International Foundation Year
General entry requirements
Academic: Good High School graduation grades (see country specific entry requirements)
Age: 17+ years of age
Nationality: Course is only available to overseas students (non-UK and non-EU)
Studying abroad could be the exciting next step in your academic journey. Find out if you are ready to study at the International Study Centre by checking out the entry requirements for our preparational programmes below.
The table below shows both the minimum English language entry requirements needed to study each of our courses.
Course | Required English language level* |
International Foundation Year | IELTS for UKVI 4.5 overall (minimum 4.5 in writing) |
International Year One | IELTS for UKVI 5.0 overall (minimum 5.0 in writing and minimum 4.5 in other components) |
Accepted Test | Required score |
IELTS Academic UKVI | 4.5 overall (4.5 in writing, minimum 4.0 in all other skills) |
Trinity Integrated Skills in English UKVI | ISE I Merit overall (ISE I Merit in writing and ISE I Pass in all other skills) |
You can start your studies with a UKVI- approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), provided you have met all the programme entry requirements.
The test results must have been achieved in the past 24 months and meet the minimum English equivalency score for your chosen programme.
You will need to obtain a SELT with the required minimum score to make a Student Visa application in order to come to the Centre.
Academic: Good High School graduation grades (see country specific entry requirements)
Age: 17+ years of age
Nationality: Course is only available to overseas students (non-UK and non-EU)
Country | Academic qualification |
Bahrain | Tawjahiya with an average grade of 60% or above, including relevant subjects. |
Bangladesh | Year 12 (HSC): GPA 4.0 overall with passes in min 4 subjects and 3.75 in relevant subjects. Maximum age 21 years & 364 days. |
Brazil | Ensino Medio in a minimum of 4 subjects with an average grade of 6.9 - 5.0. |
Brunei | Cambridge O level with grades A-C required in 4 or more subjects. |
China | SH2 (Gao Er) with 70% average across the year in a minimum of 4 academic subjects or SH3 (Gao San) with 65% average across the year. |
Colombia | Bachillerato in 5 relevant subjects including Maths at grade A and ICFES in 4 relevant subjects including Maths at grade 50% or above. |
Ghana | West African School Certificate or Senior School Certificate grades 1-8 or A-E in 4 or more subjects. |
Hong Kong | HKCEE 4 x E's in academic subjects or Form 5 in a minimum of 3 academic subjects (grades will be assessed on a case by case basis) or HKDSE with minimum grades of 222 in relevant subjects. |
India | Standard 10+2 at 45-47% and above or Standard 10+1 at 55% and above or Standard 10+ at 65%. |
Indonesia | SMU 2 at grade 6.5 or SMU 3 at grade 6.0 in 4 relevant subjects. |
Iran | High School Diploma (3 years) with a GPA of 11/20 in 4 relevant subjects. |
Iraq | Adadiyah with minimum grades of 50% or above, in 4 relevant subjects. |
Japan | Kotogakko - Year 12 (Senior 3) with an average GPA of 2.0 in 4 or more subjects. Year 11 (Senior 2) with an average GPA of 2.0 in 4 or more subjects. |
Jordan | Tawjihi with an average grade of 50% or above in 4 or more subjects, including relevant subjects. |
Kazakhstan | Year 11 with passes in 4 or more subjects. |
Kenya | East African School Cert or Cambridge Overseas School Cert/Kenyan Certificate (KCSE) at grades 1- 8 in 4 or more subjects. |
Korea | Korean High School graduation equivalency exam - 60%+ including relevant subjects. |
Kuwait | Shahadat-al-thanawia-al-a'ama (General Secondary School Leaving Certificate) average grade 60% or above, including relevant subjects. |
