PTE inspiration and advice

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PTE Academic is a real-world English test. This means it uses authentic source materials and a range of accents to assess natural real-world English proficiency. The test format is clearly structured, but students still need to understand the tasks in each section and know what they have to do to succeed on test day. 

The good news is that if you’re already used to preparing candidates for IELTS Academic, you’ll easily be able to adapt to help prepare them for their PTE Academic test. 

Let’s have a look at the similarities and differences between both tests and explore how you can adapt your test preparation classes for success in PTE Academic. 

The structure of the tests

The structure of PTE Academic and IELTS Academic is broadly similar. Both tests assess students on all four language skills: speaking, writing, reading and listening. The biggest difference in structure is that for PTE Academic there is just one two-hour computed-based test for all four skills. Whereas with IELTS Academic you need to book a separate face-to-face speaking test. More on that below. The order that skills are tested in, and the way the tasks are timed and organized, is also different:

Ramesh Thapa works in a language school in Kathmandu, Nepal. As an English language teacher, he does more than teach grammar and vocabulary – he helps people change their lives.

Four years ago, Ramesh began teaching preparation classes for students who want to take PTE Academic. It’s no small challenge: His students need a good PTE score so they can study and live abroad – or to get the English-speaking jobs they want at home.

People come to Ramesh because they know they can rely on him to help them prepare for the test. They have big dreams – so the stakes are high.

We spoke to Ramesh to find out more about his experience of preparing students for PTE. He told us all about the challenges, the successes, and shared advice with the teaching community around the world.  

How Ramesh teaches PTE preparation   

With a maximum of ten people per class, students in Ramesh’s classes get a lot of personal attention and support. He explains that he uses a computer with a projector in the main classroom to share examples of PTE activities. Students get to try each task type themselves –  and Ramesh shares with them tips and strategies for maximizing their score.

For Ramesh, the students are the most important part of the equation. As such, peer-to-peer learning and home study are key parts of his preparation course.“I’ll have my students take turns reading aloud and commenting on one another’s speaking,” he explains. “At the end of the class, I’ll give them an assignment so they can keep practicing at home.”

Ramesh is no stranger to technology either. When it comes to PTE, he knows how important it is for students to feel comfortable with the technology. “It is a computer-based exam, so all teachers should make sure that their students are practicing on a computer,” he says. “We have a separate computer lab where students can get unlimited lab access – and this is a big part of helping students get their desired scores.” 

In this way, not only do students get a better feel for the exam, but they also get to practice their typing skills. 

Helping students to overcome their challenges 

Ramesh finds that his students struggle with the Repeat sentence task in the Speaking part of the exam. “They have trouble with the accent when listening and pronouncing the words,” he says.

For the same reason, his students often find the Listening part of PTE the most challenging. “Most of my students find difficulty in listening because our accents differ from the American and British accents,” Ramesh explains.

And of course, as any language teacher knows, practice makes perfect. “The main solution is practice,” he says, “so I ask them to listen to more audio recordings which will ultimately help them be successful.”  

Advice for other teachers 

“Personally,” Ramesh says, “I think students should get all of the required details, materials, tips, and tricks from their PTE tutors.” So, a robust understanding of the exam is crucial for teachers. “It’s helpful to access the free training that is available from Pearson,” Ramesh advises. And, for the best chance of success, students need to do a practice test. “After they have completed a course, students should be provided with several mock tests,” he says.

This builds students’ confidence and helps to reduce test-day nerves.

What about his other students? 

Many of Ramesh’s former students have gone on to achieve their goals and are now studying thousands of miles away, in Australia and Canada. It’s been hard work for them, but with thorough preparation with the help of an inspiring teacher, it’s been a great journey.

Learn more 

We’d like to shine a spotlight on the work of our teachers so that we can learn from one another. Each month we’ll be showcasing the work of one PTE Academic teacher from around the globe.

