
By Jace
Japan’s Study Abroad Numbers Rebound in 2024, Australia Leads as US Interest Declines
Japan’s outbound study abroad figures have nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Japan Association of Overseas…
By Vaidant
Duolingo Launches UK Welcome Project to Support Displaced International Students
In response to rising visa delays and geopolitical disruptions impacting student mobility, Duolingo English Test (DET) has launched…
By Neerav
Australia Launches Interim Tertiary Education Commission to Drive Long-Term Reform
In a significant policy shift, the Australian Government has officially launched the interim Australian Tertiary Education…
By Daniel
India Calls for Fairness as US Tightens Student Visa Screening
India has urged the United States to ensure fair treatment of Indian nationals following Washington’s recent directive to intensify…
By Henry
Australia Hikes Student Visa Fee to AUD$2,000, Sparking Sector-Wide Concerns
The Australian government has increased its student visa application fee to AUD$2,000, solidifying its position as the most expensive…
By Kai
Monash University, Australia, Announces 2025 International Leadership Scholarship for Global Students
Monash University, Australia, has opened applications for its prestigious Monash International Leadership Scholarship, aimed at…
By Aahana
Harvard Partners with University of Toronto to Protect International Students Amid US Visa Uncertainty
Harvard University has announced a contingency partnership with the University of Toronto to safeguard international students’ academic…
By Advay
CBSE Announces Twice-a-Year Class 10 Board Exams Starting 2025 Under NEP Reform
In a major reform aligned with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced…
By Ezra
Canada Revises PGWP Eligibility List, Removing 180 Fields of Study
In a fresh policy update, the Government of Canada has revised the list of programmes eligible for the coveted Post-Graduation…
By Jace
New Zealand Relaxes Visa Rules for Degree Holders from India and Eight Other Nations
In a significant boost to international mobility, New Zealand has updated its List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA), easing immigration…
By Siya
UAE’s New Study Abroad Criteria Raise Concerns Over Ranking-Driven Restrictions
The United Arab Emirates has introduced stricter study abroad regulations for Emirati students, tying eligibility for overseas…
By Daniel
Legal Battle Rekindled Over US Student Visa Revocations
A fresh legal challenge has been launched against the United States government over its sweeping revocation of international student visas and SEVIS…
By Henry
University of Strathclyde Opens Applications for MRes in Mathematical Sciences for September 2025
The University of Strathclyde, based in Glasgow, Scotland, is now accepting applications for its one-year…
By Jace
Malaysia’s New 6% Service Tax on Private Education to Impact International Students
Malaysia will implement a 6% service tax on private education for international students…
By Advay
Spain Offers Fast-Track Visas to International Students Affected by U.S. Visa Policies
In a strategic bid to position itself as a global education hub, Spain has unveiled a fast-track…
By Ezra
Canada Mulls Tweaks to Study Permit Cap as Sector Faces Job Losses and Financial Strain
The Canadian government is considering potential adjustments to its controversial cap on…
By Henry
Trump Reassures Chinese Students Amid Visa Crackdown Concerns
In a surprising shift in tone, former US President Donald Trump has declared that…
By Vaidant
US Tightens Social Media Screening for Student Visa Applicants
In a move drawing sharp criticism from immigration experts, the United States has…
By Neerav
India–Canada Diplomatic Reset Boosts Student Confidence, Sparks Surge in Canadian College
The recent improvements in diplomatic tensions between India and Canada has reignited student interest in Canadian universities, with…
By Siya
Uzbekistan Offers Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships to Indian Students in Tourism and Heritage
The Republic of Uzbekistan has announced five fully funded scholarships exclusively for…
By Jace
Uzbekistan Announces Fully-Funded Master’s Scholarships for Indian Students
The Republic of Uzbekistan has opened applications for five fully-funded scholarships exclusively for…
By Daniel
Five International Universities to Open Campuses in Mumbai
In a major development for India’s transnational education (TNE) landscape, five international universities…
By Kai
US Resumes Student Visa Interviews
The United States has resumed student visa interviews globally after a nearly four-week…
By Henry
IIT Delhi, Bombay Among Top 130 in QS World University Rankings 2026
India Rises in QS World University Rankings 2026 as IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay Enter Global…
By Ezra
NISAU Founder Sanam Arora Joins London Metropolitan University Board of Governors
London Metropolitan University has appointed Sanam Arora, chair of the National Indian Students and…
By Vaidant
Wales Emerges as Rising UK Hub for International Students
Wales is fast becoming a leading destination for global learners, with new data revealing the country…
By Aahana
Perth International College of English Closes Amid Visa Fee Hikes and Enrolment Struggles
