Special Report: Pathway Programmes

Pathway programs remain a vital stepping stone for international students aiming to access higher education, and despite challenges in several destination markets, demand is proving resilient.

Jon Chew, Chief Insights Officer at Navitas , notes, “Policy shifts are creating both headwinds and openings for pathway programs. In response, universities are exploring new opportunities which trusted pathway providers can help deliver. We have recently opened a campus in Indonesia with Deakin University and Lancaster University, having already opened campuses in Singapore, Sri Lanka, Dubai and Germany with other university partners.”

Recent immigration changes in Canada have triggered a slowdown in applications, according to Ali Noori, National Director, Language & Pathways at ILSC Education Group Canada. However, he notes that more pathway partners are establishing direct agreements with agents, which means agents are now submitting more student applications straight to institutions, in contrast to students applying through aggregators or language schools.

Australian providers are also monitoring shifting student trends. Sandra Pitronaci, National Director, ELICOS & Pathways at ILSC Language Schools Australia, reports, “Pathway student numbers have remained relatively steady, only showing a slight drop. The demand is still quite strong.” Andy Tolhurst, National Head of Sales and Marketing at Greenwich College Australia , also notes stability: “Students who wish to study English to pathway into VET or HE are of the same general nationalities as historically seen,” though he acknowledges that more stringent visa rules are making some markets more hesitant.

Image credit: Greenwich College

Across the Pacific, Laura Squire, Director of Higher Education Admissions at ELS Educational services , says, “We have seen a continuance in the shift towards graduate versus undergraduate programs. STEM programs have been increasingly gaining ground.” Meanwhile, Andy Burfitt, Vice President of Global Sales, North America at Oxford International www.oxfordinternational.com, observes, “We have not seen a change in embedded pathway student enrolments. US universities are not dropping entry requirements.”

German providers are reporting a steadier picture. “Enrolment has remained stable over the past year, especially for those aiming to access Germany’s tuition-free public universities,” says Carolin Kemen at the Academy of Languages by F+U International.

Dobrila Arezina, Director of the International College at St Clare’s, Oxford , adds, “Over the last five years, fewer students enrolled on our University Foundation Program are considering UK university places, so our differentiated university counselling support is beneficial to those staying in their home country.”

Image credit: ILSC

Visa frameworks, affordability, and post-study work rights remain critical to students’ decision-making. “PGWP-eligibility seems to be the most important factor,” says Ali. Sandra notes that while post-study work rights have shifted, “students still choose middle-tier universities offering preferred degrees.”

Commenting on the US perspective, Laura highlights, “A key driver in destination choice is visa opportunity. Affordability and CPT/OPT availability are also key.” Andy Burfitt agrees: “Students are focused on visa policies and post-study work rights,” he says. “Clear and streamlined processes attract students.”

James Maur, Global Pathways Manager at Niagara College , Canada, reinforces the importance of affordability and structured academic routes for students: “Opportunities for work-integrated learning, such as co-op placements, are highly valued by students, as they provide practical experience alongside academic studies.”

In response to evolving demands, providers are updating their programs and delivery models. Sandra says, “ILSC recently launched ‘English Through AI’. We also introduced ‘English Through Greystone’ for VET-focused learners.” Support services are expanding too, with Nicole Lee, Global Sales Director, English North America at Oxford International, stating, “We are providing more support services, career counselling, networking and mental health services.”

Study Group’s Chief Academic Officer, Professor Elena Rodríguez Falcón, shares, “We continue to review and diversify our education provision to reflect student interests and global needs – this includes new programs in areas like AI, sustainability, and digital business and strengthened our STEM offering.”

How international students choose a program is also changing. “Students who would have chosen a post-degree certificate now opt for master’s programs,” says Ali. Sandra adds, “Selections are shifting towards return on investment considerations, such as career outcomes, employability rates, and salary expectations.”

While digital tools grow in influence, traditional channels still matter. “Families still rely on recommendations and guidance from trusted local counselling agents,” says Laura. According to Carolin, “There’s a higher demand for transparency and guaranteed placements.” While Laura remains optimistic. “The political climate in the USA is a challenge. But the country remains attractive.

Image credit: Oxford International

Elena warns, “Unwanted uncertainty for families who are making life-changing decisions can lead them to look at other options,” and adds that pathways “enhance university outcomes and are a valuable route to gain employable skills”.

Offering a sector-wide view, Jon says, “University leaders still see pathways as vital, but with a more nuanced role in long-term, diversified growth strategies.” He adds, “Given the universally challenging fiscal circumstances, a consistent consideration will be how pathways contribute to yield through revenue sharing, retention, and cost controls while still responding to diverse student needs.”

As providers adapt to new challenges, one thing is clear: pathway programs remain central to the international education ecosystem.

Growth in Online and Hybrid Models

Providers are increasingly embracing flexible delivery. Nicole acknowledges that while “the online pathway has a definite appeal for the students, it might not offer the same level of engagement and experience as studying abroad,” some learners still prefer to complete English at home first. Laura explains, “Students complete their beginning levels online while still in their home country, at a convenient price point. They then transition to our in-person program to finish their English preparation in our campus-based, full immersion, academically rigorous ELS Intensive English program, widely respected by our university partners.”

Digital expansion is widespread. “We’ve expanded online options for students not yet ready to relocate,” says Carolin, while Ali notes, “More institutions are accepting ILSC HELLO/ALLO online pathway completion.”