By Mehedi Hasan
Imagine studying at a UK university that's ranked among the top 200 in the world and loved by employers everywhere!
The University of Exeter’s Foundation Year Programme makes your university degree entrance possible, especially if you are a student from Bangladesh!
Even if you are unable to meet standard entry requirements with your present qualification, a Foundation Year degree from the University of Exeter can help you catch up and progress directly into your bachelor's studies. Add in triple Gold teaching awards, world-class support, and flexible intakes, and you’ve got the perfect place to start your UK study journey!
In this concise writing, we will be looking into the opportunities surrounding Foundation Year Studies at the University of Exeter, its features, modules, and updated tuition fees for the year 2025/2026
Foundation Year: What is it?
A Foundation year programme is a kind of preparatory course that is designed to help you learn the fundamental knowledge and essential university skills needed to perform in higher education abroad. This includes learning necessary skills such as academic writing, independent learning, structuring academic work, critical thinking, time management, and effective note-taking. Some foundation degrees are internationally recognised, and the certificate is accepted by most universities around the world.
The duration of the foundation course varies from 2 terms or 1 academic year to 4 terms per course. Similar to a 2-year-long A-level certificate, foreign universities also accept an International Foundation Year certificate, so it's safe to say that a foundation Course is equivalent to studying 12 years of high school.
The programme can help students with various kinds of academic hurdles, such as students with long study gaps, unable to meet entry requirements, having non-standard qualifications, needing to cover specific university requirements, or students who require additional English teaching to cover university English proficiency.
Successfully completing a Foundation Year program opens doors to your desired honours degree. What's more, this preparatory qualification is widely accepted by leading universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
These programs have become incredibly popular recently because they offer an excellent pathway for ambitious students to gain admission to top-ranked universities more quickly than through traditional advanced-level studies.
Why choose the University of Exeter?
- It is one of the Russel Group universities, and is rated triple Gold for outstanding teaching and learning, making the University of Exeter one of the top study destinations for international students, especially those planning to build a career in business.
- The university holds a Top 200 position in the world: The University of Exeter is ranked 170th among all the universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025).
- The University has been Top 10 position for the ‘Most Targeted UK universities’ by employers (The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research).
- For top quality in student experience: The university provides a Gold-Rated Student Experience (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023) for its students. Whether domestic or international, students are given the best support in terms of academic, accommodation, social life, sports and career guidance.
- Offers fast-track preparation programme: The foundation year at Exeter provides academic preparation for entry to their undergraduate degree. Foundation year students are given only the required academic and personal skill development knowledge to excel in their higher education journey.
- The foundation programme at Exeter is specially designed for international students who do not meet the university’s academic and English language entry requirements or to bridge the gap between high school and university studies in the UK, providing you with direct and smooth progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree.
- Flexible Foundation Intakes starting from January, March, June or September, depending on the duration of academic terms.
Available Foundation Programmes Queen's University: intakes and tuition fees
The Academic teaching for Foundation studies is provided through a separate International Study Centre from the University of Exeter, situated on Streatham Campus. Completing this preparation degree with written marks can provide international students access to over 150+ subject degrees at the undergraduate level at the University of Exeter.
International Foundation Year
| Compulsory Modules |
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| Selective Modules (Select Any 2) |
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| Programme Duration | 2 - 4 Academic Study Terms- (Total 120 Credits) |
| Starting Intakes |
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| Tuition Fees |
Tuition fees include: Enrolment fee, Textbooks, Studio or lab fee
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After successful completion of the Foundation Year, you can choose to study a bachelor’s on Accounting and Finance, Archaeology, Biosciences, Classics, Computer Science and IT, Drama, Economics, Engineering, English, Environmental Science, Geology, History, Politics, Law, Management, Mathematics, Medical Sciences, Physics, Psychology, Renewable Energy, etc.
Opportunities for Bangladeshi students
Students who are currently residing in Bangladesh and have completed the required minimum high school qualification have the chance to study a foundation year at the University of Exeter. The programme classes are held at the university’s separate International Study Centre.
