Still on Track: A Smart Path to an International Degree

A stressed student rests head on a desk surrounded by open books and a laptop. Text overlay: "Don’t Let Exam Results Define the Future."

It’s that time…. IGCSE scores have just come in. If you’ve been waiting for the results, you’ve probably been nervous and anxious for weeks. You opened your Statement of Results hoping you scored high enough to attend your dream school. If you reached your target, congratulations! If, on the other hand, you didn’t score quite high enough, the impact can knock the air out of you for a moment. Don’t worry though. You still have paths you can take!

 

When exam results don’t go as planned, it can feel like the dream of studying abroad is slipping away. Many families hope their son or daughter will go straight to a top international university. But if your scores aren’t high enough right now, what options remain?

The answer: more than you think.

At AIHM in Bangkok, we give students three ways forward. Our programmes prepare young people for guaranteed entry into world-ranked universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. We also offer pathways to a Swiss accredited degree programme in Bangkok and an elite degree earned directly in Switzerland. For parents, this means your child’s future remains bright, secure and truly international.

AIHM Blog Pathway to study abroad

Path 1: Foundation Year – A Bridge to Top Universities

If your child has just finished IGCSEs, O-Levels, and/or Matthayom 5 or 6, they may not yet meet the direct entry requirements for a university abroad. That does not mean the end of their dream.

The International Foundation Year (IFY) is a one-year programme in Bangkok that builds academic English, study skills and subject knowledge. After this year, students are guaranteed entry into the first year of a degree overseas at one of 60+ respected universities, including the University of Manchester, University of Bristol, UNSW Sydney, RMIT Melbourne, the University of Auckland and dozens of other prestigious institutions.

AIHM offers the IFY in partnership with NCUK, a consortium that has helped over 50,000 students and counting to achieve their university ambitions.

Logos of various global universities, including Sydney, Manchester, Bristol, and more, under "NCUK University Partners." Tone: educational, collaborative.

For parents: The International Foundation Year is a safe, structured bridge between high school and international university. Your child studies in English, gains confidence and is supported by teachers who understand Thai and Southeast Asian students.

AIHM Blog Pathway to study abroad NCUK Foundation Year

At the official launch of our NCUK Study Centre, we proudly honoured our first cohort of International Foundation Year graduates.

Path 2: International Year One – Saving Time and Money

If your child is already academically strong—perhaps with A-Levels, IB, AP, or the equivalent—they may be ready to fast-track.

The International Year One (IYOne) lets them complete the first year of a UK degree here in Bangkok. After one year, they transfer directly into Year 2 of a partner university abroad. This pathway saves time, reduces cost and still guarantees progression to respected international universities.

Logos of 20 universities, part of NCUK International Year One program, arranged in a grid. Text below reads, "View all 30+ universities." Includes a QR code.

The IYOne, like the IFY, is available to students in Thailand at AIHM as a certified NCUK study centre.

For parents: International Year One keeps your child close to home during a crucial first year, while still delivering a global outcome. It means less risk, lower expense and the same degree from a top university overseas.

Why Families Trust AIHM + NCUK

Infographic featuring AIHM College and NCUK Study Centre logos in the center. Four sections highlight international progression, quality, safe steps, and partnerships.
NCUK University Pathways at AIHM
Two hands hold a certificate with a red ribbon, showing completion of an International Foundation Year. Text and a logo are visible on the document.

Path 3: BBA in Bangkok – A Degree with Global Options

 

 

Some students prefer to complete their degree at an international programme here in Bangkok. For these students, AIHM offers the Bachelor of Business Administration in Global Hospitality Management. The BBA is a 3.5-year degree taught in English. The BBA degree is offered in academic association with Les Roches, one of the world’s top-ranked hospitality management schools, and is supported by Minor Hotels, opening doors to numerous exclusive learning, networking and career opportunities.

Four people standing in a professional setting, smiling for a group photo in front of a wall with "AIHM" branding. They wear business attire, exuding a formal and positive tone.

