International College students set for next step of university journey after 100% pass rate
A new journey is about to be made as the first students from the International College progress on to degree-level study at the University of Cumbria.
The September 2025 and January 2026 cohorts, the first two groups to go through the Malvern International-operated centre, achieved a 100 per cent pass rate across all pathway programmes.
That includes students on International Foundation Programmes (IFP) in Health and Medical Biosciences, and Business, Law and Social Sciences, as well as International Year One (IYO) Business Management.
IFP students are progressing to undergraduate degrees in child, adult and mental health nursing, occupational therapy, sports coaching and physical education, and social work.
IYO Business Management students will head directly into year two of a BSc (Hons) Business Management degree.
Dr Nima Nazari [pictured below], Centre Director at the University of Cumbria International College, said: “I am incredibly proud of our students and delighted to celebrate the outstanding results achieved by both our September and January cohorts. A 100 per cent student pass rate across all pathway programmes is a fantastic reflection of the commitment and hard work of our students, as well as the dedication and expertise of our academic and support teams.
“Our student satisfaction results, at 97.5 per cent for the September cohort and 100 per cent for the January cohort, are equally encouraging and demonstrate the positive experience and strong support our students receive throughout their studies.
“I would like to congratulate all our students and thank our dedicated staff for their continued commitment to academic excellence and student success.
“We are excited to see our students progress with confidence, achieve their full potential and take the next steps towards their future goals.”
The International College is based at the University of Cumbria’s Lancaster campus.
IFP and IYO courses are designed to help students from overseas develop their subject knowledge and English language skills to then progress to a university degree programme.
Small class sizes provide an interactive and supportive experience, while access to university-style teaching helps students adapt to the expectations of higher education.
International College students study in Lancaster before progressing to the university's existing programmes across all campuses, bringing a new generation of international students to Cumbria.
A photo from an event held to celebrate the Wimbledon final. Students enjoyed afternoon tea, strawberries and cream, scones and some Wimbledon-themed games
Shuvaraj Pandey, who is progressing to BSc (Hons) Business Management studies, said: “The IYO Business Management programme has given me strong foundations in marketing, finance and teamwork.
“I’m feeling confident and excited about progressing into further business studies.”
The International College is the result of a partnership between the University of Cumbria and global education provider Malvern International.
The university signed a 10-year agreement with Malvern to create the college in 2025.
Lucy Smith, Head of Student Services at the International College, said: “We are absolutely delighted and incredibly proud of every one of our students and the progress they have made.
“Seeing their confidence grow, watching them overcome challenges and witnessing how far they have come is genuinely inspiring. Every student has their own strengths, achievements and individual journey, and it is a real privilege to support them along the way.”
Claire Aindow, the University of Cumbria’s Pro Vice Chancellor for Growth and Development, said: “The University of Cumbria International College is a vital part of the university's student success strategy, ensuring that international students from across the globe are supported into higher education, on campus in Lancaster.
“The outstanding success rates this year are a source of pride and students will feel confident and aligned as they progress onto their substantive degree programmes.
“Malvern International, our carefully selected delivery partner, integrates securely into university standards and expectations with the support of faculties and professional services staff, creating seamless progression.
“We look forward to future growth and continued success.”