Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
THE College Steps – NCUK Study Centre was officially opened yesterday, marking a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s education landscape and introducing a first-of-its-kind international university pathway for local students.
The College Steps – NCUK Study Centre introduces the first opportunity in Zimbabwe for students to complete an internationally recognised foundation course and Year 1 locally, creating a direct bridge to university placement abroad. Upon successful completion of the programme, students can progress to universities in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The centre was officially opened by Mr Rudolph Schoeman, Business Development Manager for Africa & the Middle East at NCUK, in collaboration with Ms Helen Zulu-Kawadza, Managing Partner of ESB PathwayHub Zimbabwe Trust well known in the education arena as Ms Helen. The opening ceremony was attended by key stakeholders in education and international development, including Mr Steven Harvey, Head of Education Advisory at the British Embassy, underscoring the growing collaboration between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom in expanding access to quality education pathways.
Speaking at the event, Mr Schoeman emphasised that the partnership with The College Steps reflects NCUK’s commitment to widening access to higher education through credible, affordable, and locally delivered pathways.
“The NCUK Foundation pathway is designed to bridge the gap between secondary education and university, ensuring students are academically prepared and confident to succeed internationally,” he said.
Ms Helen expressed pride in bringing the programme to Zimbabwe, noting that the initiative aims to empower students with world-class academic preparation while reducing the financial and logistical barriers traditionally associated with studying overseas.
“This pathway recognises that academic ability develops over time. We are giving students an opportunity and a stronger foundation for global success,” she said.
The programme is particularly critical for students who may not have attained the grades required for direct university entry, or perhaps those needing to do so straight after the O-Levels as well as those seeking a more structured, course-based exploration of their academic interests before committing to a degree.
The opening of The College Steps — NCUK Study Centre signals a transformative shift in how Zimbabwean students can access international higher education — locally, affordably, and with global recognition — positioning the centre as a leading hub for international education in the region.
