How to Study Abroad With Your High School Results

Congratulations – You’ve received your High School results!

This is a very exciting time for you, but can also be a very stressful time as you try to work out what your next step is.

You may be considering studying abroad – but do you do A Levels first? Or should you look at Foundation programmes, such as the DIFC International Foundation Year instead? What’s the difference? All these questions can be quite overwhelming, so here is a quick guide to how you can use your High School results to find the best option for studying abroad

What Universities accept the Foundation?

The International Foundation Year (IFY) offered at DIFC is specifically designed by NCUK – a group of leading UK Universities – to help prepare you to progress to your undergraduate degree studies. NCUK guarantees that 100% of students who pass the IFY programme will be offered a place at University in their field of study.

The IFY bridges the gap between your local High School qualification and a place on a University degree.

With our network of over 60 university partners worldwide, you have over 4,000 course options onto which you can progress. The IFY is recognised by over 60 NCUK and DIFC partner Universities in Ireland, the UK and worldwide, including our specialist Medical partner Universities.

NCUK Universities

Irish Universities

Medical Universities

What do I study in my foundation course?

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:

1. Business & Management: for progression to Business, Law, Accounting & Finance, Hospitality Management, Humanities & Arts degrees
2. Engineering & Technology: for studying Engineering or Computer Science related degrees
3. Science: for progression to Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Allied Health, Environmental Science or general Science related degrees
4. Health Science: for studying Medicine, Dentistry or Nursing

What are the entry requirements?

The entry requirements for the most common High School qualifications recognised by DIFC for admission to the IFY programme can be accessed here.

What is the difference between A Levels and a Foundation course?

However, the differences extend far beyond this and include:

• Transferrable Skills: the IFY is specifically designed for international students to help you to develop the vital skills you’ll need to succeed at university. These include critical thinking, problem solving and organisational skills.
• Full university application support provided: You will receive personalised counselling and advice, as well as personal statement, interview and exam support to prepare you for your university applications. We hold an annual Student Counselling Fair where you can meet with representatives from our partner Universities. You can also partake in Site Visits where you visit the campuses of our Irish partner Universities.
• Western Study Principles: the opportunity to spend a year abroad, in a country like Ireland, before starting your degree allows you the opportunity to adapt to a new culture and the Western style of learning. This is done in a small, supportive environment, before you embark as an independent student studying in a large university

How do I apply?

The application process is very simple. All you need to do is complete our online application form and attach a copy of your passport, High School results transcript and IELTS (or equivalent) test results.