Independent English Language Benchmarking Body ELSA Launches
2 Min Read
A new non-profit organisation, the English Language Standard Authority (ELSA), has officially launched with the aim of providing independent evaluation and advice on English language assessments worldwide.
Founded by leading experts Sandy Bhangal, Stephen Carey, Karen Ottewell and Mir Rahman, ELSA has been described as filling a “critical gap in the sector” by offering impartial insights into the quality and fairness of English language testing. Collectively, its founders bring more than a century of experience in applied linguistics and assessment.
“The need for unbiased oversight in the English Language Teaching sector has never been greater,” said co-founder Ottewell. “Until now, no independent authority has existed to ensure institutions and applicants can rely on objective standards.”
The organisation will deliver consultancy services to universities, schools, and policymakers on how to select and implement reliable English language tests. It will also provide independent test reviews and develop language assessment literacy training for educators and administrators.
ELSA’s launch comes at a pivotal time for the UK’s language testing landscape. The UK Home Office is currently considering introducing a single, government-backed English test, with digital-first delivery under review. This ongoing tender has already prompted five separate requests for information from the sector, reflecting the scale of reform under discussion.
By offering objective analysis in a field often criticised as opaque and commercially driven, ELSA aims to support institutions worldwide in making evidence-based decisions. The authority has stressed that universities, in particular, have a duty of care when selecting English tests, not only to safeguard admissions standards but also to ensure fairness for international applicants.
The creation of ELSA is expected to provide much-needed transparency and accountability in a sector that directly impacts higher education, immigration, and employment opportunities globally. Its presence is likely to influence both the UK’s evolving policy on English language testing and international approaches to student mobility.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
Top Stories
ICEF Launches AI-Powered Compliance Platform to Monitor Education Agents
September 8, 2025 | By Daniel
UK Remains Top Choice for Pathway Students Despite Tougher Visa Rules
September 5, 2025 | By Jace
China’s New K Visa Targets Global STEM Talent Amid AI Race
September 4, 2025 | By KaiMore Articles
Hungary Offers Tuition-Free Higher Education with Monthly Stipend
Hungary has announced an attractive opportunity for international students through its flagship Stipendium…
By Neerav
Germany Waives Visa Fees for Indian Students in Landmark Move
Germany has announced that Indian students will no longer be required to pay visa fees for short-term academic…
By Advay
Canada Opens PR Pathway for International Education Students
Canada has announced a new immigration pathway that allows international students in education to transition…
By Siya
London Met Tops UK Rankings for Student Value Added
London Metropolitan University has been named the best in the UK for the progress its students make, according…
By Aahana
China Approves 46 New TNE Partnerships in Major Higher Education Expansion
China’s Ministry of Education has approved 46 new transnational education (TNE) partnerships as the country looks…
By Ezra
English Path Expands with New Campus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
English Path (EP), a global leader in language training, has announced the opening of a new campus in Riyadh, strengthening…
By Daniel
Global ELT Recovery Stalls as Canada, UK and Australia Face Setbacks
The global English Language Teaching (ELT) sector is facing slower-than-expected recovery, with major study…
By Jace
West Africa Emerges as Growing Study Destination for International Students
West Africa is seeing a surge in international student interest as affordability and visa accessibility drive demand…
By Advay
Australia’s New Tertiary Education Commission to Steer Long-Term Reform
Australia has launched the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC), a new independent body tasked with driving…
By Neerav
Canada Rejects 80% of Indian Student Visas in 2025 as Germany Gains Ground
Canada has rejected nearly 80% of student visa applications from India this year, marking one…
By Vaidant
Universities of Greenwich and Kent to Merge into ‘Super-University’
Two prominent UK universities, the University of Greenwich and the University of Kent, have announced a merger…
By Kai
UK International Student Numbers Double Over Past Decade
The number of international students in the United Kingdom has more than doubled over the past decade, reinforcing…
By Siya
US Visa Applicants Must Now Interview in Home Country
The US State Department has announced that, effective 6 September 2025, all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including…
By Ezra
Harvard Secures Court Victory Against Trump Administration
Harvard University has won a major legal battle against the Trump administration, with a federal court ruling that the…
By Vaidant
Malvern College to Open New Campus in Saudi Arabia by 2027
