The Northern Consortium of the United Kingdom (NCUK), has unveiled global academic opportunities to high school students in Yaoundé. This was during an informative Open Door Day event which took place at the Kelden University campus, on March 3. The event, which brought together students from nine different high schools across the city, aimed at exposing young scholars to international study opportunities, with a special focus on pathways to universities in the United Kingdom through NCUK.
NCUK Client Success Manager for Middle East and Airica, Roché Weyer, shared an attractive academic vision with the students. She introduced a unique opportunity that allows students to undertake a nine-month bridging programme locally before transferring to continue their studies at NCUK-affiliated universities in the UK.
According to the NCUK team, the bridging course is designed to equip students with the academic knowledge, language proficiency, and study skills required to succeed in British universities. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to progress directly into undergraduate degree programmes at partner institutions across the United Kingdom.
In addition to academic support, NCUK representatives reassured students of their assistance throughout the application process. They explained that the institution offers guidance on university placement and provides support with student visa applications, making the transition to studying abroad smoother and less stressful.
Some of the prestigious universities represented during the event were the University of Leicester, the University of Leeds, the University of Birmingham, the universities of Aston and Bradford. Representatives from these institutions delivered engaging presentations about their universities, highlighting available courses, campus life, tuition affordability, scholarship opportunities, and their locations within the UK.
Students were given the chance to interact directly with the representatives by visiting various university booths set up across the campus. At these stands, they gathered brochures, asked questions about admission requirements, accommodation, and career prospects, and received personalized guidance on choosing suitable programmes.
According to a lowersixth (Grade 12) student of Mada International College, offering the International program, SONFFO Jemimah, the NCUK program is worth applauding. "I visited Kelden University two months ago, I saw the facilities and was amazed. I had always wanted to go to an international university that offers diverse programs and is very flexible. This open door day at Kelden has made me to know more about these universities like University of Leicester, Birmingham, Aston and Bradford. I look forward to do foundation year one in Kelden University since that will give me easy access to these other Universities abroad. Former students in my school had narrated their difficulties in securing admission in international universities but from the information I have gathered today, i have nothing to worry about so I must say it's a great initiative." She said.
For 17-year-old Diane, studying abroad once felt like a distant dream, one clouded by uncertainty and fear.
Before attending the Open Door Day organised by Kelden University to showcase its partnership with NCUK, the Upper Sixth student of Fairview Anglo-Saxon College in Olembe admits she was sceptical.
“I had heard stories of people falling into the wrong hands while trying to travel and study abroad...It made me unsure.” She said.
For many of the students who attended, the day’s activities may well mark the first concrete step toward earning a UK degree through a pathway that begins at home. Organisers from Kelden University emphasized the importance of providing Cameroonian students with global exposure and access to internationally recognised qualifications. They noted that such partnerships help bridge the gap between local and international education systems.