Libya | Secondary Education Certificate with an average grade of 60% of above. |
Malaysia | SPM school: Form 5, Term 2 or Mid-Year transcript - Grades of A- C achieved in 4 subjects to include English and Maths |
Mexico | Bachillerato with average grade of 65%. |
Morocco | Diplôme du Baccalauréat with grade average of 10 |
Myanmar | Basic Education High School Matriculation with a minimum grade of 60% in 4 relevant subjects. |
Nigeria | West African School Certificate (WAEC) or Senior School Certificate with grades 1-8 (A-E) in 4 or more subjects. |
Oman | Thanawiya Amma with an average grade of 60% or above in a minimum of 4 relevant subjects. |
Pakistan | Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) / Intermediate Certificate / Polytechnic Diploma with an overall grade of 50%,with passes in 4 or more subjects. Year 11 with an overall grade of 60%. SSC with an overall grade of 65%. All require 50% minimum for relevant subjects. |
Qatar | Thanawaya Aam Qatari with average grade of 60% or above including relevant subjects or QSSC in 5 subjects including Advanced Level at grades A-D. |
Russia | Attestat with GPA of 3.5 or above. |
Saudi Arabia | Tawjihi with average grade of 60% or above with passes in 4 or more subjects. |
Singapore | Form 5: Term 2 or Mid-Year transcript - Grades of A- C achieved in 4 subjects to include English and Maths |
Taiwan | Senior High 3 at an average of 55% or above or Senior High 2 at an average grade of 60% with passes in 4 or more subjects. |
Thailand | MAW5 or MAW 6.0 with a GPA of 2.0 or above in relevant subjects, 6 with an average grade of at least GPA 2.0. |
Turkey | Devlet Lise Bitirme Diplomasi completion - minimum overall grade 45%, including relevant subjects. |
UAE | Tawjihiyya with an average grade of 60% or above in 4 or more subjects, including relevant subjects. |
Uganda | Ugandan Certificate of Education - grades 1 - 8 in 4 or more subjects. |
Ukraine | Attestat with GPA of 4.5 or above. |
Vietnam | Secondary School Graduation/Year 12 (Bang Tu Tai) with a GPA of 6.0 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 for Maths and Science subjects.Year 11 with GPA of 6.5 in Year 10 and 11 and with a GPA of 6.5 and above for Maths and Science. |
Other qualifications | |
The Diploma of the International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) and the Diploma Programme Course (IB Certificate) | 20 points |
IGCSE/GCSE/O-Levels | 4 passes at A-C in relevant subjects (excluding native language) with a C in English. New grades 9-4 in English and Maths. |
A/AS levels | 40 UCAS points |
USA | High School Diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.0 or 70% |
Canada and Australia | Successful completion of Year 11 with equivalent grades to the GCSE/IGCSE requirements |
* Academic IELTS for UKVI (if you do not need a Student visa, or are exempted in another way, we can accept equivalent proof of English).
The English language entry requirements stated are for information regarding entry to the course. If you require a UK visa to study, depending on the type of visa you need, the English language requirements and valid English tests to satisfy the UK visa criteria may differ.
If you are applying to study in the UK under the Student visa route it may be necessary for you to submit a Secure English Language Test (SELT) as part of your visa application.
Find out more about valid test providers and approved test centre locations for tests taken on or after 6 April 2015. To find out if you are exempt from the SELT requirement and to find out about acceptable English language tests please contact us.
