The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has issued a formal apology after discovering a technical issue that affected test scores for a small number of candidates across the world. The error impacted the Listening and Reading components for tests taken between August 2023 and September 2025, leading to revised results for those affected.
While IELTS is one of the most recognised English language proficiency tests used for university admissions, immigration, and professional purposes, this incident has raised concerns among students and institutions who rely on precise scoring.
What Exactly Happened?
According to IELTS, an internal technical fault caused incorrect scoring for a limited set of test results. The problem specifically affected how scores for Listening and Reading were processed. The organisation has clarified that the issue was not caused by external hacking or a security breach, but by a glitch in the automated scoring system.
IELTS reassured the public that over 99% of all tests taken during the affected time period were completely accurate. Only a very small percentage of test-takers experienced score changes — and most of those changes were minor, typically around 0.5 band difference. However, there were rare cases where the score shift was more significant.
Once the issue was discovered, IELTS began a full internal review and re-evaluated the affected test results to ensure accuracy.
How Score Changes Impact Test-Takers
Candidates who were affected have been notified directly via official communication channels. Some saw improvements in their scores — for example, moving from a 6.5 to a 7.0, which can make a major difference in university admission or visa approval.
Unfortunately, others experienced a decrease in their original score, which may affect ongoing applications. This has understandably caused stress and uncertainty among those who rely on IELTS results for important academic or career decisions.
IELTS has confirmed that the original Test Report Forms (TRFs) issued during the impacted period are now invalid. All affected candidates must download or request a newly corrected TRF to use moving forward.
Compensation and Support from IELTS
To reduce hardship, IELTS has announced the following measures:
- Free retake option for candidates whose scores dropped
- Full refund for those who want their test fee returned instead
- Updated TRF issuance at no additional cost
- A dedicated support page to answer queries about the score revision
IELTS has also introduced additional quality-control checks to prevent such errors from recurring in the future. The organisation emphasises that candidate confidence and fairness remain their top priorities, and they regret the inconvenience caused.
Global Consequences and Institutional Review
Because IELTS scores are used for critical decisions like:
- Student admissions
- Visa and immigration applications
- Scholarship eligibility
- Employment and licensing requirements
The repercussions extend far beyond individual disappointment. Some colleges and universities have already begun reviewing admissions decisions for students whose updated scores no longer meet their entry requirements. Similarly, individuals who recently submitted applications for migration programs may need to provide updated documentation.
In cases where deadlines have already passed, candidates may face additional challenges in communicating score changes to authorities. IELTS has encouraged institutions worldwide to show flexibility toward those affected.
What Should You Do If You Took IELTS During This Period?
If your test date falls between August 2023 and September 2025, these steps are recommended:
- Log in to your candidate portal and verify whether your results have been updated.
- Download your revised TRF and store it securely.
- If your score has dropped:
- Contact universities, employers, or immigration officers to update them
- If eligible, apply for a refund or retake
- Keep all communication records for future reference
Even if you have not received an email, it is best to check your portal for confirmation.
Countries Reported to Be Affected
- Vietnam – This is the most well-documented country. Many test-takers in Vietnam have reported score changes, and Vietnamese universities are rechecking accepted students.
- Nepal – There are reports (via media sources) that some Nepalese IELTS test-takers also saw similar score adjustment messages.
- South Korea – Cited in news coverage; some Korean candidates have reported their Listening or Reading scores being corrected.
- Russia – Mentioned in reports alongside other countries as having similar technical error-related corrections.
- Australia – Also named in local reporting about the same scoring glitch.
Important Notes / Caveats
- The only confirmed “official” detailed reports (with numbers) are from Vietnam. Other country-names come from secondary news sources quoting test-takers.
- IELTS itself has said that the issue affects about 1% of test-takers globally.
- The affected tests are in the timeframe from August 2023 up to September 2025, according to multiple reports.
- Because the list comes from media and user reports, it may not be exhaustive – there could be more countries affected, but not yet publicly reported (or confirmed).
While this incident has caused frustration and confusion, the swift response from IELTS shows its commitment to test integrity. Score accuracy is essential because the IELTS test plays a major role in shaping the education and career paths of millions worldwide.
By owning the mistake, apologising, and offering compensation options, IELTS aims to rebuild trust among affected candidates. Hopefully, the strengthened quality systems will ensure such disruptions do not occur again in the future.
Many candidates shared concerns about fairness in IELTS scoring and also believed that strict examiners or accent preferences could lead to lower scores. However, several of these concerns arise from misunderstandings. Check out our guide to 10 Common IELTS Myths and the Facts to learn what truly affects your score.
