International pathway programmes

Prepare for your degree at our specialist International Study Centre. We provide expert English language tuition, study skills development and subject preparation for students who need to complete a pathway course before they start their degree at the University of Stirling. 

Study your pathway on the Stirling campus, with full access to University facilities and accommodation, then transfer to your chosen course on completion. Our pathway programmes could allow you to complete your studies in the same amount of time as other UK students.

Combine your degree and pathway programme with iCAS

Our range of pathway programmes let you choose the study route that suits your goals. For example, our iCAS – integrated Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) – programmes make studying abroad simple. Your pathway and degree are combined in a single study plan – and you’ll only need one visa. You can apply for our iCAS programmes with a range of English language qualifications and benefit from flexible start dates.

Stirling International Study Centre

Undergraduate pathway programmes

International Foundation

Complete our International Foundation pathway in 3-4 terms. This pathway prepares you for entry to Year 2 of a Scottish undergraduate degree.

Undergraduate Degree with International Foundation (iCAS)

Complete our International Foundation pathway in 3-4 terms and then advance to Year 2 of your chosen undergraduate degree. Your pathway and degree are combined in a single study plan, and you’ll only need one visa.

International Year 2

Complete our International Year 2 pathway in 3-4 terms. This pathway prepares you for entry to Year 3 of a Scottish undergraduate degree.

Undergraduate Degree with International Year 2 (iCAS)

Complete our International Year 2 pathway in 3-4 terms and then advance to Year 3 of your chosen undergraduate degree. Your pathway and degree are combined in a single study plan, and you’ll only need one visa.

Postgraduate pathway programmes

Pre-Masters

Complete our Pre-Masters pathway in 1-4 terms. This pathway prepares you for entry to a postgraduate degree. We also offer an online Pre-Master's option that is 6-months in duration.

Postgraduate Degree with Pre-Masters (iCAS)

Complete our Pre-Masters pathway in 1-4 terms and then advance to your chosen postgraduate degree course. Your pathway and degree are combined in a single study plan, and you’ll only need one visa.

English language courses

Academic English (on campus)

Develop the language and study skills you need for university success – fast.

  • Increase your IELTS score by up to 1 band per term.
  • Learn the academic vocabulary you’ll need for your degree.
  • Develop study skills such as debating, interpreting, presenting and essay writing.
  • Face-to-face teaching in the UK means faster progress and real-world practice.

Pre-sessional English (online or on campus)

Got an offer to study at the University of Stirling? Pre-sessional English will help you meet the English language requirements. 

  • Study online for 12 weeks or 8 weeks, or study on campus for 10 weeks or 6 weeks.
  • Improve your IELTS score by 0.5 - 1.0 points depending on your study length.
  • Develop the vocabulary and study skills you’ll need for your degree, alongside classmates studying similar subjects.
  • Choose to complete both pre-sessional English and your degree as a single study plan with one visa.

Why study a pathway programme?

Start your UK study adventure now

Start your studies in the UK right away. Our range of flexible pathway programmes offer start dates in October, January or June. 

Choose your perfect pathway

The International study Centre offers a wide range of pathways - whether you just need to make small improvements to your English or boost your qualifications, we have the perfect course available to prepare you for university in the UK.

Supporting your journey

The International Study Centre makes sure you're supported every step of the way as you prepare for a university course in the UK. 98% of our students secured a place at university after completing their pathway programme in 2024. 

Study a pathway and degree with one visa

Our iCAS pathway programmes make studying abroad simple. Your pathway and degree are combined in a single study plan – and you’ll only need one visa.

Graduate without adding time to your degree

Some of our pathway programmes enable you to complete your studies in the same amount of time as UK students studying for a degree.

students-outside-international-study-centre-1920x689

Your future starts here

Our International Study Centre is the perfect place to take the first step towards earning a degree in the UK. Enjoy the beautiful University of Stirling campus, use our world-class facilities and discover all that Scotland has to offer.

Visit the International Study Centre website

Watch: International Study Centre graduate stories

Daniela and Zilong completed pathway programmes at University of Stirling International Study Centre. Watch their graduation stories to see the benefits of studying at the University of Stirling.

Jiayi Lu
Jiayi Lu
China
MSc Sport Management
I studied a pre-sessional English course at the International Study Centre based on the Stirling campus, This course helped me improve English skills and taught me a lot about how to settle in a UK university.
Read Jiayi's story
Megan Dinsdale
Megan Dinsdale
Switzerland
International Foundation in Media, Humanities and Social Sciences
The teachers and staff at INTO Stirling are friendly and welcoming. They really helped me feel more at home. The teachers are super passionate about their subjects.
Read Megan's story
Ying Pei
Ying Pei
China
Postgraduate Degree with Graduate Diploma
My learning and study experience at INTO Stirling has been both challenging and rewarding. I feel that my teachers are experts in their fields, and they made me feel well-supported and professionally assisted over my entire journey here at INTO.
Read Ying's story

Ask a question

Contact the International Study Centre if you have any questions about pathway programmes or want to find out more about how they can support you in your journey towards earning a postgraduate or undergraduate degree in the UK.

Contact the International Study Centre.

Apply today

You can start the application process for one of our pathway programmes right away. Visit the International Study Centre website to explore all your options and take your first step towards studying in the UK at Stirling.

Find out more about pathway programmes.