Pearson has today announced that the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will soon accept PTE Academic scores submitted with student visa applications, following their formal approval of the test in May of this year. The date from when PTE Academic scores will be accepted is likely to be as early as 5 November 2011. DIAC will require students to achieve minimum PTE Academic scores ranging between 29 and 50 at Assessment Levels 3 and 4, depending on their nationality, their education sector and the terms of their study in Australia.
PTE Academic is already accepted by over 150 institutions in Australia which request proof of English language proficiency as part of their admissions criteria for international students. The test is accepted by over 2800 academic programs worldwide and is already approved by a number of government agencies including the UK Border Agency, which accepts the test for Tiers 1,2 and 4 (student) visa applications.
Fraser Cargill, Vice President Government Relations for Pearson Asia Pacific, said “We are looking forward to seeing PTE Academic scores being accepted by DIAC. We believe PTE Academic is the most reliable and secure test in the market and we are delighted to be able to offer this assurance with confidence to DIAC and to universities in Australia. PTE Academic is also the fastest test in the market, returning scores typically within five business days, making it a popular choice among student visa applicants with tight deadlines to meet.”
It is expected that demand for PTE Academic will increase even further once DIAC begins to accept scores. Pearson has responded to this quickly and efficiently by creating additional session availability in source markets such as China, India, Korea and Nepal over recent months. Due to a flexible ‘on demand’ test scheduling service for institutions and international advisors, PTE Academic is well-positioned to open up additional test sessions in Australia and international student source markets in response to further growth in demand for the test.
Navitas, supporters of international students studying abroad, said: “We are extremely pleased with the DIAC decision. To support our students further, Navitas has launched the first fully accredited PTE Academic preparation course available for students in Australia.”
