Accreditations & Approvals
Welcome to the University Access Centre (UAC)
The University Access Centre (UAC) is where ambition meets opportunity. Based in the Eastern Province, we provide high school graduates in Saudi Arabia and the wider region with a direct pathway to leading international universities. Our programmes prepare learners with the academic skills, critical thinking, and confidence needed to succeed in higher education abroad.
With strong local support and global partnerships, UAC offers Business, Computing and Engineering Foundation Programmes that open doors to world-class degrees. Join us on your journey and become part of a vibrant community dedicated to academic success and personal growth.
Why Choose UAC?
Programmes & Academics
Foundation in Business
Business Management, Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Economics, Business Law, International Business, Business Analytics, etc.
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Foundation in Engineering
Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Biomedical Engineering.
Also degrees that require strong math/physics base like Engineering with Robotics, Mechatronics, Engineering.
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Foundation in Computing
Degrees in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Computer Science with Business, Computer Science with Games, Multimedia, etc.
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NCUK University Partnerships
University Of Manchester
Ranked among the world’s top 35 universities (QS World Rankings 2025)
Triple-accredited (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB) Business School
Alumni include 25 Nobel Prize winners
98.8% employer satisfaction rating
Over 200 years of pioneering research and global impact
University Of Bristol
Consistently ranked among the world’s top 60 universities (QS World Rankings 2025)
Top 10 in the UK for employability (High Fliers Research 2024)
Home to Nobel Prize–winning alumni and pioneering research in science and innovation
Over 115 years of excellence in teaching and global impact
University Of Southampton
Ranked among the world’s top 100 universities (QS World Rankings 2025)
Awarded University of the Year for Graduate Employment (Times/Sunday Times Good
University Guide 2024)
Home to the UK’s largest Medical School and world-leading research centres
Over 70 years of pioneering research and innovation since gaining university status
University Of Newcastle
Ranked among the world’s top 80 universities (QS World Rankings 2025)
Top 15 in the UK for graduate employability (Complete University Guide 2024)
Global leader in engineering, computer science, and maritime studies
Over 70 years of pioneering research and innovation since gaining university status
University Of Sheffield
Consistently ranked among the world’s top 60 universities (QS
World Rankings 2025)
Top 10 in the UK for employability (High Fliers Research 2024)
Home to Nobel Prize–winning alumni and pioneering research in science and innovation
Over 115 years of excellence in teaching and global impact
University Of Birmingham
Ranked among the world’s top 110 universities (QS World Rankings 2025)
Top 20 in the UK for graduate employability (Times/Sunday Times
Good University Guide 2024)
World-leading research in medicine, science, engineering, and the social sciences
Over 190 years of academic excellence, innovation, and global impact
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply click here and to find out more information click here
For guaranteed entry at an NCUK University Partner you must meet the following requirements:
96 NCUK points on the subject modules; and the grade requirement for English for Academic Purposes (EAP), English for Academic Purposes for Proficient Users (EAPPU) or Research and Communication Skills (RSC) set out below.
If you achieve between 72 and 88 points with a grade A-C for EAP, NCUK may be able to place you on to a limited number of degree programmes.
- EAP/EAPPU: All students must achieve a minimum of overall grade C with no less than grade D in each EAP skills component (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking). Even if grades are adequate in subject modules, without an EAP grade D in all components we cannot guarantee a place at an NCUK University.
- RCS: Students must achieve between grade A-D. If you achieve below grade D for one or more of your EAP skills components , you will need to take and pass an additional language test to be offered entry to a degree programme. If you miss the requirements for your chosen degree programme you may have the option to undertake a pre-sessional English programme at an NCUK University Partner. Entry to these programmes requires students to take an additional English test such as IELTS.
Age Requirement
17 and above
Academic Requirements
- Completion of local high school (For Saudi Students: Completion of Tawjihiyya or Thanawiyya Al’Aaama (Secondary School Certificate) with a minimum of 80% in the final year with 80% in Maths, or average of 75% over last two years with 75% in Maths)
- Completion of IGCSE/O Levels/GCSE’s with 4 modules at grade 4 or above (normally to include English and Maths)
Note: For entry to study in the UK, students will need to complete a UKVI IELTS test for visa purposes.
English language requirements:
To be accepted onto the International Foundation Year, applicants must meet the minimum entry criteria shown below:
Students must be able to show English language ability at IELTS 5.5 level or equivalent prior to entry. If your qualification isn’t shown above, you can view our full list of country-specific entry requirements by clicking here .
Note: The information is subject to change and application decisions may vary based on individual circumstances.
If you don’t have IELTS, you can view our full list of country-specific entry requirements by click here.
The Foundation Year costs 60,000 SAR in total, but you can save 10,000 SAR by choosing one of the following options:
Pay half before December 4, 2025, and the second half before February 26, 2026
- Pay in full before December 4, 2025
- If you refer someone, you can save 10,000 SAR each
- Pay half before December 4, 2025 and the second half before February 26, 2026
We do not have on-campus accommodation. However, we have a dedicated team to support students who require accommodation; please contact:
60+ NCUK University Partners in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and more recognize the International Foundation Year. Universities outside of our network may also recognize the International Foundation Year, however, we cannot guarantee that you would successfully progress to a non-NCUK University Partner. Click here to view the list of NCUK University Partners that accept the International Foundation Year.
Yes, we welcome international students. To find out more information click here.
However, we have a dedicated team to support international students, please contact:
University Access Centre is an authorised NCUK Study Centre and audited annually to university standards
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