The move, which will see the pathway delivered in-country, is a significant milestone for Bangladesh as undergraduate options for progression have been severely limited in recent years due to compliance concerns.

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 International Education will open in Dhaka in early 2024 in partnership with NCUK. 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.

NCUK qualifications have supported over 40,000 students to progress to university since inception in 2003.

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 MIE Pathways, 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 MIE Pathways.

“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.

“MIE Pathways 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.

“MIE Pathways will provide a transformative learning experience”

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.

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.

“We aim to support opportunities to widen participation to applicants who may previously not have had the same opportunities as we are now able to offer. This centre will form the first of many [study centres] and is a testament to our long term commitment to the education sector,” Mortuza said.