Manipal (The Hindu): Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and the British Council signed an agreement to make the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) available for students on the campus, here on Monday.

The agreement was signed by H. Vinod Bhat, Vice-Chancellor, MAHE, and Michael King, Managing Director, British Council Examinations and English Services India Pvt. Ltd.

Prior to signing the agreement, Mr. King met MAHE students and apprised them about IELTS.

Over 3 million candidates took this test last year as it is accepted by over 10,000 organisations worldwide, including schools, universities, employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies. IELTS is also the only English language test accepted by all key immigration authorities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, for visa applications and migration purposes.

Presently, IELTS is available in Bengaluru and Mangaluru in Karnataka.

This agreement will provide a seamless testing process to university students and other aspirants.

In addition, the British Council will also conduct a three-day ‘Train The Trainer’ (TTT) programme for the trainers of the college, as part of this association.

Through this, it is expected that the students will also receive support in preparing for the test.

Mr. King said: “Through this agreement we will create higher education opportunities for aspirants who register with Manipal by providing them easy access to IELTS. Manipal is an educational hub which attracts students from across the country for technical education.”

Dr. Bhat said: “At Manipal, we are keen to offer our students every advantage possible, to ensure that their natural talents and ambitions are recognised. It will be easier for our students to go abroad to pursue an international education and international opportunities”.