International Foundation Group (IFG)

What International Foundation Group (IFG) does

International Foundation Group (IFG), trading name of UK-registered Education Pathways Ltd, is a private international pre-university pathway provider that prepares international students for undergraduate and postgraduate study in English-speaking countries. Its core proposition addresses the qualification gap faced by students from education systems with 11–12 years of secondary schooling versus the UK's 13-year model, and serves graduates who do not meet direct-entry thresholds for UK master's programmes. IFG's portfolio comprises five 9-month University Foundation Programmes (Business Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Social Sciences, and Medical), three Pre-Masters programmes (Business Management, Law, and Pre-sessional for Postgraduate Studies), and four English Language programmes (Pre-Sessional English, General English, One-to-One Tuition, and OET Preparation for healthcare professionals). Programmes are ATHE- or NCFE-accredited (both Ofqual-authorised awarding bodies) and the institution holds ASIC accreditation through 2030.

The technology stack centres on a synchronous Virtual Classroom for remote delivery and the Pharos Virtual Learning Environment for asynchronous content, supplemented by third-party integrations with Perlego (educational resources) and Togetherall (student wellbeing). Programme delivery runs through three owned or directly-operated channels — London campus (headquarters), Abu Dhabi campus, and the Virtual Classroom — plus a partner teaching centre network spanning Azerbaijan, South Korea, Iraq, Ghana, Georgia, Jordan, Turkey, Nigeria, Bahrain, and Algeria. IFG monetises primarily through published tuition fees across the three programme tiers, with fees varying by programme type and study location; partner teaching centre revenue flows through licensing arrangements. The company maintains progression routes with 35+ university partners, including Russell Group members (Birmingham, Leeds, Queen's Belfast, Liverpool), Australian institutions (Tasmania, Griffith), and a deep bench of international medical schools (RCSI, Nicosia, St. George's, MUA, Sarajevo School of Science & Technology, Buckingham Medical School, University of Lancashire Medical School).

The go-to-market motion combines direct student recruitment via website and online application, content marketing through an educational blog, an education-agent referral programme, and event-based recruitment. Customers are individual students — typically international pre-university or pre-master's candidates plus a niche segment of international healthcare professionals preparing for UK GMC/NMC registration via OET. No enterprise, corporate, or institutional tuition sponsors are evidenced; revenue is distributed across many low-ticket annual enrolments across the partner and owned-channel network.

Name

International Foundation Group (IFG)

Legal name

Education Pathways Ltd

Website

https://intfoundationgroup.co.uk

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

IFG is a UK-based private pathway provider delivering ATHE/NCFE-accredited foundation, pre-masters, and English language programmes through owned campuses in London and Abu Dhabi, a Virtual Classroom, and a 10+ country partner teaching centre network, feeding international students into 35+ partner universities including UK Russell Group and international medical schools.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pre-University Pathway Education

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Private Pathway & Foundation Providers (EDAIAJAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

STEM/Business/Discipline-Specific Foundation Pathways (EDAIAJAH), Pre-Master’s / Graduate Pathway Programs (EDAIAJAD), University/College Language Pathway & Pre-Sessional Programs (EDAIAEAE)

Keywords

• Foundation programmes
• Pre-masters programmes
• English language training
• University pathway programs
• International education services

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees - Foundation Programmes: IFG generates primary revenue through tuition fees for its University Foundation Programmes (9-month intensive programmes), Pre-Masters Programmes (3-6 months), and English Language Programmes. Fees vary by programme type and study location (UK, UAE, or online).
2. Pre-Masters Programme Fees: Revenue from Pre-Masters in Business Management (6-month), Pre-Masters in Law (6-month), and Pre-sessional for Postgraduate Studies (3-month) programmes.
3. English Language Programme Fees: Revenue from Pre-sessional English, General English, One-to-one Tuition, and OET Preparation courses offered at London, Abu Dhabi, and online campuses.
4. Partner Teaching Centre Fees: Revenue from partner teaching centres that deliver IFG programmes locally, likely through licensing or franchise arrangements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

IFG delivers pre-university pathway education for international students, offering 9-month University Foundation Programmes in Business Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Social Sciences, and Medical fields, alongside 3-6 month Pre-Masters Programmes and English Language Programmes (Pre-Sessional, General English, One-to-One, and OET Preparation). Programmes are accredited by Ofqual-authorised awarding bodies ATHE and NCFE, and provide direct progression routes to 35+ partner universities including UK Russell Group members and international medical schools. Delivery occurs through owned campuses in London and Abu Dhabi, an online Virtual Classroom, and a network of partner teaching centres across 10+ countries.