Are you a PTE Academic teacher who has advice and teaching tips to share with the Teacher Community? We’d like to hear from you! Fill out this brief form to express your interest in being featured in an upcoming teacher profile and we’ll be in touch shortly. And for more insights into teaching PTE, sign up for our teacher newsletter. 

Are you interested in studying medicine in the UK?  You’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll learn about some of the best medical schools in the UK and what you need to apply. We’ll also explore tuition costs, visa requirements, and more. Ready? Let’s take a look:  

Why study medicine in the UK 

Medicine can be a competitive degree. But, studying it in the UK can prepare you to work and practice in one of the best healthcare systems in the world. According to a 2017 study by The Commonwealth Fund, the UK and its healthcare system ranked number one in overall performance, compared to 10 other high-income countries – including in things like care process and equity. The UK’s health service, called the NHS, is publicly funded.  

The UK also boasts world-class Research and Development (R&D), which the government actively invests in. For example, the UK hopes to raise funding for R&D to £22 billion a year by 2025. This means studying medicine in the UK can provide you with the opportunity to learn at state-of-the-art facilities, as well as help give you more access to research support and funding.   

Best medical schools in the UK  

The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world. In fact, according to the QS World University Rankins 2021, the UK boasts four of the top 10 best universities to study medicine worldwide – including University of Oxford (2), University of Cambridge (4), University College London (9) and Imperial College London (10).

There’s also University of Glasgow, University of Dundee, University of Edinburgh, and University of St Andrews in Scotland, as well as Queen Mary University of London in England, and Swansea University in Wales. All of these are listed within the top universities for medicine in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2021 rankings.

Of course, the best university for study will come down to one very important aspect: you. Be sure to do your research on each university, try to speak to current students, and discover what career options the choice will give you in the future. 

Types of medicine degrees 

Medicine degrees in the UK can take between 4-6 years to complete. Students applying to study medicine in the UK have four types of courses to choose from:  

• Standard Entry Medicine– a bachelor’s degree in medicine 

• Graduate Entry Medicine – a graduate degree in medicine

• Medicine with a Preliminary Year – a bachelor’s degree in medicine that includes an extra first year, for students who didn’t take the necessary science courses in school

• Medicine with a Gateway Year– similar to the course above, this is made for students who’ve had barriers to education and offers different entry requirements 

No matter which degree you choose, you’ll have to sit an admissions test. There are three different admissions tests in the UK, and which ones you take will depend on what institution you apply for. The tests are:   

• The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) 

• The BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test)

• The GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) 

In addition to these tests, you’ll need to look at the admission requirements for each medical school you intend to apply for. These might include mandatory school courses, personal statements, or an interview to talk about work experience.  

The Medical Schools Council of the UK has an excellent in-depth guide to entry requirements for dozens of universities across the UK, as well as more information on the courses and tests we list above. You can also learn more on their website. 

Visas 

If you’re coming to the UK to study medicine, you’ll need a Student visa. To apply, you’ll need to be offered a spot at a university, have sufficient funds to support yourself, and prove you’re proficient in English. And, our computer-based English language test at PTE Academic is approved by the UK Home Office for all Student visas. You’ll have to demonstrate you’re at a B2 level or higher, depending on your university. 

After graduating, you might be able to apply for the Graduate route to stay in the UK to work (or look for work) for 2-3 years, depending on your degree.

Keep in mind: We aren’t immigration agents. For the latest information and official updates, please visit the GOV UK website. 

Costs 

Studying medicine in the UK for international students can be expensive. According to Save the Student, medical degrees in the UK can cost up to £64,652 per year – which is a lot more expensive than other degrees. On average, students spend about £795 on living costs each month in the UK. However, the average salary for nurses in the UK is over £35,000 per year. Doctors who are general practitioners can make between £60,455 to £91,228 per year.  

Learn more on our blog: Living expenses in the UK for international students 

Studying medicine in the UK can be incredibly rewarding. You’ll have the opportunity to learn at a world-class university, and perhaps even contribute to cutting-edge research. On top of this, you’ll get to explore the UK’s beautiful landscapes, history, culture – and immerse yourself in all the great things it has to offer.  

