NCUK
NCUK’s new partnership launch in Vietnam
NCUK staff at an international trade show in Berlin
An NCUK and University of Portsmouth partnership signing
OPENING DOORS TO THE WORLD
NCUK’s mission to transform lives through education… Since its founding in 2003, NCUK has helped change the trajectory of international students’ lives by connecting ambitious young people from across the globe with leading universities in the UK and beyond. The organisation’s receipt of the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2026 is the latest, and perhaps most prestigious, recognition of a mission that hasn’t wavered. A university-founded organisation with a core purpose Originally formed to support international students seeking entry into UK universities, the organisation pioneered a ‘transfer’ model that allowed students to study closer to home before progressing to a UK degree. This foundation now forms the basis of its future aspirations to become a leading organisation for transnational education around the world, enabling higher education institutions to develop and operate partnerships globally. NCUK developed its flagship International Foundation Year designed as a bridging qualification to connect international secondary education with the demands of UK university study. The International Foundation Year launched first in China, but has grown to become a truly
global network, allowing thousands of students to access international education across the world. More than 50,000 students from over 120 nationalities have trusted NCUK as part of their journey to university. Behind that number is a global education network connecting local ambition with international opportunity. Today, NCUK operates a network of more than 140 Study Centres across 40 countries, offering pathways to its university partners worldwide, including Russell Group institutions and those ranked within the QS World Top 100 and 200. The organisation is headquartered in the UK with regional teams in China, Malaysia and South Africa. Pathways that power global student mobility At the heart of NCUK’s work is a simple idea: students should be able to obtain a high-quality international education closer to home, allowing them to access international higher education on their terms, to suit to their aspirations. Through its global network of quality-assured Study Centres, NCUK delivers a transnational education model that supports student mobility at scale. Students study NCUK qualifications in- country, taught by approved local partners and underpinned by NCUK’s curriculum, assessment, academic standards and quality assurance. This
gives students various pathways to leading international universities, including full in-country completion of a UK degree, while reducing financial and practical barriers that come with moving abroad from day one. NCUK’s International Foundation Year prepares students from a wide range of national education systems for undergraduate study, developing the academic, English language and independent study skills needed for university success. Independent benchmarking by Ecctis confirms the qualification is comparable to recognised senior secondary qualifications including GCE A Level, Advanced Placement and the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education. NCUK’s wider portfolio supports students at different stages of their journey. The International Year One enables eligible students to complete the first year of an undergraduate degree locally. The International Year Two extends this model further allowing students to complete two years locally before either transferring overseas or by studying with an approved partner to complete their final year at home on an approved franchise award, while the Master’s Preparation Programme supports postgraduate progression. Together, these programmes create a flexible pathway ecosystem for students, Study Centres
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