Class of 2026: from ICE to Manchester, Sheffield and London
Our International Foundation Year and NCUK graduates are now studying architecture, engineering and law at universities in the UK and beyond. Here are their stories, in their own words.
This year ICE celebrated 266 graduates at the High Achievers and Graduation Ceremony 2026, including 41 International Foundation Year (IFY) graduates and our NCUK International Year One students. Many of them are now at universities in the UK and around the world.
"There is no one path, no one timeline, and no one definition of success." Khadija Noor, IFY, Overall Distinction
From the Foundation Year to top UK universities
Sheikh Abdur Raheem Omer completed the International Foundation Year at ICE and is now studying BA (Hons) Architecture at the Manchester School of Architecture, University of Manchester. He credits the ICE Student Counselling team for helping him present his creativity and passion in his application.
Sheikh Abdur Rahman Omer is now studying Electronic and Mechatronic Engineering at the University of Sheffield. "The Counselling team helped me turn that goal into a plan," he says.
Muhammad Asad Chaudhary finished his IFY at ICE Islamabad with an overall Merit and is now studying for an LLB with the University of London. Studying law modules during his foundation year is where he discovered what he wanted to do.
Muhammad Umair went from the International Foundation Year to a Computer Science degree in Malaysia, with a 40% scholarship. "Receiving my offer with a 40% scholarship wouldn't have happened without their hard work and belief in me."
NCUK Year One: straight into UK law schools
Three of our NCUK International Year One graduates are now studying law in the UK:
- Taiba Sajjad, LLB (Hons), University of the West of England (UWE) Bristol
- Zahra Khan, LLB (Hons), University of Sheffield
- Anowish Burdi, LLB (Hons), University of Sheffield
"Studying law at a Russell Group university was my dream," says Anowish. "The Counselling team helped me understand exactly what Sheffield was looking for, reviewed my personal statement again and again, and kept me on track with every deadline."
What they would tell you
Their advice to students starting now is remarkably similar: explore every subject, ask for help early, and make the most of the people around you. As Muhammad Asad put it: "Sometimes, the right direction becomes clear when you give yourself the chance to explore."
Congratulations to the Class of 2026. If you would like to follow the same route, book a free counselling session and an advisor will talk you through your options.
