日前，启德教育发布《中国留学市场2025年盘点与2026年展望》报告（以下简称《报告》）。其中梳理 了中国学生主要留学目的地各类数据，展现发展变化。2026年留学趋势有哪些？学子求学之路该如何规 划？ 留学选择更务实 就读于马来亚大学的王鑫说，当时选择马来西亚，其实是算过一笔经济账。 "我并不是一定要去英美那种传统的热门留学国，而是更看重投入产出比。马来西亚有英语授课课程， 生活成本和学费都在可控范围内，一年整体花费比在英美低得多。而且学校和企业的联系较紧密，实习 机会不少，对将来回国或者在亚洲就业都比较友好。我认为对普通家庭来说，是更理性的选择。"王鑫 说。 《报告》的一组调研数据显示，中国家庭在追求优质教育资源的同时，越来越重视留学投入的经济可行 性与长期回报。正因如此，政策相对稳定、性价比更高的欧亚地区正受到更多关注。例如韩国、马来西 亚等亚洲国家，逐渐成为高性价比的留学选择。 与此同时，欧洲国家也在加快英语授课体系建设。截至2025年，德国提供英语授课的本科和硕士专业已 超2000个，法国则接近1700个。凭借公立高校较低的学费和扎实的专业实力，法国、德国、荷兰等国吸 引了越来越多注重成本效益与专业匹 ...

Core Viewpoint - The IELTS examination has faced a significant technical failure that has led to systematic misjudgment of scores, affecting around 70,000 candidates and resulting in a refund of approximately 140 million yuan. This incident highlights the severe implications of such errors on students' academic and career trajectories [6][7][21]. Group 1: Impact of the Technical Failure - The technical failure has caused score changes ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 points, which, in the context of a maximum score of 9, can drastically alter a candidate's eligibility for university admissions [6][12]. - Many students, like Wang Cheng, found themselves needing to retake language classes or reprepare for the IELTS due to the unexpected drop in their scores, leading to additional financial burdens and time loss [14][15]. - The emotional toll on students has been significant, with some experiencing feelings of failure and self-doubt due to the reliance on a flawed system [19][21]. Group 2: Financial Aspects and Market Position - The IELTS exam fee has increased significantly over the past decade, rising from 1550 yuan to 2170 yuan, a nearly 50% increase, which places a financial strain on candidates [25]. - Despite the increase in fees, the average price for the IELTS in China remains higher than in other countries, such as Japan, where it costs between 1200 to 1400 yuan [25][28]. - The British Council, one of the main operators of the IELTS, is facing a financial crisis, with reports of consecutive losses and a warning of potential bankruptcy if government intervention does not occur [35][36]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape and Future Outlook - The IELTS is facing competition from alternative English proficiency tests, such as Duolingo, which offer more accessible and affordable options for students [37]. - In response to the declining demand for English tests, IELTS has announced a price reduction for the first time in 36 years, lowering the fee to 1990 yuan starting January 2026 [39]. - The overall decline in demand for English proficiency tests has prompted IELTS and its partners to explore new revenue streams, including student placement services [36].

Group 1 - The official announcement from IELTS indicates a price reduction for the general IELTS exam and the IELTS exam for UK visa and immigration purposes in mainland China, effective from January 1, 2026, with fees dropping from 2170 yuan to 1990 yuan, a decrease of 180 yuan, marking the first price cut in 36 years [1][2] - The adjustment applies to core exam categories, while the fee for the IELTS Life Skills test remains unchanged at 1250 yuan. Additionally, the transfer and cancellation fees for all IELTS exams will be standardized at 380 yuan starting January 1, 2026 [2] - The price reduction is seen as beneficial for students who need to take the exam multiple times, potentially saving around 500 yuan for those applying for overseas undergraduate programs, while high school seniors preparing for the 2025 application deadline may not be significantly affected [2] Group 2 - Industry analysis suggests that the price cut is a strategic response to increasing competition from other language tests like TOEFL and Duolingo, which have been challenging IELTS's market position [3] - The price difference post-reduction will make IELTS approximately 110 yuan cheaper than TOEFL, which may influence undecided candidates' choices, especially with TOEFL's upcoming reforms aimed at improving efficiency and reducing difficulty [3] - The changing landscape of the study abroad market, where more U.S. institutions are accepting IELTS scores, has diminished the regional barriers between TOEFL and IELTS, making price a more significant competitive factor [4]

