Enquire to study in the UK 
International Foundation programmes are designed for international students who wish to enter university in the UK, but who have not taken high school qualifications that are accepted for entry onto UK undergraduate degrees. As well as providing students with additional subject area knowledge, these programmes also focus on the English language and academic skills needed to succeed on a degree programme.
When you’re choosing a foundation programme, it makes better sense to apply to one affiliated to a university. There are, however, few universities that have such programmes.
Fortunately, the International Education Institute (IE) at the University of St Andrews does — and with an average of 90% of International Foundation programmes (IFP) students successfully completing their pre-degree programme, making them eligible to progress onto a degree at St Andrews, IE makes for an excellent choice.
IE’s International Foundation programmes will give you a different yet outstanding experience for the five reasons outlined below:
1. Offer of place for an undergraduate degree at St Andrews
The University of St Andrews is well known for consistently high rankings in both national and global league tables. It is ranked #1 in the UK by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022, and has been continuously within the top 100 institutions globally in the QS World University Rankings for the past 10 years. On top of that, this university has regularly been voted first in the UK for student academic experience in the UK National Student Survey.
IFP students have a guaranteed route onto the degree programmes offered at this top university.
2. Small classes, better learning
International students may find it a challenge to adjust to a university environment, especially one in a foreign country. The IFP’s small classes allow them to build up their confidence within a university setting.
Small classes also make it easier for students to get one-to-one tutoring whenever needed. At the same time, the different formats of classroom learning such as lectures, seminars and tutorials during the IFP prepare students well for academic life at university.
With these in place, IFP students will feel more capable and ready to make the transition to university, whether it be St Andrews or other top-ranked universities in the UK and beyond; the IFP enjoys strong international recognition.
3. Dedicated teachers make for greater academic success
The IE at St Andrews has over 20 academic teaching staff, including several who have won awards for their teaching activities, with a wealth of experience to guide IFP students to succeed in their future university studies. Whichever course they’re in — whether it’s Business – Management, Economics and Finance, Medical Sciences (both International Pre-Med and Extended International Pre-Med) Social Sciences and Humanities or Science, all IFP students can expect to receive high quality teaching.
“The support from lecturers and staff is, in my opinion, the best thing about St Andrews. The staff and lecturers do not only offer academic support but they are very helpful and supportive with personal issues as well,” shares Divine Mwawasi from Kenya.
4. Preferred guaranteed accommodation at university
IFP students can select their choice of accommodation which is guaranteed as long as they pay the required fees and apply for it by the deadline. Several different halls of residence, which offer both self-catered or catered options, are available to meet different budgets and needs.
IFP students are encouraged to apply for an en-suite single room with either a self-catered or catered package so that they can live with other IFP classmates in the David Russell Apartments, conveniently located close to classes and other foundation students.
As an added perk, IFP students choosing the David Russell Apartments can stay over the Christmas and spring holidays if they wish (on a self-catered basis only). The modern apartments are a highly popular choice, being the largest and most diverse accommodation hosting foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate students from over 80 countries.
5. A University of St Andrews student from day one
Finally, all students can be assured they will be treated as University of St Andrews students right from the start. This means one can join the numerous extra-curricular activities, clubs and societies as well as participate in unique St Andrews traditions. There is always something for everyone, and IFP students from all over the world can look forward to making wonderful memories here.
To learn more, click here.
