From PTE Preparation to a Master’s Degree in New Zealand: Kristina’s Success Story
For Kristina, an English exam was never just an exam. It was one of the steps standing between her and a much bigger goal: starting her university studies in New Zealand. 🇳🇿
Initially, Kristina was preparing for IELTS. But as she learned more about the available English proficiency tests, she discovered PTE Academic and realised that its format might suit her much better.
Today, she has already achieved the PTE score she needed, moved to New Zealand and started her Master’s degree. And, importantly, she passed PTE on her first attempt.
Why Kristina switched from IELTS to PTE
One of Kristina’s biggest concerns about IELTS was the Speaking section.
The idea of having to communicate face-to-face with an examiner made her nervous. She was worried that anxiety could make her freeze during the exam and prevent her from showing her actual level of English.
PTE offered an alternative: the exam is computer-based, including the speaking tasks. For Kristina, this format felt much more comfortable, so she decided to change her preparation strategy and focus on PTE instead.
But there was another reason why the transition felt natural.
Kristina already knew her teacher.
Returning to a teacher she trusted
Kristina had studied General English with Anna at Green School back in 2022. When she found out that Anna also specialised in PTE preparation, the choice was easy.
“I was very happy because I felt comfortable studying with Anna. Anna is a professional.”
This time, Kristina chose individual PTE lessons, as she felt that one-to-one preparation would be more effective for her particular goal.
Starting in October, she studied with Anna twice a week.
The preparation was not always easy. Kristina says that her English level was not particularly strong when she started, and there were moments when the whole process felt overwhelming.
But this is also where personalised preparation made a difference.
Anna is one of Green School’s most experienced PTE specialists, and she takes exam preparation seriously. Her students don’t simply learn the test format - they train intensively, work through their weakest areas and develop the skills and strategies needed to perform under real exam conditions.
Over the years, Anna has helped many students achieve the scores they needed to study, work and build a new life in Australia. Her collection of little souvenirs and gifts from students who successfully made the move has become a very personal reminder of those journeys.
For Kristina, that same expertise was now helping with a different destination - New Zealand.
Preparing for PTE when English doesn’t feel easy
Passing an English proficiency test is not only about knowing English. You also need to understand how the particular exam works, which tasks require the most attention and how to use your time effectively.
During their lessons, Anna focused particularly on the tasks Kristina found difficult. They practised them repeatedly, worked through problem areas and developed strategies specifically for the PTE format.
Kristina remembers that there were many moments when she felt discouraged. Anna continued to support her and believed that she could reach the required score.
“I fell into despair many times, but Anna always believed in me and supported me. She patiently helped me work on the tasks that were the most difficult for me.”
Kristina also highlights the practical PTE techniques she learned during preparation:
“Anna gives you so many useful tips that really help specifically with this exam. I definitely wouldn’t have been able to prepare for it on my own.”
PTE passed on the first attempt 🎯
The preparation started in October.
In February, Kristina took her PTE exam - and achieved the score she needed on her first attempt.
Her overall PTE score was 64, with the following communicative skills results:
| Skill | Points |
| Listening | 59 |
| Reading | 60 |
| Speaking | 65 |
| Writing | 55 |
The result was enough for Kristina to take the next step towards the goal she had been preparing for.
From PTE preparation to studying in New Zealand
And this is our favourite part of the story.
The exam is now behind her. Kristina has moved to New Zealand and started her Master’s degree.
What began with General English lessons at Green School in 2022 eventually became something much bigger: individual PTE preparation, a successful exam result and, finally, studying abroad.
As Kristina puts it:
“I’m truly very grateful to Anna and Tatiana. They helped make my dream a reality.”
Stories like this are a good reminder that the “right” English exam is not necessarily the same for everyone. For some students, IELTS works perfectly. For others, the computer-based PTE format can feel much more natural.
What matters is choosing the exam that fits your goal, your strengths and the way you perform best under pressure - and then building your preparation around the areas that actually need work.
Preparing for PTE Academic?
At Green School, we offer PTE preparation with experienced teachers, including individual lessons tailored to your current English level, target score and weaker areas.
If you need PTE for university admission, studying abroad or another personal goal, we can help you understand the exam format and build a preparation plan around your specific requirements.
Contact Green School to learn more about our PTE preparation courses and individual lessons.