IELTS Admits Global Scoring Error Affecting Vietnamese Test Takers; Universities Launch Review

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has confirmed a global “technical issue” that led to inaccurate results for an undisclosed number of candidates, including many in Vietnam. Several universities across the country are now reviewing admissions and graduation cases tied to the exam.

The error, which affected tests taken between August 2023 and September 2025, resulted in some candidates receiving incorrectly higher or lower scores in the Listening and Reading sections. IELTS announced that all old Test Report Forms (TRFs) issued during the affected period are now invalid.

While some Vietnamese test takers reported their scores had increased — with a few jumping to a perfect band 9.0 — others said their results dropped. IELTS has not disclosed how many candidates were affected globally or in Vietnam but emphasized that “over 99 percent of IELTS results worldwide remain unaffected.”

“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and are working directly with affected candidates and institutions,” an IELTS spokesperson said on Wednesday evening.

Compensation and Next Steps

IELTS is offering affected test takers two options: a full refund of exam fees or a free retest before May 2026. The organization also said it has contacted universities, testing partners, and regulatory bodies to ensure proper coordination and verification.

In 2022 alone, Vietnam issued more than 124,000 IELTS certificates, according to the Ministry of Education and Training. The incident is raising concern among students who used IELTS scores for university admissions or graduation requirements.

Vietnamese Universities Begin Internal Reviews

Universities in Ho Chi Minh City have begun reassessing student records involving IELTS scores.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hoan, Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, said the school will set up a review committee to check all cases where scores were adjusted. However, he warned that the process “will be difficult” because institutions depend on students’ honesty and have limited access to official IELTS databases.

Meanwhile, the University of Economics and Law and the University of Industry are also conducting internal audits while awaiting official guidance from the Ministry of Education and Training.

Why It Matters

The IELTS exam, co-owned by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English, is one of the world’s most trusted English proficiency tests, used for immigration, university admissions, and professional certification.

This scoring glitch is rare but significant. For thousands of Vietnamese students and professionals, IELTS scores can determine whether they qualify for study abroad programs, scholarships, or job opportunities.

IELTS says it has since implemented “enhanced quality control measures” to prevent similar incidents and reassured test takers that current and future exams are unaffected.