Four more PTE centers in England approved for UK visas & immigration

PTE Author
PTE Author
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Pearson, the world’s learning company, has announced a further four test centers in England where people can take PTE as a Secure English Language Test (SELT) for UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) purposes.

The locations are based in Leicester, Luton, Newcastle, and Oxford and bring the total number of UKVI approved PTE centers in the UK to 22. These centers are expected to open later in April.

The tests will be delivered through the Pearson VUE test center network. Some UK test centers will not be operating at full capacity, due to current COVID-19 social distancing requirements, as mandated by the UK government and local authorities.

Pearson VUE has also implemented proactive health and safety measures including, but not limited to, readily available hand sanitizer, increased sanitization in high touch areas, and the regular disinfection of testing workstations (completed between each test taker). These measures support the safety of both testing candidates and staff. Face masks are required at all Pearson VUE-owned test centers.

Freya Thomas Monk, Senior Vice President of English Assessment, Pearson said: “We are always looking to expand our test center network. Our aim is to give candidates a wide choice of where they take their PTE exam.

“We have chosen Luton, Leicester, Oxford and Newcastle to meet demand and be convenient for our customers and we are pleased to widen the opportunity to sit an English Language test for UK Visa purposes through either PTE Home or PTE Academic UKVI.”

Pearson’s SELT tests are as follows:

  • PTE Academic (UKVI) – a four-skills language test accepted for work and study visas. It tests Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening skills.

  • PTE Home – a two-skills language test accepted for family, settlement, citizenship applications as well as Sportsperson and Representative of an Overseas Business applications. It tests speaking and listening skills.

In total there are now 194 locations across the globe offering PTE for UKVI. Find prices and view all test centers.

Read more information on the UK Home Office Visas and Immigration process.

For media queries contact media@pearson.com

Notes to Editors  

The full list of UK locations are Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Croydon, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Leicester, London (Central x 2), London (North), London (West), Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Oxford, Peterborough, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Wolverhampton.

About Pearson 

Learning is the most powerful force for change in the world. More than 20,000 Pearson employees deliver our products and services in nearly 200 countries, all working towards a common purpose – to help everyone achieve their potential through learning. We do that by providing high-quality, digital content and learning experiences, as well as assessments and qualifications that help people build their skills and grow with the world around them. We are the world’s leading learning company. Learn more about Pearson.

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    London, UNITED KINGDOM: 7 November 2024 – Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s lifelong learning company, today announced that the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic has been officially recognized for admission to higher education institutions in the Netherlands.

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    Marking a milestone for PTE Academic, the Netherlands now joins all other major study destinations in recognizing the test. With over 128,000 international students and more than 2,000 English-taught degree programs, the Netherlands is a key hub for higher education, attracting students from across the EU/EEA and beyond.

    Giovanni Giovannelli, Pearson’s President of English Language Learning, commented: "This recognition by the National Commission in the Netherlands is a key step in our mission to provide trusted English assessments worldwide. The Netherlands is a leading destination for international students, and we are proud to support them to succeed in an increasingly competitive academic environment. This recognition reinforces our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of higher education globally."

    The Netherlands, now the second-largest destination for English-taught programs in mainland Europe, is chosen by thousands of international students seeking quality education in Europe. With PTE Academic now recognized, both students and universities will benefit from increased access to reliable, high-quality English language assessments.

    For further information, please contact:

    Ellen Clark, Director of Corporate Communications

    ellen.clark@pearson.com | +44 7780 665958


    About Pearson

    At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.

    About Pearson PTE

    PTE is a trusted English language proficiency test, opening doors for individuals looking to study, work, or migrate. PTE is accepted by over 3,500 institutions worldwide, and is also accepted by the Australian, Canadian, New Zealand and UK governments for all types of visas. Learn more about PTE.

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    About Pearson

    At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our approximately 18,000 employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.

    Media contact: Ellen Clark ellen.clark@pearson.com

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    About Pearson

    At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our approximately 18,000 employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.

    Media Contact: Ellen Clark ellen.clark@pearson.com