Learn more about PTE Academic UKVI, our English test recognized by the UK’s Home Office.

Have you been accepted to study in Australia? Looking for a place to live can be one of the most enjoyable parts of planning your move abroad. There are lots of housing opportunities for international students – and in this blog, we’ll take you through a few options.

We’ll explore accommodation around two popular universities – The University of Adelaide and The University of Melbourne to help you begin your search. We’ll also give you an idea about where you might look for housing in other cities around the country. 

What’s important to you? 

There are a number of things you should consider when deciding on a place to live. We recommend making a list of everything you want in a home. Having a clear idea about what kind of place you want to live in will help you to narrow down your housing options – and ensure you have the best possible experience abroad. Ask yourself:  

• Do you want to live close to campus? 

• Do you want to live in a house or an apartment?

• Do you want to live in a social setting with roommates?

• What amenities can’t you live without? (like air conditioning or high-speed internet)

• And, of course, what is your budget? 

You might be interested in our blog: Australian loans for international students 

On-campus housing 

Nearly all major institutions in Australia offer on-campus accommodation for international students. Lots of people choose to live in these residences because they’re convenient and it’s really easy to get to class. University residences also provide international students with a supportive place to call home right upon arriving from abroad.

Living on-campus is a great opportunity to meet fellow students, too, because there are usually lots of social events planned throughout the semester. Accommodation can range from shared dorm rooms, single rooms, or private studio apartments, and can cost between $110-$280 AUD a week.

So, what do The University of Adelaide and The University of Melbourne offer?

• The University of Adelaide has a few different housing options. These include The University of Adelaide Village, Mattanya Student Residences, and Roseworthy Residential College for students at the university’s rural campus. These consist of 4-5 bedroom residences, apartments, and townhouses, as well as furnished houses.

• At The University of Melbourne, there are 4 student residences, with a new one set to open later in 2021. These consist of private studio apartments, as well as hundreds of shared and dorm-style rooms. The newest, called Little Hall, has more than 20 shared spaces – and even has a cinema! 

   

Off-campus housing 

There is a whole range of housing options off-campus, too. Let’s explore:  

Student accommodation 

There are lots of private student accommodation options located close to universities. They are usually not managed by universities themselves. But they are designed specifically for students and usually have many of the same facilities as a student residence – such as food halls or study rooms.

Remember, even if you don’t live in a university residence, you can still have a full social life and take part in activities with fellow students.

Check out these resources to help find off-campus student accommodation in Melbourne and Adelaide: 

• Adelaide Student Housing is a website made to help international students look for accommodation in the city. It’s run by the Government of South Australia and features more than two dozen student housing options – including places like UniLodge, Y Suites, and Atira Student Living. The website also lists weekly prices for each property, making it easy for international students to compare. Prices range between $105-$690 AUD a week.

• Close to the University of Melbourne, you can also find places like UniLodge and Infinity Place. Prices for these two options range between $173-$589 AUD a week. If you want to look for more student housing locations check out the website University Living, which lists accommodation for students in hundreds of cities around the world.

Private rentals  

When you finally arrive in Australia, you might also decide to live on your own in an apartment. There are definitely some benefits to living in a private rental. You get more independence and privacy. You can also choose to live anywhere you like in your new city or town.

According to the government website Study Australia, rent can cost between $185-$440 AUD a week. You might also be asked to sign a lease for an extended period, which could give you less flexibility during your time abroad.

You can look for private rentals in Melbourne, Adelaide, and across Australia using websites like Domain, Gumtree, or realestate.com.au. 

Living with roommates  

Sharing a house or apartment is a popular option for local and international students alike. It’s common for three or more people to share the same living space.

Overall, this arrangement gives you a great chance to meet other students or young professionals – and perhaps even form lasting friendships. Shared accommodation can cost between $95-$215 AUD a week. Just make sure to sign a contract so everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities.

You can search for roommates on websites like flatmates.com.au or Flatmate Finders. Also check out university-specific community Facebook groups, where students often post rooms for rent.  

Homestays 

You might choose a homestay option, which means you’ll live with a local family. This might help you feel more supported and less isolated. You’ll also get the chance to practice your English skills in a home environment and possibly go on trips to visit local attractions, celebrate holidays, and experience your host family’s culture.

Homestays usually include meals, which can be a big plus for busy students. They can be arranged by an education agent in Australia, but there are a range of organizations you can look into for more information, as well – including  Australia Home Stay Network, and Study Vision.

As you can see, there are lots of accommodation options for international students across Australia. And the best part? Many are designed to support students’ needs and make them feel at home while abroad.

At PTE Academic, we’re also committed to helping students succeed. We have tons of resources for international students moving across borders – including articles on Australian student visas, the benefits and costs of studying in Australia, and scholarships around the world. Check them out!

Are you interested in working as a nurse overseas? With the right qualifications, your passion for nursing could help you begin a new chapter in Australia, the US, or the UK.

In this guide, we’ll learn about what you’ll need to do to work as a registered nurse in each country, as well as what employment opportunities waiting for you abroad. Let’s explore:  

Nursing in Australia: requirements 

The UK has long drawn people from around the world to live, work and study. It boasts an excellent healthcare system and impressive universities. Its countryside and cities are dotted with historic buildings and castles. Another big plus? The UK is incredibly diverse.  According to the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, about 14% of the UK’s population was born abroad, and 35% of immigrants live in London. And, many of the UK’s migrants come to work. In fact, in 2019 48% of EU residents moved to the UK to work, while 21% of non-EU residents did.

So what kind of jobs are there in the UK for international applicants? The UK has a skills shortage for a long list of occupations, and professionals who can fill them will have an easier time applying for a UK work visa under the new points-based immigration system.

In this blog, we’ll explore what top professions can help give you an advantage when applying for a UK work visa, and insight on how to get a job in the UK.

The top jobs in the UK for international applicants 

The UK has two shortage occupation lists. One outlines occupations in healthcare and education that need more personnel. The other list features occupation shortages from a range of different fields – including the arts, science, and IT.

To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, you need to reach 70 immigration points. And working in a job on the Shortage Occupation List counts for 20 points – which can provide you with a big advantage. We’ll expand on a few top jobs on the list:

1. Nurses

The UK has faced a nurse shortage for a long time. Right now, England needs to fill more than 36,000 positions, making it an excellent place to look for work if you’re a nurse wanting to move abroad. Already, about 15% of nurses in the UK are trained overseas.

However, nurses and other healthcare professionals were added to the Shortage Occupation List just this March. “Every year we welcome healthcare workers from across the world to our United Kingdom, with many having played a key role on the frontline of the NHS during the recent pandemic,” said the UK Minister for Future Borders and Immigration, Kevin Foster, in a statement.

The move, he said, will help ensure international healthcare professionals get the immigration status they deserve.

Learn more about how to register as a nurse in the UK.

2. Pharmacists

Pharmacists were also added to the UK’s Shortage Occupation List in 2021. While not as in short supply as nurses, there’s a pharmacist vacancy rate of about 8% in hospitals. Again, this means there could be of opportunity for internationally-trained pharmacists to find a job in the UK.

To work as a pharmacist in the UK, you need to register with a regulatory body called the General Pharmaceutical Council, which you can learn more about on the NHS website. (The NHS is the UK’s publicly funded healthcare system).

3. Engineers

There are also plenty of engineering jobs on the shortage occupation list. From civil engineers to mechanical engineers, to electrical engineers and everyone in-between engineers from around the world are in high demand in the UK.

Depending on the field of engineering you work in, you’ll have to make 80% of the going rate for the job to be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa.  That’s between about £26,160 and £29,600 per year.

