Business Foundation Year
Your Future in Business Starts Here
The Business Foundation Year at Dublin International Foundation College (DIFC) is part of our popular International Foundation Year programme — a trusted route to undergraduate business-related study at top universities in Ireland and the UK.
Build the Key Skills to Succeed in Any Business Environment
Specially designed for international students, this intensive 7–9 month course equips you with the academic skills, English language training and personalised support you need to progress into world-class degree courses in the fields of business, law, arts and humanities.
Alongside your studies, you will begin to acquaint yourself with what it’s like to think, communicate, and make decisions in a real-world business environment — preparing you not just for university, but for the professional world with essential transferable skills.
Whether your goal is to become a marketing manager, lawyer, psychologist, or entrepreneur, the Business Foundation Year provides a clear, supported pathway to academic success and professional development for international students.
Begin Your University Journey with Confidence
Get ready for undergraduate success with a foundation course built around your goals in business and management.
📅 Start dates: September (9 months) or January (7 months).
📍 Location: On campus in Dublin.
💶 Fees: €15,600 + registration fee.
🎓 Guaranteed university progression.
Don’t Let Entry Barriers Hold You Back
Align Your Education with UK and Irish University Standards
Many international students face the difficult hurdle that their international qualifications might not meet the direct entry requirements for universities in Ireland or the UK. Even if you have completed your local school system or O-Levels, differences in curriculum, language ability or visa requirements can delay your academic journey.
At DIFC, we understand how frustrating this can be — and we have built a programme to solve it.
Step into the Business World with the Right Foundation
Whether you need to boost your academic English, strengthen your study skills, or meet university entry requirements to study business management, business ethics or business operations in the UK or Ireland, the Business Foundation Year is your bridge to higher education outside your home country.
Gain the University Entry Requirements You Need
Our International Foundation programmes are equivalent to GCE A Levels, which are the standard academic qualifications required for entry into universities across the UK and Ireland. However, unlike traditional A Levels, which typically take two years to complete, our foundation courses take just 9 months, allowing you to fast-track your studies and begin your undergraduate degree sooner — saving you both time and money. In addition, our Business Foundation Course contains modules that are more relevant to your onward study than some of the additional subjects you’d
Prepare for Business Success in a Global Context
If your aim is to work for a business organisation, run your own business, or gain essential skills in how businesses operate, this is the foundation course for you. With expert guidance, a world-class curriculum and tailored university application support, you will gain the knowledge and confidence to successfully progress onto a university course and beyond.
Who Should Apply: A Clear Route for Aspiring Business Students
This course is built for students who:
- Are non-EU and don’t qualify for direct university entry in the UK or Ireland.
- Have completed high school or O-Level equivalent qualifications.
- Need to improve academic English and communication skills before entering university life.
- Want a smooth, structured transition to undergraduate degree courses in business studies.
At DIFC, you bring the ambition and we build the pathway to your future in business.
Your Fast-Track to Business Degrees in the UK and Ireland
An Intensive Programme that Prepares You for University
DIFC’s Business Foundation Year is delivered in partnership with NCUK and provides you with:
- Academic subject preparation tailored to business, law, arts and humanities.
- English for Academic Purposes (EAP) to build fluency and confidence.
- Study skills and cultural orientation to help you thrive in a new environment.
- Guided university applications with weekly support, tutorials and interview preparation.
What You Will Study
When you sign up to the Business Foundation Year, you will be required to take the following modules, designed to give you a strong academic base and practical understanding of business-related subjects.
- 2 Core Modules:
- English for Academic Purposes (to help you develop the language and communication skills essential for university study).
- Mathematics (unless you choose the Humanities track).
- Specialised Modules for Business Studies & Management:
- In this module you will gain a strong foundation in marketing, accounting, finance and human resources, while exploring how businesses function and make decisions. You will also study national and global economics to understand the wider context in which businesses operate.
This balanced structure ensures you are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the core skills, confidence and capability to transition smoothly into undergraduate courses.
Entry Requirements
To join the Business Foundation Year, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- English Language: A minimum IELTS score of 5.0 is required for both September and January intakes.
❗️Note: Students applying to study in the UK will need to take a UKVI IELTS test to meet visa requirements.
- Academic Qualifications: Successful completion of high school examinations. We accept a range of qualifications including SPM, WAEC, IGCSEs, and other recognised local high school qualifications.
❗️Note: For a full breakdown of academic entry requirements by country, please refer to the official NCUK list: 👉 View Full Country-Specific Entry Requirements
Where Can You Progress After Completing the Course?
On successful completion of the course, you will be eligible to apply for degrees in:
- Business & Management
- Marketing
- Law
- Psychology
- Fashion
- Accounting & Finance
- International Relations
- Arts & Social Sciences
- Economics
Course Details
The International Foundation Year – Business Management Course, offered by DIFC,
is an intensive 7 or 9 month foundation course,
designed to prepare international students for a place at top university.
