By Jakir Hossain
My little cousin had always dreamt of studying at a top-ranking university from a first-world country. He has always been determined, hardworking, and passionate about what he does. However, his journey to secure a placement at a UK university wasn't so smooth.
Despite his full-on dedication, he struggled to fulfil the requirements and felt completely lost by the competitive admissions process for UK university entry. Last week, he shared with me about the mental situation he was going through. He was disheartened by the rejections and the thought of not achieving his dreams weighed heavily on him. I could see the determination in his eyes, but also the anger and uncertainty.
Seeing his sad condition, I decided to introduce him to the concept of pathway programmes and explained how these programmes are designed to bridge the gap between his current qualifications and the entry requirements of foreign universities.
Many institutions in Bangladesh offer pathway programmes and have multiple study locations spread across various locations globally. They offer tailored courses related to specific subject preparation, maintain quality standards and provide a supportive learning environment helping students to bridge the gap between a student’s current skills and the demands to qualify for entry on a university degree.
What is a pathway programme?
The main purpose of a pathway programme is to support students by helping them develop academic knowledge and skills to become eligible for bachelor’s or master's programmes. This kind of programme is also known as a ‘preparation program’.
International students intending to study at foreign universities find pathway programmes a very popular process to fulfil their entry requirements.
The standard of education differs between different countries. The study provided by a pathway scheme maintains a standard that is accepted by most universities around the world. If a student wishes to study undergraduate in law, he/she can study under a pathway programme to obtain specialised knowledge and prepare himself/herself for that particular subject in advance.
Giving a higher chance of getting selected for that particular course. At first, pathway programmes came into play to offer easy access to a university’s bachelor's programme. But nowadays, this programme is also beneficial for getting into a master’s degree course.
Who needs a pathway programme?
1. Students with study gaps
Many students due to years of study gap do not continue or lose interest in further studies. If you have a study gap and wish to continue your study for a higher degree, you can enrol in a pathway programme offering you a structured way to re-enter back to academic lifestyle.
Passing a pathway course as an international, with a good result will reassure the university and the immigration authority that the candidate is serious about continuing his/her education and is preparing for a fruitful career.
2. Cannot meet the entry requirement
The struggle to qualify for entry into a reputed foreign university is the main hurdle that most international student faces. You can depend on a pathway program if you do not meet the direct entry requirements for a university or degree program.
Universities or academic institutions who are in partnership with pathway providers will guarantee you direct admission to their graduate or undergraduate course if you successfully pass the pathway learning with the required marks.
3. Students with non-standard qualifications
International students mainly from under-developed, and developing countries may find it difficult to compare their achieved study degree with the equivalency standard of a developed nation.
As modern nations maintain a high standard in their education system, and may not consider degrees from other countries up to their standard. In this situation, the pathway programmes can provide you with an alternate access route, giving you a second chance to prepare and grow your skills up to that standard.
4. Change in the career line
Students who want to change their career path and have decided to pursue their career on a different platform can consider pathway to be a hope of light. The academic support which the pathway programme provides can certainly help an individual gain knowledge to help him/her transition into a new career subject steadily.
5. Adapting a new education system
Becoming academically qualified does not mean it would be easier to adjust and blend into a foreign university. Most students get a cultural shock when experiencing a foreign university for the first time. Courses offered as pathways to higher education not only prepare a student academically but also help in learning the nature and culture of the nation, people and university in advance.
Benefits of the Pathway Programme
1. Increased admission chances
Many pathway programs are partnered with universities, offering conditional admission scheme upon successful completing the program. These courses ought to have more relaxed entry requirements compared to direct university admission. Thus, making it easier to get chances, even if your current qualifications are not up to a satisfactory level.
2. Cheaper than university cost
The study options provided by the pathway programme cost way less than studying as an internal at a foreign university. Pathway offers study centres all over the globe. Check if your country has one and prepare for higher education at a fraction of the cost.
3. Smooth transition to university Life
Pathways can be an excellent way to ensure a smooth transition into the university curriculum. Preparing you to become familiar with and adjust academic, social and cultural characteristics of higher education. More specifically, if you are about to start your university degree in a new nation.
4. Personal growth
Pathway programs boost your confidence by identifying gaps in knowledge, language, or study skills and help you feel prepared for university. The structured learning environment provided by the pathway programme allows you to ease into academic life rather than being overwhelmed by the demands of direct enrollment.
5. Diverse options and flexibility
The study path provided by pathway programmes is a suitable option for many students with specific needs and desires. Providing you with diverse options and flexibility in delivering study support. These programs are designed to cater to individual circumstances, such as academic goals, language proficiency, study gaps, or career plans by offering you more teacher-to-student ratio and specific academic resources.
6. Career oriented advantages
Pathway providers can provide subject-related preparation. So, a student willing to study and establish his/her career in a specific subject area can get the basic level of study knowledge to easily perform good results. If you want to study engineering at the university level, pathway providers can identify your relevant area of study and give you tailored preparatory guidance on subjects like math, science, or critical thinking.
7. Language proficiency
Being enrolled in a pathway programme can significantly improve your English language proficiency. The majority of students prefer English as their primary mode of communication and study. But for some, whose first language isn’t English, pathway programs include English language training. This helps improve communication skills in both academic and social settings.
8. Specialised academic support
Smaller class sizes in pathway programs mean you receive more personalized attention from instructors. Academic advisors and support staff are available to guide you through challenges and help you set academic and career goals.