UK independent school Malvern College has announced plans to open its first Saudi campus in Riyadh, marking a…
By Jace
Home Office Moves Towards ‘Digital by Default’ English Language Testing
The UK Home Office has taken a major step towards introducing a digital-first approach to English language testing, as part of its…
By Aahana
Indian Students Face Stricter Visa Rules as US Tightens Policies
Indian students planning to study in the United States are facing tougher challenges after the US government enforced stricter…
By Aahana
USC Launches New Undergraduate Degree in Artificial Intelligence
The University of Southern California (USC) has announced the launch of a new undergraduate programme in Artificial Intelligence, marking a…
By Henry
ICEF Launches AI-Powered Compliance Platform to Monitor Education Agents
ICEF, a leading accreditation and training organisation in the international education sector, has unveiled an…
By Daniel
TOEFL Launches ₹10 Lakh Initiative for Indian Study Abroad Aspirants
Indian students planning to study overseas have been given a fresh boost through a new initiative by ETS, the organisation behind…
By Advay
Germany Surpasses US and Canada as Top Study Destination for Indian Students
Germany has overtaken the United States and Canada as the leading choice for Indian students seeking higher education…
By Henry
UK Remains Top Choice for Pathway Students Despite Tougher Visa Rules
The United Kingdom continues to hold its position as the leading destination for…
By Jace
India and Germany Agree on Gratis Visas to Boost Student Exchanges
India and Germany have agreed to introduce gratis visas for short-term school and college visits, a move aimed at…
By Aahana
China’s New K Visa Targets Global STEM Talent Amid AI Race
The launch of the new K visa is being hailed as a landmark step in China’s bid to secure global technological leadership…
By Kai
US Visa Curbs Fail to Deter Young Ghanaians from Pursuing the American Dream
New visa restrictions imposed by the United States have done little to dampen the ambitions of Ghanaian students…
By Neerav
Indians’ Spending on Foreign Studies Falls to 7-Year Low Amid US Visa Curbs
Indians’ spending on foreign education has slumped to a seven-year low, with tighter visa rules in the United States and…
By Ezra
APPG Calls for Regional Focus on International Students’ Economic Impact
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Students has urged the government to adopt a comprehensive…
By Henry
International Universities Explore Campuses in Bangladesh
International universities are showing increasing interest in setting up campuses and dual degree programmes…
By Vaidant
Canada Raises Financial Proof Requirement for Study Permits from September 2025
International students applying for study permits in Canada will soon face stricter financial…
By Advay
UK warns international students against overstaying visas
The UK government has begun sending text and email alerts to international students whose…
By Jace
Spain launches fast-track route for US-affected students
Spain has unveiled a new education fast-track to attract international students impacted by…
By Aahana
UK universities boost career support for Indian and Chinese graduates
Two leading UK universities have joined forces to strengthen career prospects for their…
By Siya
British Council vows to continue work in Ukraine after Kyiv strike
The British Council has pledged to continue its mission in Ukraine despite its Kyiv headquarters…
By Daniel
Remittances for Indian Students Abroad Fall to Five-Year Low
Remittances by Indians for studying abroad dropped to a five-year low of USD 138.8 million in…
By Kai
Canada Rejects Nearly Two-Thirds of Study Permit Applications in 2025
Canada’s study permit approval rate has plunged to its lowest in over a decade, with…
By Advay
International Students in the UK Urged to Sharpen Skills for Tougher Job Market
International students in the UK are being encouraged to sharpen their skills, build strong…
By Neerav
US Proposes Four-Year Limit on Student Visas, Sparking Backlash
The United States government has unveiled a controversial proposal to cap student visas…
By Daniel
July Sees Sharp Decline in US Student Visa Arrivals
The United States has recorded a steep fall in international student arrivals this…
By Henry
UK to Host 40 Gazan Students on Funded University Scholarships
The United Kingdom has confirmed plans to welcome around 40 students from Gaza to take up…
By Kai
Trump Backs 600,000 Chinese Students in US Universities
US President Donald Trump has announced plans to allow 600,000 Chinese students…
By Siya
Korea Struggles to Match International Graduates with Employers Despite Record Numbers
South Korea is seeing record growth in its international student population, with more than…
By Ezra
Canada Accepts TOEFL Essentials for Economic Migration
In a significant development for international applicants, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship…
By Jace
UK Government Opens Applications for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2025
Applications are now open for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2025, announced by the…
By Vaidant
Niger East Senator Sends 200 Students Abroad on Landmark Scholarship
