Wednesday 9 May 2012

Organizations Recognizing PTE Academic


PTE Academic is approved for Tier 4 (student visa) applicationswhere students are required to demonstrate English language competency at a minimum of CEFR level B1. PTE Academic scores can also be used to demonstrate English language proficiency under Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the points-based system.  

DIAC approves PTE Academic for student visas to Australia.

The Bar Standards Board is responsible for regulating barristers called to the Bar in England and Wales. Its purpose is to provide specialist regulation of advocacy and set the standards of entry to the profession. PTE Academic is approved by the BSB as an acceptable English language test for international applicants to the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). For more information about the minimum scores required please click here

QTAC processes applications for the majority of undergraduate courses at Queensland universities, Bond University, the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania, and to some courses at universities in Northern NSW, TAFE Queensland, Southbank Institute of Technology and some private providers of post secondary courses.

PTE Academic is approved for long stay study visa applications for the Republic of Ireland.

The mission of the NLSC is to recruit a readily-available pool of individuals who have expertise in languages that are important to the security and welfare of the nation. The NLSC provides certification to qualified individuals as part of its enrollment process.

UCAS is the organization responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK. 

ASIC has been formed to bring independent information about what an institution is really like in terms of quality, resources, student support and ethics to the student population through its accreditation service with well-defined and objective benchmarking. 

The NCSBN is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide an organization through which boards of nursing act and counsel together on matters of common interest and concern affecting the public health, safety and welfare, including the development of licensing examinations in nursing. 

OFQUAL regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England and vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland. 

UAC processes applications for admission to most undergraduate courses at participating institutions in Australia (mainly located in NSW and the ACT). UAC participating institutions' requirements will be available in Table 5 of the UAC 2012 Guide, which is released in July 2011.

SATAC processes applications for many of the courses offered by its participating institutions in the state of South Australia. SATAC assesses the academic and non-academic qualifications presented by applicants and ranks eligible applicants in merit order for each course according to the rules and guidelines provided by the institution offering the course.

How to use PTE Academic with UKBA applications

 




Using PTE Academic when applying for a Tier 4 visa
If you are applying for entry at undergraduate degree level or higher, check with the institution you are applying to for their PTE Academic score requirements. This is the score you will also need for your Tier 4 (student visa) application.
If you are applying for entry to a non-degree program, you will need to demonstrate your English language proficiency at CEFR level B1 for your Tier 4 (student visa) application. PTE Academic is approved for this purpose with a score of at least 36. Note you will need to score 36 in each of the four communicative skills: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.  There is no requirement to achieve minimum scores for enabling skills.
Using PTE Academic when applying for a Tier 2 visa

Tier 2 (General) visa applicants require a minimum PTE Academic Score of 36 in each of the four communicative skills (Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing). 

Tier 2  (Sportspeople) and Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer)applicants require a minimum PTE Academic Score of 24 in each of the four communicative skills,
Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) applicants require a PTE Academic Score of 51 in each of the four communicative skills.
Using PTE Academic when applying for a Spouse/Partner visa
Spouse visa applicants require a minimum PTE Academic score of 24 in Listening and Speaking only.
Taking PTE Academic if your passport is with the UKBA

Please note that if you have already sent your passport to the UK Border Agency for processing, you must* request to have it sent back to you so that you can present it as ID on the day of your test.

For advice on how to request your passport to be returned, please visit this website or call the Immigration Enquiry Bureau on 0870 606 7766 

*with the exception of citizens of Switzerland and Monaco who may present an alternative form of government issued ID containing name, date of birth, photograph and signature.  Please refer to pages 10 and 11 of the Test Taker Handbook.

Sending your PTE Academic score to the UKBA

The UK Border Agency requires that you provide a print out of your score report as well as log in to your account and send your score report to them online.
  • Send your score report online by logging into your account
  • Print out your score report, include it in your application
It is important that you follow both of these steps,

PTE Academic Accepted by Australian Government for Student Visa Applications




The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) approved PTE Academic for testing the English language proficiency of student visa applicants in May 2011. This means that Australian institutions and their potential students will soon have a choice of Government-approved English language testing options.
DIAC have announced that the likely date from which they will begin to accept PTE Academic scores could be as early as 5 November 2011.


