NISC Students Receive Offers from Top Global Universities

By Holly Garner

Careers Counsellor

It is early March at Northbridge International School Cambodia, and the university counseling office whiteboard is looking wonderfully busy.

Student names are steadily appearing under the universities where they may soon begin the next chapter of their lives. It’s one of the most satisfying sights of the school year.

So far, 95% of our 100 Grade 12 students have received at least one conditional university offer, and around half already hold unconditional places. With several more decisions still to come, the list is continuing to grow.

Among the offers are places at some of the world’s leading universities, including the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, London School of Economics, King’s College London, the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and the University of Hong Kong.

For our students, these offers represent years of curiosity, determination, and hard work—and they highlight the strength of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme at Northbridge International School Cambodia, part of the global Nord Anglia Education network.

Getting to Know the Students Behind the Applications

One of the most important parts of the university application process is getting to know each student well.

Students often tell me that the counseling office is an easy place to talk. Those conversations—sometimes about universities, sometimes about ambitions, and sometimes simply about life after school—help build the relationships that make the application process meaningful and personal.

They also help shape the reference letters that accompany each application.

A strong reference letter takes time and care. Teacher feedback, academic achievements, and personal insights are carefully gathered and woven together into a clear, concise narrative that highlights each student’s strengths while avoiding repetition. The goal is to help admissions officers see the person behind the transcript.

And our students are wonderfully diverse.

This year’s seniors are passionate about economics and engineering, politics and particle physics, languages and literature, biology and business management. Others are drawn to design, chemistry, mathematics, music, sports, theatre, finance, and the culinary arts. A few even balance academic ambitions with hobbies like fishing or entrepreneurship.

It’s this combination of curiosity, creativity, and individuality that makes writing each letter both challenging—and genuinely enjoyable.

A Truly Global Set of University Destinations

The Class of 2026 has received offers from universities across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, reflecting the global pathways available to IB students.

So far, offers have come from universities in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Many of these institutions are among the Top 100 universities worldwide, while others are highly respected specialist institutions in fields such as engineering, business, hospitality, architecture, and design.

Our students are preparing to study an equally wide range of subjects—from engineering and economics to hospitality management, architecture, fashion, and the creative arts.

And we’re still waiting for decisions from universities in Germany, Korea, Singapore, and several other destinations, so the list of future university homes may grow even longer.

Learning from Competitive Admissions

Applying to highly selective universities can be an intense process.

Several Northbridge students applied to Cambridge University this year and were invited to interview—an impressive accomplishment in itself. Their academic profiles and test scores were extremely strong.

Although they were not ultimately offered places, the experience provided valuable insight into the interview process. It also highlighted the potential value of specialized interview preparation, something we will continue to explore as we refine the support we offer future applicants.

Each year brings new lessons that help strengthen the guidance we provide to the next group of Northbridge students aiming for the world’s most competitive universities.

The Final Step: IB Examinations

Before our seniors begin their university journeys, there is one final milestone.

The International Baccalaureate examination session in April and May is a global event taken by IB students around the world. For our Grade 12 students, it represents the culmination of years of learning, perseverance, and intellectual growth.

The IB results will be released on 6 July 2026, confirming final university placements and marking the completion of their secondary education.

Looking Ahead

At Northbridge International School Cambodia, we are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and the universities that have recognized their potential.

Their achievements reflect the values that define our school community: curiosity, ambition, global perspective, and academic excellence.

For now, the counseling office whiteboard continues to fill up—one university offer at a time. And each new name added to the list is another reminder that exciting journeys are about to begin.

We can’t wait to see where those journeys lead.