The Prosecutor General’s Office of Russia has declared the British Council an undesirable organization, impacting Russians who rely on the IELTS exam for international study, work, or emigration. The agency alleges the council promotes “long-term British interests” and supports LGBT individuals under the guise of education.

Russians can no longer take the IELTS exam through the British Council without risking fines or potential criminal charges. Lawyer Veronika Karagodina advises terminating all contact with the British Council and suggests taking the exam through other authorized platforms not recognized as undesirable.

While IDP Education Limited is another authorized organization, its connection to the British Council raises concerns about its safety for Russian test-takers. Recognized alternatives to IELTS include TOEFL iBT and the Duolingo English Test. Internal university exams may also be accepted, but it’s crucial to verify with the admissions committee directly.

The decision raises concerns about the future of English language learning in Russia. One English tutor noted that motivation to learn English is decreasing as opportunities to apply it abroad become more limited. English remains essential for future emigrants, teachers, and translators.

This development follows reports from the FSB about uncovering the “intelligence and subversive activities” of the Oxford Russia Fund, another British foundation. The FSB alleges that the fund distributed LGBT literature and collected information on Russia’s internal political and socio-economic situation.

Despite these challenges, the Unified State Exam (EGE) in English remains popular among Russian schoolchildren.