4. Secondary education teachers

Secondary education teachers who teach math, physics, modern foreign languages, and computer science are some other jobs on the list. If you’re a trained teacher outside the UK, you can work without getting Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for four years. But after that, you’ll have to become a qualified teacher in the UK.

You can learn more about teacher salaries on the UK Department of Education website. To qualify for a visa, you’ll have to earn at least £20,480 (or more depending on where you’re located).

5. Graphic designers

Are you a graphic designer? Well, you’re in luck. Graphic designers are also a sought-after profession in the UK. It’s common for graphic designers to work on a freelance basis. But keep in mind: to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you’ll need to get a job sponsorship in the UK from an employer.

You’ll also have to earn 80% or more of the going rate for graphic designers in the UK. This is about £18,800 per year.

How to get a UK work visa

A Skilled Worker visa lets you work in the UK with an employer who is approved by the Home Office, which is a UK government department. As we mentioned above, you’ll have to reach 70 immigration points to be eligible. Having a job offer from an employer, professional skills, and English proficiency all contribute to your points.

Depending on your situation, you may decide to apply for another type of visa or immigration route, such as the EU Settlement Scheme or UK Graduate visa. There is also a Health and Care Worker visa, which enables healthcare professions to work with the NHS.

How to find a job in the UK

So, how can you find an employer in the UK to sponsor you? There are lots of job boards that are related to specific professions. For example, the UK’s Department of Education offers a website to search for teaching vacancies by location. There’s also Nurses.co.uk, which features thousands of nursing jobs. More generally, websites like Reed and Jobsite are also good places to look for employment in the UK.

All in all, the UK is an excellent place to call home. And better yet, there’s plenty of job opportunities to help you thrive.

Our Secure English Language test, PTE Academic UKVI, is accepted by the UK’s Home Office for all UK visas to test your four language skills – including the Skilled Worker visa.

Learn more about the PTE UKVI test today.

Students around the world have long been drawn to study in the UK. And, it’s for a good reason. The UK is known for its world-class education, diversity, and bustling student cities – making it a great place to study abroad. 

In recent years, the UK has also announced more incentives to attract international students – such as visa changes and friendlier immigration policies. Overall, it hopes to recruit 600,000 international students per year by 2030. In 2019/2020, international university students made up 22% of the student population! 

So, why should you consider studying in the UK? In this article, we’ll explore 7 benefits and how studying at a UK university can help prepare you for the future.

1. The UK is home to top universities 

UK universities are among the most respected in the world. In fact, according to QS World University Rankings 2021, eight UK universities are ranked among the top 50 universities globally. They are: 

• University of Oxford

• University of Cambridge

• Imperial College London

• University College London

• University of Edinburgh

• University of Manchester

• King’s College London

• London School of Economics and Political Science

Universities in the UK are well-known for their R&D capabilities, medicine, and arts and humanities courses – and there are more than 100 universities to choose from. To see which universities in the UK excel in your specific area of study, QS World University Rankings also breaks down universities by subject.  

2. It’s incredibly diverse 

Fourteen percent of the population in the UK was born abroad, about 9.5 million people. This means international students who move overseas to the UK could have the opportunity to learn about numerous different cultures and make friends with people from around the world. This is especially true if you’re moving to London, where 35% of the population was born outside the UK. Even more, you’ll also likely be able to stay closely connected with your own culture, through attending community events or visiting restaurants that serve food from home – things that can help with homesickness and culture shock.

3. There is support for overseas students 

There is plenty of support for international students in the UK. This might be online, through your university, or through the local government. For example, each university has an office set up to address international students’ needs, and answer questions about tuition, housing, and academic support, etc. You can also be in touch with this office before you apply to a university.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs, which is an advisory body for international students, boasts lots of great information on their website for international students, as well – including resources on mental health support, housing, working, and immigration. They also have a hotline you can call with questions. Learn more here.  

You might be interested in our articles: scholarships for international students in the UK and UK loans for international students. 

