Entry Requirements

Source: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/international-students/pathway-programmes/ify/ify-entry-requirements/ Parent: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/international-students/pathway-programmes/ify/

On this page you can find the English language requirements and the minimum grades required to enter the International Foundation Year. The grades you need to enter the course will vary depending on what qualifications you have completed.

English Language Requirements

The information relates to programmes with a start date of November 2024 or later. Click here for programmes with a start date of up to October 2024.

The English Language requirements for entry to International Foundation Year programmes falls within the following English bands (Also see * for important note about SELT requirement): 

• International Foundation Year in all Science and Engineering pathways:\ \

\ - International Foundation Year pathways in Business & Management; Economics & Finance; English literature, Film & Drama; Geography & Development Studies; Humanities & Social Sciences; Law; Politics & International Relations: \ \

\ *SELT requirement - Those that are looking to study a standalone (i.e. not integrated with degree) Foundation programme at level 3 (such as our International Foundation Years) and are not nationals of a Majority English Speaking Country (as defined by UKVI) must meet the requirements through an English test which is deemed as a SELT (Secure English Language Test) by UKVI and approved by Queen Mary as acceptable such as IELTS Academic UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI. 

If you fall below our standard English Language requirements, you may consider one of our Pre-sessional English courses. See Pre-sessional English course requirements. 

For full information on English language requirements for foundation programmes, please visit English Language Requirements for Foundation Courses, Pre-Masters Programmes and Study Abroad Programmes

Age Requirements

All students must be at least 17 years old on the 1st September of the academic year in which they begin their programme.

For students beginning the foundation in September 2026 or January 2027, this means they must be 17 on 01/09/2026.

International Qualifications and Grades

The typical minimum academic entry requirements for the course can be found below listed by country. For countries not listed please contact foundationprogrammes@qmul.ac.uk 

For pathways in Science and Engineering, applicants are required  to have studied to an appropriate level in subjects related to their chosen discipline. These subjects need to have been taken in their final year of study in High School.

A Levels (A2)

First Language A-Level will not be considered.

AS Levels

First Language AS-Level will not be considered.

\ For the International Foundation Year (Law) Pathway, AS levels will not usually be considered.

Albania

Maturity Diploma (General Secondary Education) - An overall mark of 8.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least  8 in required subjects.

Algeria

Baccalaureat de I’Enseignement Secondaire:Minimum grade of 12 overall.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 14 (Bien) in required subjects.

Angola

Habilitação Literarias (Secondary School Leaving Certificate): An average of 15/20.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 15/20 in required subjects.

Argentina

Bachiller: 7/10 overall.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 7/10 in required subjects.

Armenia

Certificate of Unified Examination:  Overall average of at least 14/20.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 14/20 in required subjects.

Austria

Reifeprüfung /Matura: an overall final score of 2.5/5.0

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 2.2 in required subjects.

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Azerbaijan

Attestat (Certificate of Complete Secondary Education):Marks of 4 or above for all subjects.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 4 in required subjects.

Bahrain

Tawjihiya: 80% overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 80% in required subjects.

Bangladesh

High School Certificate:4.0/5.0 overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 4.0/5.0 in required subjects.

Brazil

Certificado de Ensino Medio:An overall average of 7

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 8/10 in required subjects.

Bulgaria

Diploma za zavarsheno sredno obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Secondary Education):  overall final mark of 4.5/6.0 with 4.5 in one Matura subject

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we require at least 4.5 in required subjects.

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Canada

Canadian High School Diploma (all provinces): Minimum overall grade of 70%.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, applicants with Canadian qualifications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Chile

Licencia de Educación/Enseñanza Media: An overall grade of 5.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 6.0 in required subjects.

China

Senior High Year 2: 80% overall

OR

Senior High Year 3: 75% overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, you must complete Senior High Year 3, and we also require at least 75% in required subjects.

Colombia

Bachillerato/Diploma de Bachillér: An overall average grade of at least 80% or 8/10.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 80%/ 8/10 in required subjects.

Costa Rica

Titulo de Bachiller (Academic Stream): 80% in final year.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 80% in required subjects.

Cyprus

Apolytirion: 15/20 overall including 12 or above for all subjects

Devlet Lise Diplomasi: 65% overall (60% in all subjects)

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Czech Republic

Maturitni Zkouska or Maturita:  marks of 2 or above in all subjects.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least marks of 2 or above in required subjects

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Ecuador

Titulo de Bachiller de la Republica del Ecuador: An overall mark of 7/10

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 7/10 in required subjects.

