Call for research proposals


The IELTS partners are making available grant funding to a total value of around £120,000 (AUS$225,000) for IELTS-related research projects to be conducted during 2009

IELTS Joint-funded research program 2008/2009

Educational institutions and suitably qualified individuals are invited to apply for funding to undertake applied research projects in relation to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Financial support for individual projects selected will in principle be limited to a maximum of £15,000/AU$36, 000 though this upper limit may be reviewed in exceptional circumstances.

What areas of interest have been identified?

The IELTS Joint Research Committee is interested in supporting external researchers to conduct quality research under the three headings below. This year we would particularly encourage applications to undertake research studies which fit within these broad areas.

  1. Test development and validation issues
    • studies involving the IELTS Listening test
    • studies investigating the use of the IELTS General Training test
    • investigation of the cognitive processes of IELTS test takers
    • investigation of the process of writing IELTS test items
    • Investigation of L1 Writing and Speaking features that distinguish IELTS proficiency levels
  2. Issues relating to contexts of test use
    • studies to establish appropriate IELTS score levels in specific contexts (for access to a university department or vocational training course)
    • use of IELTS for professional registration purposes, or for purposes of migration, citizenship or employment
    • studies investigating the use of IELTS and IELTS scores in local contexts, especially in-depth case studies focusing on individuals or small groups
    • use of IELTS in newer regions
  3. Issues of test impact
    • studies of test preparation practices, e.g. course/syllabus design, materials development
    • Investigations of attitudes towards IELTS among users of test scores including admissions and academic subject staff in receiving institutions.
    • investigations of perceptions towards IELTS among test takers, teachers, learners and others engaged in preparing for IELTS
    • Test impact relating case studies in local contexts (e.g., teachers’ experiences of working with IELTS).

 

Consideration will also be given to other issues of current interest in relation to IELTS.

Annual timetable

30 June 2008:
July-August 2008:
September 2008:
October 2008:
January 2009:
September 2009:
December 2009:

Applications close
Preliminary review of applications
Evaluation and selection of successful proposals
Notification of Research Committee’s decisions to applicants
Research commences
Research completed
Final reports due

All applications received will be treated on a confidential basis.

The decision of the review committee will be final. Proposals from researchers and institutions with established links with IELTS are welcomed.

Institutions/individuals are invited to submit a written application (maximum of 10 pages, unbound) in accordance with the format and content requirements (see links below)

2008/2009 Guidelines

Click here to download the Application forms and the Guidelines for applying