Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, today announced that the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) has been approved by the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) as proof of English language proficiency for a range of visa categories. The decision means that for the first time in thirteen years, visa applicants will have a choice of Government-approved English language testing options.
Emma Stubbs, Senior Vice-President of Pearson Language Testing, commented: “English language ability is important for success for any new Australian migrant, helping them to improve their employment opportunities, social integration and everyday interaction. It is critical to be able to prove this skill in a secure and objective environment using the most up-to-date testing methods and technologies. This is what PTE Academic offers and we are delighted that people intending to work and live in Australia will now have the opportunity to choose which English test best suits them.”
The decision affects skilled, temporary graduate, work, holiday and former resident visa programmes. This impacts all visa sub-classes, with the exception of subclass 457 which is currently undergoing an external review. In 2012 – 2013, around 130,000 visas were granted for permanent additions to the Australian population through this range of visa categories. The largest migrant source markets (excluding New Zealand) were India, China and the United Kingdom.
David Barnett, Managing Director of Pearson Australia & Singapore, commented: “PTE Academic operates in over 50 countries where people are looking to prove their English language ability, and has seen a rapid expansion into key source markets for Australian migration. The test’s rapid adoption has been fuelled by its superior service – convenient test locations worldwide, flexible test schedules and fast result times – typically, test-takers receive their results within five business days.”
Worldwide, PTE Academic is accepted by thousands of academic programmes, as well as by the UK Visa & Immigration department. In 2011, PTE Academic was accepted as proof of English-
language ability for Australian student visas, and has since been adopted by all Australian universities as proof of English language ability. Pearson has invested heavily in digital, biometric and forensic security measures, driving up standards in such a high-stakes testing environment. As a relative newcomer the market place, Pearson has been able to place cutting-edge methodologies and technologies at the heart of its service and believes PTE Academic is the most secure, reliable, objective and accurate test in its field.
PTE Academic operates test centres in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, as well as in over 50 countries worldwide.
For more information, visit www.pearsonpte.com
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