Group 1: International Education Trends - The 26th China International Education Conference was held in Beijing, focusing on study abroad trends and releasing multiple data reports [1] - New Zealand was the guest country at the conference, highlighting its position as the largest source of international students in New Zealand, accounting for 36% of total enrollments [1] - In the first semester of 2025, there will be 22,645 international students from China in New Zealand, with 14,570 attending universities and 4,300 in primary and secondary schools [1] Group 2: IELTS Performance Insights - The British Council released the "2024-2025 IELTS Candidate Score Data Report," indicating that the average score for academic IELTS candidates from mainland China is 5.9, ranking 35th globally [2] - The score distribution shows that nearly 60% of candidates scored 6.0 or above, with a slight decrease of 1.7% compared to the previous year, indicating stable performance [2] - Reading scores remain strong at an average of 6.2, while writing and speaking scores are lower, with writing at 5.7 and speaking at 5.5, though improvements have been noted since 2018-2019 [2] Group 3: Impact of IELTS on English Education - The British Council emphasized that English has evolved from a basic communication tool to a core carrier of global competence [3] - The IELTS exam serves as a "passport" for candidates' academic and professional development, influencing English education towards scenario-based application and competency cultivation [3]

Group 1 - The China International Education Expo held in Beijing attracted nearly 400 institutions from 38 countries and regions, showcasing a diverse range of educational resources [2][3] - The Hong Kong delegation made its debut at the expo, featuring eight public universities, which drew significant interest from attendees [2][3] - Parents showed increased engagement this year, with a notable rise in inquiries about admission scores, interview requirements, and application timelines [3][4] Group 2 - The average IELTS score for academic test-takers from mainland China is reported to be 5.9, with a concentration of scores between 5.5 and 6.5 [4] - The report highlights that reading scores are the strongest, while writing and speaking remain challenging for Chinese test-takers [4] - The expo included various activities such as lectures on study abroad tips, scholarship applications, and cultural performances to enhance attendee engagement [4]

Core Viewpoint - IDP Education, a major player in international education services and co-organizer of the IELTS exam, has announced a downward revision of its profit expectations for the fiscal year 2025 due to tightening visa policies and increasing uncertainties in key destination countries [1] Group 1: Financial Impact - IDP expects a decline of approximately 28%-30% in student placements and an 18%-20% drop in language exam numbers for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 [1] - Following the announcement, IDP's stock price plummeted by 48% on June 3, resulting in a loss of nearly 1 billion AUD, marking the largest drop in eight years [1] - As of the last trading day of the previous week, IDP's stock had decreased by 62%, closing at 3.59 AUD per share [1] Group 2: Business Operations - IDP's main business segments include student placement services, language testing (IELTS), and English education [4] - The student placement business, which generates the most revenue, saw a record number of students (98,900) placed in major English-speaking countries, reflecting a 17% year-on-year increase [4] - Revenue from the student placement business grew by 27%, contributing to an overall revenue increase of 6% for the company [4] Group 3: Policy Changes and Market Conditions - Major destination countries have tightened or adjusted their study and immigration policies, leading to significant declines in visa issuance for IDP's students [5][6] - Visa issuance for Canadian and U.S. students dropped by 65% and 27%, respectively, while the UK and Australia saw declines of 9% and 10% [5] - Australia has implemented measures to control immigration, including a "soft cap" on international student enrollments and increased visa fees [5] Group 4: Market Expansion - IDP is exploring opportunities in the Chinese market, having decided to independently conduct IELTS exams in mainland China after ending its partnership with the British Council [7][8] - The company reported a 55% decline in IELTS participation in India due to policy changes and increased competition, leading to a 19% drop in revenue from its English language testing business [7] - IDP remains optimistic about its long-term prospects in the Chinese market and is committed to fully opening IELTS in China [8]

