Kingston ISC students in a class at the ISC on campus

International Foundation Year entry requirements

Studying the International Foundation Year

The International Foundation Year is a preparatory programme for progression to an undergraduate degree at Kingston University, London. To study this programme, you must meet certain academic and English language requirements.

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.

  • IELTS Academic for UKVI
  • Trinity Integrated Skills in English for UKVI
  • Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
  • LanguageCert Academic SELT
  • PSI Skills for English UKVI (4 components)

Study Group is permitted to assess students’ suitability for entry onto programmes which are degree level and above under the registration for the UK Office for Students. You are therefore not required to have a UKVI SELT to obtain a Student Visa when you come to campus.

Entry requirements

Age: 17+

English language: Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.5 overall (minimum 5.0 in writing and no other skill less than 4.0)**

Nationality: Any non-UK or EU national.

Academic entry requirements

Academic: Good high school grades or equivalent.

Check the academic entry requirements for your country:

The table below shows the minimum academic levels required for entry to the International Foundation Year. Please note, in addition:

  • progression to the Architecture degree is subject to a successful interview and design portfolio review with the university.
CountryQualification*
Bangladesh

Year 12 (HSC): GPA 3.0 overall (Relevant subjects GPA 3.0 if required)

(Note 1: Maths at HSC is required for Computing, Engineering and Health Sciences pathway)
(Note 2: For Business, Humanities, Social Sciences and Law if student does not have Maths at HSC then Maths accepted at SSC at GPA 3.0).

BahrainSuccessful completion of Tawjahiya (secondary school leaving cert) average grade 60% or above, including relevant subjects
ChinaSuccessful completion of Senior High 2 at an average grade of 65% or Senior High 3 at an average of 60% or above
GeorgiaSuccessful completion of Secondary School Leaving Certificate (year 11 or 12)
GhanaSuccessful completion of the WAEC West African School Certificate or Senior School Certificate - grades 1 - 8 (A - E) in 4 or more subjects
Hong KongForm 5 : Passes in 3 or more academic subjects or successful completion of HKDSE 221
KuwaitSuccessful completion of Shahadat-al-thanawia-al-a'ama (General Secondary School Leaving Certificate) average grade 60% or above, including relevant subjects
IndiaSuccessful completion of Standard 10 with 65% or year 11 55%
IndonesiaSuccessful completion of Grade 6.5 SMU 2 or Grade 6.0 SMU 3 
IranSuccessful completion of High school Diploma (3 years ) in 4 or more subjects with an average grade of 11
JapanSuccessful completion of Kotogakko with grade average of 2.0
JordanSuccessful completion of Tawjihi with average of 50% in 4 or more subjects
KazakhstanSuccessful completion of ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education in 4 or more subjects
KoreaSuccessful completion of Korean high school graduation equivalency exam - 60%+ including relevant subjects
LibyaSuccessful completion Secondary Education Certificate with average of 60%
MacauSuccessful completion of Bachillerato 65%+
MexicoSuccessful completion of Bachillerato with average of 70%
MoroccoSuccessful completion of Diplôme du Baccalauréat with grade average of 10
NigeriaSuccessful completion of WAEC West African School Certificate or Senior School Certificate - grades 1 - 8 (A - E) in 4 or more subjects
OmanSuccessful completion of Thanawiya Amma (School Leaving Certificate) average grade 60% or above, including relevant subjects
PakistanSuccessful completion of High Secondary Certificate (50%) or SSC (65%)
QatarSuccessful completion of Thanawaya Aam Qatari with an average grade of 60% in relevant subjects
RussiaSuccessful completion of ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education
Saudi ArabiaSuccessful completion of Tawjihi with average of 60%, including relevant subjects
TaiwanSuccessful completion of Senior High 2 at an average grade of 60% or Senior High 3 at an average of 55% or above
ThailandSuccessful completion of Year 11 (MAW 5) with GPA 2.0 or Year 12 (MAW 6) with GPA 2.0 in last two years, including 2.0 in Maths and Science
TurkeySuccessful completion of Devlet Lise Diploması (High School Completion) - 50% overall including relevant subjects
UAESuccessful completion of Tawjihi with average of 60%, including relevant subjects
UkraineSuccessful completion of ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education with a minimum GPA 4.5
VietnamSuccessful completion of Year 12 with average grade 6.0 overall (with 6.5 for maths and science subjects)

Other qualifications

QualificationAward
IB Diploma Programme20 UCAS points (IB Certificate accepted)
A/AS levels12 UCAS points (formerly 40 UCAS tariff points)

* 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 do not need a Student visa, or are exempted in another way, we can accept equivalent proof of English.

If your qualification or country is not listed then please contact us for more information.

EU student definition

EU students include:

  • EEA (European Economic Area) migrant workers and their families in the UK who have lived in the EEA for 3 years
  • EU nationals and their children who have lived in the EEA for 3 years
  • Refugees (recognised by the UK government) and their families
  • People who have applied for asylum and have been granted leave to enter/remain, and their families
  • The rules on whether you are classified as a ‘home’ or ‘overseas’ student are strictly defined by the British Government; universities do not have discretion.

English language tuition

If you need to improve your level of English language to enter the International Foundation Year, additional Online English language training is available.

You will need an Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.5 overall (min 4.5 in all skills) or equivalent to study the English Language Preparation for International Foundation Year.

Prepare for Success

5 weeks before your selected course you will be automatically enrolled in our Prepare for Success online programme in order to help you get everything you need. You'll benefit from useful insights into studying abroad and have the opportunity to gain key skills before you start your pathway programme.

Join us today

Our student enrolment advisors are available to answer your questions and help you with your application. We can’t wait to meet you.