Third phase of PTE centers approved to deliver tests for UKVI

PTE Author
PTE Author
Image- Tower bridge UK, 1080px
Reading time: 3 minutes

July 21st, 2020 9 AM London: Pearson, the world’s learning company, has announced the third phase of locations where people can now take PTE as a Secure English Language Test (SELT) for UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) purposes. 

Today, the UK Government approved Pearson to open bookings for SELTs in a further 23 locations. This includes another 6 centres in the UK – Belfast, Birmingham, Peterborough, Portsmouth, London and Sheffield – and 17 centres globally in locations such as Dubai, Islamabad, and Lagos. 

Bookings can be taken at all locations, with the majority of these locations open now to deliver testing.

The tests will be delivered through the Pearson VUE test centre network. Third-party test centres are educated on the COVID-19 health and safety and sanitization measures being taken in Pearson VUE-owned test centres and it is recommended that they implement similar measures such as increased disinfecting and hygienic procedures to support the safety of testing candidates and staff. 

Freya Thomas Monk, Senior Vice President of English Assessment at Pearson, said “We have seen high demand since our first locations were approved to book and deliver PTE as a Secure English Language Test for UK Visa and Immigration purposes. 

“Today’s announcement brings our total of UKVI approved locations to over a hundred, with more locations set to follow. This is great news as it gives an even wider choice of test location for those who are looking to move to the UK to work, study, or live.” 

Pearson’s SELT tests are as follows:  

  • PTE Academic (UKVI) – a four-skills language test accepted for work and study visas. It tests speaking, listening, reading, and writing 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. 

Today’s announcement (following our first and second phase announcements) brings our overall total of UKVI approved locations to 115. It is expected that all remaining SELT testing locations will become operational over the coming months. Test takers should review our latest prices and approved test center locations.  

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

For media queries contact Media Relations at media@pearson.com

Related Content

  • Woman smiling next to the canal in Amsterdam
    Pearson Test of English (PTE) recognized for admission to higher education in the Netherlands
    By PTE Author

    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.

    This recognition, granted by the National Commission for the Code of Conduct Higher Education, allows universities in the Netherlands to accept PTE Academic for admissions. International students applying to English-taught programs can now use their PTE Academic scores to demonstrate English proficiency.

    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.

  • Press release: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) approves PTE Academic
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    LONDON – 9 August 2024 – Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s lifelong learning company, has achieved new recognition for the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic. Effective immediately, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States has recognized PTE for undergraduate admissions.

    MIT joins over 3,500 universities and institutions worldwide that trust PTE as proof of English proficiency. With 3,465 international students, MIT is a prestigious institution ranked third in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings this year.

    PTE combines human expertise with the latest AI technology to deliver an English language proficiency test that is both impartial and highly accurate. Tests are taken on a computer and are available in over 475 test centers globally.

    Shileen Costain, Senior Director of Global Stakeholder Relations, expressed her pride in this achievement: “We are thrilled that MIT has recognized the value and accuracy of PTE Academic for its undergraduate admissions. This approval underscores our commitment to providing a trusted and rigorous assessment of English proficiency for students and institutions worldwide.”

    This recognition from MIT follows recent approval by the Canadian Nurse Regulators Collaborative (CNRC), which recommended PTE Academic as an accepted test for internationally trained nurses applying for registration in Canada.

    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

  • Pearson’s PTE Academic Recommended by Canadian Nurse Regulators Collaborative
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    LONDON - July 17, 2024 – Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s leading learning company, has achieved a new recognition for PTE Academic. The Canadian Nurse Regulators Collaborative (CNRC) recommended that PTE Academic is included in the accepted tests for internationally trained nurses applying for registration in Canada.

    The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic is a two-hour, computer-based exam taken in a test center environment that assesses four key English language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Recognized by nursing associations worldwide, including the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in the US, PTE Academic supports nurses seeking to apply their skills internationally.

    "We are thrilled with this recognition, which underscores our commitment to helping aspiring professionals to demonstrate their English proficiency. PTE Academic’s inclusion will support nurses in contributing their valuable skills to the Canadian healthcare system,” added Shileen Costain, Senior Director, Global Stakeholder Relations - PTE.

    Earlier this year, Pearson demonstrated its dedication to supporting Canada’s immigration and professional sectors with the launch of PTE Core. Approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent economic immigration and citizenship applications, PTE Core has been available for bookings since January 30, 2024, and is designed to support Canada’s specific migration needs.

    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