37 universities with foundation courses in the UK for international students

By Jakir Hossain

A rainbow bridge—you know what it is, right? If you don’t, let me tell you it’s a place where pets connect to their owners after they die. Well, I also happen to know one type of bridge, but it’s a tiny bit different from this one.


It’s a bridge that connects international students to the UK, and the bridge is called a Foundation Course. Wait, are you still with us? If you’re then pretty sure you want to know more about these foundation courses in the UK.


Well, brace yourself as you’re about to take a quick tour of exploring the top universities that offer foundation courses in the UK for international students.


So, without any further ado, let’s go!


What is a foundation course?

A foundation course is a one-year or less than one-year preparation course for international students who need additional English language and academic preparation to pursue an undergraduate degree.


These courses are great for those who left school and studied a non-British curriculum but want to pursue an undergraduate degree at a foreign university.


By obtaining this course, you’ll have a greater chance of getting admission to your preferred subject at your preferred university.


Why study foundation courses in UK universities?

By all means, pursuing a foundation course will prepare you for an undergraduate degree in a UK university.

  • A foundation course will help you get familiar with the teaching method and teaching style of the university.
  • Students will get to face and know about the challenges they’ll face during their process.
  • A great way to fill the gap in your English language proficiency and other academic skills.

List of universities that offer foundation courses in the UK for international students


University
QS World Ranking 2025
Aston University
423
University of Birmingham
80
University of Bradford
531
University of Bristol
54
Brunel University London
342
Cardiff University
186    
University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
951
De Montfort University
711-720
Durham University
89
University of Exeter
169
Harper Adams University
1201-1400
University of Huddersfield
501
Keele University
791-800
University of Kent
380
Kingston University London
601-610
Lancaster University
141
University of Leeds
82
Leeds Beckett University
1001-1200
University of Leicester
285
University of Liverpool
165
Liverpool Hope University
N/A
Liverpool John Moores University
801-850
The University of Manchester
34
Manchester Metropolitan University
601-610
Newcastle University
129
Oxford Brookes University
416
Queen Mary University of London
120
Queen's University Belfast
206
University of Reading
172
Robert Gordon University
901-950
University of Salford
901-950
University of Sheffield
105
Sheffield Hallam University
1001-1200
Swansea University
298
University of the West of England – UWE Bristol
601-800
University of Westminster
741-750
University of York
184


Cost of studying a foundation course in the UK

The cost of studying a foundation course in the UK varies by university, subject, location, and course duration. The tuition fees for foundation courses in the UK can lie between £6,000 and £10,000 a year.


Admission requirements to study foundation course in the UK

Some of the most common admission requirements of foundation courses are given below:

  • Academic transcripts
  • Valid passport
  • IELTS score of a minimum of 5
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Certificate of HSC or equivalent
  • Letter of Recommendation

Where can I study a foundation course?

Certain organisations provide foundation courses in their study centres, and Northern Consortium UK (NCUK) is one of them. They have partnerships with 60 universities worldwide and have more than 110 study centres in 40 countries.

The list of the study centres of NCUK in the UK is given below:


Study Centre’s name
Location
MIE Pathways (Dhanmondi)
76, Satmosjid Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1209, Bangladesh
MIE Pathways (Uttara)
House No. 40, Lake Drive Road, Sector 07, Uttara. , Dhaka 1230
Basil Paterson College
66 Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH2 4NA
INTO London World Education Centre
102 Middlesex Street, London, E1 7EZ
INTO Manchester
Bridgewater House, Whitworth Street, Manchester, United Kingdom
LSI Independent College
13 Lyndhurst Terrace, London, NW3 5QA
LVS Ascot
London Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 8DR
Malvern House London
200 Pentonville Road, London, N1 9PJ
MC Academy
52-54 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L3 5SD
MPW - Birmingham
17-18 Greenfield Crescent, Birmingham
MPW - Cambridge
3-4 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE
MPW - London
90-92 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London, SW7 5AB
Padworth College
Sopers Lane, Padworth, Reading, RG7 4NR, United Kingdom
Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate
Thorpe Underwood Estate, York, United Kingdom, YO26 9SS
Taunton School International
Staplegrove Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 6AD
Twin International College
12 Lambarde Square, Greenwich, London SE10 9GB


Final note

It looks like this tour is about to end. We hope that by now you’re well aware of some of the top universities in the UK that provide foundation courses for international students.


Before farewell, I would like to say that if you’re planning to see yourself studying in Great Britain, you might want to consider having a foundation course, as there’s a great chance that it will open the door for you.


Well, that about sums it up, and we wish you nothing less than the best in your future endeavours. Good luck!


If you have a dream of pursuing your higher education in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Malaysia, then without wasting a single second, contact MIE Pathways now!

But, why? Why would you contact them? Because they can provide guaranteed admission abroad through their courses.


FAQs


What are the fees of a foundation course in the UK for international students?

Foundation courses in the UK for international students typically cost between £10,000 and £23,000 per year, but the amount may vary by institute and location.


What is the IELTS requirement of a foundation course in the UK?

To pursue a foundation course in the UK, an international student will need a minimum IELTS score of 5.


What are the best foundation courses in the UK for international students?

The UK offers a wide range of foundation courses for international students in a variety of subjects, like business, engineering, art and design, and more.



Which universities in London offer foundation courses for international students?

There are many universities in London that offer foundation courses for international students, including the University of London, Queen Mary University of London, King's College London, City University, and more.


What are the universities that offer foundation year in the UK?

Given below is the list of some of the top universities that offer foundation year in the UK:


  • The University of Manchester
  • University of Bristol
  • Durham University
  • University of Birmingham
  • University of Leeds