Entry requirements for Bangladeshi Students are outlined below:
| Academic Requirements | Completion of Year 12 High School Certificate (HSC) with 55% and no less than 50% in any subject. or minimum C+ in O-Levels |
| English Language Requirements | IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in all subskills) or equivalent proficiency test. |
| Age Requirement | Minimum 16 Years (A student must be 17 by the end of their academic year of study) |
Similar to the University of Exeter, many top universities offer preparation courses for international students through a separate study centre to help them develop the required academic knowledge to perform at a bachelor's level.
Bangladeshi students can also avail the same Foundation Year Programme through NCUK’s official study centres in the country, known as MIE Pathways. NCUK has study centres in over 110 places across more than 35 countries.
MIE Pathways offers a solution for students who have completed their O-levels or high school and are struggling to gain university admission, or for those looking to resume their studies after a break. They provide an expedited path to higher education, such as completing an International Foundation Year in just nine (9) months.
Students at MIE Pathways benefit from comprehensive study materials, support from experienced tutors, and a university-like study environment. All programs adhere to NCUK's regulations and are more affordable than direct university enrollment. Upon successful completion, students are guaranteed admission to an undergraduate program at over 60 NCUK partner universities.
Student testimony
“To me, success is being able to live comfortably and being happy with your job. It doesn't have to be a high-paying job, as long as I enjoy what I do and I’m doing my job well. I'm getting rewarded for it. The Foundation Programme gave me the flexibility of choosing my own modules. You don't have to limit yourself to one specific area of study. You can really take your time to find out what works for you and what you enjoy. In order to get the degree you wanted. The teachers were really kind and helpful as well. They always had their office hour open, and there were a lot of one-on-one meetings to ensure that we were on the right track. We were taught to do research for academic writing, and there were a lot of group project opportunities for us to work as a team and help each other out. It helped me develop my interaction skills and interpersonal skills as well. Studying abroad has made me more confident and comfortable with who I am. I really really enjoy working with students. After I graduate, I would actually really love it if I could stay and work under the University of Exeter International Study Centre's student engagement team. Because I studied overseas and the students will feel more comfortable sharing what they’re struggling with as well, cause they know that the person they are talking to might have faced the same difficulties…. My advice to future students would be to come with an open mind. Don't worry, because there will be people here to support you, step out of your comfort zone and be prepared for anything.”
Conclusion
By enrolling in a Foundation Year Course at the University of Exeter, international students like you can smoothly progress into undergraduate studies. The institutions ranked among the UK’s top 10 'Most Targeted Universities’ by international students (The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research).
Besides the university's academic excellence, Exeter offers a supportive student experience rated Gold for teaching and student satisfaction. For International students from Bangladesh, A Foundation Year Degree from Exeter International Study Centre can provide a direct, well-supported pathway for you to a globally reputed degree, helping to build a successful future in business or any chosen field that you desire.
FAQ
Q. What makes Exeter a great choice for international students?
Ans: The University of Exeter is a Member of the prestigious Russell Group, ranked among the Top 200 universities globally, and offers £5 million+ in scholarships for international students.
Q. Where is the University of Exeter located?
Ans: The university is based in South West England, with campuses in
- Streatham Campus (main campus) – Exeter, Devon
- St Luke’s Campus – Exeter, Devon
- Penryn Campus – Cornwall
- Truro Campus – Cornwall (Medical School)
Q. What is the tuition for the Foundation Year?
Ans: Tuition fees for international students typically range between £20,000 and £25,000 per year, depending on the subject area. Tuition fees increase every year; make sure to visit the official university website.
Q. What is the accommodation cost range for living in Exeter?
Ans: The living cost may range from £139 to £244, depending on the features and facilities and the type of housing. The university offers guaranteed accommodation for new students who apply by the deadline.
Q. Is Exeter cheaper than London?
Ans: Exeter is significantly more affordable than London. Overall cost of living is about 32% lower, Rent prices are nearly 50% cheaper and weekly groceries and dining cost around 10–30% less.