The Inspired Education Group, in collaboration with the Northern Consortium of UK Universities (NCUK), is delighted to announce an upcoming roadshow featuring representatives from six renowned universities. The universities taking part in this initiative include the University of Kent, University of Bradford, Manchester Metropolitan University, St George’s University (Grenada), the University of Leeds, and the University of Birmingham. The roadshow will make stops in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, providing a unique opportunity for South African students, parents, and educators to gain insights into studying abroad. 

The visit aims to inform attendees about academic opportunities and pathways to top universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.  

Graham Keats, NCUK-IFY Academic Manager, commented on the significance of the tour: "These information sessions are an exceptional opportunity for South African students to discover the many academic possibilities available to them. The universities represented here offer world-class education and a wealth of resources to support international students. By meeting directly with university representatives, students and parents can gain a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to study abroad and how to make that dream a reality." 

Each of the visiting universities has an enviable reputation, with strengths in different fields. Two of the six are placed in the latest QS World Top 100 – University of Birmingham (84th) and Leeds (75th).

In the North West, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) is known for its connections with industry, especially in the creative and digital sectors, and its commitment to sustainability, while the University of Leeds, as a member of the prestigious Russell Group, is recognised for high-quality research and extensive campus facilities, with numerous opportunities for international study. 

In the South East, the University of Birmingham, also a Russell Group member, boasts a rich history, academic excellence, and a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes within a vibrant community. The University of Kent is renowned for its research excellence, and strong international focus. Located in the West Yorkshire region of the UK, the University of Bradford is known for its pioneering technology and research, excelling in engineering, health sciences, and sustainable development, with a strong emphasis on employability.

Finally, St George’s University (SGU) in the beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada is known for its global impact in medical education, offering extensive clinical training opportunities and a diverse student body.  SGU offers a unique pathway for South African students through the NCUK-SGU route, providing an affordable and shorter route to a Doctor of Medicine degree. While matriculants can apply for the 6-year MD Pathway program with a minimum of six B’s in specified subjects, graduates of the NCUK IFY program can apply for SGU’s 5-year MD Pathway, saving one year of tuition fees and living costs while also reducing the total study time by a year.

Commenting on his experience of the NCUK’s IFY programme, Abdul Haider, a South African medical student at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN), shared: "I had my sights set on studying abroad, and I discovered that the IFY programme helps you to study in the UK, bridging the gap between matric and UK university requirements. The medical Maths taught by NCUK was so helpful. Biology, Chemistry, and English all helped set me on the right track for university academia. My first year at UCLAN was a steep learning curve, diving deep into anatomy, physiology, radiology, and pharmacology. The workload was intense, but I felt prepared thanks to the foundation of my matric year and the NCUK course." 

Charlotte Rothwell, studying forensic science at Durham University, added: "I am studying forensic science and hope to graduate with a first-class degree and pursue a career in investigative and forensic intelligence in the UK, or take on a career in investigative work in the police force. Initially, I thought Durham University was too far out of reach in terms of prestige and academics; it was my top choice out of my chosen universities on UCAS. Without NCUK IFY I would never have been able to get into Durham University." 

Parents, students and educators are invited to join one of the upcoming information sessions to find out how South African students can make their dreams of studying abroad a reality. The sessions take place in Johannesburg on Monday 15 July at 17h00 at Reddam House Waterfall; in Durban on Wednesday 17 July 2024 at 16h00 at Reddam House Umhlanga; and in Cape Town at 17h00 on Thursday 18 July 2024 at Reddam House Constantia.

For further information on the NCUK programme, go to https://www.reddamhouse.com/education/ncuk or https://www.reddford.co.za/education/ncuk

About Inspired Education Group

Inspired Education Group is a leading global premium schools group operating in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, educating over 80,000 students in over 111 schools across 24 countries. It is a co-educational, non-denominational, independent school group designed to inspire students to achieve their maximum potential in a nurturing, progressive academic environment from ages one to 18. All the Inspired schools are individually developed and designed in response to their environment and location, delivering an excellent education to their respective communities. For more information go to: https://inspirededu.com/

About NCUK

Established in 1987, the Northern Consortium of UK Universities (NCUK) is a consortium of leading UK universities that offers an International Foundation Year (IFY) course which provides A-Level equivalent qualifications to students around the world. Their partnership with Inspired Education Group offers this opportunity to matriculants in South Africa, giving them guaranteed access to universities worldwide and helping them succeed when they get there. With qualifications that are recognised by 50+ universities, NCUK has so far helped 45,000+ students from 100+ nationalities to reach their dream of studying abroad.