Foundation Courses in the UK

What is a Foundation course?

If you are an international student finishing your high school exams, have completed less than 13 years of education and would like to take your first degree in the UK, you will need to study a foundation course at a UK university or college. A foundation is a one-year preparation course for international students who need additional English language and academic preparation for entry onto a UK university undergraduate course.

Foundation programmes are for school-leavers who have studied a non-British curriculum but wish to pursue a degree at a UK university. The foundation course acts as a bridge between your current qualifications and UK university undergraduate entry requirements and is designed to plug academic gaps, improve your English and familiarise you with UK life and culture in preparation for university.

Foundation Courses 

Foundation courses can prepare you for a variety of subjects such as: Business, Finance & Management; Computing; Law; Art and Design; Engineering; Social Science; Medicine; Science and Pharmacy; Media; and Humanities.

Certain foundation providers have partnerships with universities and can guarantee progression to that institution if the student achieves high enough grades. Many programmes will see the student based on campus, benefitting from full university status with complete access to libraries, equipment and sporting facilities.

Foundation Course Requirements

A minimum IELTS score of 4.5 is required for international students wishing to study a foundation, with no single element less than 4.0. If you have no formal English qualifications, you may need to attend an English language course or college prior to starting your foundation course. Documents and entry requirements needed are:

• Minimum IELTS score of 4.5 or equivalent
• Higher Secondary School Certificate
• Higher Secondary transcripts
• Reference letter from your high school teacher
• Personal statement
• Scanned copy of passport and visa

If you need to improve your English, IELTS preparation courses are available for all levels and abilities. Sign up for a free IELTS practice test and improve your score in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Where can I study a Foundation course?

Apply to Study a Foundation Course