The announcement comes after Pearson received official sanction in May to begin secure testing operations for UKVI purposes in 20 locations around the world.

“Amid Covid-19, the test centres operate with increased disinfecting and hygienic procedures”

Given widely acknowledged problems with international students gaining a visa to study (accessing a SELT can be a required part of the process), the news is a welcome sign of operations returning to normal.

This new wave of approved locations includes the first eight centres in the UK and 15 centres in India as well as centres in Japan, Egypt, Philippines, South Africa, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and Singapore, among others. 

Bookings can be taken at all locations, explained Pearson, with 57 of these locations open now to deliver testing, and the remaining 15 to open once individual Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. 

The tests will be delivered through the Pearson VUE test centre network.

“Pearson VUE test centres follow health and safety guidance provided by global health organisations and local governments,” the operator explained.

“Amid Covid-19, the test centres operate with increased disinfecting and hygienic procedures and additional social distancing measures to support the safety of testing candidates and staff.“

Pearson added that it is expected that all remaining SELT testing locations will become operational this summer. 

Pearson’s SELT tests are: PTE Academic (UKVI) – a four skill language test accepted for work and study visas. It tests speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, and PTE Home – a two skills language test accepted for family, settlement, citizenship applications.

The list of tests and test centres approved by UKVI can be seen here.