Chennai, 9th October 2026: Firebird Institute of International Studies (FIIS) has announced a strategic academic partnership with INTO Qualifications, a leading UK-based global pathway provider, to deliver internationally recognised pathway qualifications directly from the FIIS campus at Chettipalayam, Coimbatore.
With this partnership, FIIS becomes the first and only authorized delivery partner in India for INTO Qualifications. Admissions are currently underway for the inaugural batch, which is scheduled to commence in January 2027.
Operating from the FIRM campus in Chettipalayam, FIIS is part of the Firebird education ecosystem. The institute’s mission is to act as a globally trusted pathway partner, helping Indian students build strong academic foundations while unlocking higher education and career opportunities worldwide.
INTO Qualifications is a UK-based global awarding organization specializing in preparing international students for university success. Its curriculum focuses on developing core academic knowledge, critical study skills, and English-language competency tailored for degree-level education. While INTO Qualifications provides qualification design, academic oversight, moderation, assessment frameworks, and quality assurance, approved delivery partners like FIIS provide teaching, personalized student support, and world-class campus facilities. The International Foundation qualification is externally benchmarked by Ecctis and operates within the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level structure.
Commenting on the partnership, Mrs. Sujana Abirami Sundaramaran, Managing Trustee, FIIS said, “At Firebird, our vision has always been to empower students with world-class education that opens doors globally while nurturing their individual potential. Partnering with INTO Qualifications allows us to bring a globally accredited academic framework right here to Coimbatore. By offering a supportive, high-touch learning environment closer to home, we are enabling young learners to transition seamlessly into top international universities with confidence, clarity, and strong academic preparation.”
Highlighting the academic and operational delivery, Dr. R. Nandagopal, Chief Operating Officer, FIIS added, “This partnership creates a structured, cost-effective, and low-risk bridge for students aspiring to study abroad. By combining INTO’s rigorous academic standards and global progression network with FIIS’s small cohort sizes, expert international faculty, and comprehensive mentoring, we ensure our students are fully prepared for the demands of degree-level study overseas. Furthermore, our focus on facilitation—from scholarship guidance to local industry internships—ensures a holistic development journey.”
What the FIIS × INTO partnership means for students
Structured Bridge to Overseas Undergraduate Study: Designed for Class 12 graduates, including students who may not immediately meet direct-entry requirements for their target overseas universities.
Two Distinct Academic Routes:
International Foundation Programme (IFP): A Level 3 qualification offering progression routes to undergraduate degrees in the US, UK, and other global destinations.
International Year One (IYO): A Level 4 Advanced Diploma enabling direct progression into Year 2 of relevant UK undergraduate degree programmes.
Supported Local Transition: Students adapt to international academic expectations in India within small class sizes (capped at 20 students), receiving personalized mentoring and optional IELTS preparation support.
Flexible Progression Choices: Access to INTO Qualifications’ growing network of recognizing universities across the US, UK, and global destinations (subject to meeting relevant university entry and English-language criteria).
Cost & Credit Advantages: Studying the initial phase in India significantly reduces overall overseas living and tuition expenses. For US university progressions, students may transfer up to 30 credits depending on the institution, degree, and modules completed.
End-to-End Guidance & Support: FIIS will actively assist eligible students with university scholarship applications, guide families exploring educational bank loans, and facilitate local internship opportunities to build practical career exposure alongside academics.
About Firebird Institute of International Studies (FIIS)
Firebird Institute of International Studies (FIIS), located at the FIRM campus in Chettipalayam, Coimbatore, is dedicated to delivering globally aligned educational pathways. FIIS provides a campus model featuring small cohorts, personalized mentoring, faculty with international exposure, modern library and computer facilities, and on-campus accommodation.
About INTO Qualifications
INTO Qualifications is a global awarding organisation focused on designing, moderating, and quality-assuring qualifications that prepare international students for university success. Its qualifications build academic knowledge, study skills, and English proficiency, supported by a wide network of recognizing universities globally.
