Latest news with #PearsonTestofEnglish
Sky News AU
08-08-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Albanese government under fire for dropping English language requirements amid high migration numbers
The Albanese government is facing renewed scrutiny over its immigration approach after quietly lowering the English language threshold for visa applicants, a move the Opposition says will deepen Australia's migration crisis. In a change revealed on Tuesday, Assistant Immigration Minister Matt Thistlethwaite signed off on new rules reducing the minimum English test scores required to demonstrate 'functional' proficiency - a key requirement for several visa categories, including the training and work and holiday visas. It's the first revision to the scoring standards in a decade and affects several major testing systems used by prospective migrants. Assistant Minister Matt Thistlethwaite igned off on new rules reducing the minimum English test scores to demonstrate a functional level of English. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short For the widely used Pearson Test of English (PTE), the pass mark has dropped from 30 out of 90 to 24. Meanwhile, the minimum score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) was lowered from 32 out of 120 to just 26. According to Pearson's own criteria, the lower score reflects a significant shift in ability from someone who 'can understand sentences and frequently used expressions' to a person who can only 'understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases'. Shadow Home Affairs Minister Andrew Hastie. Picture: Richard Dobson / NewsWire Only the benchmark for the most popular test, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), remains unchanged at 4.5 out of 9. Opposition home affairs spokesman Andrew Hastie slammed the move as reckless and out of touch with the pressures facing Australians. 'The Albanese Labor government brought in a million migrants in its first two years, 70 per cent higher than in any previous two-year period,' Mr Hastie said. 'A new person is migrating to Australia every 54 seconds. "This is unsustainable. Instead of moderating immigration, the minister is lowering minimum English proficiency standards. 'Under (Home Affairs Minister) Tony Burke, our migration system is out of control, and it's only going to get worse. Australians are worse off under Labor's immigration policy. "Our infrastructure is under pressure, essential services are stretched thin, and young Australians are locked out of the housing market. Social cohesion is fraying.' Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke holds a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman Mr Burke rejected the claims and accused the Opposition of playing politics with multicultural communities. However, he did not clarify the reasons behind the decision. 'Net overseas migration has fallen, as we said it would,' Mr Burke said. 'I'd been told the opposition wanted to have a reset with multicultural communities. It appears with Mr Hastie nothing has changed, no message has been received.' The Coalition, which had promised to cap migration at 160,000 per year during the last election campaign, has so far kept relatively quiet on the issue post-defeat, but these latest changes appear to have reignited the debate over Australia's immigration settings.
News18
17-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Pearson Enhances PTE Academic With New Speaking Tasks, Fairer AI Scoring System
Last Updated: Pearson has updated PTE Academic with real-life speaking tasks, improved AI scoring, and new prep tools to help Indian students prepare for overseas study and migration. Pearson, a global leader in lifelong learning, has announced significant updates to its Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, enhancing its relevance and value for Indian students aiming to study or migrate abroad. These changes reaffirm Pearson's commitment to offering secure, AI-powered English proficiency tests that reflect the real-world communication skills essential for academic and professional success worldwide. Beginning August 2025, PTE Academic will introduce two new speaking tasks: 'Respond to a Situation" and 'Summarize a Group Discussion." These tasks are designed to assess a test taker's ability to communicate effectively in practical academic and professional settings. Alongside this, Pearson is also upgrading its AI-driven scoring system to better identify copied or unoriginal responses, ensuring a more accurate and fair evaluation process for all candidates. As part of its global growth strategy, Pearson has expanded its secure test centre network to over 500 locations globally. New centres have been launched across Southeast Asia to improve accessibility and boost testing capacity in key urban areas. Despite these updates, the core features of PTE Academic remain the same. It continues to be fully computer-based, scored predominantly by AI, and delivers results typically within 48 hours. PTE is accepted by over 3,500 institutions worldwide and recognised by the governments of Australia, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand. It continues to be one of the most trusted English proficiency tests for Indian students and professionals looking to build their future overseas. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Mid East Info
14-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Pearson Advances English Language Assessment with Enhanced PTE and New Express Test - Middle East Business News and Information
Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world's lifelong learning company, today announces updates to its English language testing portfolio. These include enhancements to the Pearson Test of English (PTE) and the launch of the Pearson English Express Test, bringing new advances in secure, accurate, and trusted assessments. Together, they demonstrate Pearson's commitment to improving the testing experience for governments, universities, and test takers worldwide. With over 30 million expatriates in the Middle East, English fluency is becoming essential for career and economic advancement. Driven by demand for international education, global job mobility, and digital transformation, the region is placing growing emphasis on English proficiency. According to Pearson, 85% of learners believe English is vital for professional growth, and in Saudi Arabia, fluent speakers can earn up to twice as much as their peers. In response, regional stakeholders are ramping up efforts to deliver effective language training, digital learning solutions and standardized assessments for the future workforce. Enhancements to the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Starting in August 2025, PTE Academic will introduce two new speaking tasks: 'Respond to a Situation' and 'Summarize a Group Discussion'. These additions precisely assess how test takers communicate in real-world situations, demonstrating key skills needed for academic and