Hello, and welcome to our first IELTS News Tracker of 2023. With every new year comes change and new developments, and we’re here to keep you up-to-date with all of the news from the IELTS world.
The Latest IELTS News
Since we left you in 2022, there have been some incredibly positive developments for IELTS candidates in Australia and India. This month’s new tracker focuses on these two key developments.
A new One Skill Retake program and a new Academic Learning centre will help more candidates pass the IELTS at their desired band score quicker!
IELTS Australia To Trial New One Skill Retake (OSR) Process
Many candidates will often be incredibly frustrated when they fail to achieve their target score for just one part of the IELTS test–often Writing!
IDP Melbourne is addressing this problem with a new IELTS One Skill Retake option (OSR).
OSR will allow individuals taking the test to re-attempt one of the four sections: Reading, Writing, Speaking or Listening.
It’s important to note that the retest option is only offered once. You will also need to check whether the organisation or country you are applying to will accept an OSR result.
To take advantage of the IELTS One Skill Retake service, you must have first taken the full IELTS test at a participating OSR test centre. Currently, the OSR is only open to those who have taken the IELTS test via computer and is not available to paper-based test takers.
In Australia, the cost for an OSR is $259. Once completed, you will be given a new Test Report Form that will include your newly acquired score from the re-attempted section and your original scores from the other three sections.
If successful, this development will likely be rolled out internationally, and we will let you know when it is!
New Knowledgeum Academy In India To Combine University & Career Advice With IELTS Coaching.
JAIN Group, one of India’s longstanding education providers, has recently opened their new Knowledgeum Academy in the centre of Bengaluru. The Academy will have two main departments. One will focus on training students up to an equivalent of grade 8-12 on core GCSE subjects, and the other will help progress students into university and higher-skilled professions in other countries.
The University Preparation Program offers a comprehensive support system for students staffed by a dedicated team of career advisors. These advisors work closely with students to guide them through the process of pursuing undergraduate courses, providing a wealth of resources and expertise to assist them in reaching their academic goals.
The services offered by the advisory team include coaching and support for standardised tests such as the SAT, IELTS, and TOEFL.
Ms. Aparna Prasad, the founder of Knowledgeum Academy was quoted as saying “Our sole vision and mission is to train young minds with enthusiasm to create competent and qualified learners who are adept at engaging and solving local and global issues. Knowledgeum Academy is our first step to equipping students with experiential learning to pursue a rewarding career worldwide.”
International Migration News
Whether university students or career professionals, IELTS test takers will need to keep themselves well informed of changes to visa quotas in their target nation of migration.
There are often many changes to policy throughout the year in countries such as the UK, New Zealand, Canada and Australia – all of which can impact the plans of those sitting the IELTS exam.
Australia Are To Review Their Entire Visa & Migration System As The Country Faces A Worker Shortage
Following the Covid-19 Pandemic and its 100% closed border policy, Australia is now facing a shortage of both skilled and unskilled workers, which is leading to even slower economic growth as we enter 2023.
Only Canada has a larger skills gap in its economy. As a result, Australia could be set to take a much more liberal attitude towards migration than it previously has.
Typically, the country has adhered to a strict point-based immigration system, which has made it notoriously difficult for those wanting to migrate. However, because of the pressures being put on businesses that simply cannot fill vacancies, the government is going to review what it can do to add migrant workers to the labour market.
A survey from the National Bank of Australia found that across all major industries, there is a shortage approximating 500,000 workers. From hotels and restaurant staff to nurses and teachers -there is a real need for more migration to Australia in 2023.
International Students Given Green Light To Work Part-Time In Canada Until End Of 2023
As we mentioned above, Canada is the only nation other than Australia facing more labour shortages in 2023. As a result, the Canadian government has laid out its plans to allow international students in the country to work up to 20 hours per week during term time to help plug some of these gaps in the labour market.
At the end of 2022, it was estimated that there were approximately 1 million unfilled vacancies in the Canadian job market, which is the highest number on record. This policy change could result in up to half of these vacancies being temporarily filled.
The scheme is planned to be run until the end of 2023, though it could potentially be extended, making Canada one of the favoured destinations for many of those looking to study abroad.
If you are hoping to become an international student in Canada, you will need help in attaining a high enough score on the IELTS exam. Contact us today and book a demo call with one of our expert tutors who can put you on the path to IELTS success and a new chapter in Canada.
Further Reading
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See you in February!