University Foundation Courses
The Fastest Route To UK Universities For International Students
University Foundation Courses prepare international students for entry to
the first year of a bachelor's degree (year 2 in Scotland1).
They are intensive programmes of academic subjects, study skills and English language
and take less than one year to complete.
Some foundation courses are taught on campus at the university where you will study your degree.
Most offer guaranteed progression and you should choose this option if you have already decided
the university where you want to study.
Other foundation courses are taught at private international schools.
These do not offer guaranteed progression, but you will be able to apply to a wider range of universities.
This is the best option if you have not decided on a particular university and want to keep your options open
for as long as possible.
Why Choose This Course?
- The fastest route to a British university for most international students.
- Guaranteed progression on successful completion for most foundation courses.
- The best option for students who want to study subjects like Art, Business, Engineering, Law, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Students who want to study Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine should consider an
A Level Pathway instead.
- A low cost route compared to the alternatives.
Entry Requirements
English Requirements
For entry to these courses, you will need a minimum English level of IELTS 4.5 (4.0+ in all skills). If you do not meet this level,
you may still be accepted if you study an
Academic English Course
before your foundation course begins.
Age Requirements
You must be at least 17 years of age at the start of the course.
Academic Requirements
If your qualifications are not listed below,
ask your student advisor
to assess your qualifications for you.
| Your Country |
Minimum2 Requirements |
| International |
IGCSE 4 passes (C+) or IB (20+ points) |
| Angola |
Habilitação Literárias Pass (14 points) |
| Bahrain |
Tawjahiya with an average grade of 60% - 80% |
| Botswana |
Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (5 subjects, grades C-D) |
| Brazil |
Certificado de Ensino Médio, 5 Subjects grade 5.0 - 6.9 |
| Egypt |
Certificate of Secondary Education (60%+ average) |
| Ghana |
>West African School Certificate (WASSCE), 4+ subjects grades 1-6 / A-C |
| India |
10 + 1 (55% - 70%) or 10 + 2 (45% - 55%) |
| Jordan |
Tawjihi 50% - 80% |
| Kazakhstan |
Certificate of Completed Secondary Education, minimum 3.0/5.0 |
| Kenya |
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), 4-5 subjects grades C-E |
| Kuwait |
General Secondary School Leaving Certificate, 60% - 80% |
| Lebanon |
Lebanese Baccalaureate 10/20 or French Baccalaureate (50%+) |
| Malaysia |
SPM (Malaysia Certificate of Education), 3-5 passes grades A-D |
| Mexico |
Bachillerato 60% - 75% |
| Morocco |
Diplôme du Baccalauréat grade 10 - 12 |
| Nigeria |
West African School Certificate (4+ subjects grades 1-6 / A-C) |
| Oman |
General Education Diploma 60% - 80% |
| Qatar |
Tawjihiya / Thanawihya / General Secondary School Certificate 60% - 80% |
| Saudi Arabia |
Tawjihiya / Thanawihya / General Secondary School Certificate 60% - 80% |
| South Africa |
Senior Certificate + Matriculation Endorsement (4 subjects, E+) |
| United Arab Emirates |
Tawjihiyya / School Leaving Certificate (4 subjects, 60% - 80%) |
| Zambia |
Zambian School Certificate (4+ subjects, grades 1 - 8) |
| Zimbabwe |
Zimsec O Level (4-5 subjects, grades A-D) |
| Other Countries |
Completion of secondary school in your own country (Year 11+) with good grades. |
Note: You do not need a university foundation course if you already have the qualifications for direct entry to a
bachelor's degree.
If you are not sure, see our guide to
UK university entry requirements
or ask your student advisor for advice.
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