NCUK Guarantee Terms

The NCUK Guarantee: Guaranteed Entry to University* means that students who meet the eligibility requirements below will receive at least one offer of a place on an eligible course from an NCUK University Partner.

Important: The Guarantee is for at least one university offer within the NCUK partner network. It does not guarantee final enrolment, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), a visa or other immigration permission. These may depend on separate checks and decisions outside NCUK’s control.

*The Guarantee is subject to the academic, application and other eligibility requirements and exclusions set out below.

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What NCUK guarantees

If you pass your NCUK pathway programme, meet the applicable academic and English-language progression requirements, and apply through NCUK in accordance with the required process, NCUK guarantees at least one offer of a place on an eligible course at an NCUK University Partner, subject to these terms.

The offer may not be from your preferred University Partner or for your preferred course. The course available to you will depend on your NCUK results, the relevant published progression criteria and the entry requirements for courses within the NCUK University Partner network.

Conditions of the Guarantee

To qualify for the NCUK Guarantee, you must:

  • pass your relevant NCUK pathway programme and meet the programme-specific progression requirements set out below;
  • meet the applicable academic and English-language entry requirements for at least one eligible course at an NCUK University Partner;
  • submit your university applications through NCUK, following the required process and applicable deadlines; and
  • provide complete and accurate information and supporting documents, and cooperate with the relevant university application process.

Programme-specific academic criteria

The following programme-specific criteria and exclusions are part of the NCUK Guarantee. Individual University Partners and courses may have additional entry requirements, and students should check the latest requirements for their intended course before applying.

International Foundation Year (IFY)
  • At least 96 NCUK points in subject modules, together with the applicable English-language or Research and Communication Skills requirement below.
  • EAP/EAPPU: at least an overall grade C, with no individual Reading, Writing, Listening or Speaking component below grade D. University courses may have higher English-language requirements.
  • Research and Communication Skills (RCS): a grade between A and D and a valid Secure English Language Test (SELT) meeting the intended university’s requirements at the point of entry.
  • Students achieving 72 to 88 NCUK points with EAP grade A to C may have access to a limited number of progression options, but those options are not covered by the standard 96-point guaranteed-entry threshold.
  • The Guarantee does not apply to applications for medicine or dentistry, which have limited availability and may require additional admissions tests or interviews.
International Year One (IYOne) and International Year Two (IYTwo)
  • IYOne Business (including Accounting & Finance, Business Management and Events Management): at least 105 credits and a 40% average mark.
  • IYOne Engineering (including Electrical & Electronic Engineering): at least 96 credits and a 40% average mark.
  • IYOne Law: at least 90 credits and a 40% average mark.
  • IYTwo Business Management: at least 100 credits and a 40% average mark.
  • EAP/EAPPU: at least an overall grade C, with no individual Reading, Writing, Listening or Speaking component below grade D. Individual progression routes may impose higher requirements.
Master's Preparation (MP)
  • Pass the Research Methods module.
  • EAP: achieve at least an overall grade C, with no individual Reading, Writing, Listening or Speaking component below grade D, subject to any higher university requirement.
  • The standard Master’s Preparation programme is not intended for students whose first degree was taught in English. Such students may be eligible for direct postgraduate progression or may wish to consider Master’s Preparation – Accelerated if further English-language evidence is required.

University admissions, CAS and immigration requirements

NCUK University Partners are independent institutions and make their own admissions, compliance, sponsorship and final enrolment decisions. Receiving an offer under the NCUK Guarantee does not exempt you from any further university requirements.

Depending on your circumstances and chosen University Partner, these may include interviews, identity or document checks, credibility or genuineness assessments, fee-status reviews, financial evidence, deposit requirements and, where applicable, pre-CAS checks or other sponsorship procedures. An offer may contain conditions that must be satisfied before you can enrol.

If you need a visa or other immigration permission, you must meet the relevant requirements. NCUK does not guarantee that a University Partner will issue a CAS or that an immigration authority will grant a visa or study permit. A student may therefore receive an offer under the Guarantee but be unable to take up the place if those separate requirements are not satisfied.

University and government requirements may change. NCUK will use reasonable efforts to provide current progression information, but you should check the latest requirements through the NCUK University Course Finder and/or the relevant University Partner before making your final application choices.

Students of all nationalities

Students of all nationalities, including UK and EU nationals, may apply for NCUK programmes and progression to an NCUK University Partner. All students must meet the applicable programme, application and university entry requirements to qualify for the Guarantee.

The relevant University Partner determines your fee status and may ask you to complete a fee-status assessment or provide further evidence. Nationality alone does not necessarily determine fee status.

Testimonials

Hnin Pwint Phyu

Hnin Pwint Phyu
I was informed that I can get direct admission to year 2 at a prestigious university in the UK and admission is guaranteed. NCUK is a home away from home for me.

Myanmar

University of Leeds

BA (Hons) Management

Nana Boakye Ofori-Atta

Nana Boakye Ofori-Atta
In Ghana, my Study Centre is probably one of the first of its kind to provide such a service, so I was really intrigued and compelled to follow up on their guarantee to facilitate my study abroad journey.

Ghana

University of Lancashire

LLB (Hons) Law

Unekwuojo Jesse Ufedo Osayi

Unekwuojo Jesse Ufedo Osayi
NCUK provides guaranteed entry to University. The range of universities across the UK and worldwide was also attractive especially because my preferred school was included.

Nigeria

University of Salford

BSc (Hons) Business and Financial Management