NCUK International Foundation Year
Get to where you want to be with the NCUK International Foundation Year – bridging qualification between High school (and O Levels equivalent) and university with NCUK Guaranteed* entry.
The NCUK International Foundation Year provides direct entry to the 1st year of a university degree.

Designed exclusively for students, just like you, who are looking to study a university degree programme

Help bridge the gap between your current qualifications and starting your first-year university degree

It will equip you with the academic and English language skills required for university study and help you succeed when you get there

Progression routes to over 70+ NCUK University Partners
What modules will I study?
3 modules + English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
Choose from 6 available pathways
Business Track
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Business Studies
Humanities Track
- Global Studies
- Economics
- Business Studies
Engineering Track
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
Law Track
- Global Studies
- Economics
- Business Studies
Medicine/Dentistry Track
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Mathematics
Science Track
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Mathematics
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
NCUK International Foundation Year students will study the above module which is designed to ensure all students get to university with the required high standard of English language skills.
NCUK’s EAP shows that you
- can communicate effectively orally and in writing in an academic environment
- understand academic integrity and can demonstrate it in your work
- have a level of English that enables you to meet the challenges of disciplinary study at university
Did you know?
NCUK’s EAP grades are equivalent to IELTS and are accepted for visa requirements for study at most NCUK University Partners.
A = IELTS 7.0
B = IELTS 6.5
C = IELTS 6.0
D = IELTS 5.5
E = IELTS 5.0
How will I be assessed?
Throughout the programme, you will complete both formative and summative assessment. The formative assessment, such as mock exams, allow you to receive feedback and guidance from your teachers in Semester 1 and prepare for the summative assessments. The summative assessment are a combination of coursework and exams, as detailed below:

End of Semester 1 Test

Coursework

Final Exam
Get there better prepared
of students successfully completed their university degree
of students achieved a 2:2 or higher
of students achieved a 2:1 or higher
Source: NCUK International Foundation Year Brochure 2023, please click here for more information.
Study Mode and Duration
Full-time: 9 Months (Face-to-face)
Intakes
Programme Duration
March
23 March 2026 – 13 November 2026
September
No schedule
Average Teacher-Student Ratio
1:80 (Classroom-based lecture)*
1:40 (Workgroup session)
Registration
1 month prior to intake date
Graduation Requirement
• Must pass all modules.
• Must achieve an overall attendance of 90% (International Student) and 75% (Local Student).
Entry Requirements
To gain entry onto the NCUK International Foundation Year, you must meet the entry requirements:
Minimum Age Requirements
16 years old (Applicants must be 17 years old by 31 December in the year of admission)
Academic Requirements
Successful completion of 4 modules with minimum of grade 4 O-Level/ IGCSE or equivalent
English Language Requirements
Minimum IELTS 5.0 or equivalent
Don’t meet entry requirements?
If you don’t meet the entry requirements of the NCUK International Foundation Year, you might be eligible for our EAIM programmes. Discover more here.
Start Your Own Path Today
Ready to start your route to your dream university? Learn more about how NCUK International Foundation Year programme can help you kickstart!