A new independent study, "The relationship between language proficiency and academic performance: A longitudinal study of international students", authored by Khaled Barkaoui and funded by York University, reinforces IELTS scores as an indicator of international student academic performance. This study analyses data from 6,481 non-English speaking undergraduates at a Canadian university between 2016 and 2019, and provides evidence that IELTS scores show a statistically significant association with academic readiness and resilience.
Notably, the study's cohort represented a diverse range of international students from 92 countries, with the largest contingents coming from China (62%), India (9%), and Iran (5%). They reported speaking 57 different first languages, reflecting the global reach of English-medium higher education.
This research aligns with findings in “The Impact of English Language Test Choices for UK Higher Education”, a study by British Council, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Cambridge and Dundee universities, which highlights the importance of reliable tests like IELTS in ensuring positive student outcomes.
Research findings and their implications
Significant association between IELTS scores and initial Grade Point Average (GPA)
The York study clearly demonstrates a positive link between IELTS scores and how well international students perform in their initial studies. The research found that students who achieved higher IELTS scores generally attained better grades in their first semester, particularly in subjects within Social Sciences and Humanities, as well as in Business and Economics. The study indicated that an incremental improvement in an IELTS score is associated with a noticeable increase in a student's initial Grade Point Average (GPA).
It's important to understand that while a student's English proficiency, as measured by IELTS, plays a significant role in their academic success, it is one of several contributing factors. Prior academic background, effective study skills, and a student's motivation are also crucial. However, strong English language skills are fundamental for international students to fully engage with their studies in an English-medium environment. When students have a higher level of English proficiency, they can more easily understand lectures, participate in discussions, comprehend reading materials, and complete assignments effectively. This ease of access to course content can positively influence their confidence, motivation, and ultimately, their academic performance across all fields of study.
IELTS and academic resilience
The research also revealed that students with higher IELTS scores were more likely to show a stronger recovery over time in their GPA. This suggests that strong language skills contribute to a student's ability to navigate and overcome academic challenges. For example, if two students experience a temporary decline in GPA, the student with the higher IELTS score is statistically more likely to demonstrate a significant rebound in subsequent semesters. This provides universities with valuable insights into the potential academic resilience of prospective international students.
Data-driven admissions
Utilising IELTS enables universities to select students with a higher probability of academic readiness. The study's findings indicate that IELTS scores serve as a valuable indicator of both initial academic performance and the ability of students to maintain and improve their academic performance over time. This provides robust, data-driven support for universities to include IELTS scores as a significant factor in their admissions criteria.
In competitive admissions scenarios, prioritising candidates with stronger IELTS scores aligns with a higher probability of sustained academic success. The research highlights the predictive power of IELTS in identifying students who are more likely to thrive in an English-medium academic environment.
Longitudinal insights into student progress
The longitudinal design of the study provides valuable insights into long-term student progression. By tracking GPA across multiple semesters, the research demonstrates how students with higher IELTS scores are not only more likely to achieve initial success but also to maintain or improve their academic performance over time. This highlights the enduring value of IELTS in indicating potential for sustained academic achievement.
Recommendations for Higher Education institutions
This new independent research provides universities with compelling data-driven evidence for using IELTS in international student admissions. By leveraging IELTS scores, your institution can:
- Enhance student selection reliability: Improve the accuracy of student selection, leading to enhanced student outcomes.
- Reinforce admissions criteria validity: Strengthen the legitimacy of admissions criteria with evidence-based research.
- Gain insight into academic resilience: Assess the potential academic resilience of incoming international students.
- Support internal quality assurance: Provide data to support internal quality assurance processes.
Recognising that student success is influenced by a multitude of factors, including prior academic preparation, study habits, motivation, and the support provided by the university, IELTS scores remain a valuable indicator of a student's preparedness for the linguistic demands of their academic journey. By incorporating IELTS scores into their admissions processes, universities can select students with a demonstrated higher probability of initial academic achievement.
British Council-led research reinforces independent findings
The findings of this study, which demonstrate the value of IELTS as an indicator of academic performance, are further supported by recent research, “The Impact of English Language Test Choices for UK Higher Education”. This comprehensive study, conducted in collaboration between the British Council, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, and leading UK universities, highlights the critical importance of robust English language testing for international student success.
It reveals that many UK universities have tightened their English test requirements due to concerns about student academic struggles and the strain on support services. This trend comes after a period of expanded acceptance of newer testing systems during the COVID-19 pandemic, when access to established in-person exams was limited.
Notably, the British Council-led report raises concerns about the reliability of information from newer test providers, reaffirming the established benchmark of trust and transparency set by tests such as IELTS.
Conclusion
The findings of "The relationship between language proficiency and academic performance: A longitudinal study of international students" offer a comprehensive analysis of IELTS's association with international student academic performance. This research, combined with the British Council’s own research, provides valuable insight for universities seeking to enhance their understanding of international student success and refine their admissions policies.
Resources and opportunities for universities
Supported by decades of rigorous research, IELTS sets the standard for English language assessment. We provide organisations with test results they can trust, enabling them to access qualified candidates from more than 140 countries across the globe.