Study Group Undergraduate Pathway Programmes
Your Global Pathway to Higher Education
Transform your future with Study Group Limited, a global leader in international education. We bridge the gap between your current qualifications and the entry requirements of world-class universities, ensuring you have the academic, linguistic, and cultural skills needed to thrive. Since 2010, we have empowered over 150,000 international students to achieve their academic dreams through our global network of 17 International Study Centres (ISCs) and colleges.
Whether you are looking to study in the UK, North America, Oceania, Europe, or closer to home in Asia, Study Group provides the ultimate platform for your academic and professional success.
1. Our Core Undergraduate Pathway Programs
We offer tailored programs designed to match your academic background and English proficiency, ensuring a smooth transition into university life.
International Foundation Year (IFY)
The IFY is a comprehensive 2-to-3-term program for students who have completed high school but do not yet meet direct entry requirements for a bachelor’s degree.
- What you will learn: Develop essential study skills, academic English, and critical thinking from day one on a university campus. You will also study subject-specific modules related to your chosen degree (e.g., Business, Engineering, Life Sciences).
- Your Success: With an 87% progression rate (2024-2025), successful completion guarantees your place in Year 1 of your chosen degree.
International Year One (IY1)
The IY1 is an accelerated program equivalent to the first year of a bachelor’s degree.
- What you will learn: Study the same academic content as direct-entry students, but benefit from smaller classes, more teaching hours, and personalized support.
- Your Success: Progress directly into Year 2 of your bachelor’s degree without adding any extra time or cost to your studies. This program boasts an outstanding 91% progression rate (2024-2025). (Note: In Scotland, a similar program called the ‘International Diploma’ leads to Year 3 of a 4-year degree ).
2. Study in the UK: Unrivalled Academic Excellence
The UK is our flagship destination. We partner with top-tier universities, including prestigious Russell Group institutions and modern universities focused on employability. Our presence also generates a massive economic impact, contributing over £1.2 billion to regions like Yorkshire over a five-year period.
UK University Partners & Programs
| Study Centre | University Partner | Undergraduate Pathways | Subject Pathways & Insights |
| Cardiff University International Study Centre | Cardiff University | IFY, IY1 | Leading Russell Group university in Wales. IY1 offers advanced specialist routes such as Accounting & Finance, Business Management, Computer Science & Cyber Security, Engineering, and Psychology. The Psychology route forms the basis for British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation, with the university ranked 13th nationally in this field. |
| Durham University International Study Centre | Durham University | IFY | One of the UK’s top traditional universities and a world-class research institution. 94% of IFY graduates (2025 data) received progression offers from the university. Students can prepare for transition to Durham City while receiving dedicated support in a small campus environment. |
| Lancaster University International Study Centre | Lancaster University | IFY | A regular top 10 UK university and a top 160 university globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Guarantees progression routes to over 300 undergraduate degrees including business, computer science, engineering, humanities, and life sciences. Highly rated for graduate employability and selected as a top 30 targeted university by top UK employers. |
| Leeds International Study Centre | University of Leeds | IFY, IY1 | Russell Group. 93% achieved progression requirements in IFY (2025). IY1 offers highly specialized routes such as Biological Sciences, International Relations, Business Management (including Marketing), and Civil Engineering (September start only), enabling a smooth transition to Year 2. |
| University of Sheffield International College | University of Sheffield | IFY | Russell Group. An extension of the partnership for another 10 years has been announced since 2014. Strong in STEM, business, and humanities, providing outstanding academic guidance to international students. |
| University of Bath International Study Centre | University of Bath | IFY | Based on a newly signed 10-year partnership. A prestigious university in the top 10% of QS rankings with a strong reputation for graduate employability. An ISC will be newly established on campus to deliver career-focused education. |
| University of Surrey International Study Centre | University of Surrey | IFY | Has a strong foundation in practical academic disciplines and career support. 93% of IFY graduates (2025) progressed to degree programs. |
| University of Sussex International Study Centre | University of Sussex | IFY, IY1 | World-renowned for International Relations and Development Studies. Sets high academic standards, such as requiring A-level Mathematics (Grade B equivalent) for students in the Engineering IY1 route. |
| Royal Holloway International Study Centre | Royal Holloway, University of London | IFY, IY1 | Part of the University of London group. Combines a beautiful campus with historical buildings and modern business/science education. Also provides direct entry support. |
| University of Strathclyde International Study Centre | University of Strathclyde | IFY, IY2 | Program structure tailored to Scotland’s unique 4-year bachelor’s degree system. Divided into Business & Social Sciences and Engineering & Sciences routes. Progression to Year 2 is possible after IFY, and to Year 3 after International Year Two (IY2). |
| University of Aberdeen International Study Centre | University of Aberdeen | IFY, IY2 | A historic university in Scotland. Life sciences pathways are particularly popular, offering education in a traditional environment. |
| Kingston University London International Study Centre | Kingston University, London | IFY, IY1 | Leverages its suburban London location to offer strong pathways in creative and business fields such as art, design, and business management. |
| Liverpool John Moores University International Study Centre | Liverpool John Moores University | IFY, IY1 | Highly practical, with extensive pathways in engineering, computing, and life sciences. |
| Leeds Beckett University International Study Centre | Leeds Beckett University | IFY | Offered at the Leeds International Study Centre. Similar to the University of Leeds partnership, students can enjoy the educational environment in the vibrant student city of Leeds. |
| University of Huddersfield International Study Centre | University of Huddersfield | IFY, IY1 | In addition to the ISC at the main campus in Yorkshire (87% progression rate), a new “managed campus” has opened in London offering business-focused programs. |
| Teesside University International Study Centre | Teesside University | IFY, IY1 | Specializes in practical education for advanced digital industries, such as animation, game design, and computer science. |
3. Study in North America: Direct Admission & Hybrid Learning
The US higher education system is typically a 4-year journey focused on liberal arts and specialized majors. To suit this structure, we provide highly efficient entry options.