Institutions in Australia

PTE Academic is already accepted by over 150 institutions in Australia. The test offers a secure, reliable and quick way for institutions to confidently ensure that they are recruiting students who have the right level of English for their courses. The test is recognized by renowned colleges, universities, training providers and professional associations across the English-speaking world.
To speak to a local representative, contact Triston Farmer,triston.farmer@pearson.com.au             +61 (0)478 310 678      
Professional Partners
If you are a language training provider or agent preparing students to study in Australia, you could benefit from a professional partnership with the world’s leading learning company. 
Click here to find out more

Student visa applicants

PTE Academic is a fast, flexible English language test. You can book online 48 hours in advance, or book by phone just 24 hours before.

The test takes only 3 hours, and results are typically returned within 5 working days.

For further information, email australiavisa@pearson.com

Cambridge English exams approved by the UK Border Agency for Tier 4 student visas

Following changes to visa requirements for Tier 4 student visa applications, you can now choose from 12 Cambridge English exams approved by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) when applying for your student visa.
All of these Cambridge English exams are recognised for Tier 4 student applications to the UK.
The exams cover all four language skills – reading, writing, speaking and listening. In some cases candidates will need to pass the exam with a minimum score in particular skills or with a minimum overall score for all four skills.
Before entering the exam, candidates should check for more information on UK immigration policies and procedures, including English language requirements, at the UKBA website.
In addition to Tier 4 student visas, Cambridge English exams are also recognised by the UKBA as meeting the language requirements for Tier 1 and Tier 2 immigration, covering working in the UK and spouse/partner visas.

Next steps

Why choose Cambridge English exams?

Worldwide recognition – accepted  by over 12,500 institutions globally, including the majority of universities and colleges in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada
Accessible – with over 2,700 test centres across 130 countries, it is convenient to take a Cambridge English exam
Choice – a range of exams to meet your specific needs - for study, work, migration and more
Convenient  – a large number of test dates to choose from and quick turnaround of test results
Flexible – candidates can choose between computer-based and paper-based exams
Easy to prepare – extensive support is available for candidates to prepare for their exams


Tuesday 8 May 2012

Commencement of streamlined visa processing for student visas and other stage two Knight Review changes on 24 and 26 March 2012


On 24 March 2012, a number of key stage two Knight Review changes to the student visa program commenced. These included streamlined visa processing for certain prospective university students and changes to make English language study more accessible.
From 26 March 2012 more flexible work conditions were introduced for student visa holders.

Monday 7 May 2012

Scholarships Alert - May 2012 for Australia





ASF is pleased to announce NEW SCHOLARSHIP OFFERINGS for the following programs for directors and staff of not-for-profit organisations:


1.  Project Management for NFPs - PERTH - 1-Day Workshop - 25 May 2012
After successful workshops in Sydney and Melbourne we are thrilled to offer this one-day practical workshop for NFPs in PERTH. Developed with Corrs Chambers Westgarth, this workshop is designed to provide a practical framework and tools to help you manage projects in your NFP organisation.  This has been tailored specifically for the not-for-profit sector.  Workshop includes a hosted lunch.
16 x 100% scholarships available now.  $500 value each. 
Be QUICK!  Applications close 16 May 2012 or when all scholarships have been allocated.

2.  HR101 for NFPs - Sydney - 16 May 2012 - Half-day
Developed with Corrs Chambers Westgarth, this workshop has been created for the NFP sector.  From hiring to firing, performance management and dealing with harassment, this workshop will give you practical tips on navigating human resource management.  We have a few places left so be quick!
5 x 100% scholarships available now.  $500 value each. 
Be QUICK!  Applications close 13 May 2012 or when all scholarships have been allocated.

3.  Meikle Files Black Leadership Program - 3 Days - June-Oct 2012 - Sydney
3- Day Leadership Program delivered over 4 months in Sydney, in partnership with Emerging Leaders for Social Change (ELSC).  Meikle Files Black is a unique leadership development program created by Andrew Meikle and based on his extensive research, conducted over a 17 year period, into human high performance. Each session provides a depth of understanding into specific areas of human psychology and behaviour, performance and change. Each session is one full day and is delivered by Andrew Meikle in Sydney. This is a tremendous opportunity to attend one of the best leadership programs in Australia.
12 x 100% scholarships available now.  $20,000 value each.
Be QUICK! Applications close 15 May 2012.

For more information on these scholarships and others click here