PTE 2026 Research Call

Eligibility

We invite faculty members, doctoral students and qualified freelance researchers to submit proposals of relevance to the research areas outlined below.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for this research call, please send your curriculum vitae and a research proposal by email entitled “PTE External Research Call 2026” to pteresearch@pearson.com. The deadline for receipt of applications is 5 July 2026. Your proposal should clearly indicate:

• Title of research proposal
• Name/s of researcher/s
• Research goal
• Theoretical background
• Data, methodology and instruments
• A detailed description of how the research question and methodology are compatible with the linear-on-the-fly (LOFT) test construction used by PTE (i.e. the research does not rely on fixed test forms).
• Anticipated outcomes
• Contribution to the field of second/foreign language testing
• Project schedule and timeline. Please note that if you are not registered as a supplier on Pearson procurement systems, it will take 6-8 weeks to onboard you. Once onboarded, payment terms are generally 30 days. Please account for this in your timeline.

The proposal must clearly outline the support you will require from Pearson, including:

• Specific data requirements (e.g. type of data, sample size)
• Specific testing requirements (e.g. number of test vouchers, location of testing, practice test or live test)
• Detailed cost breakdown and total budget requested in GBP
• Note: detailed cost breakdown may include the following: institutional overhead, travel expenses, researchers' time, printing materials, student incentives, and anything which is needed to successfully complete the project).

Please note the desirable length of the proposal is of 5-10 pages. If you have any additional questions about the application process, please contact us on pteresearch@pearson.com before you submit your application.

Research areas