中国最贵的英语考试，开始闹破产了

Core Viewpoint - The British Council, one of the main organizers of the IELTS exam, is facing severe financial difficulties and may face bankruptcy within a decade if government intervention does not occur [3][19]. Group 1: Financial Situation of the British Council - The British Council's financial health has deteriorated significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, with revenues dropping from £727 million in the 2016-2019 fiscal years to £448 million in 2021, a nearly 40% decline [15][19]. - By the 2024 fiscal year, the British Council reported a net loss of £66 million, with its available reserves falling into negative territory at -£4.3 million [20]. - The organization has become increasingly reliant on IELTS exam fees to sustain its operations, with teaching and exam income accounting for 71.2% of total revenue in 2024, the highest in a decade [16]. Group 2: IELTS Exam Market Dynamics - The IELTS exam is a significant global business, with approximately 4 million tests conducted annually, 23% of which are from China and the US [11]. - The British Council and IDP Education jointly operate the IELTS, with the British Council dominating the Chinese market [12]. - The IELTS exam fees have consistently increased over the years, with the registration fee in mainland China reaching ¥2,170, making it one of the highest globally [10][6]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape and Future Outlook - IDP Education has announced plans to enter the Chinese market directly, which could lead to a significant shift in market share, with predictions suggesting IDP could capture 40% of the market by 2028 [28]. - The British Council has attempted to mitigate its financial issues by selling its IELTS business in India to IDP Education, which has seen a significant increase in revenue from this segment [25]. - The ongoing financial strain on the British Council raises concerns about potential increases in exam fees for candidates as the organization seeks to cover its costs [28].