From Bangkok to the World: NCUK Graduates Share Their Success

Adventurous. Inspiring. Supportive. Amazing.

These are just some of the words students used to describe their year at AIHM College’s NCUK Study Centre in Bangkok. We spoke with four recent NCUK graduates to learn how their NCUK year served as a bridge between high school and guaranteed spots at leading universities.

On 18 August 2025, AIHM students who recently completed their NCUK year received their official results and graduation certificates. We spoke to four of them—Nyein, Alice, Eric and Lily—to find out which international universities they’ve chosen to attend and to explore more details about their NCUK experience.

How did the  NCUK programme at AIHM College provide these students international opportunities? What support did they receive? How did they grow and prepare for the next stages of their education? Read the short profiles below to find out.

With AIHM’s admission deadline approaching quickly, these students’ experiences offer reassuring choices to families still making decisions.

Meet Four NCUK Graduates

Alice: “Inspiring, Fun, Supportive”

Mya Shwe Thway Chal, who goes by the name Alice, earned an A* in all her subjects—the highest possible result. She’s now heading to the University of Manchester, one of the UK’s most respected institutions.

Her three words to describe AIHM were inspiring, fun, supportive.

“There were ups and downs,” she said, “but the institution and I overcame every problem and reached every achievement together.” NCUK programmes have helped over 50,000 students globally to achieve their higher education dreams. As an NCUK Study Centre, AIHM College is dedicated to giving talented students like Alice the additional support that helps them make the most of their talents and prepare them for their next steps.

Alice’s advice for future students is clear: be consistent. “Even though it sounds cliché, you have to work day by day. That way, during exam season, you don’t stress out and you’re prepared to do your best.”

She also encourages new arrivals to explore Bangkok beyond the shopping malls: “Visit the local markets to get a true taste of Thailand.”

Nyein: “Adventurous, Thorough, Amazing”

Nyein Khant Hlaing summed up his year at AIHM College with the three words above. For Nyein, who comes from Myanmar, his International Foundation Year here was a bridge between studying close to home and taking the more dramatic step of entering a university in Europe. His time at AIHM was the start of an adventure and a journey to amazing new discoveries and personal growth.

The NCUK paths at AIHM College are ideal for Thai students as well those from nearby Asian countries who seek a strategic entry to the world’s top international universities.

“The staff were really supportive,” he said. “When you have a problem, tell the teachers or your colleagues instantly. They will help you through it.” The small class sizes, personalised attention and the structure of NCUK courses offer the extra support that helps local and regional students as they make the leap to studying far from home.

Nyein’s academic strategy at AIHM was simple but effective: study a little each day instead of cramming before exams. His approach paid off with the results he wanted in three of his subjects. Now he is preparing to progress to university in the UK, with the University of Lancaster or the University of Sheffield firmly in his sights.

Eric: “Unique, Vivid, Interesting”

For Eric, or Ti Kyi Oo, his year at AIHM was both academically valuable and personally transformative. He described it as unique, vivid and interesting.

“Living in Thailand, studying at an international school in Bangkok—it was even better than I expected,” he explained. “It was my first time living independently. I learned important life skills and developed a real sense of independence.”

Studying abroad is a huge emotional leap. For students like Eric coming from nearby places, beginning in Bangkok makes that leap smaller, safer and smarter. Students gain independence without being overwhelmed, while families feel reassured by proximity and familiar culture.

Eric’s advice for incoming NCUK students is practical: “Be consistent. Don’t slack off. Listen to your teachers.”

He will be continuing his studies in the UK, with his eyes currently set on Northumbria University in Newcastle.

Lily: “Learning, Warm, Community”

For Lily, whose full name is May Thant Zaw, AIHM was about more than just academics. Her time here offered a strong sense of belonging. Her three words: learning, warm, community. She remembers the teachers as welcoming and the learning environment as supportive.

Lily’s advice for future students: “Study earlier rather than the last minute, take notes regularly, and listen carefully in class.”

She also highlights something parents value most: safety. “Bangkok is safe to travel, even at night,” she said. “It makes student life easier and more comfortable.”

As for local experiences, she recommends: “Try moo kratha and pad Thai.”

In fact, Lily enjoyed her time in Bangkok so much that she has decided to continue her education here in Thailand for now. She plans to attend the well-respected private university in Bangkok.

From Pilot to Proven

These four graduates were part of AIHM’s pilot year of the NCUK Foundation programme, delivered in a white-label format before the official launch. Over the course of the year, AIHM tested the fit, structure and outcomes of the curriculum. The results spoke for themselves.

The academic design, student support and overall outcomes aligned perfectly with AIHM’s values. Graduates like Nyein, Alice, Eric and Lily are are living proof. They’ve finished their NCUK year confident, successful and ready for their next chapter abroad.

The pilot year students received their certificates at the official launch event for the AIHM-NCUK partnership. The event, held on 15 August 2025, formally announced AIHM as a new, accredited NCUK Study Centre. The special occasion attracted a range of VIPs, including diplomats from the British Embassy, NCUK executives, education agents and press. It was a milestone moment, underscoring both official recognition and international trust in the programme.

AIHM now offers three NCUK tracks:

• International Foundation Year – A degree path that starts with 1 bridge year in Bangkok followed by 3 years at an international university
• International Year One – A degree path that starts with 1 year in Bangkok followed by only 2 years at another international university
• Master’s Preparation Programme – For individuals seeking international postgraduate entry

Both the International Foundation Year and International Year One offer a choice of specialisations, including fields like Business Management, Computer Science, and Accounting & Finance.

Chris Meylan, COO of Minor Education, summarised it well: “What NCUK brings is a curriculum approved by 60 universities, delivered to the same high standard everywhere. Families can be confident that the quality here in Bangkok is exactly what their children need to succeed abroad.”

Admissions: The Time Is Now

Applications are open, but places are filling quickly. For families who have been waiting to make a decision, this is the moment.

Take the First Step Today

AIHM College and NCUK offer a smarter, safer first step to global success. For students from Thailand and across Asia, this is a smart bridge to top international degrees.

👉 Contact our admissions team today to secure your child’s place in one of the NCUK pathways at AIHM College.