In a groundbreaking initiative, IELTS has joined forces with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to provide free English language tests to refugees worldwide. This collaboration, announced on November 11, aims to empower displaced individuals by reducing barriers to higher education and global opportunities.
Currently, only 7% of refugees have access to higher education, compared to 42% of young people globally. Addressing this disparity, Jane Mann, Managing Director of Education Partnerships at the University of Cambridge, stated, “Refugees deserve equal opportunities in education. By offering free IELTS tests, we aim to tackle these inequalities and help open doors to brighter futures.”
UNHCR will identify eligible candidates and arrange test sessions, either online or on paper, at accessible locations. Passing the IELTS test provides access to over 25,000 institutions and organizations worldwide, paving the way for educational and professional advancement.
Warwick Freeland, Managing Director at IELTS, IDP Education, remarked, “An IELTS score has the power to break boundaries and unlock global success. This initiative is a step toward improving educational access for refugees globally.”
In 2023 alone, more than 4 million IELTS tests were conducted across 140 countries. With this new partnership, IELTS aims to further expand its reach and impact. Nick Godfrey, Deputy Director of IELTS Partnerships at the British Council, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, calling it a transformative opportunity for individuals facing extreme challenges.
The announcement aligns with a growing global effort to support refugees in achieving academic and professional goals. It follows earlier refugee-focused initiatives, such as the Duolingo English Test program, which aided 20 refugees in 2023, and the UK government’s plans to modernize English language testing with a Secure English Language Test.
Through this initiative, IELTS and UNHCR hope to redefine educational access and equality, helping refugees turn their aspirations into reality.