4. Studying in the UK will improve your English skills 

What better place to practice your English than England, where the language originated from? By studying in the UK, you’ll get the chance to hear numerous different British accents – including English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh, all of which might sound distinct in different regions.  

Since the UK is so diverse, you’ll also be exposed to different English accents from around the globe, giving you a real-world listening experience you might not get at home.

5. There are job opportunities after graduation 

This March, the government announced they’d soon open up applications for the Graduate route – a move that’s set to attract even more students to study in the UK. Starting in July, international bachelor’s and master’s students will be able to apply to stay for 2 more years after graduation, while international doctorate students can stay for 3 years. This makes it easier for new professionals to settle and begin their careers in the UK. 

There are also lots of career opportunities, especially if you work in a job on the UK’s Shortage Occupation List. In the UK, there is a shortage of nurses, pharmacists, teachers, engineers – and more – and the government actively recruits professionals for these positions from abroad.  

Learn more:  The great UK skills shortage – 5 occupations that can help you move abroad 

6. It’s a great place to live

So, what’s it like to live in the UK? According to the OECD Better Life Index, pretty good. People in the UK ranked their general satisfaction with life a 6.8 out of 10 (which is higher than the OECD average). The UK also ranks above average in things like jobs, education and skills, and social connections – all things that may be important to international students.

7. Finally, you’ll have a lot of fun 

From London to Glasgow, to Manchester, to Nottingham, the UK is home to a whole range of great student cities for international students to explore.

You might want to enjoy the UK’s pub culture through university student nights or visit your new city’s world-class art galleries and museums. You’ll get the chance to tour centuries-old castles, and explore landscapes, cliff sides, and picturesque towns. Most of all, you’ll get to meet friends from around the world – and with them, enjoy all the UK has to offer. 

PTE Academic can help you get started on your journey to the UK. Our English language test is accepted by 99% of UK universities as proof of English proficiency. 

Learn more about the PTE Academic test, and how you can start preparing today.

International students in the UK now have the option to stay longer after graduation. 

Back in March, the UK’s Home Office announced the Graduate route. This will let students continue living in the UK for two to three years after finishing their studies. It’s a big deal, giving students the opportunity to begin their careers, as well as set long-term goals for themselves abroad.

“As we rebuild from the global pandemic we want the world’s brightest talent, who aspire to a career at the highest levels of business, science, the arts and technology to see our United Kingdom as the natural place to fulfill their aspirations,” said Minister for Future Border and Immigration Kevin Foster in a statement.

In this article, we’ll take a look at everything graduates and prospective students need to know about the new UK visa.

The Graduate route: how will it work?

The UK hopes to welcome 600,000 international higher education students per year by 2030. The Graduate Route contributes to this plan. It is designed to attract students to study in countries throughout the UK. In fact, since the route was announced back in 2019, enrolments from students outside the EU hit a new high – increasing 17% year-over-year.

So, how will the new UK visa work? International students who’ve completed an undergraduate degree (or above) should be able to apply. With the route, bachelor’s and master’s students will be able to stay in the UK to work or look for work for two years after graduation. Doctorate students will be able to stay for three years.

The new Graduate route within the UK immigration system is meant to be flexible. That means you won’t need a job offer to apply. There’s no salary limit and you can change jobs whenever you want. However, if you find a job you like, you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK.

It’s important to keep in mind that the Graduate route doesn’t count for settlement. So if you want to stay in the UK permanently, you may consider applying for a work visa which does count toward settlement sooner.

Who is eligible?

If you’ve finished your undergraduate, master, or doctorate degree and have a valid student visa when you apply, you are likely to be eligible for the Graduate route.

People studying remotely outside the UK during the pandemic are also eligible, at least for a time:

• If you began university in fall 2020, you’ll have until June 21st of this year to enter the UK on your Student visa. Do so and you will be eligible for the Graduate route later on.

•  If you started in winter 2021, you’ll have until September 27th.

How can you apply?

