以下文章来源于网易数读 ，作者网易数读 网易数读 . 网易旗下栏目，用数据说话。 雅思这么贵，主办方却亏麻了。 提到雅思，多少"留子"恨得咬牙切齿。花两千多考试、八千多上直播课，却还是卡在 6.5 分的地狱循环里， 只能一次次重考。 最近包括考研名师周思成，都加入了"连考大军"，十天内四场雅思，只为用四张 8.5 分成绩单打脸网友对自 己成绩造假的质疑。 不少"考鸭"纷纷自嘲，原来不是系统压分，是自己水平确实不够。就在考生刷分刷到破产的同时，遥远的大 不列颠传来雅思主办方要破产的消息。 据《卫报》披露，雅思考试主办方之一的英国文化协会（British Council）正陷入严重财政危机，其 CEO 警 告如果政府不采取行动挽救，英国文化中心将在十年内"消失" [1]。 "雅思破产"， 中国考生第一个不同意 在绝大多数中国考生眼里，说雅思主办方要破产了，估计是没人会愿意买账的： 这可是动辄 2000+ 雅思考试报名费啊，有人爱马仕铅笔都攒了好几根，怎么还会撑不下去？这我真不信。 坊间也最爱调侃，雅思考试才是世界知名奢侈品牌，纯正英国血统、分店遍布全球。 除了饱受诟病的天价费用，频繁的重考更是让人望而却步 ，很多 ...

Core Viewpoint - The IELTS examination, despite its high fees and the financial struggles of its organizing body, the British Council, remains a lucrative business, particularly in China, where it faces increasing scrutiny and competition [6][22][30]. Group 1: Financial Struggles of the British Council - The British Council is reportedly facing severe financial difficulties, with its CEO warning that it could "disappear" within a decade if government intervention does not occur [6][30]. - The Council's revenue from teaching and examinations peaked at £720 million in the 2016-2019 fiscal years but plummeted to £448 million in 2021 due to the pandemic, with a recent recovery bringing it back to £704 million in 2024 [25][32]. - The British Council has been increasingly reliant on IELTS examination fees to sustain its operations, with teaching and examination income accounting for 71.2% of total revenue in 2024, the highest in a decade [25][32]. Group 2: IELTS Examination Fees and Market Position - The IELTS examination fees have consistently increased, with the cost rising from 1,680 yuan in 2013 to 2,170 yuan in 2020, making it one of the most expensive language tests globally [13][14][18]. - China has the second-highest IELTS fees globally, only behind Hong Kong, and faces a unique market where candidates endure high costs and stringent scoring systems [18][20]. - The IELTS examination is characterized by a high volume of test-takers, with 400 million tests conducted globally, 23% of which come from China and the U.S., indicating China's significant role in the IELTS market [23][24]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape and Future Outlook - The British Council has lost its competitive edge in India, selling its IELTS operations to IDP Education, which has seen significant revenue growth from this market [28][36]. - IDP Education is planning to enter the Chinese market directly, which could further threaten the British Council's dominance in the IELTS space [36][37]. - The financial pressures on the British Council may lead to increased examination fees for candidates, as the organization struggles to maintain its operations amidst declining revenues [38][39].

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].