National, 4^th March 2021: In order to shed light on the importance of English language proficiency for overseas education, Pearson India organized the Changemakers Academic Bootcamp Programme 2021, a 7-day certified program, with The University of Queensland (UQ), the research-intensive institution in the top 50 universities world-wide. Targeting high school students across India, the series of 7 virtual sessionsfocused upon future skills, careers and challenges faced by the new world.  

The programme witnessed 6000 students register for the learning capsules including international students. The session also assisted students in understanding various study opportunities in Australia and role of PTE Academic, computer-based language proficiency exam in helping them reach one step closer to their dreams when opting to study abroad. Students were also exposed to some of the top ranked higher education opportunities in Australia. 

Commenting on the programme, Ramananda SG, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Pearson India, said: “As we gradually progress from the effects of pandemic, many students from India are keen and opting to travel abroad for in-person learning. According to the recently conducted Global Learner Survey by Pearson, 80% of learners see English as the gateway to pursue higher education or work globally. English language proficiency is essential when planning for overseas education and we at Pearson assist aspirants with PTE Academic test to enhance their language proficiency/skills which is a stepping-stone in their journey. I would like to thank the University of Queensland for partnering with Pearson and providing an opportunity for Indian students to learn about future skills and solutions, helpful to stay ahead of the curve in the competitive world.” 

Sagar Bahadur, Principal Adviser – India, at The University of Queensland said: “The University of Queensland’s valued relationship with India has been strengthened by decades of academic and industry partnerships, student mobility, and commercialisation opportunities. In the last two years, UQ has raised the bar on how world-class International universities can work collaboratively with Indian institutions and create shared value in the ecosystem. UQ recognises the disruption that COVID-19 has had on the Indian student community and this program provided a perfect platform for students across India to engage with world–renowned academics from a world top 50 university. It was heartening to see the high level of engagement and some of the ideas that students and academics deliberated upon to make this world a better place.”  

Some of the other interesting sessions discussed during the sessions included saving the world with Science, surviving the rise of machines, three basic rules before starting business, economics in everyday life and many others. 

What is PTE Academic ?

PTE Academic is a computer-based language test that offers international students and employment seekers a fast (results typically in five business days), fair (accurate computer marking with no potential for examiner bias) and flexible (test sessions 363 days of the year) way of proving their English language proficiency. The test is accepted by 100% of universities in Australia, Ireland and New Zealand. PTE Academic is also accepted by renowned colleges, universities, training providers and professional associations across USA, UK, Canada and Singapore, including Harvard Business School, Yale University, INSEAD and London Business School. 

The University of Queensland (UQ), located in Brisbane, Australia, is one of the leading teaching and research universities, ranked among the world’s top 50 universities and 2^nd in Australia. In 2019, UQ was ranked first in Australia by the prestigious Nature Index, and 79^th overall in the world for impactful research pioneering global change. Demonstrating a strong focus on teaching excellence, UQ has won more Australian Awards for University Teaching than any other university. UQ is one of only three Australian members of the global Universitas 21; a founding member of the Group of Eight (Go8) universities; a member of Universities Australia; and one of only three Australian charter members of the prestigious edX consortium, the world’s leading not-for-profit consortium of massive open online courses (MOOCs).