The NCUK International Foundation Year
View(s):- Opens the Door to Prestigious Universities in USA and Canada Unlock Your Future in North America:
From the soaring Rockies and vibrant multicultural cities of Canada to the dynamic innovation hubs and iconic landmarks of the United States, North America – home to two of the world’s most dynamic education systems – offers an education and lifestyle unlike anywhere else. As a Sri Lankan student, you’ll discover world‐class universities, welcoming communities, and endless opportunities for adventure and professional growth. The NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) is your guaranteed pathway into top universities on both sides of the border. Whether your dream is to study Cutting-edge Research in Alberta or Business in Boston, the IFY sets you on course for success.
Guaranteed entry to 10 leading U.S. and Canadian universities
One of the most attractive features of the NCUK IFY is its guaranteed entry to over 60+ leading universities worldwide, including those in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., Canada, Malaysia, and Vietnam. In the U.S., the NCUK IFY offers students the opportunity to pursue degrees at eight prestigious universities – each chosen for academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and strong career outcomes:
University of Alabama at Birmingham: A research powerhouse in Health Sciences, Engineering, and Business, UAB combines small-class learning with big-city opportunities in Birmingham.
California State University, Monterey Bay: Nestled on California’s scenic central coast, the university is lauded for its Environmental Science, Marine Biology, and Technology Programmes, all immersed in sustainability.
Drew University (Madison, New Jersey): A liberal arts college with personalised learning, Drew offers strengths in Humanities, Social Sciences, and pre-professional tracks, set on a picturesque suburban campus.
George Mason University (Fairfax, Virginia): Just outside Washington, D.C., Mason excels in Public Policy, Computer Science, and Business Programmes, leveraging proximity to government and industry.
Illinois State University (Normal, Illinois): A leader in education, Nursing, and Business, ISU combines strong teaching credentials with a welcoming student community in the heart of Illinois.
Oregon State University: Renowned for forestry, Marine Science, and Engineering, OSU’s land-grant mission offers hands-on research and a vibrant college-town experience.
Suffolk University (Boston, Massachusetts): Located in downtown Boston, Suffolk offers strong Legal, Business, and Communications programmes with direct ties to corporate and government headquarters.
State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego: On the shores of Lake Ontario, SUNY Oswego is acclaimed for Hospitality Management, Education, and Business Degrees, offering small classes and a tight-knit campus culture.
University of Alberta (Edmonton, Alberta): A top-5 Canadian research university, Alberta boasts world-class programmes in Engineering, Business, Sciences, and Arts, with cutting-edge facilities and abundant co-op opportunities that connect you directly with industry
University of Regina (Regina, Saskatchewan): Known for its close-knit campus and community-engaged teaching, Regina offers standout degrees in education, Business, Arts, Health Sciences, and the Arts, offering personalised support and hands-on learning.
Tailored pathways to your dream degree
Just like A-Levels, the NCUK IFY lets you choose three subjects aligned with your intended degree. Whether you’re passionate about Business, Engineering, Computer Science, or Biosciences, the IFY builds the academic foundation you need for success in North America. The IFY is officially recognised by the UK ENIC as equivalent to A-Levels, making it a globally respected qualification that primes you for university-level study in North America. After completing the IFY, you can pursue degrees in fields like:
Business & Management: The IFY prepares you for degrees in Business, Finance, Marketing, and Economics.
Engineering & Technology: For students passionate about Technology and Innovation, the IFY provides a solid foundation for degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, and more.
Biosciences & Health: Students pursuing careers in Healthcare, Biotechnology, or Biomedical Science will benefit from the comprehensive grounding provided by the IFY.
Arts & Humanities: If you’re interested in Sociology, History, or Media Studies, the IFY provides the academic foundation needed to explore these subjects at the university level.
No IELTS required – You are ready for university studies in English
One of the most significant advantages of the NCUK IFY is that you don’t need to take a separate IELTS exam. Instead, NCUK’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) grades are equivalent to IELTS and are accepted by Canadian and U.S. universities for both visa and academic entry. This means you can focus on your studies while developing the necessary academic English skills for university without the added stress of taking an extra language test.
Support every step of the way
Studying abroad can feel daunting, but with NCUK – and APIIT’s Study Global Team in Sri Lanka – you won’t have to navigate it alone. From the moment you enrol in the IFY, you’ll have access to comprehensive support from start to finish. From university selection and visa guidance to accommodation assistance and cultural orientation, the NCUK team and APIIT’s Study Global Team in Sri Lanka provide end-to-end support. Placement support both internationally and right here in Sri Lanka maximises your chances of securing a position in the university you desire. You’ll also be eligible for merit-based scholarships at many partner campuses, helping to ease the financial burden of international study.
Cost of studying and living in North America
In Canada, expect annual tuition around CAD 36,100 and monthly living costs of approximately CAD 1,807 – 2,868. In the USA, international tuition varies by course and university from USD 5,000 – 50,000 per year, with average living expenses of about USD 1,000 – 1,500 per month. Scholarships and part-time work options can help manage your budget.
Post-study work opportunities
Upon graduation, North America welcomes you to build your career right where you’ve studied. In Canada, the Post-Graduation Work Permit lets you live and work for up to three years – ample time to convert your academic knowledge into real-world skills, expand your professional network, and earn valuable points toward permanent residency. South of the border in the United States, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme offers 12 months of work authorisation to all graduates, with an automatic 24-month extension for STEM degree holders. This means you can gain up to three years of hands-on experience in cutting-edge industries, cementing your credentials and setting the stage for long-term success.
Start your journey today with NCUK
The NCUK International Foundation Year is your springboard to academic excellence and a thriving career in North America. With guaranteed entry to Canada’s and the USA’s top universities, flexible degree pathways, and comprehensive support, there’s never been a better time to take the first step.
As a leading global pathway provider, NCUK was established by universities to help international students from over 120 nationalities gain access to world-class education in 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 (www.apiit.lk), 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.
APIIT Sri Lanka was honoured with the Excellence in Student Experience Award – Asia and the highly coveted Champion of Champions: Student Experience (Global) Award at the NCUK Partner awards 2024. These accolades and the consistent success of APIIT students in the NCUK IFY programme, including 13 NCUK prize winners in a span of two years, highlight the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and dedication to fostering a culture of distinction in education.
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