International Foundation Certificate

 

The aim of the course is to provide you with the knowledge, academic and language skills needed for success as an undergraduate. It also provides an introduction to your degree subject, and gives you the opportunity to get to know your future department.

Course Overview

There are two routes to the International Foundation Certificate:

  1. A 30-week course with start dates in September and January
  2. A 15-week Fast Track option beginning in January.

The following Foundation and Fast Track Foundation Pathways are available: 

  • International Foundation Pathway into Business 
  • International Foundation Pathway into Computer Science 
  • International Foundation Pathway into International Politics 
  • International Foundation Pathway into Theatre, Film and Television 
  • International Foundation Pathway into Law & Criminology 

Students who successfully complete the International Foundation Certificate are guaranteed progression to a degree at Aberystwyth University. 

A minimum English level of CEFR B2 is awarded to students that successfully pass this course. 

Who is the course for?

1. Students who have completed high school in their own country but do not have the qualifications to begin a British degree. If your country has a 12-year education system, you probably need a Foundation Certificate Course. Students who have completed Year 11 to a high standard will be considered on individual merit, subject to interview.

2. Students who need to improve their English before starting their degree.

3. Students who already have the qualifications to begin a degree but want to gain more confidence in their language skills and subject knowledge.

Note: the course is designed for students for whom English is a second or additional language.  It is not intended for native English speakers.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications You must have completed high school to a level that indicates likely success on the Foundation Programme.
Age You must be at least 17 years old before the course start date.
English Test

Applicants must have an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity College SELT from a UK government approved test centre in order to get a CAS / Tier 4 Visa for a Foundation Course in the UK. Fast-track applicants without a UKVI recognised test may be able to apply for a Short-term Study Visa. Contact tesol@aber.ac.uk for more information

 

English Language Requirements
Pathway into: Computer Science Business Theatre, Film & Television International Politics Law & Criminology
30-week course (September - June) IELTS 4.5 (with no score below 4.0) IELTS 4.5 (with no score below 4.0) IELTS 5.0 (with no score below 4.5) IELTS 5.0 (with no score below 4.5) IELTS 5.0 (with no score below 4.5)
30-weeks course (January - September) IELTS 4.5 (with no score below 4.5) IELTS 4.5 (with no score below 4.5) IELTS 5.0 (with no score below 4.5) IELTS 5.0 (with no score below 5.0) IELTS 5.0 (with no score below 4.5)
15-week Fast Track course (January - June) IELTS 5.0 (with no more than 1 score below 5.0, and no score below 4.5) IELTS 5.0 (with no more than 1 score below 5.0, and no score below 4.5) IELTS 5.5 (with no more than 1 score below 5.5, and no score below 5.0) IELTS 5.5 (with no more than 1 score below 5.5, and no score below 5.0) IELTS 5.5 (with no more than 1 score below 5.5, and no score below 5.0)

 

Dates & Fees

2025-2026

Courses Course Duration Start Date End Date Fees Accommodation Included
International Foundation Certificate

30 weeks

 22 September 2025       29 May 2026 £18,610  Yes
30 weeks 5 January 2026     11 September 2026 £18,610  Yes
42 weeks 22 September 2025 11 September 2026 £22,990  Yes
Fast Track International Foundation Certificate 15 weeks 26 January 2026 29 May 2026 £11,165  Yes

There will be no classes during the Winter or Easter vacation periods or on UK Bank Holidays.

Winter vacation:  15 December 2025 - 3 January 2026

Easter vacation: 23 March 2026 - 11 April 2026

Bank Holidays: 25 December 2025, 26 December 2025, 1 January 2026, 3 April 2026,  6 April 2026, 4 May 2026, 25 May 2026, 31 August 2026