Core Insights - The IELTS examination, while a significant financial burden for many students, is facing severe financial difficulties, particularly for the British Council, one of its main organizers, which may face bankruptcy within a decade if no government intervention occurs [4][25]. Pricing and Financial Dynamics - The IELTS exam fees have consistently increased over the years, with a total of eight price hikes from 2011 to 2020, reaching 2,170 RMB in 2020, making it one of the most expensive exams globally [7][10]. - The British Council's revenue from teaching and examinations peaked at £727 million in the 2016-2019 fiscal years but plummeted to £448 million in 2021 due to the pandemic, with a recovery to £704 million in 2024 [20][25]. - The British Council's reliance on IELTS for revenue has increased, with teaching and examination income accounting for 71.2% of total revenue in 2024, the highest in a decade [20]. Market Position and Competition - The British Council and IDP Education jointly operate the IELTS, with the British Council dominating the Chinese market, which has been the largest for IELTS for 13 consecutive years [17][5]. - IDP Education has seen significant growth in its IELTS business, with revenues rising from AUD 326 million to AUD 511 million, although it faced a decline in 2024 [33]. Operational Challenges - The British Council has faced continuous financial losses from 2022 to 2024, with a net loss of £66 million in 2024 and negative free reserves of £4.3 million [26]. - Efforts to mitigate financial strain included layoffs and selling off parts of its business, such as the Indian IELTS operations to IDP Education [30][33]. Future Outlook - The British Council's financial struggles may lead to increased examination fees for students as the organization seeks to cover its operational costs [34][35].

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 go bankrupt within a decade if government intervention does not occur [3][22]. Group 1: Financial Situation of the British Council - The British Council's revenue from teaching and exams peaked at £727 million in the 2016-2019 fiscal years but plummeted to £448 million in 2021 due to the pandemic, representing a nearly 40% decline [17][23]. - By the 2024 fiscal year, the British Council reported a net loss of £66 million, with its free reserves falling to negative £4.3 million, indicating a critical financial state [24]. - The organization has been increasingly reliant on IELTS exam revenues, which accounted for 71.2% of total income in 2024, marking a ten-year high [17][19]. Group 2: IELTS Exam Market Dynamics - The IELTS exam is a significant global business, with 23% of the 4 million annual tests conducted in China and the U.S. [14]. - The British Council has a monopoly on IELTS operations in mainland China, which has been the largest market for IELTS for 13 consecutive years [14][5]. - The exam fees in China are among the highest globally, with the current fee at ¥2,170, second only to Hong Kong [11][12]. Group 3: Impact of COVID-19 - The pandemic caused a halt in in-person IELTS exams, leading to substantial financial losses for the British Council, which had to maintain operational costs despite reduced income [23][24]. - The British Council's attempts to recover included layoffs and selling off parts of its business, such as the IELTS operations in India to IDP Education [28][31]. Group 4: Future Outlook - IDP Education, a competitor, is expanding into the Chinese market, which could further strain the British Council's financial situation as it loses market share [31]. - The British Council's reliance on IELTS revenues raises concerns about potential future increases in exam fees to cover operational costs [31].

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][26]. Group 1: IELTS Examination and Financial Implications - The IELTS exam has become a high-cost, low-return endeavor for many Chinese students, with registration fees increasing steadily over the years, reaching 2,170 RMB in 2020, making it one of the most expensive exams globally [11][15]. - The British Council's revenue from teaching and examinations peaked at £727 million in the 2016-2019 fiscal years but plummeted to £448 million in 2021 due to the pandemic, before rebounding to £704 million in 2024 [21][22]. - The British Council's reliance on IELTS for revenue has increased, with teaching and examination income accounting for 71.2% of total revenue in 2024, the highest in a decade [22]. Group 2: Business Operations and Market Dynamics - The IELTS exam is operated by a partnership involving Cambridge Assessment, the British Council, and IDP Education, with the British Council holding exclusive operational rights in mainland China [18][29]. - China has been the largest market for IELTS for 13 consecutive years, contributing significantly to the overall examination volume, which reached 4 million globally, with 23% from China and the US [21][5]. - IDP Education has announced plans to enter the Chinese market directly, which could further strain the British Council's financial position as it loses market share [29]. Group 3: Financial Struggles of the British Council - The British Council's financial health deteriorated significantly during the pandemic, leading to a net loss of £66 million in 2024 and a negative reserve of £4.3 million [28]. - The organization has attempted various cost-cutting measures, including layoffs and selling off parts of its business, such as its IELTS operations in India to IDP Education [28][13]. - The British Council is now heavily indebted, having taken a £260 million commercial loan that requires annual interest payments of £14 million, further complicating its financial recovery [28][12].