International Foundation Year
The International Foundation Year will prepare students for their first year of an undergraduate degree - read about the academic requirements for this programme below.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate entry requirements for Royal Holloway International Study Centre
To join us at the International Study Centre, you have to meet certain academic and English language requirements.
Our courses are available to students who are:
- at least 17 years old when they join us
- non-UK nationals.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for your chosen pathway programme, you can improve your skills with our English language support course, English Language Preparation.
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)
- Cambridge Linguaskill
The test results must have been achieved in the past 24 months and meet the minimum English equivalency score for your chosen programme.
UKVI-approved SELTS include:
- 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)
Alternative tests accepted include:
- Pearson PTE Academic (non-UKVI) / Pearson PTE Academic Online
- IELTS Academic (non-UKVI) / / IELT Academic Online
- LanguageCert International ESOL
- TOEFL iBT / TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- Cambridge ESOL
- Oxford Test of English
- Academic English Skills
- Password Skills Solo / Password Skills Plus
Study Group is permitted to assess students’ suitability for entry onto programmes which are degree level and above under the registration for the UK Office for Students. As this programme is offered under a single CAS, as you are therefore not required to have a UKVI SELT to obtain a Student Visa when you come to campus.
If you begin your course virtually and transfer to the UK to complete your programme, you may be issued a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) based on the Academic English Skills module assessments (as part of your International Year OnePre-Masters).
A CAS for a Student Visa will only be issued if you have met the minimum language requirement of CEFR B2 in all skills, and the academic entry requirements for your chosen programme.
Academic
Students normally need to have a minimum of 12 years of schooling with good grades.
English language
| Academic qualification | Grade |
| Academic IELTS for UKVI* | 5.0 overall (minimum 5.0 in writing) |
| IGCSE/GCSE/O-Level | 5 passes at A-C in relevant subjects (excluding native language) with a C in Maths for Engineering pathway. New grades 9-4 in English and Maths. |
* If you do not need a Student visa, or are exempted in another way, we can accept equivalent proof of English. The English language entry requirements stated are for information regarding entry to the course. If you require a UK visa to study, depending on the type of visa you need, the English language requirements and valid English tests to satisfy the UK visa criteria may differ.
| Your country | Academic qualification(s) you need |
| Australia | Completion of year 11 with equivalent grades to the GCSE/IGCSE requirements. |
| Bangladesh | Year 12 (HSC): GPA 4.0 overall with passes in min 4 subjects and 3.75 in relevant subjects. Maximum age 21 years & 364 days |
| Canada | Completion of year 11 with equivalent grades to the GCSE/IGCSE requirements. Overall minimum 60%. |
| China | Successful completion of Senior High 2 at an average grade of 75% with in minimum of 5 academic subjects including key subjects or Senior High 3 at an average of 70% or above in a minimum of 4 academic subjects including key subjects |
| Ghana | Successful completion of the West African School Certificate (WAEC) or Senior School Certificate average grade 1-6 (A-C) in 4 or more subjects |
| Hong Kong | Form 5 - Top schools: Grade E, or Level 2 or Pass, in 4 or more academic subjects Form 5 - Other schools: 2C & 2D, or 2x Level 3 & 2x Level 4, or 20% on top of the pass mark in 4 relevant academic subjects (i.e. 60% if pass mark is 40%) HKDSE: 322 in 3 relevant subjects (must have 3 in Maths for Science/Engineering and Economics pathway) |
| India | Successful completion of the Standard 10+1 with 70% or above or Standard 10+2 at 55% or above, minimum 50% in relevant subjects such as Maths and Sciences |
| Indonesia | Successful completion of SMU 3/Sikolah Menegah at grade 6.5 or above or SMU 2 at an average of 7.0. 5 relevant subjects required |
