PSI and the Scottish Qualifications Authority’s B1 and B2 Four Facet Skills for English language tests have officially been approved by the Irish government for study visa qualification, the company has announced.
As part of their application for an approved English program at an Irish institution, overseas students looking to study will be able to take the Skills for English: SELT or Skills for English: Global tests.
These will form part of their application and will give part-time work rights to students who are successful, allowing them to expand their portfolio during their time in Ireland.
“Being accepted for study visa purposes in Ireland is a key strategic pillar for Skills for English,” said the president of PSI, Janet Garcia.
“It will afford international students even greater accessibility to one of the top destination markets globally for English language teaching and higher education,” she remarked.
The approval comes at a crucial time for Ireland’s international student recruitment community; numbers have grown by 26% in the last three years.
It also follows Duolingo’s English Test being made a permanent offering as a minimum English language standard for Irish study visas in December.
The Irish immigration department’s decision to “expand the options available” is “ideal”, according to PSI.
“The Irish government joins the UK government in recognising the quality of the assessment on offer and gives higher and further education institutions confidence that their applicants have the necessary English language skills and knowledge to succeed in the next stage of their education,” said John McMorris, director of business development at the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
“Being accepted for study visa purposes in Ireland is a key strategic pillar”
He also remarked that it builds on a “successful relationship” between the authority and PSI, and that it is a “significant development”.
“This is just another vote of confidence in the Skills for English language test,” he added.
Garcia echoed the sentiment, remarking that the move cements Skills for English as a “suite of trusted, high-stakes tests for international visa and study purposes”.
“Together with our network of partner agents and preparation providers, we are working tirelessly to help students reach their goals of studying and living abroad.
“Recognition of Skills for English by the Irish government will undoubtedly be of great benefit to many thousands of students over the coming years,” added Garcia.
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