AIHM is honoured to announce the successful completion of the 2025 Les Roches annual academic audit,
led by Mr. Carlos Diez de la Lastra Buigues (CEO) and Ms. Ivana Nobilo (Academic Dean).

What makes this programme unique is flexibility. Students begin at AIHM in Bangkok and may choose to transfer to Les Roches Switzerland or Spain for their final two semesters. There, they complete their degree in Europe at one of the most respected hospitality and business schools in the world.

Curious about the BBA and Les Roches transfer track? Explore the student experiences below:

For parents: The BBA, rather than simply being a hospitality programme, is a respected international business degree, recognised worldwide. Whether students complete all 3.5 years in Bangkok or finish in Switzerland, the reputation of Les Roches and Minor Hotels assures strong career outcomes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is NCUK?

    NCUK (Northern Consortium UK) is a global education organisation with more than 35 years of experience. Completing an NCUK programme guarantees entry to one of 60+ respected universities worldwide.

  2. How does the Foundation Year help my child?

    The International Foundation Year (IFY) builds English skills, academic knowledge and strong study habits. It is designed for students finishing IGCSEs or Matthayom 5–6 who are not yet ready to start university abroad.

  3. What is International Year One?

    International Year One (IYOne) is the first year of a UK degree, taught in Bangkok. Students then transfer directly into Year 2 of a partner university overseas. This saves time, lowers cost, and ensures a smoother transition.

  4. Can my child complete a full degree at AIHM?

    Yes. The BBA in Global Hospitality Management is a 3.5-year degree. Many students complete it fully in Bangkok, while others transfer to Les Roches Switzerland or Spain for their final two semesters.

  5. How do we know the investment will pay off?

    Graduates of AIHM and NCUK progress to world-ranked universities and respected employers. The reputations of AIHMNCUKLes Roches and Minor Hotels are recognised internationally, helping open doors for careers worldwide.

  6. Is the programme suitable if my child’s English is not strong?

    Yes. All AIHM + NCUK programmes are delivered in English, with extra support. Teachers provide close guidance to help students gain confidence in academic English before moving abroad. NCUK programmes are perfect for students whose English is good but not quite yet at the level that will allow them to reach their full potential in an international university. The IFY or IYOne is an excellent bridge year.

AIHM also offers the English for Business and Academic Studies (EBAS) programme for students who need to raise English exam scores.

Imagine the Future

Picture a graduation stage in Manchester, Melbourne or Switzerland. Your child walks proudly across, receiving a degree that will open doors around the world. You are there in the audience, smiling, knowing it all began with a smart decision in Bangkok.

Your path to that dream graduation begins today.

A joyful graduation scene split across three images. Left: Six people, one in a gown holding a diploma, stand outdoors against a mountain backdrop under a bright blue sky. Top right: Four graduates in black gowns and caps walk confidently down a corridor. Bottom right: Graduates cheerfully lift one person in the air, standing in front of large decorative letters and colorful flowers. The mood is celebratory and vibrant.

The AIHM Advantage 

Smart Savings for Families 

Save on international study costs. Studying in Bangkok offers real savings while keeping your child safe, supported, and on track for global success.

Reputation That Opens Doors

Reputation matters. NCUK qualifications are recognised by over 60 top universities worldwide, including the University of Manchester, University of Bristol, and RMIT Melbourne. At the same time, our BBA in Global Hospitality Management—taught by AIHM in academic association with Les Roches—offers students a Swiss-style education with a global reputation. These respected qualifications are trusted by employers and graduate schools around the world, helping open doors to international careers.

Confidence Before Going Abroad

Grow before you go. Small class sizes, personal mentorship, and English-language support at AIHM help students build confidence at home. When they step into a UK or European classroom, they’re ready to succeed.

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AIHM Higher Blog Small (11)

The Next Step: Apply Now

Applications for September are open now. Places are filling quickly, so contact our admissions team today to secure your child’s international future.

If your family is considering international education but exam results have not gone as expected, don’t lose hope. Contact our admissions team to explore your options. One smart step at AIHM can keep your child’s future on track, and lead them to the international degree you’ve always dreamed of.

AIHM Pathways to study abroad Les Roches NCUK

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