- Direct Admission: If you already meet the academic and English requirements, we facilitate direct entry into Year 1 at our 12 prestigious US partner universities, providing you with dedicated enrollment and visa support.
- Hybrid iY-1 Program: In partnership with Syracuse University, we offer a revolutionary hybrid learning model. Begin your university studies in your home country (e.g., at centers in Shanghai or Beijing) combining local in-person support with online lectures from Syracuse professors, saving you significant living costs in your first year.
US University Partners
| US University Partners | Features & Ranking Metrics |
| Florida Atlantic University | A leading public university in Florida. Features a vast campus, strong research infrastructure, and a diverse student body. |
| James Madison University | A public university in Virginia. Known for high student satisfaction and excellent teaching quality, establishing a solid position on the East Coast. |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | Specializes in STEM education and advanced R&D. Highly rated as a top-tier engineering and technology university in the US. |
| California State University San Marcos | Ranked #23 Best University and #13 Top Public School in the Regional West. Offers innovative curricula. |
| DePaul University | The largest Catholic private university in the US, located in Chicago, Illinois. Strong in business and media. |
| University of Hartford | Connecticut. Ranked #301 Top National University. #60 Best Undergraduate Engineering Program (non-doctorate) and #225 Best Undergraduate Business Program. |
| Lipscomb University | A private liberal arts university located in Nashville, Tennessee. Provides an educational environment focused on personalized instruction. |
| Long Island University | New York. Ranked #373 Top National University. Operates a diverse campus network. |
| University of Nebraska Omaha | Ranked #301 Top National University. Highly evaluated for undergraduate education in Business (#150) and Computer Science (#177). |
| Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi | Ranked #395-434 Top National University. Excels in Engineering (#113), Business (#287), and Computer Science (#329). |
| Towson University | Maryland. Ranked #11 Best University and #3 Top Public School in the Regional North. Known for high cost-effectiveness (Best Value). |
| Western Washington University | Ranked #23 Best University and #13 Top Public School in the Regional West. Offers comprehensive engineering and business programs. |
4. Study in Oceania: Premium Partnerships
Begin your journey in Australia and New Zealand with our highly specialized partner institutions. While we have successfully transitioned some of our historical assets to new management , we continue to offer premium pathways through selected universities down under.
| Oceania Partners | Programs Offered | Details & Strategic Significance |
| The University of Western Australia (UWA) | UWA Foundation Program Diploma Programs | Part of the Group of Eight (Go8). Offers an 8 to 12-month Foundation program and Diploma programs (Commerce, Computer & Data Science, Engineering) that lead directly to Year 2 at “UWA College” located on the Perth campus. Science and engineering students can study at the world-class tech hub “EZONE”. |
| Flinders University | International Study Centre | Located in Adelaide, South Australia. Achieves the highest national levels of student satisfaction regarding international student support and campus facilities. Strengths include extensive orientation and visa renewal support through International Student Services (ISS). |
| Charles Sturt University (CSU) | Global Managed Campus | Beyond a simple pathway partnership, Study Group provides an end-to-end solution managing the entire campus operations. Handles everything from international student recruitment and infrastructure development to the delivery of CSU programs by an academic team, contributing to maintaining the university’s status as “#1 in Australia for graduate employment”. |
5. Study in Europe: The Irish Advantage
As the only English-speaking country in the European Union, Ireland is rapidly becoming a premier destination for international students, offering a world-class education in one of the safest countries globally.
