By Mehedi Hasan
For ambitious international students aspiring to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom, the Queen's University Belfast Foundation Year presents an exceptional pathway. As a distinguished member of the Russell Group, Queen's University Belfast is globally recognised for its academic excellence, pioneering research, and commitment to student success and offers the International Foundation Year Programme to aspiring students intending to pursue an international qualification for the year 2025/2026.
This dedicated foundation programme is your streamlined route to adapting to the UK academic style, enhancing your English language proficiency, and gaining the confidence needed for degree-level studies.
Located in Belfast, a city that beautifully marries a rich, historic past with a dynamic, modern present, you'll find an incredibly welcoming atmosphere. Queen's is committed to fostering an environment where international individuals don't just learn, but truly thrive, experiencing a unique blend of ancient culture and cutting-edge educational facilities.
What is the foundation year programme?
A foundation year is a preparation programme that is taken before starting the first year of a bachelor’s degree. It's a kind of study route that covers high school qualifications and helps to progress in higher education.
In foundation studies, students are taught subject-specific knowledge, academic skills like critical thinking, research and writing, and improve English language proficiency to transition smoothly into the university curriculum.
The category of a foundation year programme can be internationally recognised or domestically regulated. International Foundation Year are offered through study centres, that are exclusively made for international students, focusing on foreign academics, culture, and a strong focus on English Language Preparation.
Foundation is also known as a pathways programme as it offers an alternate route to obtaining higher education. The programme is ideal for students who do not meet the university entry requirements or with a non-standard qualification or student who has long study gaps and need to adjust to a new university environment and academic style.
In recent years, foundation year studies have become very popular among international students as it helps them to cover university entry globally within 9 months or 1 academic year instead of two, while boosting confidence and getting guaranteed progression to a student's desired study path.
Reasons to choose Queen's University for the Foundation Year
- The university ranks 24th in the UK (University League Table 2026) and also ranks in the top 200 in the world (QS World University Rankings), making Queen’s University Belfast a top choice for international students.
- It is the number 1 university in Northern Ireland, and also recognised as a leading institution for sustainability, ranking in the top 100 for the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability.
- Dedicated International Study Centre for international students to study the International Foundation Year and other preparation programmes.
- QUB offers both an Integrated Foundation Year and a standalone International Foundation Year. Giving flexibility to international students for effective academic progression.
- The admission department does not require any portfolio from international students to enrol in their foundation programme. It is the only Russel Group University with no portfolio requirements.
- Get the best academic guidance support from the lecturers on the pathway programme who are qualified at PHD level.
- Completing the foundation year can give international students direct progression to a wide range of undergraduate degrees at Queen’s University. In addition, there are multiple Scholarships available for international candidates on admission and on progression to undergraduate.
Available Foundation Programmes Queen's University: tuition fees and intakes
The International Foundation provides a pathway to the first year of a wide range of undergraduate degrees at Queen’s, subject to successful completion of the programme and meeting the required degree requirements.
In the present year, Queen’s International Study Centre is offering foundation studies in 3 key subject areas, which are described further below.
International Foundation in Architecture
| Intakes | January, September & and April |
| Modules |
Core Modules:
Specialist modules:
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| Tuition fees | £ 20,855 - £21,615 (including additional costs) |
| Entry Requirements |
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| Progression Route |
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International Foundation in Business, Humanities and Social Sciences
| Intakes | January, September & and April |
| Modules |
Core Modules:
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| Tuition fees | £19,655 - £20,415 (including additional costs) |
| Entry Requirements |
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| Progression Route |
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International Foundation for Science and Engineering
| Intakes | January, September & and April |
| Modules |
Core Modules:
Specialist modules:
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| Tuition fees | £19,655 - £20,415 (including additional costs) |
| Entry Requirements |
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| Progression Route |
Visit the link to get the full list of subject areas.
