Choosing an English test for your visa applications? PTE Academic is the one for you

If you’re thinking of studying overseas or migrating to a different country, chances are you’re going to need to sit for an English test.

This test is a mandatory requirement for your visa application and while there are several ways of taking this test, one of the most accessible versions of the English test is PTE Academic.

Why choose PTE Academic?

Globally recognised by the international education and migration industry, PTE Academic (short for Pearson Test of English) is a computer-based English test that assesses candidates English proficiency. PTE Academic assesses listening, reading, speaking and writing skills and the entire test is conducted entirely through a computer at a Pearson test centre.

Sasha Hampson, Head of PTE Academic, says the test is designed to provide students with “a really streamlined process” to show their English qualifications.

“We are running testing in most locations six days a week,” Ms Hampson said. “So there’s plenty of availability for people to take the test with the time and date of their convenience and results are available typically within five business days.”

Convenience and fast results aren’t the only factors that make PTE Academic an easy choice to make for international students when it comes to their English language testing.

PTE Academic is also widely accepted for all types of student and migration visas and is recognised by all Australian campuses including university and TAFE. Beyond the realms of education, PTE Academic is also accepted by a wide array of professional bodies including:

  • Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
  • Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMAC)
  • Certified Practicing Accountants Australia (CPA Australia)
  • Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
  • Australian Computer Society (ACS)
  • Engineers Australia

Finally, testing centres are located all over Australia. With 26 centres running tests (each test can be completed in a single, three hour sitting) six days of the week, you can always find the time to take the test.

How do I prepare for it?

We get how nerve-wrecking it can be to sit for a test. To assist, Ms Hampson has provided PTE Academic candidates with advice on how they can best prepare for the test.

“We advise candidates to become familiar with the test questions no matter how high the level of your English proficiency is,” Ms Hampson recommended.

Sample test questions for those who want to brush up on their English or know what they can expect on the day of their own test can be obtained through PTE Academic’s official website.

Ms Hampson also advised candidates make full use of PTE Academic’s online test preparation partner, E2Language and the suite of online courses they offer to get candidates ready for the test. More on E2Language’s packages can be found on its website.


This story has been sponsored by Pearson Australia. To find out more about PTE Academics or book a test, visit their official website.

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