(Note: Due to recent changes in the Dutch government’s international student regulations, our Holland International Study Centre is currently closed. We are proudly focusing our European efforts on our thriving campus in Ireland.)
| Study Centre | University Partner | Undergraduate Pathways | Details & Strategic Significance |
| Dublin International Study Centre | University College Dublin (UCD) | IFY | Ireland’s largest research university, ranking top for graduate employability. 92% of graduates progress to UCD degree courses. |
| Holland International Study Centre | N/A (Multiple Dutch Universities) | Foundation / Pre-Master | Currently closed due to the Dutch government’s tightened regulations on international student admissions and housing shortages. |
6. Transnational Education (TNE) & Asia: Study Closer to Home
Study Group is pioneering Transnational Education, bringing world-class western curriculum directly to your home region.
- Singapore: We recruit for Deakin University (Australia) and University of Chichester (UK) degrees delivered at the ERC Institute. We also offer the Bellerbys Global Foundation Programme at Victoria World Academy.
- China: You can prepare for global university progression at our Bellerbys Global learning centres in Beijing, Nanjing, Xi’an, and the Greater Bay Area, saving significantly on travel and living expenses.
7. Bellerbys Global: Your Multi-Progression Platform
Evolving from a traditional UK boarding school into a dynamic global platform, Bellerbys Global offers a unique “multi-progression” system. By completing the Bellerbys Foundation Programme in your home region—or at our new UK Twin Group campuses in Eastbourne and London —you unlock guaranteed progression opportunities to over 50 recognized universities worldwide, including top-ranked institutions like Lancaster University and Harbin Institute of Technology.
8. Global Entry Requirements
To maintain our high success and progression rates, we carefully evaluate students based on English language proficiency and academic qualifications.
English Language Requirements (IELTS)
Generally, entry to IFY and IY1 requires an IELTS for UKVI Academic score of 5.5 overall (minimum 5.0 in all subskills). If you need to boost your score, we offer comprehensive English Language Preparation courses.
| Study Centre | University Partner | Undergraduate Pathways | IELTS Requirements |
| Durham University International Study Centre | Durham University | IFY | Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.5 (5.0 in all other skills). LLB Law requires 5.5 overall (5.5 for writing and reading, 5.0 in others). |
| Leeds International Study Centre | University of Leeds | IY1 | Academic IELTS 5.5 overall. |
| University of Sussex International Study Centre | University of Sussex | IFY / IY1 | Academic IELTS 5.5 overall with no less than 5.0 in writing and 4.5 for other skills. |
| Kingston University London International Study Centre | Kingston University, London | IFY | Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.5 overall (minimum 5.0 in writing and no other skill under 4.0). |
| Dublin International Study Centre | University College Dublin (UCD) | IFY | IELTS 5.0 overall (4.5 in all skills). BA Humanities & Joint Honours route requires IELTS 5.5 overall. |
Academic Requirements by Country
We tailor our academic entry requirements to match the education system of your home country.
| Country/Region | Academic Qualifications Required |
| Japan | High School Diploma, occasionally requiring an additional year of study. Alternatively, good grades in relevant subjects are required. |
| China | Completion of SMU 2 with an average of 70% or higher, or SMU 3 with an average of 65% or higher. Grades in 4 subjects relevant to the major are emphasized. |
| India | Standard 10+1 with 70% or higher, or Standard 10+2 (HSC) with 55% or higher. Relevant subjects such as mathematics and science require a minimum of 50%. |
| Indonesia | Grade 7.0 in SMU 2, or Grade 6.5 in SMU 3 (based on 5 relevant subjects). |
| South Korea | Must hold a high school diploma and have achieved good academic results. |
| Vietnam | Year 12 (GPA 7.0 or higher), with a minimum of 6.0 in Mathematics. Lower grades require proof of further study. |
| Saudi Arabia | High School Certificate (Tawjihi) with an average of 80% or higher. No score below 70% in relevant subjects. |
| Russia | Completion of 11th grade (Attestat) with a GPA of 4.0 or higher. |
| Ukraine | Certificate of Complete General Secondary Education with a minimum GPA of 8.0. |
| Brazil | Completion of secondary education (Ensino Médio) with a GPA of 7.0 or specified grades in at least 5 subjects. |
| Nigeria | West African School Certificate (WASC) or Senior School Certificate with grades 1-8 (A-E) in 4 subjects. |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | IB Certificate with 22 points or more. An English language test score is also required separately. |
| UK A-Levels | 40 UCAS points or more (equivalent to 120 UCAS points under the old tariff). |