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Scholarships
International students holding an offer to study an academic programme at Queen’s University Belfast International Study Centre can receive up to £3,000 towards their tuition fees on admission.
Additionally, upon successful progression from foundation year to undergraduate, students can also receive scholarships such as:
- INTO Progressors Scholarship – £1,500 reduction on net course fees
- International Office Undergraduate Scholarship – £3,500–£4,000
- Queen’s Excellence Award – up to £3,000 per year
- International Office Postgraduate Scholarship – £2,000–£6,000
Scope for Bangladeshi students
Many top universities around the world offer special courses to help students get ready for their main degree. Sometimes they have their own colleges for this, and other times they work with partner schools. NCUK is one of these organisations, with study centres in over 110 places across more than 35 countries.In Bangladesh, NCUK works with the MIE Pathways Study Campus. Right now, MIE Pathways offers three programs in Dhaka: the International Foundation Year, International Year One, and Master's Preparation Programme. You can find their study centres in Dhanmondi and Uttara.
If you've just finished your O-levels or high school and are finding it hard to get into university, or want to go back to studying after a break, MIE Pathways can help. For example, you can finish your International Foundation Year in just nine months. At MIE Pathways, you'll get lots of study materials, help from great tutors, and a place to study that feels like a university.
Everything follows NCUK's rules, and it costs less than studying directly at a university. After finishing, you're guaranteed a spot in an undergraduate program at over 60 universities that partner with NCUK.
Student testimony:
“The academic English programme at the Queen’s has been designed very well, and all my tutors are local, so what they teach me is like the native method of how to study in English, so the foundation year helped me learn my English very efficiently… . Basically they separate the module into Listening, Writing, Speaking and Reading. Even now, I still remember the method they taught us. The reading skill I learned from Queen’s which has benefited me until today through my studies and work. Having a degree at Queen’s University, it’s quite helpful for me to find a job, because when i studied architecture there, we got lots of school trips, trying to help us broaden our network to build more connections for the students. And also my tutors were very helpful in terms of my future directions, so it made me to think about what i want to do and what kind of architecture I want to be. I think my suggestion to the international students is try to join more societies, which help you to practice your communication, social skills, and broaden your network.”
Former Foundation Year Student
Conclusion
Choosing which university to study and build the foundations for your career path is an important decision that international students find trouble planning. For international students looking to 2025, Queen's University Belfast stands out as an exceptional choice. Through its dedicated Foundation Year, you'll gain the academic grounding and cultural confidence needed to thrive in a Russell Group university environment.
Besides getting world-class education support, you will be able to explore Northern Ireland's historic capital city, Belfast, to is an incredibly welcoming and affordable city. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant campus life, the supportive international community, or the chance to explore a truly unique corner of the UK, Queen's University Belfast provides the perfect platform for your global academic and professional journey.
FAQ
Q. What is Queen’s University Belfast’s global and UK ranking?
A: The university ranks top 200 in the world according to QS World University Rankings. Additionally, 9th in the UK for Graduate Prospects – Outcomes (Complete University Guide 2026) & 1st in the UK for career prospects in Biomedical Science, Medicine, and Midwifery (Guardian 2025).
Q. What percentage of students at Queen’s are international?
A: Over 4,400 international students from more than 90 countries, representing approximately 22.6% of the total student population.
Q. Where is Queen’s University Belfast located?
A: Located in University Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT7 1NN, UK. - The campus is situated in the leafy suburbs of South Belfast, just a 15-minute walk from the city centre.
Q. What is the graduate employability rate?
A: 91% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation from Queen’s University Belfast.
Q. What is Queen’s University known for academically?
A: The institution is famous in Pharmacy, Nursing, Performing Arts, and Social Policy.
Q. Is Belfast a good city for international students?
A: The city of Belfast, Northern Ireland, is the most affordable student city in the UK (NatWest Student Living Index 2024). The city is also safe, compact and rich with heritage, being the capital of Northern Ireland with excellent public transport facilities.