The average overall score by final-year undergraduates in the International English Language Testing System was 6.69 on a nine-point scale.

The University Grants Committee today announced the results of the IELTS taken by final year students of the undergraduate degree programmes funded by the committee under the 2008-09 Common English Proficiency Assessment Scheme.

Almost 11,800 final-year students, or 71% of all full-time and part-time undergraduate final-year students, participated in the scheme in 2008-09, up 5% on the previous year. About 87% of them obtained a score in the 6.0 to 7.5 range, which means they are "competent" or "good" English-language users.

The average overall score was 6.69 on a nine-point scale. About 87% of the students obtained a score in the 6.0 to 7.5 range, meaning their English skill is "competent" or "good".

Students did better in reading and listening, scoring 7.34 and 7.15. The average scores in speaking and writing were 6.04 and 5.97.

Registration for the 2009-10 round of the scheme is open until October 19. Students can register online here.