professional success. The scoring model is also being enhanced, with advanced AI working alongside human experts to better detect copied or unoriginal responses. To help test takers perform at their best, Pearson has introduced new preparation resources tailored to the enhanced PTE Academic, including scored practice tests, PTE expert courseware, test taker webinars, and video content. Trusted fundamentals remain The core features of PTE remain: it is fully computer-based, primarily AI scored, and delivers fast results, typically within two days. The test continues to be trusted by more than 3,500 institutions and millions of learners worldwide. Growth in global test center network PTE's secure test center network continues to expand worldwide, with 30 centers opened so far in 2025, bringing the total to 517 locations. New openings across Canada, China, Australia, India, Vietnam, and 12 other countries are supporting growth in key migration and study abroad markets. In the UAE, leading universities including the University of Wollongong in Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, and the American University of Ras Al Khaimah already accept PTE Academic as part of their admissions process. Introducing the Pearson English Express Test Responding to demand for a trusted, accessible test for US-bound learners, Pearson is launching the Pearson English Express Test, a new online assessment to expand access to secure testing. The one-hour test can be taken anytime, anywhere, offering an affordable alternative for those without access to a test center. Results are available within minutes, with a certified report delivered in under 48 hours. Meeting university needs The Pearson English Express Test addresses the growing demand from universities for secure and accurate English proficiency assessments. Institutions can set scores using Pearson's Global Scale of English (GSE) proficiency scale and receive results through the same secure platform used for PTE Academic. Universities will receive samples of written and spoken responses for added assurance. Security features leverage Pearson's 30 years of expertise, and include identity and equipment checks, human oversight, and dual-camera monitoring of the test environment. Sharon Hague, President of English Language Learning at Pearson, said: 'Across the Middle East, demand for high-quality English language assessment is growing rapidly as learners pursue global education, career, and migration opportunities. We are investing in the future of assessment. We know that English tests must reflect the skills people need to thrive in academic and professional settings and deliver results institutions can trust when the stakes are high. We're responding with enhanced test security and new tasks that better reflect real-world communication. And because these are life-changing moments for test takers, we're providing new preparation tools to help them feel confident and ready on test day.' Helping more learners take the next step Pearson's latest investments meet the different needs of governments, institutions, and learners worldwide, as part of an ongoing programme of innovation and development. Enhancements to PTE Academic take effect from 7 August 2025, with further information available on our website. The Pearson English Express test will be available from Q4 in Brazil, Mexico, the US, Japan, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain, with additional markets to follow in 2026.
Khaleej Times
28-01-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Pearson Middle East highlights how English proficiency unlocks career growth and global mobility
English proficiency has become an essential skill for individuals seeking career advancement and opportunities abroad. With expatriates comprising 30 million of the Middle East's population, the region is uniquely positioned to benefit from the power of the English language in breaking down barriers, fostering global connections, and unlocking life-changing opportunities. Recognising this need, Pearson, the world's lifelong learning company, is shedding light on how English proficiency is a catalyst for personal and professional growth, particularly through its Pearson Test of English (PTE). English is not only the world's most commonly spoken language, with over 1.5 billion speakers globally, but also the lingua franca of business, education, and international communication. Its relevance is especially pronounced in the Middle East, where studying or migrating abroad is a common aspiration. Moreover, Pearson's study, How English Empowers Your Tomorrow, reveals that in KSA, individuals proficient in English earn 60-100 per cent more than their less proficient peers. Pearson's PTE is a trusted choice offering individuals an accessible and efficient way to demonstrate their English language skills. The test leverages leading automated scoring technology, which assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking in a single two-hour session It can be taken across Pearson's existing network of more than 445 PTE centres in 117 countries. The UK, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand governments recognize PTE Academic for all visa applications. Ipek Aydin, director PTE, Middle East and Africa at Pearson said: "Mastering English is more than just acquiring a language; it is about opening doors to new possibilities. English is the key to effective communication, cultural understanding, and career progression. For individuals in the Middle East, where globalisation drives economic growth, proficiency in English offers a clear path to success in competitive global markets." As organisations increasingly operate on a global scale, fluency in English allows professionals to bridge linguistic and cultural divides, facilitating collaboration with international clients and teams. The PTE provides a reliable benchmark of their language abilities so that candidates are better positioned to secure lucrative roles and advance within their industries. Learning English enables individuals to connect more deeply with diverse cultures, appreciating their literature, art, and traditions without the need for translation. This cultural sensitivity is invaluable in today's interconnected world, where empathy and understanding are critical. Pearson's PTE not only helps individuals achieve fluency but also offers extensive resources to support their learning journey, including practice tests, sample question banks, and online tutorials tailored to diverse learning needs. These tools ensure candidates are well-prepared to excel, enabling them to gain the confidence needed to navigate international settings effectively. As the Middle East continues to embrace globalisation, the demand for English language proficiency is only expected to grow. Pearson remains committed to empowering individuals across the region by providing them with the tools to thrive in an interconnected world. To learn more about how the PTE can help you unlock your potential, visit
