Choose from 4000+ Courses in Top Ranking European Universities
At DIFC we guarantee your placement in university after you successfully complete your studies with us.
We offer three programmes that have specific entry requirements. The International Foundation Year, the Pre-Masters Programme and the Foundation Year Language Preparation (FYLP) course.
International Foundation Year (IFY)
The International Foundation Year (IFY) is a qualification designed specifically for international students to prepare you for first year entry to undergraduate degree courses. The programme is run over 7-9 months and combines academic study, intensive English language preparation, study skills and cultural orientation.
Pre-Masters Programme (PMP)
The Pre-Masters programme is a qualification designed to develop the study methods and academic English language skills of international students who are preparing for Masters degree study in English. When you study your Pre-Masters programme at DIFC we guarantee access to a postgraduate degree on successful completion.
Foundation Year Language Preparation (FYLP)
Our FYLP courses are designed to prepare you for our International Foundation Year or Pre-Masters programmes. Students who do not meet the minimum 5.0 IELTS score for direct entry to DIFC’s foundation programmes can complete the FYLP course to improve their English language skills.
International Foundation Year
What are the entry requirements?
- For entry to the IFY, you need to Be at least 17 years old on the course start date Successfully completed your High School certificate (minimum grades required)
- Successfully completed your High School certificate (minimum grades required) GCSE, IB (MYI) AS levels, A levels, Year 11 or 12 depending on your country
- Achieved a minimum score of 5.0 IELTS or equivalent. If you do not meet the minimum English language requirements, you may apply for our Pre-Foundation English courses to help improve your English language skills prior to commencing your Foundation studies.
When can I start?
We have two intakes each year; in September and January in your choice of two centres, Dublin and Cork. Students on both intakes will be ready to progress to their undergraduate degree courses by the following September.
Where can I study after IFY?
The IFY offers you the opportunity to progress to one of over 40 University partners located across Ireland, UK, mainland Europe, USA, and Australia. All students who successfully pass the IFY will achieve a University placement on a relevant degree.
What exams do I need to take?
The IFY is assessed by 30% coursework and 70% final examination.
Pre-Masters Programme (PMP)
What are the entry requirements?
To be eligible for the PMP, you need:
- Successfully completed a Bachelor Degree in your home country
- Minimum IELTS score of 5.0 (or equivalent).
Students who have successfully completed a three-year university diploma in a relevant subject may be able to use the PMP as a conversion programme to qualify for a Masters course in that subject. However, progress will be limited to our UK university partners. If you have an IELTS score of 4.0-4.5 or equivalent, you can apply for our Pre-Foundation English programme to improve your English language skills prior to commencing your PMP studies. Please note, Pre-Foundation English courses may be delivered by our affiliate English schools (numbers permitting).
Where can I study after IFY?
We have two intakes each year; in September and January in your choice of two centres, Dublin and Cork. Students on both intakes will be ready to progress to their postgraduate degree courses by the following September.
Foundation Year Language Preparation (FYLP)
Students who do not meet the minimum 5.0 IELTS score for direct entry to DIFC’s foundation programmes can complete the FYLP course to improve their English language skills.
What are the entry English Language requirements for PFE?
4.0 – 4.5 IELTS overall
What is covered in PFE?
- General English development including reading, writing, listening, speaking & grammar
- Exam preparation classes
- Cultural classes
- Preparation for Maths, Science & Business in the lead-up to the IFY start dates.
Where can I study FYLP?
Our FYLP programme is delivered by our affiliate English Schools in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