About MIE Pathways
In Bangladesh, there is a high demand for quality education. Many global pathway providers have established their study centres here to capture the growing talent, providing students access to seek a higher qualification degree from a foreign university at a reduced cost.
Here’s a concise guide of pathway program providers currently operating in Bangladesh to support students transitioning to international universities.
1. MIE Pathways
Matrix International Education Pathways is the only accredited NCUK pathway provider in Bangladesh. MIE pathway is part of MH Global Group and is a study centre that provides academic guidance in accordance with NCUK standards. NCUK is the leading global pathway provider that is in partnership with over 60 universities, offering over 110 affiliated study centres in more than 40 countries.
MIE Pathways has achieved first position and has been awarded NCUK Partner Awards 2024: Champion of Champions: Strategic Growth & Ambition and Strategic. There are multiple study centres of MIE in Bangladesh. Two of them are located inside Dhaka city, one in Uttara and the other one in Dhanmondi area. More study centres are under planning to open in other districts of Bangladesh.
MIE Pathway is currently offering academic support on three different qualification levels. They are International Foundation Year, International Year One and Master’s preparation programme. Completing any of these pathways will lead you to a guaranteed entry at a preferred NCUK-affiliated university.
Entry requirements for Bangladeshi students
| Programme Name | Tuition fees
(in British sterling)
| Academic requirements |
| International Foundation Year | Starting from:
8,000 GBP
|
|
| International Year One | Starting from:
10,000 GBP
|
|
| Master’s Preparation | Starting from:
|
|
- Bangladeshi students can obtain up to 50% or half reduction in tuition fees as a scholarship award for any pathway programme mentioned above, depending on their academic qualifications and performance.*
- Visit the website and find the latest tuition fee chart as the tuition increases every year.
Types of Pathway Programme
There are currently six stages of preparatory studies offered by pathways education providers. All of these stages are designed to provide appropriate guidance to get successful entry into higher education studies.
Any Bangladeshi Student intending to undertake pathway study from overseas campuses are required to spend more tuition fees compared to studying from pathway provider study centres. Different types of pathways are described further below.
1. Foundation Year
A foundation year teaches students the academic, language, and study skills necessary to succeed in a university degree program. It also provides an introduction to the subject area they intend to pursue, giving an overview of the new academic style for students to adopt.
| Study info | |
| Duration | Typically lasts 9–12 months or one academic year. |
| Cost |
|
| Entry requirements |
|
*Tuition fees varies between country and study centre providers.
2. Graduate Diploma Programs
A specialised pathway that aims to prepare students for a postgraduate programme. Graduate Diploma Programs are for international students who require specialised training for improving language proficiency and subject-specific study. Successful completion guarantees admission to a linked master’s degree program at the partner university.
| Study Info | |
| Duration | 9–12 months (1 academic year) |
| Cost |
|
| Entry requirements |
|
*Tuition fees varies between country and study centre providers.
3. Fast-Track Pathways
Students who are academically strong and willing to start a course for higher education, but require support in specific areas such as subject knowledge or English language can choose to take part in an accelerated pathway programme known as the Fast-track Pathway programme.
This kind of pathway is the same as a traditional pathway, but with a smaller course duration, preparing students for undergraduate or postgraduate study while minimizing time and costs compared to standard pathways.
| Study Info | |
| Duration | 3–6 months (1 semester) |
| Cost |
|
| Entry requirements |
|
*Tuition fees vary between country and study centre providers.
The scope of pathway studies in Bangladesh is growing at a rapid pace, reflecting the increasing demand for obtaining international education and the need for global career establishment.
With the entry of institutions like NCUK and its trusted regional partner MIE Pathways bringing tailored study schemes to the country, students can now access structured and supportive routes to prestigious universities worldwide.
Addressing key challenges, including academic readiness, language proficiency, and cultural adaptation, ensuring a smoother transition into undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and other destinations.
So just like my cousin, you can also depend on pathway programmes and fast-track your career to guaranteed university entry.
FAQ's
Q. Who offers pathway programmes?
Ans. Pathway programs are offered by universities, colleges, and specialized education providers such as NCUK, INTO, and Kaplan. These institutions partner with universities worldwide to provide students with a smooth transition to their chosen degree programs.
Q. What are the benefits of enrolling in a pathway programme?
Ans. Enrolling in a pathway program helps students improve their academic and language skills, become familiar with the education system of their destination country, and increase their chances of success in their degree programs.
Q. How can a pathway programme improve my chances of university admission?
Ans. Completing a pathway program successfully guarantees progression to a degree program, ensuring that students are well-prepared and meet the necessary standards for university admission.
Q. What is NCUK?
Ans. NCUK (Northern Consortium UK) is a leading provider of pathway programs that prepare international students for university study. NCUK partners with universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA to offer foundation and pre-university courses.
Q. What are some of the top study providers in Bangladesh for pathway programmes?
Ans. Some top study providers in Bangladesh for pathway programs include Matrix International Education Pathways (in partnership with NCUK), Eduko Pathways Bangladesh, Global Vision, Global Immigration Consultants Ltd, and Career Paths.
Q. Are there any scholarships available for pathway programmes?
Ans. Yes, many pathway providers and universities offer scholarships and financial aid options for international students enrolled in pathway programs. Scholarships can help reduce the cost of tuition and living expenses.