Pearson BTEC International

Career-focused qualifications that open global opportunities

Skills that shape the world

Skills move the world forward. They power industries, strengthen communities and open doors to opportunity. This film tells the story of BTEC and the real‑world impact of skills‑based education.

The video brings learner journeys to life, showing how true skilling builds confidence, capability and progression, not just for individuals, but for the world around them.

Watch the film and share it with students, parents, educators and partners to inspire the next generation to choose skills that matter.

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BTEC around the world

BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) programmes, originating in the UK, chosen by over a million learners in 70+ countries, BTEC qualifications combine real-world learning with practical experience – helping you build the future of your students. Pearson BTECs combine practical learning with real-world applications, offering qualifications that range from entry level to advanced diplomas.

Key features of BTECs

Career-focused

Designed to develop and apply knowledge, skills, and behaviours valued by employers and universities.

Skills-based learning

Courses are structured around themed units with assessments based on real-life scenarios.

Continuous assessment

Unlike traditional exams, BTECs are tested throughout the course, not just at the end, providing a practical approach to learning.

Continue delivering BTEC with confidence

On 20 October 2025, the UK government published its Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, outlining proposed reforms to vocational education in England. These include the introduction of new “V Levels”, which will apply in England only, as part of efforts to simplify the Level 3 domestic vocational landscape.

See our response to the Government Skills White Paper

We want to reassure you that these proposals do not affect international centres, and you can continue offering BTECs with full confidence

There has been much debate in England for a number of years now around the structure of the Post-16 qualifications landscape. Pearson has always maintained that there should be a third route for students alongside A levels and T Levels. We are encouraged that Government has now set a clear ambition and statement of support for this third route.

As the UK’s largest awarding organisation, Pearson has extensive experience of delivering a range of Level 3 and Post-16 qualifications, including BTECs, A levels, and T Levels. We look forward to bringing our extensive experience in designing and delivering vocational qualifications to V Levels in England. We will draw on the best of BTEC to work with the UK’s Department for Education and regulator Ofqual to ensure the new qualification helps people build successful careers and equips employers with the skills they need to drive productivity and growth.

BTEC qualifications – including Higher National or International - remain globally respected and recognised by universities, employers, and governments around the world. They continue to deliver excellent outcomes for learners everywhere, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to succeed in further study or employment.

As experts in transnational vocational and technical education, we’re proud to partner with thousands of schools, colleges, universities and governments globally delivering BTECs across a number of levels.

If you have any questions about delivering BTECs internationally, please reach out through the Pearson Support Portal or contact your regional representative.

Thank you for your continued partnership. Together, we’ll keep empowering learners around the world through high-quality skills education.

Qualifications for all learners

No matter the starting point or destination, there's a BTEC for each student.

Our range of BTEC qualifications, and how they compare to other qualifications

BTEC learners progress to further study at over 400 institutions worldwide. Find out where:

Explore BTEC Progression and Recognition

Explore our programmes and training

BTEC sectors

BTEC qualifications are available in 24+ subjects. From Digital Technology to Art and Design, Healthcare to Business, we have courses that will enable you to learn the skills the world needs.

Success stories around the globe

See how learners and educators around the world are shaping their futures with BTEC.

Fine-tuning the future of music with Pearson BTEC in Sri Lanka

Mr. Ranga Dasanayake, Dean and Head of Pearlbay Institute, Sri Lanka, shares how the Pearson BTEC International Level 3 in Music is shaping a new generation of creative, confident, and technically skilled musicians who are ready to take on the audio and music industry.

Watch Ranga Dasanayake's success story video

Living the London dream

Hear how BTEC gave Jingling Liu the tools and foundation to build a life beyond borders, through international education.

Watch Jingling Liu's success story video

Get in touch

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