Our University Foundation Year programme in England prepares international high school graduates for entrance to a Bachelor's degree programme in the UK. In England, all international students who have studied for less than 13 years are required to take an additional year of study, known as international year one, before commencing higher education studies.

A complete university foundation course

An EF University Foundation Year programme in England offers University Foundation Year students a comprehensive range of specialisms which enable them to access almost any bachelor's degree programme. Depending on your choice of bachelor's degree, you will take one of the following five specialisms: Business, Finance & Management; Science, Engineering & Technology; Humanities & Law; Medicine & Pharmacy; or Art & Architecture. Alongside your specialist modules, you will study academic English, attend IELTS preparation classes, and complete study skills classes which enable you to adapt fully to the academic environment in England before you begin your bachelor's degree.

University pathway programme results

25% of EF University Foundation Year students in England were placed in the top 20 ranked universities in the UK
52% earned places in Bachelor's degree programmes in the 50 best universities in England
100% of University Foundation Year graduates in England won a place in an undergraduate degree program
Our graduates have been admitted to the London School of Economics, University College London, King's College, University of Bath, University of Birmingham, Durham University, University of Exeter, and many more

University Foundation Year course details

Start dates: January, April and September
Locations: Oxford and Cambridge
Weekly tuition: 20 hours
Duration: 9 months. 11 month option available in September only.

Academic outline

Term one: Advanced Language Skills, English for Academic Purposes, Academic Cultures, University Application Workshop
Term two: Intensive IELTS Preparation, Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods, one specialist subject
Term three: Critical Thinking, two specialist subjects

Specialist subjects & electives

Business, Finance & Management: Accounting & Finance, Marketing & Management, International Business
Science, Engineering & Technology: Maths, Physics & Bioscience; Maths, Chemistry & Physics
Humanities & Law: Communication & Media, Law & International Relations, Psychology & Sociology
Medicine & Pharmacy: Medicine (non EU-students only), Pharmacy, Maths, Chemistry, Bioscience
Art & Architecture: Art & Design 1 + 2, Portfolio Development

Admission requirements

Applicants to the EF University Foundation Year programme in England must have an IELTS score of 5.0 or a TOEFL score of 510 PBT, 180 CBT, or 64 IBT. We provide a free placement test to assess your English level if you have not already taken the IELTS or the TOEFL. Get in touch to have yourself tested.

Students who do not have the required level of English for admission to University Foundation Year in England may choose to combine the programme with an intensive English course prior to commencement to bring up their level.