Sometimes, choosing a different path means moving forward. A pathway that brings clarity to your goals, confidence in your abilities, and new opportunities for your future.
For Tabbsum Mim Kashpia, the journey towards an international university education was not simply about choosing where to study. It was also about finding the right academic pathway to help her move forward.
After completing her O-Levels at Radius International School and College, Tabbsum continued working towards her academic goals. However, her A-Level journey was taking longer than she had expected. She knew she wanted to progress to a good university, but she also began to recognise that the traditional route was not necessarily the only way to get there.
That was when she discovered the NCUK International Foundation Year at MIE Pathways.
A Different Route, With the Same Ambition
One of the biggest reasons Tabbsum chose the NCUK International Foundation Year was its duration. While her A-Level studies were taking longer than anticipated, the NCUK Foundation Year offered her a structured nine-month pathway towards university progression.
For a student like her who was eager to move forward with her education, this was an opportunity worth considering.
Rather than spending more time on a route that no longer met her expectations,
Tabbsum decided to explore an alternative that better aligned with her plans. She joined MIE Pathways, choosing the Engineering Stream and beginning a new chapter in her academic journey.
It was a decision that would bring her closer to her goal of studying at a prestigious university in the United Kingdom.
More Than Just Nine Months of Learning
Adjusting to a new academic pathway requires more than attending classes and completing assignments. It takes consistency, the willingness to learn, and the confidence to ask for help when things become challenging.
Fortunately, Tabbsum found an environment where she felt supported throughout the process.
Reflecting on her experience at MIE Pathways, she describes it as very good, particularly highlighting the support she received from her teachers.
Whether she needed help with coursework, guidance with her studies, or assistance when she encountered a problem, she knew there was someone she could turn to.
For Tabbsum, this support was an important part of her journey. Having teachers who were willing to guide her made it easier to navigate the demands of the programme and understand what was expected of her.
But the experience was not just about getting through nine months of study. It was also about learning how to approach academic challenges, take responsibility for her progress, and prepare herself for the next stage of her education. Luckily, MIE Pathways’s learning pattern was different. There were assessments, assignments, presentations, vivas, midterms, and a final exam, which is similar to the university level of education.
Guidance That Made the Journey Easier
Moving towards an international university comes with its own set of responsibilities, from preparing documents to understanding visa requirements and getting ready for the next steps.
For students and their families, these processes can feel overwhelming without the right guidance.
Tabbsum acknowledges the role MIE Pathways played in helping her through this stage. She particularly appreciates Adeba Apu, who supported her from day one with her documents, visa process, and interview preparation.
Interestingly, although Tabbsum ultimately did not have to attend an interview, she was prepared for one.
That preparation reflects an important part of the support she received. Being ready for the possibilities ahead, even when every step does not turn out exactly as expected.
With academic guidance and progression support, she could focus on working towards her university goal while having someone to guide her through the process.
The University of Leeds With a £6,000 Scholarship
Today, Tabbsum's journey has brought her to one of the United Kingdom's prestigious Russell Group universities: the University of Leeds.
For her, the university's excellent research facilities, particularly in Computer Science, make it an exciting destination for the next stage of her academic journey.
And there is another achievement that makes this milestone even more meaningful.
Tabbsum has secured a £6,000 scholarship, a competitive award that she is genuinely happy to receive. It is an achievement she shares with pride, especially because her parents are equally delighted by the news.
Behind every academic milestone, there is often a family that hopes, supports, and looks forward to seeing those efforts lead somewhere meaningful. For Tabbsum and her parents, this scholarship is another reason to celebrate how far she has come.
Her journey demonstrates how finding the right academic pathway can open doors to opportunities that once felt further away. From exploring an alternative to A-Levels to preparing for university in the UK, each step has brought her closer to the future she has been working towards.
Her Advice to Future NCUK Students
When asked what advice she would give to students planning to follow the NCUK pathway, Tabbsum's answer is practical and honest.
Start from day one.
She emphasises that grades matter, coursework requires attention, and students should learn how to approach their assignments early rather than leaving everything until the last moment.
She also encourages students to seek help from their teachers and make self-study a regular habit. Even when a topic seems familiar, she believes practice is essential because there is always more to learn.
Her message is a reminder that a good pathway can create opportunities, but making the most of those opportunities requires consistent effort.
Tabbsum's story is not about finding a shortcut to success. It is about recognising when a different route may be the right fit, accepting the support available, and putting in the work needed to reach the next milestone.
From Radius International School and College to MIE Pathways, and now towards the University of Leeds, her journey reflects the possibilities that can emerge when ambition meets the right guidance and preparation.
Because sometimes, the first step towards your dream is finding a pathway that works for you and having the determination to make every step count.
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