The Perth International College of English (PICE), a long-standing institution in Australia’s ELICOS…
By Advay
King’s College School Wimbledon to Launch Flagship International Campus in Abu Dhabi
King’s College School Wimbledon has announced its plans to open a new international campus in Abu Dhabi, in…
By Siya
Swinburne University to Offer Australian Degrees in Qatar Through Barzan University College Partnership
Australia’s Swinburne University of Technology has announced a strategic partnership with Barzan University College…
By Neerav
Uzbekistan Sees Surge in Indian Student Enrolment, Driven by Medical Aspirants
The number of Indian students pursuing higher education in Uzbekistan has witnessed a dramatic rise, with…
By Daniel
University of Strathclyde Offers £7,000 International Masters Scholarship in Physics
The University of Strathclyde in the United Kingdom has launched a new round of £7,000 International Masters…
By Kai
Ongoing US Visa Freeze Disrupts Summer Exchange Programmes
A continuing freeze on US visa interview appointments is threatening to derail thousands…
By Jace
UAE Flags Overseas Universities Exploiting Emirati Students Amid New Recognition Rules
The United Arab Emirates has raised serious concerns about the quality of education offered to Emirati…
By Aahana
Germany Cautions Indian Students: Avoid Study Abroad ‘Package Deals’ from Unreliable Agents
Germany has issued a strong advisory to Indian students, urging them to avoid relying on…
By Ezra
East Asia Ramps Up Internationalisation as Western Study Destinations Face Policy Shifts
As traditional study destinations such as the UK, US, Canada and Australia tighten immigration…
By Daniel
UK Remains a Top Choice for International Students Despite Immigration White Paper Concerns
Despite growing apprehensions surrounding the UK government’s recent immigration…
By Advay
UK Boarding School Launches Elite Football and Education Programme for Global Students
Abbotsholme School in Staffordshire, United Kingdom, has unveiled an elite football…
By Henry
Duolingo Launches USD 30,000 Scholarship for Indian Women in STEM Pursuing Studies in the US
The Duolingo English Test (DET), in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the…
By Vaidant
Over 1.33 Crore Students Sit for Gaokao, China’s National College Entrance Exam
More than 1.33 crore students across China took the Gaokao on Saturday, the country’s high-stakes national college entrance…
By Siya
Nepal to Offer Free Visas for International Students in Bid to Boost Education Appeal
Nepal has announced it will offer free student visas to international learners enrolling at its…
By Neerav
UAE Tightens University Ranking Criteria for Emirati Students Studying Abroad
The United Arab Emirates has introduced new regulations that limit where Emirati students…
By Henry
Trump Blocks New Visas for Harvard International Students in Escalating Row
In a dramatic escalation of tensions between the Trump administration and Harvard…
By Daniel
Trump Issues Sweeping Travel Ban on 12 Nations, Including Afghanistan and Iran
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a new proclamation blocking citizens from 12…
By Kai
Rising Rents Deepen UK Student Housing Affordability Crisis
The United Kingdom is facing a worsening student housing affordability crisis, with new data revealing a 15% rise in the…
By Advay
US Orders Social Media Vetting for Harvard Visa Applicants, Raising Global Concerns
The United States has begun implementing enhanced social media screening for all international applicants bound for Harvard…
By Kai
US Visa Interview Freeze Puts Future of International Students in Jeopardy
A freeze on student visa interviews by the US State Department has raised alarm across the international education sector, threatening…
By Aahana
Strathclyde Business School Announces £8,000 Scholarships for 2025 International MSc Students
In celebration of Glasgow’s 850th anniversary, the University of Strathclyde Business School (SBS), Glasgow, Scotland…
By Daniel
French Business School Offers Safe Haven to Students Affected by US Visa Chaos
As international students face mounting visa hurdles in the United States, France has stepped forward with an…
By Ezra
Harvard Wins Temporary Relief as US Court Blocks Trump’s Ban on International Students
A United States judge has issued a preliminary injunction halting the Trump administration’s controversial attempt to bar Harvard…
By Siya
Trump Administration Plans to Withdraw $100m in Harvard Funding Amid Ongoing Dispute
The United States government is reportedly preparing to pull approximately $100 million in federal…
By Neerav
UK Higher Education Sector Braces for “Arbitrary” Visa Compliance Overhaul
The UK government’s proposed changes to the Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) for international…
By Henry
US to “Aggressively Revoke” Chinese Student Visas Amid Escalating Tensions
In a move likely to deepen China-US tensions, the United States has announced it will…
By Jace
TOEFL Set for AI-Driven Revamp with Adaptive Testing and Simplified Processes
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) has announced major upgrades to the Test of English as…
By Vaidant
University of London and ACCA Launch Integrated BSc in Professional Accountancy
The University of London, in collaboration with the Association of Chartered Certified…
By Aahana