Country | Academic qualification |
Bahrain | Tawjahiya with an average grade of 60% or above, including relevant subjects. |
Bangladesh | Year 12 (HSC): GPA 4.0 overall with passes in min 4 subjects and 3.75 in relevant subjects. Maximum age 21 years & 364 days |
Brazil | Ensino Medio in a minimum of 4 subjects with an average grade of 6.9 - 5.0. |
Brunei | Cambridge O level with grades A-C required in 4 or more subjects. |
China | SH2 (Gao Er) with 70% average across the year in a minimum of 4 academic subjects or SH3 (Gao San) with 65% average across the year. |
Colombia | Bachillerato in 5 relevant subjects including Maths at grade A and ICFES in 4 relevant subjects including Maths at grade 50% or above. |
Ghana | West African School Certificate or Senior School Certificate grades 1-8 or A-E in 4 or more subjects. |
Hong Kong | HKCEE 4 x E's in academic subjects or Form 5 in a minimum of 3 academic subjects (grades will be assessed on a case by case basis) or HKDSE with minimum grades of 222 in relevant subjects. |
India | Standard 10+2 at 45-47% and above or Standard 10+1 at 55% and above or Standard 10+ at 65%. |
Indonesia | SMU 2 at grade 6.5 or SMU 3 at grade 6.0 in 4 relevant subjects. |
Iran | High School Diploma (3 years) with a GPA of 11/20 in 4 relevant subjects. |
Iraq | Adadiyah with minimum grades of 50% or above, in 4 relevant subjects. |
Japan | Kotogakko - Year 12 (Senior 3) with an average GPA of 2.0 in 4 or more subjects. Year 11 (Senior 2) with an average GPA of 2.0 in 4 or more subjects. |
Jordan | Tawjihi with an average grade of 50% or above in 4 or more subjects, including relevant subjects. |
Kazakhstan | Year 11 with passes in 4 or more subjects. |
Kenya | East African School Cert or Cambridge Overseas School Cert/Kenyan Certificate (KCSE) at grades 1- 8 in 4 or more subjects. |
Korea | Korean High School graduation equivalency exam - 60%+ including relevant subjects. |
Kuwait | Shahadat-al-thanawia-al-a'ama (General Secondary School Leaving Certificate) average grade 60% or above, including relevant subjects |
Libya | Secondary Education Certificate with an average grade of 60% of above. |
Malaysia | SPM school: Form 5, Term 2 or Mid-Year transcript - Grades of A- C achieved in 4 subjects to include English and Maths |
Mexico | Bachillerato with average grade of 65%. |
Morocco | Diplôme du Baccalauréat with grade average of 10 |
Myanmar | Basic Education High School Matriculation with a minimum grade of 60% in 4 relevant subjects. |
Nigeria | West African School Certificate (WAEC) or Senior School Certificate with grades 1-8 (A-E) in 4 or more subjects. |
Oman | Thanawiya Amma with an average grade of 60% or above in a minimum of 4 relevant subjects. |
Pakistan | Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) / Intermediate Certificate / Polytechnic Diploma with an overall grade of 50%,with passes in 4 or more subjects. Year 11 with an overall grade of 60%. SSC with an overall grade of 65%. All require 50% minimum for relevant subjects. |
Qatar | Thanawaya Aam Qatari with average grade of 60% or above including relevant subjects or QSSC in 5 subjects including Advanced Level at grades A-D. |
Russia | Attestat with GPA of 3.5 or above. |
Saudi Arabia | Tawjihi with average grade of 60% or above with passes in 4 or more subjects. |
Singapore | Form 5: Term 2 or Mid-Year transcript - Grades of A- C achieved in 4 subjects to include English and Maths |
Taiwan | Senior High 3 at an average of 55% or above or Senior High 2 at an average grade of 60% with passes in 4 or more subjects. |
Thailand | MAW5 or MAW 6.0 with a GPA of 2.0 or above in relevant subjects, 6 with an average grade of at least GPA 2.0. |
Turkey | Devlet Lise Bitirme Diplomasi completion - minimum overall grade 45%, including relevant subjects. |
UAE | Tawjihiyya with an average grade of 60% or above in 4 or more subjects, including relevant subjects. |
Uganda | Ugandan Certificate of Education - grades 1 - 8 in 4 or more subjects. |
Ukraine | Attestat with GPA of 4.5 or above. |
Vietnam | Secondary School Graduation/Year 12 (Bang Tu Tai) with a GPA of 6.0 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 for Maths and Science subjects.Year 11 with GPA of 6.5 in Year 10 and 11 and with a GPA of 6.5 and above for Maths and Science. |
Other qualifications | |
The Diploma of the International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) and the Diploma Programme Course (IB Certificate) | 20 points |
IGCSE/GCSE/O-Levels | 4 passes at A-C in relevant subjects (excluding native language) with a C in English. New grades 9-4 in English and Maths. |
A/AS levels | 40 UCAS points |
USA | High School Diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.0 or 70% |
Canada and Australia | Successful completion of Year 11 with equivalent grades to the GCSE/IGCSE requirements |
* Academic IELTS for UKVI (if you do not need a Student visa, or are exempted in another way, we can accept equivalent proof of English).