| Iran | Successful completion of High School Diploma (3 years) with overall GPA 14/20 including relevant subjects |
| Japan | Successful completion of Kotogakko (Year 12) with grade average or 70% or GPA 3.5/5. Year 11 with 75% or GPA 4/5 may be considered, subject to age |
| Jordan | Successful completion of Tawjihi with average of 80% including relevant subjects |
| Kazakhstan | Successful completion of ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education (Grade 11) with grade average 4 and 5 |
| Korea | SH3: 5th Grade average in rank, with at least 5th grade in relevant subjects SH2: 4th Grade average in rank with at least 4th grade in relevant subjects |
| Libya | Successful completion Secondary Education Certificate with average of 80% |
| Macau | Successful completion of iGCSE/'O' Levels at grade C in 5 relevant subjects including English or completion of Form 5 or Senior Middle 2 with an average grade of 65% - 75% in relevant subjects |
| Malaysia | SPM school: Form 5, Term 2 or Mid-Year transcript - Grades of A- C achieved in 5 relevant academic subjects to include English and Maths |
| Mexico | Successful completion of Bachillerato at a average of 75% and above |
| Morocco | Diplôme du Baccalauréat with grade average of 12 |
| Nigeria | Successful completion of West African School Certificate (WAEC) or Senior School Certificate with 1-6 (A-C) in 4 or more relevant subjects |
| Pakistan | Successful completion of Higher Secondary Certificate at an average grade of 3-5 (60%) overall, with passes in 4 or more subjects with 50% minimum required for relevant subjects such as Maths and Sciences |
| Qatar | New certificate, QSSC - min. 5 subjects with 3 in Advanced level, all 5 grades A - Cs (minimum 70% in relevant subjects and overall in percentage scale) Thanawaya Ama Qatari (School Leaving Certificate) minimum pass mark of 80% in relevant subjects |
| Russia | Successful completion of ATTESTAT/11th grade with a minimum GPA of 4.0 |
| Saudi Arabia | Successful completion of Tawjihi with average of 80% and no lower than 70% in relevant subjects |
| Singapore | Secondary 4: Term 2 or Mid-Year transcript - Grades of A- C achieved in 5 relevant academic subjects to include English and Maths |
| Taiwan | Successful completion of Senior High School Year 3 pass with an average grade of 60% in relevant subjects overall, including relevant subjects or SH2 with 75%. |
| Thailand | Successful completion of MAW 6 with average GPA 2.0 in relevant subjects including Maths and Sciences or successful completion of MAW 5 with GPA 2.5 |
| Turkey | Successful completion of Devlet Lise Diploması (High School Completion) - 65% overall with minimum 60% in relevant subjects |
| UAE | Successful completion of Tawjihi with average of 80% and minimum of 70% in relevant subjects |
| Ukraine | Successful completion of ATTESTAT/11th grade with a minimum GPA of 7.0 |
| USA | USA - High school Diploma: Min GPA 2.75 (grade C+, 77%) with minimum 4 academic subjects |
| Vietnam | Successful completion of Year 12 with average GPA 7.0 and minimum of 7.0 for Maths and Sciences subjects |
| Academic qualification | Grade |
| The Diploma of the International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) and the Diploma Programme Course (IB Certificate) | 26 points |
| A/AS levels | 24 UCAS points (formerly 80 UCAS tariff points, excluding native language) |
| IGCSE/GCSE | 5 passes at A-C in relevant subjects |
International Year One
The International Year One prepares students to enter an undergraduate degree at its second year - view the academic and language entry requirements here.
Academic
Students will generally need good high school graduation grades or equivalent, plus one year of further study.
English language
| Academic qualification | Grade |
| Academic IELTS for UKVI*^ | 5.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) |
| IGCSE/GCSE/O-Level | 5 passes at A-C in relevant subjects (excluding native language) with a C in Maths for Engineering pathway, plus one year of further study. New grades 9-4 in English and Maths. |
* If you do not need a Student visa, or are exempted in another way, we can accept equivalent proof of English. The English language entry requirements stated are for information regarding entry to the course. If you require a UK visa to study, depending on the type of visa you need, the English language requirements and valid English tests to satisfy the UK visa criteria may differ.