University of Liverpool Announces New International Campus in India
The University of Liverpool has officially announced plans to establish an international branch…
By Advay
Trump Administration Halts New US Student Visa Interviews Amid Plans for Expanded Social Media Vetting
The United States has temporarily halted the scheduling of new international student visa interviews at…
By Kai
Five Oxford Researchers Elected Fellows of UK’s Academy of Medical Sciences
In a significant recognition of academic excellence, five researchers from the University of Oxford…
By Daniel
Study in Denmark: 16 Fully Funded NAD PhD Fellowships in Neuroscience Announced
Denmark is inviting applications for 16 fully funded PhD fellowships in neuroscience through the…
By Ezra
Brown University Confers Degrees to Class of 2025, Urges Grads to Lead with Compassion
Brown University, one of the Ivy League institutions in the United States, has officially conferred…
By Siya
US Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Ban on International Enrolments at Harvard
A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s attempt to prevent Harvard…
By Vaidant
Trump’s Immigration Nominee Vows to End Post-Study Work Visas for International Students
In a move that could significantly impact international education, President Trump’s…
By Neerav
Five Global Universities Set to Establish Campuses in India Under New UGC Regulations
In a landmark move for Indian higher education, five internationally acclaimed universities…
By Henry
University of Portsmouth Launches London Pathway College to Boost Access and Global Engagement
The University of Portsmouth has officially launched its London Pathway College (LPC), marking a major…
By Jace
UK Net Migration Drops Sharply as Student Dependant Ban Takes Effect
The United Kingdom has recorded a significant decline in net migration, marking…
By Advay
University of Sheffield Opens Applications for MA Urban Design and Planning 2025 Intake
The University of Sheffield, UK, has opened admissions for its prestigious MA Urban Design and Planning…
By Daniel
Enhancing the TOEFL iBT for Today’s Learners
ETS has announced several upcoming changes to the TOEFL iBT test that will make the exam more…
By Sunithi
Yale University Honours Eight Visionaries with Honorary Degrees at 324th Commencement
In a celebration of excellence, Yale University conferred honorary degrees upon eight…
By Siya
UK and Ukraine Deepen Education Ties Amid Ongoing Conflict
The United Kingdom and Ukraine have signed a new agreement to strengthen their…
By Aahana
IIT Bombay to Launch First Overseas Centre in Japan in Collaboration with Tohoku University
In a landmark move, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay is set to establish its…
By Neerav
Indian Students Abroad to Get Insurance Cover for Visa Cancellations and Job Loss
In a major development for Indian students studying overseas, insurance companies in India have launched new…
By Kai
Kazakhstan Hits Record Number of International Students Amid Global Partnerships
Kazakhstan has reached a new milestone in its higher education journey, recording an…
By Kai
University of Southampton Delhi and Comviva Partner to Boost Tech Talent in India
The University of Southampton Delhi has announced a landmark collaboration with Comviva, a global…
By Jace
Youth Mobility and Erasmus Return to the Table in EU-UK Talks
In a potential game-changer for young students and professionals, leaders from the United Kingdom and…
By Advay
Oxford University Receives £8.4 Million to Launch Centre for Global Primary Care
The University of Oxford has received a transformative £8.4 million gift from the Fondation Docteur…
By Aahana
UK Immigration Reforms to Begin Soon, But Student Levy Awaits Legislation
Reforms outlined in the United Kingdom’s recently published immigration white paper are expected to…
By Kai
Brown University to Launch New Welcome Centre for Prospective Students and Families
Brown University is set to enhance the campus visit experience with the establishment of a new…
By Daniel
UK Universities Launch Tailored Career Support for Chinese Graduates Returning Home
The University of Birmingham and the University of Glasgow have joined forces to provide targeted career support for Chinese graduates returning…
By Aahana
AAERI Urges Visa Reform Linking Students to Original Institutions in Australia
The Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI) has called for a significant overhaul of Australia’s student visa system…
By Daniel
COBIS Conference Champions Safeguarding and Purpose-Driven Education
The Council of British International Schools (COBIS) Annual Conference, held in London this week, placed safeguarding and social…
By Advay
European Universities Unite to Defend Academic Freedom Amid Global Uncertainty
European universities have reaffirmed their dedication to academic freedom amid rising concerns over political pressures…
By Ezra
Troy University Students Awarded Prestigious Gilman Scholarships for Study Abroad
Two students from Troy University, USA, have been selected for the highly competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship…
By Kai
UAE Launches 10-Year Blue Visa for Sustainability Leaders
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially launched applications for its new 10-year Blue Visa, a long-term…
By Henry