September & January
In Campus
9 months (September intake) or 7 months (January intake)
€15,600 plus registration
One Foundation, Unlimited University Opportunities
Through the Business Foundation Year, you will develop a solid grounding in business theory, academic writing and the essential skills required for further study — leading to guaranteed progression to one of 60+ NCUK universities and access to over 4,000 degree pathways across the UK and Ireland.
Why Choose DIFC for Your Business Foundation Year?
Your Launchpad to the Best Business Universities in the UK and Ireland
Choosing the right foundation programme can shape your entire academic and professional future. At DIFC, we specialise in preparing ambitious international students for entry to some of the best business schools in the UK and Ireland. With expert guidance, a globally respected curriculum and access to a comprehensive colleges admissions service, we make your transition to an undergraduate degree smooth.
A Global Foundation for Future Business Leaders
Whether you hold high school qualifications or equivalent academic qualifications from another country, our foundation programme equips you with the academic knowledge, critical thinking, English language skills and confidence needed to thrive in business education.
And with a transparent tuition fee structure, accelerated pathways, and guaranteed university progression, there is no better place to begin your journey than Dublin International Foundation College.
Here’s why international students continuously choose to study with us:
✔️ Guaranteed University Progression
Complete the course successfully and gain entry to an NCUK partner university — with none of the guesswork or stress of applying alone. DIFC’s programme is the only one of its kind in the EU that guarantees your place, provided you meet the entry criteria.
✔️ Access to Over 4,000 Degree Programmes
From business to law, social sciences to economics — your foundation year opens the door to globally recognised degrees at prestigious UK and Irish universities.
✔️ A Curriculum that Sets You Up for Success
With core and elective modules designed to align with your degree goals, you will build a strong academic foundation in subjects that matter — including English for academic use, maths and business-related disciplines.
✔️ Dedicated Support Every Step of the Way
With our one-to-one colleges admissions service, you will get expert help researching university options, crafting standout personal statements and preparing for entrance interviews. Our experienced admissions and teaching team ensures you are well-prepared and confident throughout the entire application process.
✔️ Accelerated Learning with Flexible Start Dates
Choose the schedule that works for you:
- September Intake: 9-month programme.
- January Intake: 7-month fast-track.
Both options are designed to get you ready to begin university in the autumn — saving you time and money compared to longer routes.
✔️A Smarter, Faster Alternative to A Levels
Our IFY course is equivalent to GCE A Levels but only takes 9 months instead of 2 years. This results in a cost saving of 1 year (around €30,000).
✔️ Live and Learn in Dublin – One of the World’s Friendliest Cities
Enjoy student life in Dublin, a vibrant, welcoming capital with a rich culture, strong global ties and excellent transport links. It is the perfect setting to begin your journey toward a world-class education and make valuable connections for a successful career in business.
✔️ Laying the Foundations for Lifelong Learning
Our experienced team is committed to your career development, ensuring you not only meet university entry requirements but also understand the basic concepts of business, the value of effective teaching methods and the importance of independent learning — all essential skills for long-term success in undergraduate studies and your future career.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Your international business career begins here. Take the first step with DIFC’s trusted business foundation pathway today.
Start building your future in business today — with the foundation that takes you further.
Student support
A central component of the programme is the personalised guidance and support students receive when it comes to applying to university.
Weekly tutorials help students to learn about their options, prepare stand-out personal statements and practice for university entrance interviews and exams, which are an important part of the admissions process.
What our students say
“My experience in DIFC was valuable than any other experience that I ever had in my life. With the great support from the staff and the teachers I managed to get the scores that I needed for the university. I strongly recommend DIFC for two main reasons. First, Ireland is the country where it is amicable and welcoming with lots of things to enjoy during your foundation year. Second, DIFC staff members are well experienced and prepared to help you reach your goal.”
“My experience in DIFC was valuable than any other experience that I ever had in my life. With the great support from the staff and the teachers I managed to get the scores that I needed for the university. I strongly recommend DIFC for two main reasons. First, Ireland is the country where it is amicable and welcoming with lots of things to enjoy during your foundation year. Second, DIFC staff members are well experienced and prepared to help you reach your goal.”
“My experience in DIFC was valuable than any other experience that I ever had in my life. With the great support from the staff and the teachers I managed to get the scores that I needed for the university. I strongly recommend DIFC for two main reasons. First, Ireland is the country where it is amicable and welcoming with lots of things to enjoy during your foundation year. Second, DIFC staff members are well experienced and prepared to help you reach your goal.”
Related courses
Health Science (Medicine) Foundation Programme
Engineering & Technology Foundation Course
Sciences Foundation Course
Frequently Asked Questions
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 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.
Why Middle Eastern students choose to study Foundation at DIFC?
DIFC offers these International Foundation Year programmes leading to over 4,000 university courses. 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. Studying in Ireland is a great opportunity for you, not to just broaden your horizons but to explore a new culture and experience a highly respected education system and qualifications that are recognized internationally.
Let’s chat
Our staff are happy to help with any questions,
please use our form or give us a call.
