Third phase of PTE centers approved to deliver tests for UKVI

PTE Author
PTE Author
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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

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    • Cambodia: Phnom Penh 

    • Indonesia: Jakarta, Surabaya, Pontianak 

    • Japan: Chiyoda-ku, Osaka shi, Shinjuku 

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    • Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Vientiane 

    • Malaysia: Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Sabah, Selangor 

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    Last updated 05 November 2025.