Prestigious Chevening Scholarship Programme Recognises PTE Academic

LONDON, October 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Pearson is pleased to announce that PTE Academic is now recognised by Chevening Scholarships, the UK government's global scholarships programme, for entry onto the scholarship scheme. These prestigious scholarships support study at UK universities for students with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers and opinion formers across a wide range of fields.

Applications for 2013/14 Chevening Scholarships opened on Monday 29 October 2012. There are new minimum English language requirements for 2013/14 Chevening Scholarships and applicants must demonstrate that they meet these English language requirements before they apply. PTE Academic is now recognised as a valid certificate of English language ability for Chevening candidates, with candidates requiring a PTE Academic overall score of 58, with a minimum score of 42 in each language component.

Anna Phillips, Communications Officer said: "We are delighted that applicants for 2013/14 Chevening Scholarships can now take PTE Academic to demonstrate their English language ability. The Chevening programme is a prestigious international scheme, and our recent partnership with Pearson, the world's leading international education and information company, will help us continue to attract outstanding scholars with leadership potential from around the world."

English language skills are crucial for international success and PTE Academic was developed to fulfil 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, over 3,000 academic programmes accept PTE Academic scores.

Emma Stubbs, Senior-Vice President of Language Testing, Pearson said: "PTE Academic is a popular choice among students across the world who need to take a secure English language test to fulfil higher-education and student visa requirements, and for entry to scholarship schemes such as Chevening." She added: "This is particularly because PTE Academic better prepares students to apply their English skills in an academic environment, giving them the confidence to succeed in their studies. We are delighted to have gained recognition from Chevening for entry to their scholarship programme."

Established in 1983, Chevening Scholarships are currently offered in approximately 110 countries, in most regions of the world. In the current academic year, there are over 700 Chevening scholars at universities across the UK.

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 Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships is the UK government's global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. The Scholarships are awarded to outstanding scholars with leadership potential. Awards are typically for a one-year Master's degree, in any subject and at any of the UK's leading universities.

The Chevening programme began in 1983 and has developed into a prestigious international scheme. Chevening Scholars come from over 116 countries worldwide (excluding the USA and the EU), and this year the Scholarships will support approximately 700 individuals. There are over 41,000 Chevening alumni around the world who together comprise an influential and highly regarded global network.

Further details of English language requirements for Chevening Scholars are available at http://www.chevening.org/apply/elt. Applicants to the Chevening programme should sign up for alerts at http://www.chevening.org for the latest information on candidate guidance.

For more information, please contact:
Fran Bayley, fran.bayley@pearson.com, +44-(0)20-7010-2633
Anna Phillips, anna.phillips@chevening.org, +44-(0)20-7380-6739