World of Business 
World of Digital 
World of Media 
World of Sport 
A teenager who moved from Belgium to Greater Manchester aged just 17 graduated from UA92 on Friday with a Bachelor of Arts honours degree and a full-time career already secured.
Arne De Cauwer, who was 19 when he completed his accelerated Sports Management degree in just two years, was among hundreds of students celebrating at UA92’s graduation ceremony at Victoria Warehouse.
Since arriving in Manchester in 2023, Arne embraced university life, becoming a student ambassador, speaking on open day panels and hosting UA92’s Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) in Sports Leadership Conference.
Alongside his studies, he completed a social media marketing internship with Swinton Lionesses RLFC before securing full-time roles at a trade publisher and later Deliveroo as an account manager all before graduating.
Away from his day job, Arne also serves as social media manager at Bolton Futsal Club, alongside a close friend made at UA92. Together, they have helped create opportunities for fellow students to gain valuable industry experience through the club.
Arne was one of hundreds of graduates who were presented their degrees by Class of ‘92 members and UA92 co-founders Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs. Gary also delivered a keynote speech.
The ceremony also recognised two students with UA92’s Greatness Unlocked Awards, celebrating individuals who have overcome significant personal challenges while making an exceptional contribution to university life.
Bailey Leach and McKenzie Leigh-Wood have both undergone remarkable personal growth during their time at UA92, arriving as shy students lacking confidence and graduating with the self-belief and skills to pursue their chosen careers.
Bailey and McKenzie were joined by nine other award winners on the day including Lancaster University’s Chancellors Medal, Students of the Year, 92 Programme Prize and Outstanding final project.
The graduation followed UA92 retaining its title as Greater Manchester’s most supportive higher education institution for the third year running in the 2026 National Student Survey (NSS).
UA92 achieved a 92% satisfaction score for Academic Support, placing it above both the sector average and its NSS benchmark.
Dr Marnie Millard, chair of the UA92 board, said: “Graduation is always a proud moment, but what makes it extra special is seeing the individual journeys our students have taken to reach this point. Arne’s story, our Greatness Unlocked Award winners Bailey and McKenzie and every graduate celebrating today, shows what can be achieved when talented people are given the right support, opportunities and belief in themselves. Many of today’s graduates are already stepping into careers, having gained valuable industry experience alongside their studies and I have no doubt they’ll help shape the future of our region and beyond.”
