LONDON, May 27, 2023
/CNW/ -- Pearson, the world's leading learning company, has today
received approval from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
(IRCC) for PTE Academic to be accepted for all SDS (Student Direct
Stream) applications.
PTE Academic will be accepted by the IRCC for SDS applications
as of August 10, 2023.
This approval follows IRCC recognition earlier this year of PTE
Core for proof of English language proficiency for
Canadian permanent residency or citizenship.
SDS is an expedited study permit process for students applying
to study in Canada from
Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa
Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad
and Tobago, and Vietnam.
Latest IRCC figures for 2022 show Canada reached an
all-time high for international students. As of the end of October,
IRCC had processed more than 750,300 study permit applications
during the 2022 calendar year.
The UK, Australian and New
Zealand governments already accept PTE Academic for all visa
applications. PTE Academic is also accepted by thousands of
universities across Canada,
Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK and the USA. PTE can be taken at more than
400 PTE centres in 118 countries.
Andy Bird, CEO, Pearson, said:
"Canada is a great place to be a
student – fantastic colleges, beautiful scenery, exciting culture
and nightlife. With PTE Academic now recognised for SDS purposes,
I'm delighted that Pearson can help even more test takers achieve
their dream of studying there.
"This recognition comes hot on the heels of PTE Core being
approved for Canadian economic migration purposes earlier this year
and reflects our determination to make PTE the test of choice for
everybody wanting to live, work or study abroad."
PTE brings together human expertise and the latest AI technology
to deliver an English language proficiency test that is both
impartial and highly accurate. AI technology is used for scoring
and biometric data collection provides enhanced security measures.
PTE is delivered through Pearson VUE, the computer-based testing
business of Pearson.
Furthermore, test takers can book online up to 24 hours in
advance, take advantage of year-round worldwide test centre slots
and receive their results on average within 1.3 days.
PTE Academic tests taken before 10th August will be eligible for
SDS provided they are submitted after this date and are within the
expiry period stipulated by IRCC. Applicants are advised to
check IRCC guidance.
About Pearson
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to
add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning
opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our
c.20,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and
enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We
are the world's leading learning company, serving customers in
c.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 person.com
Media contact:
Kasia Reardon
Kasia.reardon@pearson.com
media@pearson.com
07702 512 312
SOURCE Pearson