INTO University Partnerships and the University of Stirling commemorate 10 years of pioneering collaboration
The partnership has helped hundreds of international students achieve academic success in their chosen programs at Stirling
(STIRLING): INTO University Partnerships, a global education services provider, is celebrating a decade of collaboration with the University of Stirling.
Over the past 10 years, the pioneering partnership has supported international students in achieving academic success at one of the UK’s leading universities. Since the joint venture’s inception in 2014, INTO Stirling has been pivotal in advancing the University’s internationalization strategy. During this time, it has supported international students from 115 countries, facilitating progression to their program of choice at the University of Stirling and spanning 285 different degrees.
Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, was at the forefront of efforts to set up the INTO Stirling Centre. In 2017, he welcomed His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, now the Duke of Edinburgh, to campus to open the £6.5 million INTO University of Stirling Centre. The modern three-story facility has a state-of-the-art lecture theatre, teaching rooms, a restaurant, and capacity for up to 420 students.
“Our partnership with INTO has a track record of success over the last decade, enabling hundreds of international students to study at the University of Stirling. It has delivered a step change in student experience for international students, and we look forward to building on this strong foundation in the years to come” he said.
John Sykes, INTO’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “As we celebrate ten years of collaboration between INTO University Partnerships and the University of Stirling, we reflect on a journey defined by our mutual dedication to providing outstanding international study experiences to students from all over the world.”
“Thanks to the unwavering support and visionary leadership of the University of Stirling, our partnership has gone from strength to strength. The University's deep commitment to internationalization and the student experience aligns closely with INTO’s own values.”
Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, was at the forefront of efforts to set up the INTO Stirling Centre. In 2017, he welcomed His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, now the Duke of Edinburgh, to campus to open the £6.5 million INTO University of Stirling Centre. The modern three-story facility has a state-of-the-art lecture theatre, teaching rooms, a restaurant, and capacity for up to 420 students.
“Our partnership with INTO has a track record of success over the last decade, enabling hundreds of international students to study at the University of Stirling. It has delivered a step change in student experience for international students, and we look forward to building on this strong foundation in the years to come,” he said.
The INTO Stirling Centre, located on the University campus, provides a state-of-the-art learning environment that fully integrates students into the broader University community as they undertake specialized pathway programs tailored to their academic needs. At the Centre, they study alongside fellow international students whilst enjoying everything that the University has to offer - from social clubs to the breathtaking Scottish Highlands.
Students also have access to personalized 1-1 support from tutors, the Centre’s dedicated wellbeing services, and guidance on building employability skills. The strong level of support provided at INTO Stirling is reflected in student feedback, with 96% of students saying they felt prepared for their studies in a 2024 survey. The survey also found INTO Stirling to be the number one INTO centre in the UK for student satisfaction.
The UK’s independent higher education quality body, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), echoed these sentiments in a 2024 review that said INTO Stirling students are effectively supported throughout their study and integrated into the broader student community, giving them the opportunity to make friends and foster a sense of belonging.
INTO Stirling Centre Director, Eleanor Maly, said: “We are proud of the impact our partnership with the University of Stirling has had over the last decade. Incredibly, over 1500 international students have progressed to the University of Stirling from the INTO Centre. Looking forward, it’s clear we have many more years of shared success and opportunity yet to come.”
To mark 10 successful years of partnership, the INTO Stirling team recently came together at the Centre with Stirling University colleagues and alumni, celebrating a shared commitment to supporting students on their educational path.
The evening included speeches from Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, INTO’s Non-Executive Chair, Sir David Eastwood, and INTO Stirling graduates.
“Creating an outstanding experience for international students has always been the heart of INTO,” said Sir David Eastwood.
“INTO Stirling gave me a strong foundation that taught me independence and prepared me for my career in software engineering,” said Emmanuel from Nigeria.
“INTO was more than just education; it became a family that supported and inspired me through every challenge,” said Ngan from Vietnam.
“INTO Stirling made my transition to a new country seamless and helped me discover my passion academic passion for Economics,” said Arlana from Kazakhstan.
Ali, an INTO Stirling graduate from Pakistan, was part of the first cohort of international students at the Centre and now works there as the Operations Manager. Reflecting on his time as a student, he said: “The way things are taught gives you the freedom to explore your own potential – and I loved how INTO makes you feel a part of the university community. My love for INTO stayed even after graduating – so when I got the chance to work here, I took it right away! It was the best decision of my life.”
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Davinder Kumar
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davinder.kumar@intoglobal.com