International Foundation Year in Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture

The International Foundation Year in Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture is a one-year program designed for international students who want to study engineering, physical sciences or architecture at Cardiff University. The program is taught by experienced lecturers from Cardiff University and provides students with the necessary academic and English language skills to succeed in their undergraduate studies. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including cutting-edge engineering and science labs, as well as opportunities to engage with industry professionals through guest lectures and workshops. The program also includes a range of cultural and social activities to help students settle into university life in Cardiff.

Additional Information

The International Foundation Year is a unique opportunity for international students to gain the academic and English language skills needed to succeed in their undergraduate studies at Cardiff University. Students will be able to choose from a range of engineering, physical sciences and architecture courses, and will have access to dedicated support and resources throughout their studies. The program is ideal for students who want to study in the UK but may not meet the direct entry requirements for their chosen undergraduate course.

Discover Your Potential at Cardiff University - Study Group

Cardiff University is one of the top universities in the UK for engineering, physical sciences and architecture. The university has a strong reputation for research excellence and provides students with access to world-class facilities and resources. Located in the vibrant city of Cardiff, students will have plenty of opportunities to engage with local culture and society, as well as benefit from the university's strong links with industry. The International Foundation Year is an ideal way for international students to prepare themselves for undergraduate studies at Cardiff University.

The International Foundation Year prepares you for university with English language and study skills practice, as well as subject-specific teaching. When you complete the programme, you will progress to the first year of your undergraduate degree. Learn more about how humans can work in harmony with the natural world and choose to progress to a degree in architecture, environmental geography or an engineering subject. You choose a route depending on which undergraduate degree you plan to study. Specialise in one of three routes: architecture, engineering, or physical sciences. Which route you choose impacts the modules you will study.

Joining us on campus

You can start your studies with a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), provided you have met all the programme entry requirements. 

The test results must have been achieved in the past 24 months and meet the minimum English equivalency score for your chosen programme.

• IELTS Academic for UKVI

• Trinity Integrated Skills in English UKVI

• Pearson PTE Academic UKVI

• LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

• PSI Skills for English UKVI (4 components)

Starting your studies virtually from home and coming to campus at a later date.

You can start your studies virtually with a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) as above or you can provide proof of your English language proficiency with an alternative test. This is possible because you do not need a Student Visa to start virtually from your home country.

You will need to obtain a SELT with the required minimum score to make a Student Visa application in order to come to campus.

The test results must have been achieved in the past 24 months and meet the minimum English equivalency score for your chosen programme

Alternative tests accepted include:

• IELTS Academic (non-UKVI) / IELTS Academic Online

• IELTS Indicator

• Pearson PTE Academic / Pearson PTE Academic Online

• LanguageCert International ESOL

• TOEFL iBT/iBT Home Edition

• Cambridge ESOL

• Duolingo

• Cambridge Linguaskill

• Oxford Test of English

• Academic English Skills

• Password Skills Solo

20 Hours of Work permit weekly for international students.