International Foundation Programme Options

There are different options to study the International Foundation Programme:

  • 1 Year International Foundation Programme
  • 4 Year Degree Programme with 1-Year International Foundation

1 Year International Foundation Programme

  • Improve and develop your academic English skills within a nurturing and supportive environment
  • Tailored, additional English language sessions that are catered to individual learning needs
  • Flexibility to choose whether you progress to study at undergraduate level at Aberystwyth University or elsewhere*
  • Suitable for students who are uncertain which undergraduate subject to choose

4 Year Degree Programme with 1 Year Foundation

  • Enhance your Academic English skills
  • Apply directly for the undergraduate degree programme of your choice
  • Apply for a 4-year Student Visa that covers your undergraduate programme and the Foundation year
  • Suitable for students who have an IELTS of 5.5 minimum (or equivalent)
  • Suitable for students who know what degree programme to choose

Both options are delivered on campus by Aberystwyth University and recruited globally through our partnership with David Game College, providing international students with a high-quality pathway into UK higher education.

*subject to the official approval of your chosen University. 

1 Year International Foundation Programme

The 1 Year International Foundation Programme is applicable to:

  • International Foundation Programme in Business, Economics & Finance
  • International Foundation Programme in Computer Science & Technology
  • International Foundation Programme in Humanities & Social Sciences

1 Year International Foundation Programme explained:

  • 1 CAS and Student Visa for the 1-year International Foundation Programme
  • Applicants must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) as part of their International Foundation Programme application. Accepted qualifications are: Academic IELTS for UKVI; Trinity College London and Pearsons PTE Academic UKVI.

If you want to continue your undergraduate studies at Aberystwyth University:

  • January intake only can complete the visa application for 3-year undergraduate programme whilst in the UK.
  • September intake students will need to return to their country of domicile before reapplying for the 3-year Student Visa.

All students will be guided through the 3-year undergraduate visa steps by our friendly and knowledgeable International Student Advisors.

4 Year Degree Programme with Foundation

This option is available for all pathways:

  • Business, Economics & Finance
  • Computer Science & Technology
  • Humanities & Social Sciences
  • Science & Engineering

For applicants looking to study the International Foundation Programme in Science & Engineering with a minimum English language level of IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) the 12-week Pre-Sessional English course can also be integrated into 1 Student Visa, to increase your English language level before pursuing the International Foundation Programme. Click here for more information about the Pre-Sessional English course.

4-Year Degree Programme with Foundation explained:

  • 1 Student Visa and CAS that covers 4-years of study:
    • 1-year Foundation Programme and 3-year undergraduate programme 

OR

    • 3-year undergraduate programme + 12-week Pre-Sessional English course 
  • Applicants can provide a wider range of English language qualifications as part of their application.

Click on the undergraduate English requirements webpage for further information on acceptable English qualifications.

Difference between the International Foundation Programmes

The information below shows the differences between the International Foundation Programme options, especially which English language qualifications are most suitable for you.

The table shows the required English language level and qualifications for each option. 

English Language Qualification Requirements for the International Foundation Programme

1 Year International Foundation Programme: applicants must have IELTS UKVI or another Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Trinity College London or Pearsons PTE Academic UKVI.

4 Year Degree Programme with Foundation: applicants can provide an equivalent recognised English qualification. For further information on acceptable English qualifications, click here for the undergraduate English requirements webpage. 

1 Year International Foundation Programme 4 Year Degree Programme with Foundation Programme

International Foundation Programme in Business, Economics & Finance

 Academic IELTS for UKVI (or equivalent SELT) with minimum score of 4.5 (no component score below 4.0) Academic IELTS (or equivalent qualification) with minimum score of 5.5 (no component score below 5.5)

International Foundation Programme in Computer Science & Technology

 Academic IELTS for UKVI (or equivalent SELT) with minimum score of 4.5 (no component score below 4.0) Academic IELTS (or equivalent qualification) with minimum score of 5.5 (no component score below 5.5)

International Foundation Programme in Humanities & Social Sciences

 Academic IELTS for UKVI (or equivalent SELT) with minimum score of 5.0 (no component score below 4.5) Academic IELTS (or equivalent qualification) with minimum score of 5.5 (no component score below 5.5)

International Foundation Programme in Science & Engineering

Academic IELTS (or equivalent qualification) with minimum score of 6.5 and no component score below 5.5.

Applicants with minimum score of 5.5 and no component score below 5.5 could apply for the 12-week Pre-Sessional English course.

Upon successful completion, students can progress onto the International Foundation Programme in Science & Engineering.