View Campus Map
العربية
NCUK guaranteed entry to university

Global Education Starts Here

Start your journey in Al Khobar with the NCUK International University Foundation Programme and unlock your pathways to 60+ leading universities worldwide.

Apply Now Contact us

Accreditations & Approvals

Welcome to the University Access Centre (UAC)

Aerial view of the University Access Centre campus

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.

Brochure
AR Brochure

Why Choose UAC?

Guaranteed* Progression

Access to 70+ NCUK partner universities after programme successful completion

Global Education Starts Here

Prepare in Al Khobar, then progress overseas

Personalised Support

University environment, small classes, personal tutoring, study skills workshops

Future Pathways

Choose one of the following pathways: Business, Engineering or Computing

Brief Student Journey

  1. STEP 1

    Choose a program

  2. STEP 2

    Enrol with University Access Centre and study a foundation program

  3. STEP 3

    Join a university linked to your pathway provider

Programmes & Academics

Foundation in Business

Foundation in Business

Business Management, Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Economics, Business Law, International Business, Business Analytics, etc.
Learn more: Foundation in Business

Foundation in Engineering

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.

Learn more: Foundation in Engineering

Foundation in Computing

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.

Learn more: Foundation in Computing

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 get discounts by choosing the following payment options click here.

We do not have on-campus accommodation. However, we have a dedicated team to support students who require accommodation; please contact:

70+ 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: