Medicine Foundation Year
Launch Your Medical Career with a World-Class Foundation
The Medicine Foundation Year at Dublin International Foundation College (DIFC) is your first step towards a career in medicine, dentistry or health sciences. Specially designed for international students, this intensive 7–9 month course is part of our popular International Foundation Year and bridges the academic gap between high school and university-level study.
One Foundation Course, Endless Healthcare Opportunities
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.
Don’t Let Entry Barriers Block Your Path to Medical School
Align Your Qualifications with UK and Irish University Standards
Many international students who dream of becoming doctors, nurses, dentists or healthcare professionals find that their school-leaving qualifications don’t meet the direct entry requirements for medical related degrees in the UK or Ireland. Even with strong academic results in your local high school system or O-Levels, differences in academic standards, subject coverage or English language proficiency can delay or derail your ambitions.
At DIFC, we understand these challenges — and we have designed a solution to overcome them.
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.
Who Should Apply: A Clear Route for Future Medical Students
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.
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.
What You Will Study
- 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.
Entry Requirements
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).
- ❗️Note: For a full breakdown of academic entry requirements by country, please refer to the official NCUK list: 👉 View Full Country-Specific Entry Requirements
- Additional Experience: Volunteering or work shadowing in a medical or care environment is an advantage and strengthens your application.
Where Can You Progress After Completing the Course?
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
Course details
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.
September & January
In Campus
9 months (Sept intake) or 7 months (Jan intake)
€18,800 plus registration
Why Choose DIFC for Your Medicine Foundation Year?
Your Launchpad to the Best Universities in the UK and Ireland
Choosing the right foundation programme is one of the most important steps in your journey to becoming a doctor, dentist or healthcare professional. At DIFC, we specialise in preparing ambitious international students for entry to some of the best medical and health science universities in the UK and Ireland.
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.
Is this the right Foundation Medicine Pathway for you?
If your dream is to become a doctor, surgeon, nurse, dentist or healthcare professional — and you are looking for a clear, structured path to medicine related degrees — this is the foundation programme designed to help you succeed.
From ambition to admission, DIFC is your first step towards a future in medicine.
Student support
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.
Related courses
Business Management Foundation Course
Engineering & Technology Foundation Course
Sciences Foundation Course
Frequently asked questions
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.
