Medicine Foundation Year

Progress to top medical universities and gain access to 80+ medical-related degree programmes, including pharmacy, nursing, medical sciences, medical research, sports nutrition and more.

📅 Start dates: September (9 months) or January (7 months).
📍 Location: On campus in Dublin.
💶 Tuition Fees: €18,800 + registration fee.

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Align Your Qualifications with UK and Irish University Standards

Gain the Entry Requirements You Need to Study Medicine & Health Sciences

Our International Foundation Year (IFY) – Medicine and Health Science programme is academically equivalent to GCE A Levels, which are the standard entry qualifications for UK and Irish universities. However, unlike A Levels, which typically take two years to complete, this intensive course is delivered in just 7-9 months — allowing you to fast-track your studies, gain the necessary subject knowledge and apply confidently to some of the UK’s and Ireland’s most prestigious universities.

Your Foundation for a Career in Medicine and Healthcare

Whether your goal is to study medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biochemistry, nursing, or sports science, this course gives you the academic preparation and personal support to succeed – with access to over 80 related health science degrees, all taught in English and recognised worldwide.

With specialist modules in Biology, Chemistry and Maths for Science, combined with expert teaching and a strong focus on English for Academic Purposes, you will be fully equipped to begin a challenging and rewarding career in healthcare.

This course is ideal for international students who:

Are non-EU and don’t qualify for direct entry to medical or dental degrees in the UK or Ireland. Need to improve their English lHave completed high school or O-Level equivalent qualifications.anguage before studying university in Ireland or UK Need to improve their academic English and communication skills before starting university. Want a structured, supportive pathway to undergraduate degrees in medicine and health sciences.

Bring your passion for medicine and we will provide the foundation to make it a reality.

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Your Trusted Pathway to Study Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Our Medicine and Health Science programme at DIFC is delivered in partnership with NCUK, providing a trusted and accelerated route to medical schools across the UK and Ireland.

During this intensive 7-9 month course, you will gain academic writing and speaking skills, improve your English, and get expert guidance through the application and interview process for medical, dental and health science related universities.

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  • 2 Core Modules:
    • English for Academic Purposes: To help you strengthen your academic English, build confidence in scientific communication and develop the language skills required for success at undergraduate studies.
    • Mathematics for Science: Essential for building the problem-solving and analytical skills needed in medical and health science disciplines.
  • Specialised Modules for Medicine & Health Sciences:
    • Biology: You will study the structure and function of living organisms, cell biology, human physiology, genetics, and disease — all foundational knowledge for future medical and health science study.
    • Chemistry: This module covers key chemical principles and reactions, with a strong focus on biological and organic chemistry relevant to medicine, pharmacy, and related fields.

This science-focused curriculum gives you the academic grounding, study techniques and language fluency needed to progress confidently to a medical-related degree — while also supporting you through every step of the university admissions process.

To join the Medicine Foundation Year, students must meet the following entry requirements:

  • English Language: IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) 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: Successfully completed high school (such as SPM, WAEC, IGCSEs, or equivalent qualifications).
  • Additional Experience: Volunteering or work shadowing in a medical or care environment is an advantage and strengthens your application.

On successful completion of the Medicine Foundation Year, you will be eligible to apply for a wide range of medical and health-related degrees, including:

Medicine Dentistry Pharmacy Nursing Biochemistry Biomedical Science Medical Sciences Sports Science Nutrition Healthcare & Public Health
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The International Foundation Year – Health Science programme, offered by DIFC,
is an intensive 7 or 9 month foundation course,
designed to prepare international students for a place at medical school.

Start
September & January
Location
In Campus
Duration
9 months (Sept intake) or 7 months (Jan intake)
Fees
€18,800 plus registration
Entry requirements
5.5 IELTS Have a minimum English level of 5.5 IELTS
High School Successfully completed high school examinations*
Volunteering Volunteering or work shadowing experience is an advantage
* We accept SPM, WAEC, IGCSEs and a range of local high school qualifications

With expert teaching, a globally recognised curriculum, and access to a comprehensive colleges admissions service, we make your transition to a medical degree clear, supported and achievable.

Here’s why international students continuously choose to study with us:

✔️ Progress to Over 80 Medical & Health Science Degrees

In addition to medicine and dentistry, students can progress to degrees in pharmacy, biochemistry, nursing, sports science, nutrition and more.

✔️Tailored Curriculum for Medical Success

With focused modules in Biology, Chemistry, and Maths for Science, you will build the academic foundation required for success in the medical field.

✔️ Expert Admissions Support

Receive one-on-one guidance through every step of your application — from choosing the right university to preparing for entrance exams and university interviews.

✔️ Fast-Track Your Medical Ambitions

Choose from a September intake (9 months) or January intake (7 months) — both aligned to prepare you for a university start in the autumn.

✔️ Study in Dublin — A Global Gateway for Future Healthcare Professionals

Live and learn in a vibrant, welcoming European capital with a reputation for academic excellence and opportunity.

✔️ Excellent Student Support

At DIFC, you will receive personalised counselling and weekly tutorials to:

  • Explore your medical school options.
  • Write a standout personal statement.
  • Prepare for entrance exams and interviews specific to medicine and health related degrees.

Our experienced staff are here to guide and support you from the day you arrive to the day you receive your university offer.

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A central component of the programme is the personalised counselling and support students receive when it comes to applying to medical or dentistry school.

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 for medical and dentistry school.

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How To get into Medical School
Why study in Ireland?
What is the difference between A Levels and Foundation?

How To get into Medical School

The thought of taking the next step and pursuing your studies further can be intimidating and scary, but it helps you tremendously when you are able to prepare for it. DIFC provides full University placement counselling to students from all over the world who wish to progress to Medical School. You will receive specialist advice and support from our dedicated Placement Team.

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 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.

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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