Insights
Should I Study Abroad or Stay in Qatar?
How UFC’s NCUK International Foundation Year Gives You Time to Choose the Right Path.
Posted on 1 July 2025
For students in Qatar, both citizens and residents, deciding whether to study abroad or continue their higher education locally is a significant choice. If you are finishing school, you might be asking yourself one big question:
Should I study abroad or stay here and go to university in Qatar?
It is not an easy decision. Studying abroad offers global exposure and personal growth, while staying in Qatar can be more affordable and closer to home. But how do you decide what is right for you?
UFC offers the NCUK International Foundation Year right here in Qatar. This one year programme is equivalent to the first year of a four year undergraduate degree. After completing Grade 12, you can join UFC, complete the International Foundation Year, and then progress directly to the second year of a bachelor’s degree at one of more than 100 universities worldwide, or at selected universities in Qatar.
It also gives you something just as valuable: time to explore your options and decide what is best for your future.
Let us take a closer look.
Table of Contents
What Is the NCUK International Foundation Year?
The NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) is a one year university qualification that allows students who have completed Grade 12 to begin their degree journey. It is recognised internationally as the first year of a four year undergraduate degree, particularly in countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
At UFC, you can complete this international qualification in Qatar before progressing to the second year of four year university degree.
Key Highlights:
- Start your degree in Qatar and progress to the second year of a four year degree at your preferred university worldwide.
- Guaranteed progression to 100+ NCUK partner universities worldwide, including in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and more.
- Flexibility to choose between studying abroad or staying in Qatar.
- Strong academic and subject-specific preparation in your chosen field.
Studying Abroad: What to Expect
Many students dream of studying in countries like the UK, Australia or New Zealand. Here are some of the key advantages and challenges to think about:
What’s Good
- Global experience:
Discover new cultures, make international friends and develop a global mindset.
- Top ranked universities:
Choose from a wide range of highly ranked institutions with specialised programmes.
- Independence:
Build confidence and essential life skills as you manage life on your own.
- Career benefits:
Graduates with international experience are often more attractive to global employers.
What’s Challenging
- Higher cost:
Tuition, travel, accommodation and living expenses can be expensive.
- Cultural adjustment:
Adapting to a new country, language and environment takes time.
- Being away from home:
Being away from family can be emotionally difficult.
- Complex processes:
Applying to multiple universities abroad often involves extra documentation, tests and visa procedures, which can feel overwhelming.
Studying in Qatar: What to Expect
Studying in Qatar gives students access to a range of local universities and international branch campuses, allowing them to continue their higher education without leaving the country.
What’s Good
- Family support:
Enjoy the support and comfort of home while pursuing your degree.
- Lower overall costs:
Without travel or relocation, studying locally can significantly reduce expenses.
- Opportunities within Qatar:
Qatar has excellent local universities and international branch campuses offering accredited degrees.
- Familiar environment:
You can continue your education in a culture and setting you already know.
What’s Challenging
- Course availability:
You may not find all the degree options offered abroad.
- Global networking:
You may not gain the same global perspective and diverse networking opportunities.
- Less exposure to change:
Staying in one environment may not provide the same personal growth as living abroad.
How UFC’s NCUK International Foundation Year Supports Both Paths
UFC delivers the NCUK International Foundation Year in Qatar. It is the ideal starting point for students who want the flexibility to decide later whether to study abroad or remain in Qatar.
How the NCUK Foundation Year at UFC Supports Your University Journey
- You begin your degree journey, not just prepare for it:
Unlike many local foundation programmes, this is not a pre university or bridging course. UFC’s NCUK International Foundation Year is internationally recognised as the first year of a four year undergraduate degree. After completing the programme, you can progress directly to the second year at one of more than 100 universities worldwide, including selected universities in Qatar, saving time and avoiding repetition.
- You are not locked into one option:
Some local foundation programmes in Qatar have limited progression routes. Students who complete them with the intention to study abroad may later find their qualification is not accepted, meaning they must repeat the foundation year at their chosen university. UFC’s NCUK IFY is recognised across major study destinations and by several universities in Qatar, giving you real flexibility and peace of mind.
- You get a full year to think and decide:
This is your time to explore course options, develop your skills and decide what truly fits your goals, whether that means going abroad or continuing locally.
- You get expert guidance:
Our academic and university placement support team will help you choose the right course and destination, complete university applications and prepare personal statements every step of the way.
- You are not stuck in a four year degree from day one:
One of the biggest advantages of starting with UFC is that you do not commit to a full four year programme right away. With the NCUK International Foundation Year, you start with a globally recognised first year and then decide where and how to complete your degree.
Progression to Universities Abroad
One of the key benefits of the NCUK International Foundation Year is the access it provides to a wide network of top ranking international universities. After completing the programme at UFC, students are guaranteed access* to a wide range of degree courses across the NCUK University Partner Network.
These include globally ranked institutions such as:
- The University of Manchester
- University of Leeds
- University of Bristol
- University of Birmingham
- University of Kent
- Queen Mary University of London
- University of Sheffield
- University of Western Australia
- University of Auckland
And many more in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and beyond.
*Progression is subject to meeting the entry requirements of the chosen university and course.
You can view the full list of NCUK university partners here:
Progression to Universities in Qatar
UFC also supports students who wish to continue their education locally. The NCUK IFY is recognised by selected universities in Qatar for second year progression.
Direct Progression Through Agreements
University Foundation College has signed articulation agreements with the following universities in Qatar. These agreements allow students to progress directly to the second year of a four year undergraduate degree upon successful completion of the NCUK International Foundation Year:
Other Universities that have previously accepted UFC students
While UFC does not have formal partnerships with the following universities, our students have previously been accepted into::
- Qatar University
- Texas A and M University at Qatar
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar
- Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar
- Georgetown University in Qatar
- University of Doha for Science and Technology
- Oryx Universal College – Liverpool John Moores University
- Community College of Qatar
- Lusail University
- Qatar Aeronautical Academy
- Northwestern University in Qatar
These universities assess applicants on a case-by-case basis. While admission is not guaranteed, successful past progression highlights the strength and recognition of the NCUK IFY.
What Our Students Say
Many choose UFC because they are still deciding where to study. After completing the year, some go on to top universities abroad, while others continue their studies in Qatar.
Hear directly from our students and graduates about their journey at UFC and how the NCUK International Foundation Year helped shape their future.
Start Your Journey with UFC
You do not have to choose everything today.
Take your first step at UFC with the NCUK International Foundation Year and decide your next move when you are ready.
Study an international programme in Qatar and progress directly to year two of a bachelor’s degree, abroad or at selected universities in Qatar.
Apply now or get in touch with our admissions team to learn more.
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