How International Islamic University Malaysia's (IIUM) students achieved B2+ English proficiency in record time

99% of students reached B2+ English proficiency through an innovative blended learning approach.

Malaysia's International Islamic University (IIUM) had a problem many institutions face: brilliant students who needed stronger English skills to compete globally. Traditional classroom methods weren't cutting it - students were too busy, progress was slow, and there wasn't enough flexibility for different learning styles.

The challenge was clear: get students to B2+ proficiency quickly, track progress reliably, and do it all without disrupting their academic workload.

The result: After implementing a customised blended learning approach, 99% of students hit B2+ proficiency levels. Even more impressive - 66% reached advanced C1 level, and they did it in 108 hours instead of the usual 120.

What IIUM needed

Like most universities today, IIUM wasn't looking for just another English course. They needed something that would genuinely prepare their graduates for international careers while working within real constraints:

  • Students juggling heavy course loads who couldn't commit to rigid schedules.
  • Faculty needing clear data on student progress and program effectiveness.
  • Measurable outcomes that would satisfy both administrators and future employers.
  • A solution that could scale across different student cohorts without losing quality.

The university had tried conventional approaches before, but nothing delivered the combination of flexibility, rigor, and measurable results they required.

Key results

Nearly perfect success rates

Only one student out of the entire cohort didn't reach B2+ proficiency - that's a 99% success rate that exceeded even optimistic projections.

Advanced mastery

Two-thirds of students didn't just meet the B2 target - they reached C1 level, demonstrating genuine professional-level English skills.

Faster progression

Students completed the program in 108 hours total (30 live sessions plus 78 hours of flexible online work), beating typical program timelines by roughly 10%.

Documented improvement

60% of students showed measurable CEFR level advancement, with lower-level students often making the most dramatic gains.

What really stood out was the engagement pattern - students who actively used both the online platform and live classes consistently performed best, while those starting at lower levels often progressed fastest once they found their rhythm.

What students and the faculty said about the course

The feedback revealed something important about how the program worked in practice:

One lecturer noticed real workplace communication improvements: 'My student is more alert and aware of work-related communication, which has significantly improved her performance. She has become much more careful in wording her thoughts and opinions, to ensure clarity and professionalism in all interactions.'

Students appreciated the teaching approach: 'An excellent class and easy for me to follow, thanks to the instructor's remarkably clear and comprehensible explanations.'

The flexibility particularly resonated with busy students. As one lecturer observed, 'A student of mine reported to me that the online approach motivated him greatly to learn English in comparison to learning the language in a traditional classroom setting.'

Perhaps most telling was this parent's observation about confidence building: 'I notice that my son's confidence level when communicating in English has improved tremendously since joining the course. He recently had an hour-long live TV interview on IIUMTV and he pulled it off beyond my expectations.'

Rather than another one-size-fits-all program, British Council built something specifically around how busy university students actually learn:

Accessible assessment

Students used EnglishScore mobile testing to establish baselines. Learners could quickly and conveniently measure their listening, reading and speaking skills. This gave IIUM's team reliable data about where each student started.

Real life flexible learning

Our English for Work online course focused specifically on skills students would use after graduation. Instead of generic grammar exercises, they worked on professional email writing, presentation skills, and workplace communication. Students could access exercises when it worked for them - early morning, late evening, or between lectures. They attended live classes with our expert teachers to fast-track improvement in their speaking skills with focused practice and personalised feedback from the teacher.

Tangible progress

Built-in assessments throughout the program meant no surprises. Students knew exactly where they stood, and faculty could spot anyone who needed extra support. The reporting system gave administrators the ROI data they needed without creating extra administrative burden and ensured learners stayed motivated and on track.

Globally recognised certification

Aptis test preparation ensured students could prove their skills with internationally recognised credentials. Instead of just internal university grades, they earned the Aptis certification an internationally recognised assessment that certified their English proficiency.

The IIUM experience demonstrates several principles that other institutions can apply:

  • Flexibility without compromising rigor: Students could work around their academic schedules, but the structured progression ensured they still covered essential skills systematically.
  • Data that actually helps: Rather than just final grades, continuous assessment provided insights that helped both students and faculty adjust approaches in real-time.
  • Skills that transfer immediately: By focusing on workplace communication from day one, students could apply their learning in academic presentations, internship applications, and part-time jobs while still in the program.
  • Scalable without losing personal touch: The mobile-first approach meant the program could accommodate large cohorts, but live sessions maintained the personal interaction students needed for confidence building.

Our learning ecosystem brings together several elements that universities tell us they've struggled to find in other solutions:

  • Flexible blended methodology: Students tackle foundational concepts online at their own pace, then apply that knowledge immediately in live classes with experienced teachers. This flipped approach means every minute of instructor time focuses on practice and application rather than basic content delivery.
  • Learning that sticks: The platform integrates naturally into students' daily routines. Whether they're reviewing professional email templates before an internship interview or practicing presentation skills for an upcoming class project, the content connects directly to their immediate needs.
  • Right-sized learning design: Content breaks down into focused segments that respect the reality of student schedules. No more choosing between dense three-hour classroom sessions and superficial quick fixes. Our approach delivers substantial learning in manageable pieces.
  • Resources that matter: Students access purpose-built resources, and our employment-focused content ensures graduates can immediately apply skills in professional contexts.
  • Progress tracking that informs decisions: Real-time analytics help institutions understand not just final outcomes, but how students engage with different content types, where they struggle, and what drives success. This data enables continuous program improvement and clear accountability.

The IIUM results prove that when you combine pedagogical expertise with flexible technology, students don't just learn faster - they gain genuine confidence in using English professionally. These graduates left the program ready for international opportunities, whether that meant pursuing scholarships abroad, excelling in graduate programs, or stepping confidently into global careers.

Ready to see similar results at your institution? Learn how customised blended learning can transform your students' English proficiency and career readiness. 
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