AN INTERNATIONAL foundation course is a one-year program that prepares international students for studying at a UK university.
It is designed for people who have completed secondary school outside the UK and do not yet meet all the academic or English language requirements to start a degree in the UK.
You will improve your knowledge of your chosen subject, develop your English skills, learn about British culture and become familiar with British learning methods. You will also get support applying for your undergraduate degree.
Who provides international foundation courses?
Almost every university and many further education colleges in the UK provide international foundation courses. Sometimes they are also described as International Foundation Years - or IFY. Most students do their foundation course at the same university where they intend to do their undergraduate degree.
Do I need to do a foundation course?
In the UK, young people complete 13 years of school education and specialise in three or four subjects during their final two years of school.
In many other countries, secondary school education is only 11 or 12 years and pupils study a broader range of subjects. The international foundation year is designed to bring students with these broader educational backgrounds up to the same academic level as those who have undergone a specialist high school education in the UK.
Countries affected include Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South America, Taiwan, Turkey, Vietnam and United Arab Emirates.
What can I study?
Business, engineering, science, law, computing and communications are just some of the many subjects you can study. Find a foundation course that is relevant to your chosen degree subject.
If I do a foundation course will I get onto my chosen course at my chosen UK university?
Not necessarily. No student is guaranteed entry into a UK university or college based on results alone.
However, the foundation course will give you the best chance of successfully applying to a UK university.
Must I do my foundation course at the same university at which I want to do my undergraduate degree?
Not necessarily. But before applying for a degree at a different university you will need to check that they will accept your foundation course qualification.
How do I apply for a foundation course?
Find the university where you want to study and apply to it directly.
You will need a good standard of English to be accepted on a foundation course.
An IELTS score of 4.5 or equivalent is the usual requirement but some universities require an IELTS score of 5.5.
If you don’t have an English language qualification, you may need to take an English language course before joining the foundation course.
At some universities, including Leeds, the International Foundation Year forms the first part of an integrated four-year degree. So if you get the required grades in your foundation course, you will automatically progress to the first year of your undergraduate degree without having to apply again.
Where will I live?
You will probably be offered accommodation on the university campus during your foundation course. If not, you could rent a flat or rent a room in a house sharing with others. Your university should be able to give you advice.
Can I get a job while I’m studying?
If you are studying for longer than six months you are allowed to work for up to 24 hours a week and full-time during the holidays. Jobs may be advertised on the university website, local shops and noticeboards or on jobs websites such as www.indeed.co.uk
Will I get free healthcare?
if your studies last six months or more you won’t have to pay for any medical treatment you receive from an NHS (National Health Service) hospital or doctor. However, you may have to pay for medical prescriptions and dental treatment.