The cost to apply to the Graduate route is £700 for both two and three-year Graduate route applications. On top of this, there will be an extra Immigration Health Surcharge of £624 each year. This gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service on generally the same basis as a UK permanent resident.     To discover more about the visa application process and the UK visa requirements, be sure to check the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Other visa options

The Graduate route is welcome news for international students in the UK. However, it’s not the only option when it comes to UK work visas. For example, after graduating you might also be able to apply for a:

Start-up or innovator visa

If you have an innovative business idea and plan, you might be eligible for a Start-up visa. This lets you stay in the UK for up to two years. To apply, you need to be endorsed by either a UK university or a business organization. There’s also the UK Innovator visa, which lets you stay in the UK for three years.

Global Talent visa

The Global Talent visa is made for people who are leaders (or potential leaders) in digital technology, arts and culture, and academia.

Getting this type of visa isn’t easy. You need to apply for an endorsement through the Home Office, which experts in your industry will review. If you get granted the visa, you’ll be able to stay in the UK for up to five years. You will only be required to renew your visa each time you want to stay longer.

Skilled Worker visa

The Skilled Worker visa lets you stay in the UK for up to five years to work for a UK employer. To apply, an employer needs to sponsor you. Your job will also need to be eligible for the visa.

That said, there is a long list of occupations in the UK that need filling including nurses, teachers and engineers so if you work in these jobs, you’ll have a big advantage when applying.

Learn more on our blog, “The great UK skills shortage:5 occupations that can help you move abroad”.

Why stay to work in the UK?

There’s no doubt that having a UK degree is valuable. But getting UK work experience afterwards? That’s priceless.

The UK is also an excellent place to settle. According to the OECD Better Life Index, the UK ranks above average in important areas like health status, civic engagement, jobs and earnings, education and skills, and environmental quality.

Not to mention, people who work 5 days a week get lots of holiday time – 5.6 weeks a year!

If you want to move to the UK to study and work, PTE Academic can help you get there. Our computer-based, unbiased English language proficiency test at PTE Academic is approved by the UK Home Office for all visas including student and post-study work visas.

Learn more about PTE Academic UKVI.

For students wishing to study abroad, it doesn’t get much better than Canada. It is an incredible country with endless opportunities. Study in Canada and you’ll find a rich culture, world-famous universities, and generous Canadian scholarships to help you with costs and tuition.  

It’s no wonder that the North American nation is a magnet for intelligent, international students. In fact, a Statistics Canada study of the 2018-2019 school year found that Canada hosts students from 225 countries. The study also found that Chinese and Indian students represent more than 50% of that population.  

What’s more, Canada has been attracting more and more international talent in the past decade. The number of students from abroad has tripled in the past 10 years. International students account for 57.2% of the growth in all program enrollments.    

Canada is a global leader in terms of university education. But, with more than 100 universities and 15,000 programs of study, it can be difficult to know which are the best and most reputable.  

Read our guide about how to study in Canada. We’ll break down more about the best universities in Canada and their top programs. Most importantly, we’ll also explore ways to find a Canadian scholarship to fund your studies.  

Canadian scholarships: What to look for 

Of course, it’s important to have a plan to finance studies and the cost of living in Canada. That’s where Canadian scholarships come in. Whether you’re looking to fund your undergraduate program or you’re seeking a master's degree scholarship in Canada (or beyond), there are plenty of options.  

The Canadian government, foundations, and not-for-profit organizations all offer a number of scholarships and grants. The most common place to score scholarships in Canada though is likely from the university itself.  

Firstly, when looking for Canadian scholarships, international students need to know about the entrance scholarships. Most universities offer these scholarships, which are based on academic history. You’ll be pleased to read that entrance scholarships operate on an automatic consideration basis as part of the admissions process. This means you don’t have to apply for them.

To understand what those scholarships look like, consider what’s offered by top universities in Canada: 

The University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo in Ontario offers 20 entrance scholarships. These are worth $10,000 and are for international students who have at least a 90% average. In addition, you must demonstrate academic excellence and be starting year one of an undergraduate program.  

