Pearson Extends Access to PTE Academic Across Middle East

LONDON, November 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --



Pearson is pleased to announce a new partnership with UK International (UKI) in Kuwait to open a new testing centre for it's English language test, PTE Academic.

PTE Academic was developed to fulfill the need for an English language proficiency test that more accurately measures the communication skills of international students in an academic environment. PTE Academic is recognised by renowned colleges, universities, training providers and professional associations across the English-speaking world. Globally, approximately 3,000 academic programmes now accept PTE Academic scores. It is also accepted by the UKBA for student visa applications.

UKI provides English language training alongside testing facilities for PTE Academic. The Institute is helping young students learn English as a second language, while also helping adult students who wish to pursue further education and Business English. UKI offers an array of language classes and courses from beginners to advanced levels and aims to constantly update and create new language study opportunities for adults and the young population in the region. The test centre in Kuwait runs 5 days a week, with 2 sessions each day; morning and evening.

Carl Rhymer, Global Sales Director for Language Testing, Pearson said: "This partnership with UK International is vital as PTE Academic continues to grow across the Middle East and the world. It will allow increased access to PTE Academic testing sessions and give Kuwaiti students a choice in what English language test they take to fulfill their higher education and student visa requirements." He added: "PTE Academic is a popular choice among students who need to take an English language test, particularly because of the availability of our test sessions and the speed at which we return test scores - the fastest turn-around in the market."

"Being a PTE Academic test centre has provided our students with confidence and an excellent command of their language skills before they carry on with their academic and professional careers" said Saqib Jamil, Administrative and Marketing Manager at UKI. He continued, "We are proud to be an approved PTE Academic testing center and providing language preparation courses at UKI."

Notes for editors:

About PTE Academic
PTE Academic was launched in late 2009 by Pearson and is recognised by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) for Tier 4 (student) applications and applications for Tier 2 of the points-based system, where applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency. It is also approved by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for student visa applications. PTE Academic is endorsed by the prestigious Graduate Management Admission Council® (GMAC®), owner of the Graduate Management Admission Test® (GMAT®).  For a full list of recognising institutions, please visit: http://www.pearsonpte.com/whoaccepts

Hear testimonials from our test takers first hand by visiting our YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/pearsonpte.

Into the Fourth Year of PTE Academic - our story brochure highlights PTE Academic's key successes and achievements to date.  To view this brochure please visit http://pearsonpte.com/media/Documents/fourthyear.pdf

About Pearson
Pearson is the world's leading learning company. Our education business combines 150 years of experience in publishing with the latest learning technology and online support. We are also part of the wider Pearson family which includes Penguin, Global English and the Financial Times. We provide education and assessment services in more than 65 countries. Our courses and resources are available in print, online and through multilingual packages, helping people learn whatever, wherever and however they choose. Products such as MyLabs are changing education practice worldwide.

About UK International Kuwait

UK International Kuwait is a subsidiary of JnS Education Consultancy, which was established in 2003 and is one of the leading education consultant in recruiting international students from South Asia, Middle East and United Kingdom. With a growing demand of education around the globe we have been sending thousands of students to the various highly ranked universities/colleges in United Kingdom so that we can fulfil the demands of our clients and provide them flexibility.

JnS promises a high quality education to our students from the leading partner universities/colleges including GCSE's, A-levels, English language courses and Higher Education. JnS is an international player that promotes excellence in all aspects related to the acquisition of knowledge and skills. With our head office in United Kingdom, we have our branches in Kuwait and Pakistan.

For more information, please contact:

Fran Bayley, fran.bayley@pearson.com, +44(0)20-7010-2633

Mohsin Jamil, mohsin.jamil@jnsedu.com, +96-5-99005584