York University and Uptown International School establish pathway for IB Career-related Programme students to undergraduate study in Canada
Toronto, ON – February 10, 2026 — York University and Uptown International School (UIS) in Dubai have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a new academic pathway that gives students in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Career-related Programme (IBCP) a clear, supported route to undergraduate study at York University in Toronto, Canada.
The pathway is designed to provide predictability and confidence for students and families. UIS students who complete the IBCP alongside a BTEC Level 3 Diploma and meet the outlined academic requirements will be considered for admission to most York undergraduate programs, including highly competitive programs within the Lassonde School of Engineering—home to Canada’s #1 and 32nd globally ranked Aerospace Engineering program (ShanghaiRanking 2025).
“This partnership reflects our commitment to expanding access to engineering and science,” said Jane Goodyer, Dean of the Lassonde School of Engineering. “We are building flexible, well-designed pathways that recognize different education systems, support student potential, and connect learners to degrees that lead to meaningful, in-demand careers.”
Many Canadian STEM programs require three academic prerequisites — mathematics, physics and chemistry. Because IBCP students typically complete two IB academic courses alongside a BTEC Level 3 Diploma, York will offer additional flexibility through Lassonde Academy, which allows students to complete up to two missing prerequisites before beginning their degree.
“Through Lassonde Academy, our online, instructor-guided learning platform that helps students strengthen core STEM skills and prepare for first-year studies, students can move forward with confidence toward degrees, including Engineering, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Earth & Atmospheric Science, and Digital Media,” added Dean Goodyer.
Under the pathway, UIS students will:
- Complete two IB Diploma Programme courses (minimum grade of 5 in each, unless otherwise noted)
- Complete a BTEC Level 3 Diploma (120-credit Diploma or 180-credit Extended Diploma) with a minimum average of Merit
- Complete CP Core components (Personal & Professional Skills, Service Learning, Reflective Project and Language Development)
- Meet program-specific prerequisites through IB courses and/or Lassonde Academy, completed within the last five years
“This partnership opens exciting global opportunities for our IB Career related Programme students. It allows them to transition seamlessly to world-class undergraduate programs, particularly in STEM fields. We are proud to support our students as they take confident steps toward meaningful careers,” said Colin Gerrie, Principal, Uptown International School.,” said Colin Gerrie, Principal, Uptown International School.
The pathway also encourages early planning, with guidance beginning in Grade 10 to help students explore York programs, identify prerequisite gaps, choose IB courses strategically and stay connected with York representatives.
York University and Uptown International School view this agreement as a foundation for broader collaboration and a model for future international partnerships that expand access to high-quality postsecondary education.
For more information about York University admissions and Lassonde Academy, visit:
futurestudents.yorku.ca | https://lassonde.yorku.ca/discover/lassonde-academy
About Lassonde School of Engineering
Located in the heart of the multicultural Greater Toronto Area, the Lassonde School of Engineering at York University is home to engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs, representing a diverse community of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners. With 14 undergraduate programs, eight graduate programs and a host of certificates and accessible study options, Lassonde is shaping the next generation of creators who tackle complex challenges and design solutions through interdisciplinary learning.
Lassonde’s steady growth in programs, research and industry-connected learning is increasingly reflected in global rankings. Aerospace Engineering is ranked 32nd globally and #1 in Canada for the second consecutive year (ShanghaiRanking 2025). Lassonde also contributes to York’s global standing in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science & Engineering, Computer Science & Information Systems, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical & Electronic Engineering across ShanghaiRanking, QS and Times Higher Education—reflecting the emergence of a recognized and growing AI research cluster and a strong foundation for training students to be a step ahead in an AI-powered world.