Pearson and UCL launch AI research partnership

The centers will provide better choice and accessibility to study abroad aspirants. 

London and Turkey, June 23, 2021: Pearson, the world’s learning company, today announced that two PTE Centers in Turkey, namely, at Dokuz Eylul University (Izmir) and British Side English Language School (Ankara) will now offer PTE Secure English Language Testing (SELTs) to cater to the demand of study abroad aspirants. These tests have been approved by the UK Home Office and are used for UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) purposes. 

These centers are fully equipped with state-of-the-art facility security measures and will increase accessibility for a fast, flexible, secure and unbiased exam for test-takers to ascertain their English language skills to work, settle or study abroad.

These centers are in addition to two existing PTE UKVI locations in Istanbul.

The language tests will be delivered through Pearson VUE’s test center network. Pearson VUE has implemented a number of proactive health and safety measures including, but not limited to, adhering to local social distancing requirements, readily available hand sanitiser, increased sanitisation 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. 

Senior Vice President for PTE at Pearson, Freya Thomas Monk, says these tests offer a fast, fair and convenient choice for anyone who wishes to work, study or come to live in the UK. Thomas Monk is excited about expanding PTE’s UKVI service in the country and believes that it will help many learners broaden their horizons and apply for opportunities in the UK. “The process is simple and brilliantly designed, interactive and a true reflection of someone’s language ability. We look forward to offering more choices and opportunities for students in Turkey.”

Commenting on the launch of UKVI at the centers, Ipek Aydin, Head of PTE for the Middle East & North Africa said: “The number of students in Turkey aspiring to study abroad is increasing and an English language proficiency exam plays a crucial role in providing a pathway to enable them to do so.

“The establishment of more UKVI test centers in the country supports Pearson’s aim to increase the reach of our centers across Turkey to offer easy, local access to a globally recognized, fast and reliable English language proficiency test for immigration and study abroad opportunities. We are committed to delivering a world-class experience to our test takers and will continue to build a robust network of test centers across the country.” 

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.

There are now more than 190 UKVI approved PTE centers across the globe. Keep up to date on the latest approved locations.

Canada has become the fastest-growing destination for international study and Indian students are right at the top of this trend, accounting for more than a third of all Canadian study permits issued in 2019. 

Marlene Olsavsky, Managing Director for Pearson Canada, explains how PTE can help these increasing numbers of Indian students achieve their Canadian dream. 

Marlene said: “Indian students can take advantage of the fact PTE Academic is one of the mandatory English language tests accepted by Canada for its regular study permit application stream, also known as non-Study Direct Stream (non-SDS)."

“Test takers have a choice of more than 30 PTE centers currently open in India, including in Punjab, Gujarat and Hyderabad, all with required health and safety measures in place. 

“PTE is a seamless experience for students from start to finish, from being able to book a test slot online and year-round, through to only having to wait up to 48 hours on average to receive results. 

“Once they get their PTE score, students are then able to send it to any number of universities they are interested in, unlike other English tests which limit the amount of institutions where a score can be sent.” 

Learn more about applying to study in Canada or check available PTE test dates near you.

Test takers applying to The University of Oxford can now take PTE to help them get there.

All 45 of Oxford’s colleges accept PTE Academic as one of their approved English language tests for applicants to their undergraduate programs.

Freya Thomas Monk, Senior Vice President of English Assessment, Pearson said: “PTE is recognized across the globe as one of the leading English language tests and our acceptance by The University of Oxford is further proof of this.

“With average score returns of 1.5 days, no limit on the number of institutions scores can be shared with, online booking and year-round availability, PTE is the fast and flexible choice to apply to universities and colleges across the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA.

“Another benefit of PTE is that it is also accepted by the UK Government as a Secure English Language Test for Visa & Immigration purposes, meaning people can take it to study, live or work in the UK.”

Click here to check available test dates for a PTE test.

PTE is accepted by the UK, Australia, and New Zealand for Visa & Immigration purposes, as well as by 100% of Australian and New Zealand universities, 99% of UK universities, and thousands of academic programs across the USA and Canada.