Your studying abroad journey starts with DIFC

Partner Universities

NCUK Universities

Irish Universities

Medical Partners

Three simple steps to start your pathway to your dream university

Step 1: Choose your pathway

We offer Medicine & Health Science, Business, Engineering, Science, Humanities and the NCUK Master Preparation courses.

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Step 2: DIFC offer expert support and guidance at every stage

At DIFC we provide Student Support services to help you from the day you arrive to the day you join your dream university.

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Step 3: Progress to your dream university

You receive specialist advice from our dedicated Placement Team to help you apply to your dream university.

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Start your pathway to your dream university

Apply now to DIFC to start your pathway to your dream  course in one of our partner universities Ireland and the UK.

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Discover your future, today!

Listen to some of our past students who have gone on to study for their dream career!

If you want to study an undergraduate degree, but don't meet the requirements, then you should choose the International Foundation Year course. If you are postgraduate and don't meet the English Language requirements for entry to a Master's degree, then you should pick a pre-master course.

Dr Farida Studied Medicine at RCSI
Dr Anas Bara BCS Medicine & Surgery UCLan
Arthem Knyazev Studying at Maynooth University
Dariya Seluk Studying Medicine in UCD
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4000

University courses

90+

Universities to choose from

9

Top 100 ranked Universities

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What our students say

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“The DIFC team was pivotal in helping me achieve my dream of studying in the Biomedical science field. During my time at DIFC I got to meet people from all over the world, giving me the opportunity to learn about many different cultures. I found the academic staff to be incredibly passionate in their subjects, they inspired and gave me all the skills required to excel."

Tiffany Vieira IFY Science,
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“I will never forget my time studying at DIFC, simply because of how at home I felt. All the staff and students that I met were friendly and welcoming. Studying was also a wonderful experience, the lecturers were really good at explaining things and keeping the lectures interesting. I was always waiting impatiently for the next math lecture because of how much I enjoyed them."

Abdulrahman Al Zeidi IFY Engineering & Technology
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“My experience studying with DIFC has been the highlight of my life. Dublin is a very lovely city but DIFC has enriched my experienced and further developed my character especially with the opportunity to be a class rep. DIFC had scheduled classes very well leaving us students’ room to explore Ireland despite the condensed course."

Priscilla Jeyaraj IFY Health Science
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"The quality of the education system in Ireland is the main reason why I chose this country in terms of studying abroad.There are many universities located in Ireland.There is always an opportunity to meet new people who come from many different countries all over the world.”

Nguyen Huynh Kim Xuan Pre-Master’s Programme
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“The DIFC team was pivotal in helping me achieve my dream of studying in the Biomedical science field. During my time at DIFC I got to meet people from all over the world, giving me the opportunity to learn about many different cultures. I found the academic staff to be incredibly passionate in their subjects, they inspired and gave me all the skills required to excel."

Tiffany Vieira IFY Science,
student_photo

“I will never forget my time studying at DIFC, simply because of how at home I felt. All the staff and students that I met were friendly and welcoming. Studying was also a wonderful experience, the lecturers were really good at explaining things and keeping the lectures interesting. I was always waiting impatiently for the next math lecture because of how much I enjoyed them."

Abdulrahman Al Zeidi IFY Engineering & Technology
student_photo

“My experience studying with DIFC has been the highlight of my life. Dublin is a very lovely city but DIFC has enriched my experienced and further developed my character especially with the opportunity to be a class rep. DIFC had scheduled classes very well leaving us students’ room to explore Ireland despite the condensed course."

Priscilla Jeyaraj IFY Health Science
student_photo

"The quality of the education system in Ireland is the main reason why I chose this country in terms of studying abroad.There are many universities located in Ireland.There is always an opportunity to meet new people who come from many different countries all over the world.”

Nguyen Huynh Kim Xuan Pre-Master’s Programme
student_photo

“The DIFC team was pivotal in helping me achieve my dream of studying in the Biomedical science field. During my time at DIFC I got to meet people from all over the world, giving me the opportunity to learn about many different cultures. I found the academic staff to be incredibly passionate in their subjects, they inspired and gave me all the skills required to excel."

Tiffany Vieira IFY Science,
student_photo

“I will never forget my time studying at DIFC, simply because of how at home I felt. All the staff and students that I met were friendly and welcoming. Studying was also a wonderful experience, the lecturers were really good at explaining things and keeping the lectures interesting. I was always waiting impatiently for the next math lecture because of how much I enjoyed them."

Abdulrahman Al Zeidi IFY Engineering & Technology
student_photo

“My experience studying with DIFC has been the highlight of my life. Dublin is a very lovely city but DIFC has enriched my experienced and further developed my character especially with the opportunity to be a class rep. DIFC had scheduled classes very well leaving us students’ room to explore Ireland despite the condensed course."

Priscilla Jeyaraj IFY Health Science
student_photo

"The quality of the education system in Ireland is the main reason why I chose this country in terms of studying abroad.There are many universities located in Ireland.There is always an opportunity to meet new people who come from many different countries all over the world.”

Nguyen Huynh Kim Xuan Pre-Master’s Programme
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Why study in Ireland?
Studying in Ireland provides amazing opportunities for International students due to the high standard of education, the value for money compared to other key destinations like the UK and USA and, of course, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
What is the NCUK International Foundation Year Course?
The NCUK International Foundation Year Course (IFY) is designed with NCUK university partners to prepare international students for first-year entry to undergraduate degree courses. Its purpose is to help bridge the gap between a student’s local qualification and starting a university degree. Universities worldwide and UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre) formally recognise the NCUK International Foundation Year Course as a comparable level to GCE A Level; Australian high school (SSCE); American high school (AP); and Hong Kong high school (HKDSE) qualifications. Students who successfully complete the IFY gain guaranteed access to thousands of degree courses at one of NCUK Guaranteed Universities.
What is the difference between A Levels and Foundation?
In a benchmarking study undertaken by UK NARIC in 2019, it was concluded that “the IFY programme develops a comparable range and level of knowledge, understanding and competencies” as the GCE A Level qualification. Therefore, “it can be considered to provide suitable preparation for undergraduate study”. Therefore, the obvious difference between A Levels and the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) is the time it takes to complete.
What to do when choosing a Foundation College
Review your progression options. Can this International Foundation Year help me get into the course I want to be in? Research each option completely. Academic details are important, such as the ratio of students to faculty but also the academic supports available. Some Universities teach you what you need to know, but not all provide counselling to help you progress further. Check out the location of the college. Is it close to public transport? Is it within walking distance of major landmarks or accommodation? Think of entertainment and a social life. Yes, your studies is about 24 hours a week but make sure to Google ‘things to do’ and you’ll find loads to keep you busy in your chill time! Question the level of support you can receive. Some students are happy enough to work away by themselves, others like to be guided along until they are comfortable. Either way, the DIFC Academic team are always happy to help.
What can I study after Foundation?
The IFY is specifically tailored to suit the needs for international students and provides academic preparation for your first year of undergraduate study in Ireland or the UK. There are 4 main pathways for students: Firstly, Business & Management: for progression to Business, Law, Accounting & Finance, Hospitality Management, Humanities & Arts degrees. Secondly, Engineering & Technology: for studying Engineering or Computer Science related degrees. Thirdly, Science: for progression to Pharmacy, Nursing, Biomedical Science, Allied Health, Environmental Science or general Science related degrees. And finally, Health Science: for studying Medicine or Dentistry

Let’s chat

Our staff are happy to help with any questions,
please use our form or give us a call.

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