The English language entry requirements stated are for information regarding entry to the course. If you require a UK visa to study, depending on the type of visa you need, the English language requirements and valid English tests to satisfy the UK visa criteria may differ.
If you are applying to study in the UK under the Student visa route it may be necessary for you to submit a Secure English Language Test (SELT) as part of your visa application.
Find out more about valid test providers and approved test centre locations for tests taken on or after 6 April 2015. To find out if you are exempt from the SELT requirement and to find out about acceptable English language tests please contact us.
Academic: Good High School graduation grades (see country specific entry requirements)
Age: 17+ years of age
Nationality: Course is only available to overseas students (non-UK and non-EU)
Country | Academic Qualification |
Bahrain | Tawjahiya (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) and evidence of 1 year of further study (e.g. 1st year of 2 year Diploma) |
Bangladesh | Year 12 (HSC): GPA 4.0 overall with GPA 3.75 in relevant subjects and GPA 4.0 in Maths and English, plus successful completion of 1st year of degree/diploma level studies. Maximum age 22 years & 364 days |
Brazil | Ensino Medio - 4 subjects min (8.9 - 7.0 / bom / B / 4) or Ensino Medio - 4 subjects min (6.9 - 5.0 / regular / C / 3) + 1 further year |
Brunei | Cambridge A level/Matriculation = A Level Standard. BDTVEC National Diploma = BTEC National Diploma |
China | Year 12 (Senior High 3)with 60% or above in 4 or more key subjects (including relevant subject and no further year study requirement); Year 11 (Senior High 2) with 65% or above in 4 or more key subjects(including relevant subject) plus successfully completed 1 year of further year of study with a pass; |
Colombia | Bachillerato - 5 relevant subjects inc. Maths (A) Acceptable or above plus extra year study |
Ghana | OND/Ghanaian A Levels/Polytechnic Diploma |
Hong Kong | HKDSE 332 Chinese language accepted. Can accept Chinese History and Chinese Literature. Higher Certificate is considered comparable to BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) standard. Honours Diploma (from Shue Yan College) is considered comparable to BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) / Foundation degree standard. Higher Diploma (2 years) |
India | Year 12 HSC - 45% or above |
Indonesia | 6.5 SMU 3 ( 4 subject passes) |
Iran | High School Diploma (3 years) with a GPA of 11/20 in 4 relevant subjects. |
Iraq | Transcript of High School Diploma Theoretical stream (3 years) GPA 11/20 plus further year. OR Pre Uni Year Peeshdaneshgahe 12/20. OR 1 year Kardani 12/20, or 2 year Kardani 11/20. |
Japan | High School/Upper Secondary School leaving certificate and evidence of further study but High School leaving certificate with 3.0 GPA accepted alone, lower if there is one more year of further study. Further part study includes Junior College Diploma / Technical Associate Degree / Vocational Training Certificate / Diploma (inc.Koutou Senmon Gakko and Senmon Gakko) awarded by Vocational Training Colleges of Ministry of Labour is considered comparable to VCE Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level / BTEC National Certificate |
Jordan | Completion of Year 12 Tawjihi 70% without the need for further year of study |
Kazakhstan | Certificate of Secondary Education and evidence of 1 year of further study - to equate to 13 years of education (to approx A level equivalency). Part study of Specialist Diploma. Diplom o srednem spetsialnom obrazovanii (Diploma of Specialised Secondary Education until 1991) is considered comparable to BTEC National Diploma standard. |
Kenya | KCSE plus successful completion of 1 year of further study |
Korea | High School Diploma (4th Grade, or lower is okay if student also has 1 further year of study) or Junior Vocational College Diploma. |
Kuwait | Year 12 (GSEC): 60% each in 4 or more academic subjects including relevant subjects + 1 year of further study (e.g Vocational Training Centre Certificate/Diploma/part study of Bachelor's degree) |
Libya | Year 12 (GSEC): 60% overall and 60% in relevant subjects + 1 year of further study |