Product overview

International Foundation Group (IFG) is an international pre-university pathway provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of educational programmes. The core offerings include five University Foundation Programmes (Business Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Social Sciences, and Medical), three Pre-Masters Programmes (Business Management, Law, and Pre-sessional for Postgraduate Studies), and four English Language Programmes (Pre-Sessional English, General English, One-to-One Tuition, and OET Preparation). These programmes are delivered through IFG's physical campuses in London and Abu Dhabi, as well as an online Virtual Classroom platform. IFG courses are recognised by partner universities including UK Russell Group members (Birmingham, Leeds, Queen's University Belfast, Liverpool) and Australian universities, providing pathways to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• University Foundation Programme in Business Management

Quantifiable outcome

• Students receive offers from medical schools including RCSI and can progress to multiple medical degree programmes (5-year MBBS, 6-year Medicine, 5-year Dental)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• University of BirminghamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRussell Group university and IFG pathway partner. The University of Birmingham is a founder member of the elite Russell Group, ranked 24th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, and the first Russell Group university to establish a campus in Dubai (DIAC). IFG Foundation Programmes provide direct pathways to undergraduate degrees.
• University of LeedscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRussell Group university and IFG pathway partner. Ranked 7th in Civil Engineering & 8th in Electrical Engineering (Guardian University Guide 2024). IFG Engineering Foundation Programme leads to engineering undergraduate degrees.
• Queen's University BelfastcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRussell Group university and IFG pathway partner. Founded in 1845, ranked in top 10 most beautiful historic universities in UK (QS 2022), 31st in the UK (Times 2024). Accepts IFG Foundation Programmes in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Medical Foundation.
• University of LiverpoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRussell Group university and IFG pathway partner. Ranked in top 200 worldwide, 29th in UK. Home to 7,700+ international students with 270,000 alumni globally. Accepts all IFG Foundation Programmes including Business, Computer Science, Engineering, and Social Sciences.
• University of Derby Business SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIFG pathway partner specifically for Pre-Masters in Business Management. Derby Business School offers industry-linked facilities and degrees designed for future employees. Moving to new net-zero carbon city centre building in 2025. Awarded Small Business Charter by Chartered Association of Business Schools.
• University of BrightoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIFG pathway partner with 18,000 students from 150 countries. Ranked 2nd in UK for Education, 6th for Mechanical Engineering graduate prospects (Guardian 2025). Accepts IFG Foundation Programmes in Business Management, Computer Science, Engineering, and Social Sciences.
• Aston UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIFG pathway partner. Ranked 25th overall and 3rd in UK for Chemical Engineering (Guardian 2024). Awarded Triple Gold - highest TEF rating. Aston Business School ranked 66th in world for business (QS 2024). Accepts IFG Pre-Masters in Business Management and Medical Foundation for pharmacy pathways.
• University of TasmaniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustralian university pathway partner. Top 300 globally (THE World Rankings). Ranked number one university in world for climate action (THE Impact Rankings 2024). Campuses in Hobart, Launceston, and Burnie. IFG Foundation Programmes provide pathways to undergraduate degrees.
• Griffith UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustralian university pathway partner. Located in South-East Queensland with 45,000+ students. Ranked in top 2% of universities globally. IFG Foundation Programmes accepted for undergraduate degree progression.
• University of Buckingham Medical SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK's first independent not-for-profit Medical School. Offers CertHE Medical Sciences Pre-Med leading to condensed 4.5-year MB ChB. GMC Accredited. Ranked 1st in Medicine for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2024). IFG Medical Foundation Programme accepted for progression.
• University of Lancashire Medical SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTop Medical School in North-West England (Guardian 2021). Offers 5-year MBBS with early patient contact and work-based learning. GMC recognised. IFG Medical Foundation Programme accepted for progression (subject to interview).
• Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded 1784, Ireland's only specialist health sciences university. Number 1 in world for 'Good Health and Wellbeing' impact (THE Impact Rankings 2023). Largest clinical simulation centre in Europe. Offers 5-Year BSc Pharmacy and Medical Foundation progression route. RCSI ranked in Top 2% globally.
• University of Nicosia, Cyprus, Medical SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLargest university in Southern Europe with 14,000+ students from 100+ countries. Joint top university in Cyprus and Greece (THE 2024). Ranked 12th in Europe for Good Health and Well-Being (THE Impact Rankings 2024). IFG Medical Foundation Programme accepted for progression.
• European University Cyprus, School of MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner60+ year history, leading academic and research institution. 5-Stars overall by QS. 6-year Doctor of Medicine and 5-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Campuses in Cyprus and Frankfurt, Germany. IFG Medical Foundation Programme accepted.
• Sarajevo School of Science & Technology (SSST)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst private medical school in Bosnia (2014). 6-year medical programme taught in English. Registered in World Directory of Medical Schools. Clinical training at University Clinical Centre Sarajevo. Offers USMLE preparatory classes. IFG Medical Foundation Programme accepted.
• RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (RUMC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished 1996 by RCSI and UCD. 2.5 years pre-clinical training in Dublin, 2.5 years clinical training in Malaysia. Degree from National University of Ireland recognised by Irish and Malaysian Medical Councils. RCSI in Top 2%, UCD in Top 1% globally. IFG Medical Foundation accepted.
• The Medical University of the Americas (MUA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocated in Charlestown, Nevis. 1,600+ physicians trained. Recognised Accreditation enables practice in all 50 US states, Canada, UK, and other countries. IFG Medical Foundation Programme accepted for MD programme progression.
• St. George's University, GrenadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 1977, top centre of international education drawing students/faculty from 140 countries. $250M 'True Blue' campus. Partnership with Northumbria University (UK) allows option to study first two years in UK. Largest provider of doctors into US residencies for 9 consecutive years. IFG Medical Foundation Programme accepted.
• The University of SunderlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTop 40 UK university (Guardian 2025). BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing Practice & BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing Practice in UK top 30 for student satisfaction (CUG 2025). GMC-recognised nursing programmes. IFG Medical Foundation Programme accepted for nursing degree progression.
• IDEA College, MaltacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading private higher education institution in Malta, accredited by MFHEA. Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing Science with emphasis on clinical practice. Hospital Simulation Training Hall with mannequins and equipment. IFG Medical Foundation Programme accepted.
• The University of LawcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of UK's longest-established specialist legal education providers (since 1876). Awarded 5 Stars by QS World University Rankings. Silver TEF rating. Multiple campuses across England. Accepts IFG Foundation Programmes (Business, Computer Science, Social Sciences) and Pre-Masters (Business Management, Law).
• Royal Holloway, University of LondoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded 170+ years ago, 135-acre parkland campus in Egham, Surrey. Ranked 32nd in UK (Times 2026), 35th (CUG 2026). University of Social Purpose. Accepts IFG Engineering Foundation Programme for various engineering disciplines.
• University of Birmingham DubaicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Russell Group university to establish campus in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC). Purpose-built sustainable smart campus for 3,000 students. IFG Foundation Programme accepted for Social Sciences pathway.
• University of Stirling RAK (USRAK)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Stirling UK partnered with Planet One International Education for UAE campus in Ras Al Khaimah. Degrees awarded by University of Stirling. Modern campus at RAK City entrance with daily bus service from all emirates.
• BALEAPminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIFG is a member of BALEAP which supports professional development of those involved in learning, teaching, scholarship and research in English for Academic Purposes.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Kaplan International Pathways: Kaplan operates university-embedded pathway colleges in the UK, US, and Australia covering foundation, pre-masters, and English language programmes. It competes directly with IFG for international students seeking guaranteed progression to partner universities.
• INTO University Partnerships: INTO is one of the largest dedicated international pathway providers, running joint-venture foundation and pre-masters programmes with major universities including Russell Group members. It is the most direct comparator to IFG in target market, product mix (foundation, pre-masters, English), and university partnership model.
• Oxford International Education Group: Oxford International provides foundation programmes, pre-sessional English, and junior programmes through UK and overseas centres. It competes with IFG in the international pre-university pathway and English language preparation segments.
• Navitas: Navitas operates university pathway programmes in the UK, Australia, US, and Canada, including popular pre-masters and foundation year offerings. Its portfolio, global footprint, and progression-route model closely mirror IFG's structure.
• Cambridge Education Group (CEG / ONCAMPUS): CEG's ONCAMPUS division delivers university foundation, pre-masters, and English programmes with progression routes to UK universities. It overlaps directly with IFG's foundation and pre-masters portfolio and target audience.
• QA Higher Education: QA Higher Education runs university pathway programmes in the UK and internationally, including pre-masters and international foundation years for partner universities. It is a close direct peer in target customer, product mix, and progression model.
• Study Group: Study Group runs pathway, foundation, and pre-masters programmes globally through dedicated colleges and online delivery, including Bellerbys. It is a direct competitor in international student recruitment and university partnership scope comparable to IFG.

Regional players

• Fries School of English: Fries School of English delivers pre-sessional English and pathway preparation courses for international students, particularly those progressing to UK universities. It overlaps with IFG's English language and pre-sessional portfolio, primarily from a Germany-anchored delivery base.

Emerging players

• University of Nottingham International College (Kaplan partnership reference): Many UK universities run their own international colleges or embedded foundation programmes (e.g., via Kaplan, INTO, or in-house), competing with IFG for the same international student pool by offering internal pathway alternatives.

Broad incumbents

• British Council (English language and pathways): The British Council is a major incumbent in English language teaching, testing, and international education pathways globally. While it is not a direct foundation programme provider, it is a broad incumbent that competes for the same prospective international students at the pre-university stage.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/international-foundation-group-ifg-

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about International Foundation Group (IFG)