British Council Hong Kong awards four IELTS Scholarships for overseas study
Global IELTS test numbers increase year by year for 18 years reaching 2m in 2012
British Council Hong Kong launched the IELTS scholarship in 2011 to support outstanding students to fulfil their dreams of studying abroad. The scholarship was well received by Hong Kong students. In the past two years, a total of 10 students succeeded to get into their dream universities in different countries including the UK, US and France with the help of the scholarship. A total of four scholarships each worth HK$22,000 were awarded to IELTS candidates bound for further education in the UK this year. The award presentation ceremony was held at Kowloonbay International Trade and Exhibition Centre on 17 August.
Wong Hiu Sin, who will attend University of Roehampton to study for a Master of Children’s Literature, commented, “IELTS offers a comprehensive way to evaluate candidates’ English ability. It is widely recognised by international institutions, as well as employers from the government and commercial sectors. Not only does it help me get into my desired university, it also provides a reliable indication to my potential employers about my English ability which is much needed when I work overseas.”
The other three IELTS scholars include Wong York Hay, who will study English Literature with Creative Writing at the Lancaster University, and twin sisters Lai Chun Kei and Lai Chun Wai, who will study Law at Durham University and Philosophy, Politics and Economics at University of Oxford respectively.
The latest statistics revealed that the global IELTS test numbers have increased year by year in the past 18 years and hit a new record of 2 million tests taken in 2012, an 11 per cent increase compared to 2011. The phenomenal growth around the world is testament to the popularity of the test with test takers – and the organisations that trust IELTS scores as an accurate indicator of a person’s ability to communicate in English. The test is now recognised by over 8,000 organisations in 135 countries.
Nadeem Hussain, Director, Examinations Services at British Council Hong Kong, said, “IELTS is one of the most popular English proficiency tests around the world. While statistics show an increase in Hong Kong students using IELTS to apply for universities in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand from 2011/12, UK remains the most popular destination for IELTS takers.”
As an IELTS official test centre, the British Council organises IELTS tests three times a month. Students can get test preparation tips from monthly seminars and a variety of IELTS preparation courses. Furthermore, anyone can enjoy free practice for up to 10 hours at the “Road to IELTS” online learning platform. Students who register IELTS with the British Council will get an extra 20 hours free access to the platform.