Unlock Your Future in the UK: The NCUK International Foundation Year Is Your Gateway to Top Universities
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Ruvini Nathasha Programme Lead – NCUK IFY
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that opens doors to world-class education, vibrant cultures, and exciting career opportunities. For students in Sri Lanka and around the globe, the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) is the ultimate stepping stone to a prestigious university education in the United Kingdom. The IFY is more than just a foundation year – it’s a pathway to achieving academic dreams. Whether you aspire to study Engineering, Business, Computer Science, or the Arts, the NCUK IFY offers a tailored, flexible route that ensures you’re fully prepared for university life and beyond.
A pathway to over 60 prestigious universities around the world
One of the most attractive features of the NCUK IFY is its guaranteed entry into over 60 leading universities around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, US, Canada, Malaysia & Vietnam. This means that upon successful completion of the IFY, you are guaranteed a spot at one of these 60 partner universities. Gone are the uncertainties and stress of university applications – once you’re enrolled in the NCUK IFY, you know your path to university is secure.
Dr. Hasuli Perera Head, APIIT Business School & Foundation Programmes
But this isn’t just about any universities – NCUK partners with some of the top-ranked institutions in the world. In the UK, these include renowned Russell Group Universities, a collection of 24 research-intensive universities known for their academic excellence, high-impact research, and strong industry connections. By completing the IFY, you’ll gain access to world-class universities like:
University of Manchester: Ranked among the top 30 universities globally, celebrated for its research-driven approach, and a wide range of programmes in Engineering, Business, and Humanities.
University of Sheffield: Ranked 46th in the world according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023, renowned for its world-class research and high-quality teaching, with strong programmes in Engineering, Social Sciences, and Health Sciences.
University of Leeds: Ranked 75th globally and recognised for its research excellence and diverse programmes in Engineering, Arts, and Health Sciences.
Queen Mary University of London: Located in the heart of London, Queen Mary has produced nine Nobel Prize winners and offers cutting-edge programmes in areas like Business, Law, and Medicine.
In addition to these prestigious Russell Group universities, NCUK partners with a range of other excellent UK institutions, including the University of Huddersfield, Leeds Beckett University, and Aston University. This variety ensures that you can choose a university that best fits your academic and career aspirations.
Flexibility and choice for your academic journey
The NCUK IFY is a tailored academic experience designed to give you the flexibility to choose your future direction. Just like the A-Level system, the IFY allows students to select three subjects based on their intended degree course. This means that whether you want to study Business, Engineering, Computer Science, or Biosciences, you can pick subjects that directly align with your career goals.
The IFY is also recognized as being equivalent to the UK’s A-Levels and is officially verified by the UK ENIC (the UK Government’s recognition service for international qualifications), making it a credible and globally recognised qualification.
Some of the degree pathways available after completing the NCUK IFY include:
Business & Management: For those who dream of becoming leaders in the corporate world, the IFY prepares you for a degree in Business, Business Analytics, Economics, or Finance.
Engineering & Computer Science: If you’re passionate about technology and innovation, the IFY provides a solid foundation for degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, and more.
Biosciences & Health: For those interested in medical and scientific careers, the IFY is an excellent route to a degree in Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, or Healthcare Management.
Arts & Humanities: If your interests lie in history, sociology, or media studies, the IFY gives you the academic grounding you need for a successful university degree.
No IELTS? No problem!
For many international students, the IELTS exam can be a barrier to studying abroad. Fortunately, with the NCUK IFY, you don’t need to worry about taking an IELTS test to meet English language requirements. Instead, NCUK’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) grades are equivalent to IELTS and are accepted by universities for visa and academic purposes. This means that you can focus on developing the academic English skills necessary for university success, without the added stress of a separate language test.
Support every step of the way
Studying abroad can be overwhelming, but with NCUK, you’re not alone. NCUK provides comprehensive support to help you transition smoothly from your studies in Sri Lanka to life in the UK. You will get step-by-step guidance and assistance with choosing the right university and programme, ensuring you apply to the institution that aligns with your career goals. NCUK also offers expert advice on navigating the visa process, ensuring you meet all requirements for studying in the UK. Additionally, whether you prefer living on-campus or off-campus, the NCUK support team will guide you in securing suitable accommodation.
You’ll also have access to exclusive scholarships from NCUK partner universities, such as the 50% tuition fee reduction from the University of South Australia’s Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship or the £4,000 scholarship from Queen Mary University of London for Business and Management students.
Cost of living and studying in the UK
Studying in the UK is an investment in your future. While tuition fees for international students typically range from £11,400 to £38,000 per year, depending on the university and course, the quality of education you’ll receive is unparalleled.
Living costs in the UK can also vary, with students in London expecting to pay £1,300 to £1,400 per month for accommodation, groceries, bills, and other living expenses. Outside of London, you can expect to pay around £900 to £1,300 per month. While these costs may seem high, the UK offers excellent post-graduation work opportunities. With the Graduate Visa, international students can stay in the UK for two years after graduation to gain valuable work experience. If you secure a job that meets the criteria, you can even switch to a Skilled Worker Visa.
Start your journey today with NCUK
The NCUK IFY is your gateway to an exceptional education and a successful future in the UK. As a leading global pathway provider, NCUK was established by universities to help international students gain access to world-class education. With a presence in over 110 Study Centres across 40 countries, NCUK collaborates with schools, universities, and governments to facilitate seamless entry into more than 60 top-ranked universities worldwide, including nine in the QS World Top 100. Through its strong academic framework, NCUK ensures students are well-prepared for success in higher education and beyond.
Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT) Sri Lanka, which delivers NCUK university pathway programmes for students aspiring to progress to leading universities worldwide, has built a reputation over 25 years for delivering internationally recognised qualifications. Currently, with over 3,000 students and an annual intake exceeding 1,000 students, APIIT Sri Lanka is one of the largest providers of British Degrees in Sri Lanka. The consistent success of APIIT students in the NCUK IFY programme highlights the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and dedication to fostering a culture of distinction in education.
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