Egypt

Tawjihiya: 80% overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 80% in required subjects.

France

French Baccalauréat or Option International du Baccalauréat: an overall final score of 11/20.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 12/20 in required subjects.

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Georgia

General Education Diploma (Sashualo Ganatlebis Atestasi): A minimum of 9 in four subjects, no subjects below good (8).

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 9 in required subjects.

Germany

Abitur: an overall final score of 2.5/5.0

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 2.5 in required subjects.

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Ghana

WAEC: A minimum of 6 credits (grades) at C4 or Higher.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least C4 in required subjects.

Greece

Apolytirion:Marks of 15 or above for all subjects

***Only where not completing Pan-Hellenic Subjects*

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Guinea

Baccalauréat Unique / Baccalauréat 2ème partie:  14/20 overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 14/20 in required subjects.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) 

Marks of 4, 3, 3, for core subject English Language + two relevant electives (any combination)  

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Hungary

High School Diploma:  overall average grade of 55%

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we require an overall average grade of between 55-75%. Students will be required to have studied required subjects at Higher Level

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

India

Standard XII (Central Board): 60% overall

Standard XII (State Board): 65% overall

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Indonesia

SMA3/SMU3:7.0 overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 7.0 in required subjects.

IB Certificate/Diploma

IB Certificate/Diploma:

Minimum 16 IB points with marks of 4 or above in 4 subjects (excluding languages) at either Standard or Higher Level.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least a minimum of 3 (HL) or 4 (SL) in required subjects.

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Iran

Diplom-Motevaseteh: 13/20 overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 13/20 in required subjects.

Iraq

Adadiyah: 80% overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 80% in required subjects.

Italy

Diploma di Esame di Stato: an overall final mark of 65%

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 65% in required subjects.

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Japan

Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate: Five relevant subjects with grades of at least 3 or above.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 4 in required subjects.

Jordan

Tawjihiya:80% overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 80% in required subjects.

Kazakhstan

Attestat: 4.0 overall, with at least at least six grades of 4 and 5.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 4.0 in required subjects.

Kenya

Kenyan Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE): A minimum of C+

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least B- in required subjects.

Kosovo

Diplomë për Kryerjen e Shkollës së Mesme të Lartë (Diploma for High School Graduation) - GPA 3.4/4.0

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 3.4/4.0 in required subjects.

Krygyzstan

Attestat/Senior High School Certificate: An average mark of 4/5 or 80%.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 4/5 or 80% in required subjects.

Kuwait

Thanawia: 80% overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 80% in required subjects.

Latvia

Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu (Certificate of General Secondary Education):Marks of 7or 70% or above for all subjects

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 7 or 70% in required subjects.

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Lebanon

Lebanese Baccalaureat: 14/20.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 14/20 in required subjects.

Libya

Shahadat-al-thanawia-al-a'ama/Secondary Education Certificate: 80% overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 80% in required subjects

Lithuania

Brandos Atestatas (Maturity Certificate): marks of 7 or above in all subjects

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least marks of 7 or above in required subjects.

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Malaysia

Malaysia Higher School Certificate: Grades of C or above for all subjects.

SPM: B overall, Grade A in two required subjects

Malta

Matriculation Certificate Examination (MATSEC): B grades in 2 subjects at Advanced Level and B grades in 3 subjects at Intermediate Level in required subjects

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Mexico

Bachillerato: At least 80% in relevant subjects and 80% overall average or 8/10.

For the International Foundation Year (Humanities and Social Sciences pathways) the "Titulo de Bachiller técnico" is also accepted.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 80%  or 8/10 in required subjects.

Mongolia

Certificate of Complete Secondary Education: 80%/B (Good) or higher.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 80%/B (Good) in required subjects.

Morocco

Attestation du Baccalaureate: 12 overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 14 in required subjects.

Myanmar

Basic Education High School Examination/Matriculation Examination: 75% overall.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 75% in required subjects.

Nepal

Higher Secondary Education Certificate: A minimum of 75% overall.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 75% in required subjects.

Nigeria

WAEC: Six grades, minimum C4 in each subject

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least C4 in required subjects.

Norway

Upper Secondary Qualification (Vitnemal fra dan Videreganende Skole): an average grade of 3 and achieving a grade 3 in at least one related subject

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Oman

Thanawia:80% Overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 80% in required subjects.