McGill University 

McGill University in Montreal, Quebec is another of Canada’s best universities. It gives entrance scholarships worth $3,000 to first-time university students starting their undergraduate program. The major entrance scholarship is worth more with some students being awarded as much as $12,000. These scholarships are renewable for three or four years for students who continue to meet scholarship criteria. International students can get this scholarship but short-term exchange students cannot.

McGill’s in-course awards are awarded automatically by each faculty. Students with excellent academic merit may earn one of these after the academic year is completed.

University of British Columbia 

The University of British Columbia is another reputable school. It gives $30 million annually in grants to international undergraduate students. Study there and you could be up for its International Major Entrance Scholarship, which is renewable for three years.  

Or you might even win its Outstanding International Student Award. This is a one-time award for a student with a strong academic background and involvement in activities beyond the classroom.  

Government grants 

The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development program gives support to students from Southeast Asian nations. To be eligible you need to be studying short-term at the college, undergraduate, and graduate levels.  

They are awarded based on applications submitted by Canadian universities on a candidate’s behalf. These scholarships are part of Canada’s effort to reduce poverty and support sustainable development in the region.  

The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program is for academically talented students from Commonwealth countries studying at the masters or PhD level. The scholarship is worth $10,000. This helps students pay for transportation, cost of living fees, and any expenses related to their studies in Canada.  

For students studying in Ontario, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program is for those at the masters or doctoral level. To qualify, you must be attending a participating Ontario university, be enrolled for at least two consecutive terms and be studying full-time. Students can get $10,000 for two consecutive terms or $15,000 if they are enrolled in three consecutive terms. This scholarship is funded by the province of Ontario and the participating universities.

A glimpse at the top universities in Canada 

One of the best sources that ranks Canada’s best universities is Maclean’s magazine. Each year, the Canadian publication surveys faculty members, senior administration, and successful business people across the country.  

The aim of the report is to find out their opinions in regards to quality and innovation at Canada’s academic institutions. The result is a published list of rankings of the best overall universities in Canada. In addition, it shares the best programs and best schools based on students’ experiences.  

In 2021, Maclean’s found the top five Canadian universities to be: 

• The University of Toronto

• The University of British Columbia

• University of Waterloo

• McGill University

• McMaster University

Top-ranking specialist schools in Canada 

Of the international students in Canada, 47% study in the province of Ontario. Their most popular areas of study are business and management, followed by engineering. Considering this, it’s worth looking at the top-ranked schools in those categories as well.  

After the in-depth surveying of 1,000 professors, deans, and chairs at 80 Canadian institutions, Maclean’s found The University of British Columbia to be the best school for business. The University of Toronto followed in second place. As for engineering, University of Waterloo and The University of Toronto tied for first place.

How PTE can help you apply for a Visa 

Canada’s student visa requirements for international students include proof that you have: 

• a university placement; 

• the financial ability to live in Canada;

• your high school transcript and a high level of English.  

On that last point, you will need to have taken an English language test to prove your abilities in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in order to get your visa.  

PTE Academic is a trusted English language test accepted by top institutions in Canada including The University of British Columbia, University of Waterloo, McGill University, and McMaster University. PTE Academic can help students study abroad in Canada because Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recognizes its tests as being one of the mandatory English tests for a study permit application.  

If you are planning to take a PTE Academic test to complete your Canada student Visa application, an exam center will not be far away. In Canada, centers currently exist in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary, and Burnaby. 

Find your nearest exam center now!  

A home away from home 

There’s no doubt about it: Canada is a world-class country for getting a university education. It’s also a very multi-culturally diverse place. This means, for international students, it’s a country that offers rich experiences beyond just the classroom.  

With the recent increase in students coming from countries like India, China, and beyond, many international students find that Canada is an easy place to adjust to. It feels like a home away from home.  

Canadian universities offer not just top-quality academic institutions and programs, but also scholarships offering students a means to finance their education. That makes Canada an easy choice for furthering your education goals overseas.