Sunderland sits where the River Wear meets the North Sea, and ONCAMPUS Sunderland teaches its pathway students on the University of Sunderland's own campus. The centre is run by Cambridge Education Group. Its foundation year covers A-level standard work plus English, and a pass guarantees a place on a suitable Sunderland degree. Graduates of other systems can take a pre-master's instead.
Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom
Official website: oncampus.global
Pathway centre run by Cambridge Education Group
University of Sunderland
Level 3, A-level standard
Guaranteed Sunderland place on passing
£12,000 – £16,000
International students, pathway programmes, per year
£9,500 – £12,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on oncampus.global before you apply.
Undergraduate Foundation Programme (Business and Economics)
FoundationDuration
9 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 4.5, TOEFL: 45
Undergraduate Foundation Programme (Life Sciences)
FoundationDuration
9 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 4.5, TOEFL: 45
Undergraduate Foundation Programme (Computing and Engineering)
FoundationDuration
9 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 4.5, TOEFL: 45
Pre-Master's Programme (Business and Management)
Pre-MastersDuration
6 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.0, TOEFL: 50
Classes on the University of Sunderland campus from day one.
Up to six hours of English a week inside the timetable.
Assessment by projects, essays and presentations, not only exams.
One of the cheaper routes into a UK degree.
Passing students move straight onto a University of Sunderland degree.
Sunderland's pharmacy, nursing and business schools are common next steps.
After the degree, graduates can stay in the UK on the Graduate visa.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
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Undergrad
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Postgrad
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The university has two campuses, one in the city centre and one on the banks of the Wear at St Peter's. The Metro links both to Newcastle in about half an hour.
Rent is among the lowest of any UK university city. Roker and Seaburn beaches are a short bus ride from the centre, and the Stadium of Light sits just across the river.
CAS from University of Sunderland
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
English test at B2 level or above
TB test certificate, if required
Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Valid passport with blank pages
ONCAMPUS Sunderland takes applications all year. Aim to apply at least three months before your start date so there is time for the CAS and the visa.
The foundation and pre-master's both start in September and January. Some routes also run shorter versions, so ask the centre which fits your grades.
A UK Student visa, sponsored by University of Sunderland. Once you hold a CAS, apply online, show funds held for 28 days, and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. Most decisions come back within three weeks from outside the UK.
Business and economics and life sciences are the most common foundation streams, and the pre-master's in business is popular with graduates. The foundation needs completed secondary school and IELTS about 4.5; the pre-master's needs a bachelor's degree and IELTS around 5.0.
Cambridge Education Group sometimes offers discounts on pathway fees, and the University of Sunderland has international scholarships for the degree that follows. Check both before you pay a deposit.
