Global Pathways

NCUK

Prepare for an Aston University degree at one of 100+ NCUK centres around the world

Our partnerships with education providers provide pathways for students to progress to Aston University.

This strategic partnership is a valued route to Aston, where an international student can gain the necessary skills, qualifications and confidence to study in the UK by taking an NCUK programme, whether that be an International Foundation, or an International Year One programme or the Pre Masters preparatory opportunity. These pathways offer the opportunity for an international student to gain the necessary skills, qualifications and confidence to study in the UK.

NCUK – Study at one of 100+ centres around the world

Since 1987, NCUK has helped over 30,000 international students gain access to university.

You have a choice of over 80 study centres worldwide to study the skills and qualifications you need to succeed at university, including the language preparation module, English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

Please email us for more information on applying.

Undergraduate Pathways

You can study the NCUK International Foundation Year and gain entry to the first year of our undergraduate degrees.

You can also study the NCUK International Year One programme and gain entry to the second year of the following programmes:

For more information, visit the NCUK website.

Postgraduate Pathways

You can study a pre-Master’s programme and gain the qualifications and skills you need to study a Master’s programme at Aston.

For more information, visit the NCUK website.

NCUK Partnerships Scholarships 2025/26

Applications for September 2025 scholarships are now open.

Aston University is proud to offer a range of scholarships for international students who are currently studying on NCUK Pathway Programmes.
All NCUK students are welcome to apply for any of the Aston University International Scholarships if they meet the criteria, but in addition to these we also have the following scholarships available exclusively to NCUK students for the September 2025/26 intake:

Undergraduate students

NCUK Students currently studying	Scholarship Name	Scholarship Value
NCUK International Foundation Year	Aston – NCUK IFY Award	£3,000
NCUK International Year One	Aston – NCUK IYO Gold Award	£3,000
NCUK International Year One	Aston – NCUK IYO Silver Award	£2,500

The Aston – NCUK IYO Gold Award is available as a multi-year award, across a maximum of two years of study. You could benefit from a total of £6,000 to help with the costs of your degree.
The Aston - NCUK IFY Award and the Aston – NCUK IYO Silver Award scholarships are a one-off award for the first year of entry.

Postgraduate students

Postgraduate scholarships available for 2025/26 can be viewed on our Aston University International Scholarships webpage.

Application deadline:

Applications are now open and will close on 15 June 2025.

Result release date:

30 June 2025

Application method

Offer holders will receive an individual scholarship application link by email.

How to apply?

Eligible candidates will receive the application link in a separate email.
To apply for an NCUK Scholarship, you will need to apply for an eligible Aston University undergraduate or postgraduate course first. Once you have received an offer to study an Aston University course, and if you are eligible, you will be sent a link in a separate email
You will need to submit a 1-minute video. Details of the brief for the video are below:

Create a 1-minute video to answer the question - “What skills and attributes do you consider you have to make you a good role model, and how will you use your study at Aston to get the best out of yourself and succeed in your aims and aspirations?” (to ensure a fair application process, if your video is longer than 1 minute, we will only consider the first 1 minute of the video.)

Upload your video to YouTube (or an alternative platform if YouTube is not available in your country) and submit the video link in the application. Please make sure your video link is accessible.

Please note there is a limited number of NCUK scholarships to be awarded. As this is a competitive award, make sure your application reflects your best efforts.

What happens next?
If your application is successful, you will be awarded £3,000 or £2,500 (in the form of a tuition fee discount). We will contact you by email to let you know if your application was successful. Please note, we will communicate scholarship decisions 2 weeks after the deadline date. If you have any further questions, you are welcome to contact us.

Top tips for recording your video

Record your video on your phone or laptop – try to keep the device as still as possible while filming, and make sure that your device is level with your face. Please upload your video to YouTube (or an alternative platform if YouTube is not available in your country) and submit the video link in the application link sent to you by email.

Add subtitles to your video
Film indoors to avoid background noise.
Avoid filming with your back to a window.
Keep your device still whilst filming.
Be innovative - show us your creative skills.
Show us that you’re proud, passionate and a great communicator.

View our Terms and Conditions

Meet our students

NCUK qualifications enable international students to gain the necessary skills, qualifications, and confidence to study in the UK. We caught up with four students who have progressed to Aston University through NCUK to find out how they have found the experience and why they chose Aston University to continue their studies.