In a landmark educational initiative, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa of Niger East has…
By Aahana
OPT programme under threat as US lawmakers push for termination, new taxes, and stricter rules
The United States Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, a crucial pathway for international…
By Daniel
Trump Administration Slashes $100m in Study Abroad Funding, Sparking Backlash
The United States has announced sweeping cuts to study abroad programmes, slashing $100 million in funding…
By Advay
Egypt and Czech Republic to Strengthen Higher Education Cooperation
Egypt and the Czech Republic are set to deepen their higher education ties, with both countries agreeing…
By Henry
UK Universities Eye Expansion in India’s GIFT City
UK universities are exploring opportunities in Gujarat’s GIFT City as India positions…
By Jace
US TOEFL Raters Claim Loss of Work as ETS Moves Scoring Offshore
A petition by TOEFL speaking raters in the United States has accused the Educational Testing…
By Siya
Fulbright at 75, Reform at 30: Celebrating US–Korea Educational Exchange
South Korea is marking two major milestones this year; the 75th anniversary of the…
By Kai
Calls grow in India to boycott US study amid tariff row
Tensions between India and the United States are spilling into the education sector as calls mount…
By Aahana
University of Strathclyde Opens Scholarship and Postgraduate Applications for 2025
The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, United Kingdom, has announced that applications…
By Vaidant
Alumni Urge Harvard to Resist $500m Settlement with Trump Administration
Over 15,000 Harvard alumni, faculty, researchers and staff have signed an open…
By Neerav
SAT & TOEFL Olympiad 2025 Registrations Open for Classes 9–12
Registrations are now open for the SAT & TOEFL Olympiad 2025, offering students in Grades…
By Henry
Surge in Chinese Students as UK University Acceptances Rise by 13%
The number of Chinese undergraduates accepted into UK universities has surged by 13% in the past…
By Siya
UAE emerges as MENA’s leading study hub as global interest surges
The United Arab Emirates has cemented its position as the Middle East and North Africa’s most…
By Daniel
US Slashes $100m in Study Abroad and Exchange Programmes
The United States has cancelled funding worth $100 million for at least 22 international exchange and…
By Jace
Chevening Scholarships 2026–27 Applications Open for Indian Students
The application window for the prestigious Chevening Scholarships 2026–27 is now open, offering…
By Advay
Berlitz Dublin Joins ILSC Education Group in First European Acquisition
ILSC Education Group, a global leader in language education and vocational training, has…
By Kai
Vietnam Announces 45-Day Visa Waiver for Citizens of 12 Countries
Vietnam has introduced a new visa-free entry policy allowing citizens from 12 countries to stay for up to 45 days…
By Ezra
US to Scrap ‘Dropbox’ Visa Renewals from September 2, 2025
The United States will end its ‘Dropbox’ visa renewal option, officially known as the Interview Waiver Program, for…
By Henry
New Zealand Targets Major International Education Growth with Cautious Approach
New Zealand has unveiled ambitious plans to expand its international education sector, aiming to boost…
By Kai
Malaysia Emerges as Rising Hub for International Students
Malaysia is rapidly transforming into a major education destination, recording a 26% rise in international…
By Neerav
US Student Visa Time Limit Rule Nears Final Approval
The United States is moving closer to implementing fixed time limits on international student visas…
By Vaidant
Japan Plans to Ease University Enrolment Limits to Attract More International Students
Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has unveiled plans to relax enrolment…
By Aahana
New Zealand to Increase Work Hours for International Students from 2025
New Zealand will raise the limit on in-study work hours for international students from…
By Jace
UK Universities Warn of £620m Hit from International Student Levy
UK universities could collectively lose more than £620 million annually if the government…
By Daniel
Australia Expands Accepted English Language Tests for Visa Applications
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has widened the list of recognised English language…
By Siya
Australia Raises Cap on International Student Enrolments for 2025–26
In a bid to strengthen its position as a global education hub, Australia has raised its cap on…
By Ezra
UK Labour Shortages Shaping International Student Choices, Study Reveals
United Kingdom labour shortages in key sectors such as healthcare and IT are significantly…
By Advay
Saudi Arabia’s Private K-12 Education Sector Booming, Says Deputy Minister
Saudi Arabia’s private K-12 education sector is witnessing rapid growth, with demand for…
By Henry
Canada Sees 48% Plunge in Study Visas as Enrolment Cap Bites
Canada has witnessed a dramatic 48% drop in the number of new study permits issued in 2024, marking a significant…
By Kai
Nigerian Students Hit by New 3-Month, Single-Entry US Visa Rule
Nigeria is among 26 countries affected by a recent US State Department decision to reduce the validity and entry…
By Neerav
Australia to Raise International Student Enrolment Cap to 295,000 in 2026
