Start Your University Journey

The International Technology & Engineering Foundation Year programme is designed for international students who:

Have completed their local high school qualification (or O-Level qualification) Have completed A-Levels, IB Diploma or equivalent, but do not meet the entry requirements for university admission Need to improve their English language before studying university in Ireland or UK Would like to keep their options open and receive full support with their university applications

The International Engineering & Technology Foundation programme
offered by DIFC, is an intensive 7 to 9-month foundation course,
designed to prepare international students for a place at a top university.

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Start
September & January
Location
In Campus
Duration
9 months (September intake) or 7 months (January intake)
Fees
€16,600 plus registration
Entry requirements
Language Have a minimum English level of 5.0 IELTS.
Qualifications Successfully completed high school examinations.
* We accept SPM, WAEC, IGCSEs and a range of local high school qualifications

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.

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What our students say

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“My experience with DIFC has been exciting and all-around amazing. Since the beginning of the course, the staff and students services team have been very supportive, especially during the time of pandemic. You get pretty busy as the course is quite intense, so my advice would be to learn how to manage your time well or else you will be easily overwhelmed by the amount of work. But, overall I had a good time and really enjoyed my course, thanks to my classmates and dedicated teachers.”

Hui Wen Tan from Malaysia Now studying Architecture at University of Kent

“My favourite part about studying here has been the diversity. It has given me a chance to learn in the same environment with people from all over the world. DIFC offers excellent student services and cares about each student.”

Monica Anyango Yongo Ojoo from Kenya

“My experience with DIFC has been exciting and all-around amazing. Since the beginning of the course, the staff and students services team have been very supportive, especially during the time of pandemic. You get pretty busy as the course is quite intense, so my advice would be to learn how to manage your time well or else you will be easily overwhelmed by the amount of work. But, overall I had a good time and really enjoyed my course, thanks to my classmates and dedicated teachers.”

Hui Wen Tan from Malaysia Now studying Architecture at University of Kent

“My favourite part about studying here has been the diversity. It has given me a chance to learn in the same environment with people from all over the world. DIFC offers excellent student services and cares about each student.”

Monica Anyango Yongo Ojoo from Kenya

Health Science (Medicine) Foundation Programme

Engineering u0026 Technology Foundation Course

Sciences Foundation Course

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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.

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.