By Mehedi Hasan
NCUK, a pathway provider working in partnership with universities across all four major study destinations, has announced a new foundation pathway in Bangladesh.
The PIE recently reported on the potential of Bangladesh to be a ‘growth enabler’ for universities looking to diversify student recruitment, as well as concerns surrounding forex reserves for students looking to make payments to foreign universities seeming to be settling.
A new Institute of Higher Education will open in Dhaka in early 2024 in partnership with Matrix Global. Students will be taught locally but benefit from global progression options, according to the program.
The centre will combine the “highest academic standards”, language study and social and cultural skills to ensure they are fully qualified to succeed in their pathway degree program.
Students who successfully complete an NCUK qualification will be guaranteed entry to an approved NCUK university partner, in line with application and progression timelines.
Application services will be coordinated by Matrix Global, part of the MH Global Group that includes the education agency AHZ – formerly AHZ Associates.
The partnership with NCUK and the new institute is the first of many planned by Matrix Global, which aims to establish itself as a leading academic, English and educational services provider.
Stuart Smith, chief executive officer of NCUK announced the new pathway, saying: “we are delighted to announce the launch of our first NCUK Study Centre in Bangladesh, in partnership with Matrix Global.
“This strategic collaboration aligns with our mission to provide high-quality university pathway programmes for international students. Our aim has always been, and remains, to equip students with academic knowledge and the language, study, social and cultural skills they need to excel at university,” Smith explained.
“The Matrix Institute of Higher Education will provide a transformative learning experience, allowing exceptional Bangladeshi students to enter world-renowned universities in the UK, Australia and North America.
“NCUK is committed to expanding education opportunities worldwide and is thrilled to open the first-ever study centre in Bangladesh with this distinguished partner,” he added.
A recent report from admissions platform Enroly, which works exculsively with British universities, highlighted a 15% decline is CAS issuance for Bangladesh in 2023 – with anecdotal evidence of some universities pulling back from the market at postgraduate level.
“The Matrix Institute of Higher Education will provide a transformative learning experience”
News of a foundation pathway to be delivered in-country could be an attractive option in restoring confidence in the market and diversifying recruitment to a wider undergraduate base.
Golam Mortuza, CEO of MH Global Group, spoke of his pride in bringing foundation pathway opportunities back to his home country.
“Our partnership with NCUK is part of a long term commitment to Bangladesh with our newly formed academic and English services programmes.
