IELTS test takers, without high scores, can still receive prizes up to 50 million VND

Thí sinh thi IELTS, không cần điểm cao vẫn có thể nhận giải chục triệu đồng - Ảnh 1. — IELTS Prize opens for applications from 22.4

Specifically, candidates who want to compete for the IELTS Prize in previous years often had to achieve a minimum score, from 6.0 IELTS or most recently the standard was lowered to 5.5, but this requirement has been removed in this year's review season. In addition, this year's award does not discriminate against age or profession, instead requiring candidates to start university or postgraduate studies in Vietnam or abroad in the prescribed academic year.

These changes are considered by the British Council, the organizer of the award, to be more open and flexible to "suit the ever-changing social context" and to "specifically seek inspirational stories on the journey to conquer IELTS". That is why the organizer has removed the requirement for essays and recommendation letters and instead allows candidates to freely share through video.

However, the organizers also noted that candidates are not allowed to use artificial intelligence (AI) voices, deepfakes, or alternative characters that are not themselves.

In addition, instead of only 3 prizes like every year, this year's IELTS Prize also increased the number of prizes by 5 times, with the total value also higher than before. Specifically, there are 5 special prizes (50 million VND/prize) and 10 inspirational prizes (10 million VND/prize). All winning candidates will also be awarded IELTS Inspirers Certificates from the British Council. The total value of these prizes is 350 million VND.

“Since its launch in 2011, the IELTS Prize has continued to evolve to keep pace with the ever-changing world and connect more deeply with IELTS test takers,” said Samantha Lea Smith, Director of Assessment for Southeast Asia at the British Council.

For Mr. Vu Hai Truong, winning the IELTS Prize 2022 has given him the confidence to pursue a master's degree in data science at Liverpool John Moores University (UK).

Competition rounds duration

Round 1 (April 22 - June 15): Candidates record a video in English, maximum 2 minutes, according to the selected exam topic and post it publicly on social media channels with the specified hashtag. Then, submit the video link and personal information via the online form.
Round 2 (7.7 - 18.7): Online interview.

The results will be announced by the British Council on July 29 on its website and Facebook. The winners must take the IELTS test organized by the British Council in Vietnam from June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thi-sinh-thi-ielts-khong-can-diem-cao-van-co-the-nhan-giai-toi-50-trieu-dong-185250416142155533.htm