Malaysia | STPM or A Levels with 2 grade D, or UEC with aggregate of not more than 42 points for 6 subjects inc English Any recognised Malaysia foundation programme - 40% |
Mexico | Bachillerato 75% or 65% + 1 year HE (pass) |
Morocco | Completion Moroccan Bacc 12/20 |
Myanmar | 1 year further study or GAC - GPA 1.00 |
Nigeria | WAEC, SSCE or GCE grades A1-B3 in 5 or more subjects |
Oman | Year 12 (General Education Diploma): 50% overall and 50% in relevant subjects + 1 year further study (can be from Diploma/Technical Industrial College Diploma, 1 year Certificate, Higher/Advanced Diploma) |
Pakistan | Year 12 (HSC/ Intermediate certificate(Part I & II): 55% overall (Note: 40% in relevant subjects required) |
Qatar | High School certificate and evidence of 1 year of further study - to equate to 13 years of education (to approx A level equivalency). Part study of Vocational Secondary Diploma/Secondary Technical Certificate/Diploma in Technology/Bachelor Degree inc. QABP at 70% |
Russia | Attestat with minimum 3.5 plus 1 year of successful completion of further studies |
Saudi Arabia | 1 year of further study eg. diploma level studies. Diploma provided by Higher Institutes and Technical Colleges. Technical College Certificate (2 years) = BTEC National Certificate. Higher Technical Institute Diploma = BTEC National Diploma. College of Technology Diploma (2 years) = BTEC National Diploma. Higher Diploma = 2 years of Bachelors |
Singapore | Singapore/Cambridge A Levels – see UCAS points for assessment or1 year completion of study of Polytechnic Diploma / Polytechnic Certificate / Polytechnic Advanced Diploma H1 = AS level UCAS H2 = A levels UCAS |
Taiwan | SH3 70% or 1 year of completed further study if below 70% |
Thailand | Year 12 (MAW 6) completion with GPA 2.3 OR Completion of 1 year of post-secondary study (university or college) with an average grade of 65%. |
Turkey | Devlet Lise Diploması (High School Completion) - 55% overall |
UAE | High School certificate (Tawjihiyya) and evidence of 1 year of further study - to equate to 13 years/approx A level equiv. Part study of Specialist/University Diploma or Associate Degree. |
Uganda | Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate/East African Advanced Certificate/Higher Diploma/National Certificate/National Diploma UACE Grades A- E |
Ukraine | Attestat/11th Grade - GPA 9/12. |
Vietnam | Completed Year 12: Year 12 completion report with GPA 6.5 overall, and with 6.5+ for Math and science subjects. Lower grades require further year of study. |
If your qualification or country is not listed then please contact us for more information.
Other qualification | |
The Diploma of the International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) and the Diploma Programme Course (IB Certificate) | 20 points |
A/AS levels | 40 UCAS points |
** Academic IELTS for UKVI (if you do not need a Student visa, or are exempted in another way, we can accept equivalent proof of English).
The English language entry requirements stated are for information regarding entry to the course. If you require a UK visa to study, depending on the type of visa you need, the English language requirements and valid English tests to satisfy the UK visa criteria may differ.
If you are applying to study in the UK under the Student visa route it may be necessary for you to submit a Secure English Language Test (SELT) as part of your visa application.
Find out more about valid test providers and approved test centre locations for tests taken on or after 6 April 2015. To find out if you are exempt from the SELT requirement and to find out about acceptable English language tests please contact us.
Boost your language skills with the English Language Preparation programme.
View the tuition fees for your chosen programme, and calculate the deposit, confirmation, accommodation and insurance costs.
We will help you throughout the application process to study with us. Join our friendly and multicultural student community today.
Have questions about studying with us? Check out our helpful FAQs or contact us using our simple enquiry form.
Our student enrolment advisors are here to help with your application and answer your questions about living and learning in Leeds.