After only two years on the market, Pearson is continuing to globally expand take-up of its PTE Academic test for entry into universities in the English speaking world, via interesting partnerships. Citing huge demand for its fast, secure test, the company has opened a third test preparation office in Nigeria in collaboration with Kaplan and partnered with Nepal’s largest education association, ECAN, to promote the test through its network and recruitment events.
In Nigeria, Pearson said it teamed up with Kaplan because of the dramatic increase in demand for the test due to recent changes in UK student immigration policy requiring a Secure English Language Test (SELT). (PTE Academic scores are accepted for admissions by almost 3,000 programmes, the UKBA and DIAC in Australia).
As well two of its own testing centres in the country (Lagos and Abuja), Pearson will enable access to PTE Academic via Kaplan’s offices in Lagos. Kaplan students will also be able to use a newly developed test preparation pack.
Sue Edwards, Project Director, Kaplan International Colleges, said: “Kaplan’s students will now have access to a study package that is interactive and will ensure students are well-prepared and stand the best chance of success in their test and application.”
Plans to increase access to the test at a number of Kaplan premises will soon roll out in Beijing
Plans to increase access to the test by creating new PTE Academic test centres at a number of Kaplan premises will soon roll out in Beijing too.
Meanwhile, as part of its partnership with the Educational Consultancy Association of Nepal (ECAN), which has a network of over 300 student recruitment agents and consultants, Pearson will be providing training for all teachers and counsellors as ECAN members. ECAN’s office will act as the liaison office for Pearson Language Testing in Nepal.
“We are excited about this partnership,” said Rajendra Baral, President, ECAN. “It gives ECAN an opportunity to partner with the world’s leading education organisation and this move will benefit all our members.”
Carl Rhymer, Global Sales Director, Language Testing (pictured), added: “We are very excited about the ECAN and Pearson collaboration. This strategic partnership between two leading education brands will allow us to offer a fast, secure and reliable English test to the increasing number of Nepalese students who want to study abroad.”
