International Foundation Year
Your Pathway to World-Class UK and Irish Universities Starts Here
The International Foundation Year (IFY) at Dublin International Foundation College (DIFC) isn’t just a course – it is your bridging route to studying at leading universities across the UK and Ireland, and acquiring an undergraduate degree. Designed specifically for international students, this foundation programme in Dublin, (voted one of the friendliest cities in the world), offers you the opportunity to bridge the academic gap and turn your ambition into a university place.
Your Fast-Track to University in the UK or Ireland
At DIFC, we offer something no other college in the European Union does: an English-speaking International Foundation Year programme, delivered in partnership with NCUK, that provides a clear and supported pathway to undergraduate degrees at leading universities across the UK and Ireland. Our IFY course is equivalent to A Levels but only takes 9 months instead of 2 years. This results in a cost saving of 1 year (around €30,000).
Securing Your Place on an Undergraduate Degree Course
Students who successfully complete the IFY and apply through NCUK are guaranteed access to an NCUK University Partner, provided they meet the university-specific entry criteria outlined in the NCUK Guarantee Terms. This includes:
- Meeting the minimum academic and English language requirements listed in the NCUK University Course Finder.
- Applying to eligible courses through the NCUK application process.
- Fulfilling any additional requirements set by the university.
This means no more uncertainty, no more missed opportunities – just a clear, supported pathway from international study to world-class university education.
⚠️ Please note: While the guarantee covers a wide range of degree programmes, it does not apply to competitive fields such as medicine.
📅 Two Start Dates
- September Intake (9-month course).
- January Intake (7-month course).
🎓 From Graduation to University
All students who successfully complete the course by June are guaranteed a place at a university in their chosen degree.
Bridge your gap to a world-class education today with confidence.
Don’t Let Borders Block Your Future
When Education Systems Don’t Align, We Help You Catch Up and Move Forward
If you are an international student whose school system and formal education ends before the age of 18, you may find yourself at a standstill. Despite your ambition to study abroad, you might not meet the academic entry requirements to apply directly to universities in the UK or Ireland. Add to that the complexity of navigating unfamiliar admissions processes and potential language barriers, and your dream of pursuing international education can suddenly feel out of reach.
At Dublin International Foundation College, we understand this challenge and we have built the solution.
Your Stepping Stone to University Education
This is precisely why the International Foundation Year at DIFCexists. It is more than a course. It is a structured, supportive pathway that bridges the gap between your current qualifications and university entry requirements for undergraduate study in the UK and Ireland.
By successfully completing our foundation course, you gain the academic skills, subject-specific knowledge and English language ability you need to confidently progress onto an undergraduate university course.
Whether your subject route is health sciences, business, engineering or the humanities, this course ensures that you are not held back by differences in global education systems and that your study skills and subject knowledge are primed for the demands of university-level education.
No Barriers. Just Progress.
No more wondering if you are eligible. No more hitting roadblocks because of missing credentials.
With our International Foundation Year, you get a clear, guided pathway to university education; one that recognises your ambition and prepares you to take the next step with confidence.
The opportunity is here. Seize the moment and shape your future.
Progress to University with Confidence
The International Foundation Year Is Your Access to Degrees in the UK and Ireland
If you are an international student looking to enter university in an English-speaking country, the International Foundation Year at DIFC is the perfect solution for you. This intensive, expertly designed programme bridges the academic gap between your current qualifications and the academic entry requirements of top universities in the UK and Ireland.
Empowering You with the Tools to Thrive
Throughout the programme, you will develop your skills in critical thinking, academic writing, and subject knowledge – giving you the confidence and preparation needed to thrive at your first year of university and beyond.
What Does the IFY Course Entail?
This course is carefully designed to prepare international students for direct entry into university level education. It supports you in various ways, offering academic structure, subject flexibility and clear progression routes tailored to your chosen degree and career path.
A Curriculum Built for University Success
Students study a total of four modules – a blend of essential academic skills and subject-specific knowledge. These are:
✅ 2 Core Modules (mandatory for all students):
- English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
- Mathematics (unless you choose the Humanities stream)
✅ 2 Elective Modules, chosen from the following pathways:
- Medicine & Health Sciences (most popular)
- Business & Management (second most popular)
- Science
- Engineering & Technology
- Humanities (Maths not required)
Each stream equips you with the subject knowledge and study skills needed for undergraduate success at a UK or Irish university; whether you are aiming for a degree in health sciences, engineering, business, or a different career path entirely.
Flexible Start Dates to Suit Your Schedule
We understand that every student’s journey is different. That is why the International Foundation Year offers two convenient intakes, giving you the flexibility to choose the timeline that works best for you:
- September Intake: Offers a standard 9-month programme.
- January Intake: Offers an accelerated 7-month programme.
No matter which intake you choose, all students graduate in June, perfectly timed to start university in the autumn semester.
Entry Requirements
📘 Academic Requirements
- Successful completion of local high school.
- OR completion of IGCSE/O Levels/GCSEs with 4 subjects at grade 4 or above, typically including English and Maths.
Note: Students applying to study in the UK will need to take a UKVI IELTS test to meet visa requirements.
💬 English Language Requirements
- IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent) for September intake.
- IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) for January intake.
These requirements ensure you are ready to succeed in a fully English-speaking academic environment – giving you the foundation to thrive from day one.
To join the International Foundation Year at DIFC, applicants must meet the minimum academic and English language criteria outlined below.
For a full breakdown of academic entry requirements by country, please refer to the official NCUK list:
👉 View Full Country-Specific Entry Requirements
🩺 Interested in Studying Medicine?
If you are aiming to progress to a degree in medicine, there are specific progression pathways available for students who complete our NCUK International Foundation Year.
👉 Click here to explore your medicine progression options and see which universities offer opportunities for IFY students pursuing medical careers.
Some of our courses
Medicine & Health Science
Business Management
Technology & Engineering
Personalised Support Every Step of the Way
At DIFC, students are never just a number. With small class sizes and personalised academic support, you will benefit from close interaction with expert educators who adapt their teaching styles to suit your learning needs. From day one, you will be guided not only in your academic journey but also in planning your next steps, thanks to our dedicated careers service, which helps align our students’ studies with their future university goals and career ambitions.
Whether you are pursuing a future in medicine, launching into business, or exploring the humanities, we will give you the academic foundation and clear direction you need to succeed.
Discover your potential today and deliver a future you can be proud of.
Start Your Journey at Dublin International Foundation College
Your Launchpad to a Leading University Degree
The International Foundation Year is designed to do more than prepare our international students academically. It is built to take you all the way to direct entry at a leading university. By bridging the gap between your current qualifications and university-level academic requirements, this foundation programme equips you with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to thrive in a UK or Irish university.
Here’s what makes our course truly unique:
