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International Foundation Year

A foundation programme to prepare you for a Royal Holloway degree

The International Foundation Year is designed to prepare you for the first year of your chosen undergraduate degree at Royal Holloway. This is a fast-paced, three-term foundation programme, specifically designed for international students interested in beginning their international education journey.

If you have completed your high school education but would like further preparation before you begin a university degree, the International Foundation Year will give you the tools and skills required.

If you do not meet the English language requirements for your chosen course, consider the English Language Preparation Programme, designed to ensure you are ready to progress to one of our foundation programmes.

Length:

  • Two semesters

Entry points:

You can find out more about the academic and English language entry requirements for courses here.

Fees

You can check the associated fees with your chosen programme by visiting our dedicated fees page.

Why study the International Foundation Year?

This programme is designed to prepare you to enter the first year of your undergraduate degree. By studying the International Foundation Year, you will benefit from:

  • a base of knowledge in your course subject area
  • the level of English language required for your undergraduate studies
  • improved academic study skills
  • a focused approach to teaching and learning
  • smaller classes, with lessons designed around your needs
  • an introduction to university campus life and the UK education system.

Upon successful completion of this programme, and with the required grades, you will be ready to start your chosen undergraduate degree at Royal Holloway University London.

In 2024, 85.2% of students who completed their International Foundation Year at the Royal Holloway International Study Centre were offered a place at Royal Holloway, University of London.

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Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

This pathway prepares you for a variety of Royal Holloway degrees related to social sciences, arts and humanities. Find out what you will study and what progression degrees you can choose from.

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Management and Economics

This pathway leads to a number of degrees at Royal Holloway in fields related to management and economics. Discover modules you will study and degrees this pathway leads to.

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Sciences

This pathway prepares you for science-related degrees at Royal Holloway. Explore the modules in this pathway and degrees you can choose when you progress.

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Admissions

Applying to Royal Holloway International Study Centre is easy and straightforward. Check entry requirements, tuition fees and see what you have to do before you arrive, from getting your student visa to arranging accommodation.

Join us today

Our Student Enrolment Advisors are available to answer any questions you may have and help you with your application. We can't wait to meet you!