Vietnam to scrap paper-based IELTS tests after March 29

By Binh Minh January 7, 2025 | 04:33 pm PT

A person writes on an IELTS application form. Photo courtesy of the British Council

The British Council and IDP on Tuesday said paper-based IELTS tests in Vietnam will be discontinued after March 29, with the exam transitioning entirely to computer-based formats.

The move aims to offer a faster, more efficient and convenient testing experience for examinees, according to the announcement.

Candidates already registered for paper-based tests scheduled after the cutoff date will be contacted to explore alternative options, including switching to computer-based tests, rescheduling for a paper-based exam before March 29, or receiving a refund.

Computer-based IELTS tests allow examinees to register just 1-2 days before the exam, with results available within two days. The test fee remains VND4.664 million ($183.84).

In the 2023-2024 period, Vietnamese students achieved an average IELTS score of 6.2 out of 9.0, ranking 29th among 39 countries and territories, according to official IELTS data. Only 5% of test takers scored 8.0 or higher.