Pakistan

Higher Secondary School Certificate: 60% overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 60%/Grade B in required subjects.

American/International School in Pakistan:Overall GPA of 2.3

Palestine

General Secondary Education Certificate (to Grade 12): 80% (Very good) overall.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 80% (Very good) in required subjects.

Peru

Certificado de Educacion Secundaria Comun Completa: 14/20 overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 14/20 in required subjects.

Philippines

Senior High School (with Senior High School Diploma after 12 years): Minimum 80% in final year.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 80% in required subjects at grade 12.

Poland

Matura/Swiadectwo Dojrzalosci (Secondary School Certificate):  an overall final mark of 60% and 60% in 3 subjects studied at advanced/extended level

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Portugal

Diploma de Ensino Secundario: an overall average mark of ‘bom’

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least a mark of 'bom' (14-17) in required subjects 

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Qatar

Thanawia: 80% overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 80% in required subjects.

Russia

Attestat:Minimum of 4 in all subjects

Saudi Arabia

Thanawia:80% overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 80% in required subjects.

Singapore

Singapore/Cambridge GCE Advanced Level 

Grades of C or above for all subjects  

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, applicants will be considered on a case by case basis.

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Slovakia

Vysvedcenie o Maturitnej Skuske/Maturita: marks of 2 or above in all subjects

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

South Korea

Senior High School Diploma SH3: Five subjects with a minimum average of 70%, or grade 4 overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 70% or grade 4 in required subjects.

Spain

Titulo de Bachiller: an overall final average of 6

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 6 in required subjects.

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Syria

General Secondary Certificate (al Shahâda al-Thânawiyya al-cÄmma or Baccalauréat): Minimum overall average of 80%.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 80% in required subjects.

South Africa

National Senior Certificate (with matriculation endorsement):  grades BBBCC (66655) in five or more subjects and awarded with merit

Switzerland

Maturity Certificate: an overall final score of 4.3/6.0

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 4.3/6.0 in required subjects.

For the IFY (Law) pathway, applicants who have taken the above qualification will be required to meet the minimum direct academic entry requirements for LLB Law programmes.

Taiwan

Senior High School (Year 3): 70% Overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 70% in required subjects.

Tajikistan

Certificate of Completed Secondary Education: 4 out of 5 overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 4/5 (Good) in required subjects.

Thailand

Mathayom Suksa 6: 3.0 overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 3.0 in required subjects.

Tunisia

Baccalaureat:An overall grade of ‘assez bien’ (12-13)

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 14 in required subjects.

Turkmenistan

Certificate of Complete Secondary Education: 4 out of 5 overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 4/5 in required subjects.

Turkey

Devlet Lise Diplomasi: 70% overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 65% in required subjects.

UAE

Thanawia: 80% overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 80% in required subjects

Ukraine

Atestat pro Povnu Zagal’nu Sersdniu Ovitsu (Certificate of Complete General Secondary Education): Grades of ‘good’ (7-9) or above for all subjects

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least ‘Good’ (7-9) in required subjects.

Uzbekistan

Umumiy o'rta ta'lim to'g'risida attestat / shahodatnoma (Certificate of General Secondary Education): Marks of 4 or above for all subjects.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 4 in required subjects.

USA

US High School Diploma: 3.0/4.0

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 3.0 in required subjects.

Venezuela

Titulo de Bachiller/Título de Educación Media General: 15/20 overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 15/20 in required subjects.

Vietnam

Tot Nghiep Pho Thong Trung Hoc (Year 12): GPA of 7.0 overall

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 7.0 in required subjects.

Yemen

General Secondary Education Certificate: Overall grade of at least 80%

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least 80% in required subjects.

Zambia

Zambian High School Certificate: An overall average of 3 in final year.

For the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, we also require at least grade 3 in required subjects.

Required Documents

1. Copies of your high school qualifications/transcript so far. This must show the subjects you are studying in your final year.
2. A copy of your UKVI IELTS certificate if you have taken it already;
3. A scanned copy of the data page of your passport (including any previous UK visas);
4. As part of the application, you will need to complete a personal statement explaining the reasons for your degree choice after the foundation programme (300 words).

If you have not yet takenan English proficiency test, you can still apply for the International Foundation Year and will be made a conditional offer subject to meeting the minimum requirement.