Australia has announced an increase in its international student enrolment cap to 295,000 for 2026, allowing an additional…
By Advay
Schengen Visa to Go Digital: EU to Launch Biometric Entry System from October 12
The European Union is set to revolutionise travel across its borders with the introduction of a digital…
By Jace
UAE Teachers Receive Advanced Training in Russia to Boost Education Reforms
A group of elite educators from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently completed a specialist training programme…
By Ezra
India-UK Vision 2035 Set to Transform Education Landscape
In a landmark move, India and the United Kingdom have signed a £6 billion trade deal, with the India-UK Vision 2035…
By Ezra
Canada Adds Officer Notes to Visa Refusals, But Experts Urge Caution
In a significant shift towards greater transparency, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has begun…
By Siya
Egyptian Universities Sign Landmark Agreement with University of Louisville
In a significant step towards strengthening its global academic footprint, Egypt has entered into 12 co-operation agreements with…
By Vaidant
USCIS Director Proposes Wage-Based Overhaul of H-1B Visa Programme
The United States may soon see sweeping changes to its H-1B skilled worker visa system, as the new director of US Citizenship and…
By Daniel
University of Glasgow Announces €18,750 MBA Scholarship for 2025 Intake
The University of Glasgow, one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious institutions, has launched the Glasgow MBA…
By Henry
UK and Australian Universities to Launch New Campuses in India Amid Education Expansion
In a landmark move reflecting India’s growing appeal as a global education hub, four international universities from…
By Aahana
Canada Faces Deepening Decline in International Student Numbers
Canada’s international education sector is facing a growing crisis as new figures confirm a sharper-than-expected drop in…
By Advay
US Faces $7 Billion Hit Due to Drop in International Students
The United States is poised to suffer a staggering $7 billion economic loss this year as visa appointment delays and…
By Kai
UK Mandates eVisas for International Students and Foreign Workers from July 2025
The United Kingdom has announced a major shift in its visa system, making eVisas mandatory for international…
By Jace
Future of Over 7,000 Indian Students in North Carolina at Risk Amid US Visa Delays
More than 7,000 Indian students enrolled in North Carolina universities face an uncertain future as the United States grapples…
By Aahana
Australia Earns $50 Billion Net from International Students, Says RBA
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has estimated a staggering AUD $50 billion net gain from international students, underlining…
By Ezra
US Lawmakers Urge Rubio to Resolve Indian Student Visa Delays Amid Growing Backlog
A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to urgently resolve visa processing delays…
By Siya
French Business School KEDGE to Launch Associated Campus in India by 2025
In a significant step toward global expansion, France’s prestigious KEDGE Business School has announced plans to launch its…
By Daniel
London Metropolitan University Exits Bangladesh Amid Stricter UK Visa Compliance Rules
London Metropolitan University has announced its decision to withdraw from the Bangladeshi student recruitment market…
By Siya
Strategic Investments Drive MENA Universities Up in QS World Rankings
Universities across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have made major strides in the 2026 QS World University…
By Advay
Malaysia Redirects US-Bound Students Amid Visa Chaos and Rising Uncertainty
Malaysia has redirected over 130 students away from the United States to alternative study destinations, citing ongoing…
By Kai
US Launches Investigation into Harvard’s Exchange Visitor Programme
The United States has launched a federal investigation into Harvard University’s continued eligibility to participate in the…
By Henry
India and China Responsible for 60% of US Student Visa Decline in May 2025
The United States has seen a significant year-on-year decline in international student visa issuance, with…
By Neerav
Australia May Cut Student Visa Fees for Short-Term Study Programs Amid Sector Struggles
Australia’s international education sector is pushing for urgent reforms as the country’s recently…
By Vaidant
US Sees 22% Drop in Student Visas as Policy Shifts Spark Global Concern
The United States is facing a significant downturn in international student visa issuance, with…
By Aahana
University of Sheffield Opens Applications for BSc Computer Science (AI) for September 2026 Intake
The University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom has officially opened applications for its…
By Siya
Finland and India Nearing Landmark Mobility Agreement to Boost Skilled Migration
India and Finland are on track to finalise a landmark agreement that will ease mobility…
By Henry
Canada Announces Federal Audit of International Student Program to Restore Trust and Oversight
The Canadian government has announced a federal audit of its International Student Program in a…
By Kai
Malvern International Partners with Liverpool Hope University to Launch Pathway Programmes by 2026
Malvern International has announced a strategic five-year partnership with Liverpool Hope…
By Neerav