The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) carries a critical role in the Australian international education industry as the test taken by the majority of international students entering senior secondary, vocational education and training, and higher education studies in Australian institutions, and as the test preferred by the majority of Australian institutions. The profile of the IELTS test over the past eleven years, since its establishment in late 1989, has increased significantly both in Australia and worldwide - and IELTS has been, is, and will continue to be strongly supported by colleges in the ELICOS sector.

In order to maintain the credibility of the IELTS test in an increasingly competitive global environment, it is imperative that research on a range of issues relating to the test is undertaken and published widely.