Group 1 - Duolingo is experiencing rapid growth in China, which is its fastest-growing market globally and a major source of test-takers for the Duolingo English Test (DET) [2] - Since entering the Chinese market in 2020, DET has reached over 1300 cities and counties, helping hundreds of thousands of candidates overcome language barriers to apply to top global universities [2] - The test's accessibility is breaking traditional geographic barriers, with an increasing number of candidates from cities beyond the major metropolitan areas [2] Group 2 - The introduction of Duolingo scores in China allows users to effectively assess their language proficiency and share their learning progress in a more specific manner [3] - DET is enhancing exam security through advanced measures such as dual-camera monitoring, AI behavior analysis, and professional manual review, including a pre-exam environment scan [3] - The DET has introduced new interactive speaking question types and upgraded listening question types to provide a more immersive assessment of candidates' speaking and listening abilities in real-world contexts [3] Group 3 - A report titled "2025 China Study Abroad Family Research Report" indicates a significant shift in the decision-making patterns and characteristics of Chinese families regarding studying abroad, with a diversification in regional distribution and a noticeable shift of undergraduate students to regions outside the United States [3]

Core Viewpoint - The British Council, a key organizer of the IELTS exam, is facing a financial crisis despite the growing demand for English language testing, leading to potential office closures and a need for significant cost-cutting measures [2][4]. Financial Situation - The British Council's English teaching and testing business saw revenues of £727 million (approximately 7.1 billion RMB) in the 2018/2019 fiscal year, accounting for 58% of total revenue [3]. - The organization reported a net loss of £9.1 million in the 2020/2021 fiscal year, with available reserves shrinking to just £4 million [3][4]. - In March 2023, the British Council conducted approximately 2.3 million IELTS exams, a 50,000 increase from the previous fiscal year, leading to a revenue increase of over £110 million, totaling £989 million, but still resulting in a net loss [4]. Cost-Cutting Measures - The British Council is implementing a transformation plan aimed at saving nearly £185 million in the 2024/2025 fiscal year [4]. - The organization has attempted to sell its IELTS business in India for £130 million and proposed selling its art collection valued at £200 million to repay government debts, though the latter proposal was not accepted [6]. Government Support and Challenges - The UK government has provided over £160 million in funding support to the British Council for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, despite the organization's ongoing financial difficulties [7]. - The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has faced a 7% budget cut, impacting the British Council's financial outlook [7]. Market Competition - The IELTS market is facing new competitors, such as the Duolingo English Test (DET) and Pearson's PTE Academic, which offer alternative testing methods that are perceived as more convenient and cost-effective [8]. - IDP Education Group, which has a valuation of $3.8 billion in the Chinese IELTS market, has announced plans to independently conduct IELTS exams in mainland China, signaling increased competition [8].

Core Viewpoint - The global study abroad market is facing fluctuations due to tightening immigration and visa policies in traditional study destinations like the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK, alongside budget cuts impacting organizations like the British Council [1][9] Group 1: Financial Challenges of the British Council - The British Council, a key player in the IELTS examination, is experiencing a financial crisis despite its long-standing presence and revenue from English language teaching and testing [4][5] - In the fiscal year 2018/2019, the British Council reported revenue of £727 million (approximately 7.1 billion RMB) from its English teaching and testing business, which constituted 58% of its total revenue [5] - The organization faced a net loss of £9.1 million in the 2020/2021 fiscal year, with available reserves dwindling to just £4 million [5][6] Group 2: Government Support and Budget Cuts - The UK government has requested the British Council to prepare two spending plans, one maintaining current cash levels and another requiring a 2% annual budget cut, potentially leading to the closure of offices in numerous countries [3][6] - The British Council has received a government loan of £197 million, with annual interest payments of £14 million, and the repayment period has been extended by 18 months [5][6] Group 3: Market Dynamics and Competition - The IELTS examination saw a record participation of over 4 million candidates globally in 2023, but the organization is still in a net loss position despite a revenue increase of over £110 million to £989 million in the latest fiscal year [6][7] - New competitors in the English language testing market, such as Duolingo English Test and Pearson's PTE Academic, are emerging, posing challenges to the traditional dominance of IELTS and TOEFL [8][9] - The tightening of visa policies and slow economic recovery post-pandemic have led to a decrease in demand for language exams, with fewer candidates needing to rush for test slots [9]