What to do if you have less percentage in your high school or undergraduate degree? How to get into MS programs in US or Canada with a 3-year bachelor’s degree?
Well, pathway programs can help you.
Pathway programs are gaining popularity of late due to the immense benefits they are providing to international students. So, what are these pathway programs, and how international students can leverage pathway programs for getting into top universities in the US and UK?
What are Pathway Programs?
Pathway programs are preparatory courses that are designed to help international students build the skills, knowledge, and qualifications that they will need to enter a bachelor’s or master’s degree program.
Pathway Programs generally last for 6 – 15 months. Under these programs, international students are taught subjects like Humanities, Liberal Arts, Business, Life Sciences, Engineering, etc.
The pathway programs are conducted on the campus of the same University. Students can progress to partner University upon meeting the progression requirements.
Objectives of Pathway Programs
Pathway programs offer basic courses in English, math, science, and writing. These classes ensure that as a new student, you’ll be in the absolute best position to pursue higher-level academic classes in the future. Even better, many programs include classes on local history and culture to give international students all of the tools and knowledge needed to succeed at university.
Benefits of Pathway Programs
Pathway Programs offer three major benefits to students:
- Improve their test scores and GPA.
- Create a support network to help students adapt to university life.
- Improve English language skills.
- Opportunities for 3-year Bachelor degree holders from India to pursue MS in USA and other countries after completion of a pathway program.
Other Benefits:
- Understand the study environment and method
- Get familiar with the foreign culture
- Understanding the new teaching style and learning method
- A better understanding of courses and hence more time to choose a major
- Pathway to leading Universities in the USA and UK with flexible entry requirements.
- A small class size gives you personalized attention and prepares you for a degree-level study.
- Fantastic scholarship opportunities.
Pathway programs provide a better experience for international students. These programs have a strong track record of success and can help you improve test scores and be more likely to get accepted into the bachelor program of your dreams.
Eligibility Criteria for Pathway Programs and Following UG/PG Programs
Every partner University has different entry requirements but in general students are expected to have 40-50% for UK ISC and 60%+ for US ISC.
The chart below shows a sample of the general admissions requirements as articulated in a contract between an institution and a pathway provider.

Expenses of Pathway Programs
Every partner University has a different fee but in general, UKISC will be approx. between GBP 11,500- 19000 and US ISC will be approx. USD 20,000- 45000.
Featured Image Source: Universities in the USA & Canada