Pearson, the world’s lifelong learning company, has announced a strategic partnership with King Saud University (KSU) in Saudi Arabia. The partnership is designed to empower students and Saudi residents with advanced English language testing solutions. This alliance marks a significant step in Pearson’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting English proficiency across the region.
KSU’s “Common First Year” programme, a preparatory year designed to equip students with essential skills for academic and future success, has now recognized the Pearson Test of English (PTE) as an official entry requirement. To further support students, KSU and Pearson are setting up an on-campus PTE Testing Centre in the Common First Year building. This will enable students to take the PTE test directly at KSU and streamline the process of demonstrating their English proficiency for admission. With thousands of applicants each intake, KSU continues to strengthen its position as a leading regional institution and beyond.
Sharing about the partnership, Ipek Aydin, Director of PTE, Middle East and Africa at Pearson, said:
Pearson is dedicated to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by delivering innovative English language solutions that contribute to economic diversification and enhance employment opportunities. We recognize the crucial importance of English proficiency in driving both professional success and personal development. To support King Saud University, we provide robust English Language Testing solutions, such as the Pearson Test of English. This assessment accurately measures and tracks English proficiency, empowering learners to reach their personal and professional goals.
Under this collaboration, residents of KSA will have the opportunity to take the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic directly on the university campus, a move set to streamline the testing process and offer unprecedented access to global educational and professional opportunities. Students will benefit from free learning resources, including three hours of live training, 11 hours of online training, and comprehensive study materials. KSU applicants can access exclusive PTE test discounts by contacting the Common First Year admissions.
PTE Academic is an innovative, computer-based, AI-powered English proficiency test designed by Pearson for those who wish to study, work or migrate abroad. The exam leverages leading automated scoring technology to assess speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a single, two-hour assessment, ensuring accuracy and impartiality in results. With a result turnaround of just two days, it offers candidates a fast, fair, and accurate English language proficiency test. Pearson’s network of 445 centres in 117 countries allows students to take PTE Academic, recognized by over 3,500 universities worldwide.
The UK, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand governments recognize PTE Academic for all visa applications, while universities across Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, and the USA also accept it. This widespread recognition makes PTE Academic a trusted choice for study and immigration purposes, ensuring that English proficiency is acknowledged globally.