^ For students looking to take the Academic Personal Tutorial steam (see below), students will require an IELTS (or equivalent level of):
- Business and Management and Economics: 6.5 overall with Reading and Writing 6.0 and no other subscore lower than 5.5
- Computer Science and Electronic Engineering: 6.5 overall with no subscore lower than 5.5
Academic English Skills and Academic Personal Tutorial** streams
The International Year One programmes will be available in two streams for the January 2021 intake, offered with either the Academic English Skills or Academic Personal Tutorial** modules, depending on your English language level.
If you are starting your studies with an English level lower than IELTS 6.5 overall (with varying subskill requirements, see entry requirements above) or equivalent, then you will study the Academic English Skills module. This will focus on building your English skills by improving your academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, and listening and recording information effectively.
If you join the programme with a higher IELTS 6.5 overall (with varying subskill requirements, see entry requirements above) or equivalent level, you will take the Academic Personal Tutorial** module. You will be assigned a personal tutor who will support, guide and advise you on your study skills, allowing you to focus on improving your academic abilities.
**Subject to approval
| Your country | Academic qualification(s) you need |
| Bangladesh | GPA 3.25 (55%) with 55% or above in Maths & English plus one year of further study or Diploma (4 years). Maximum age 22 years & 364 days |
| China | SH3 with 80% or above in 4 or more subjects |
| SH3 : 75% or above in 4 or more subjects plus 1 year of further year of study with a pass | |
| SH3 : 65% plus 55% in Gaokao | |
| Canada | High School Diploma Grade 12 65%+ |
| Egypt | Thanawiya Amma 75% plus successful completion of 1 year of further study |
| Hong Kong | HKDSE 333 - all subjects accepted |
| India | Year 12 HSC 60%+ |
| Indonesia | 7.5 SMU 3 (5 relevant subjects require) OR 1st Year university study with grade 2.0 and above |
| Iran | Pre Uni Year Peeshdaneshgahe 14/20. Or 1 year Kardani 14/20, or 2 year Kardani 13/20. |
| Japan | High School/Upper Secondary School leaving certificate plus evidence of further study |
| Jordan | Successful completion of Tawjihi 80% plus evidence of further study |
| Kazakhstan | Certificate of Secondary Education with grade 4 & 5 across all subjects plus evidence of further study |
| Korea | Successful completion of SH3 with a grade average of 4 with at least 4th grade in relevant/prerequisite subjects or High school Diploma |
| Kuwait | General Secondary Education Certificate Tawjihiya 80% plus further year of study |
| Libya | Successful completion Secondary Education Certificate with average of 80% or above plus evidence of further study post completion of secondary school |
| Macau | Cambridge Overseas Higher School Cert A-E (COHSC), part study of Diploma, Higher Diploma or Associate degree |
| Mexico | Bachillerato 90% or 75% + 1 year of Higher Education with a pass |
| Nigeria | Successful completion of West African School Certificate (WASSCE) or Senior School Certificate with average grades of A-C or 1-6 in 5 or more subjects. Plus evidence of 1 year of further study |
| Pakistan | HSC grade 60% plus successful completion of 1 year of further study Or HSC Grade 75% |
| Qatar | High School Certificate 85% in relevant subjects plus 1 further year of study |
| Russia | Attestat with minimum GPA 4.0 plus successful completion of 1 further year of study with GPA of 3.0 |
| Saudi Arabia | General Secondary Education Certificate Tawjihiya 80% plus further year of study |
| Sinagapore | Singapore O Levels A1 – C6 in 4 subjects, plus 1 year part study of Polytechnic Diploma / Polytechnic Certificate / Polytechnic Advanced Diploma. |
| Taiwan | Successful completion of Senior High 3 with minimum average 75% or 65% plus evidence of 1 year of further study |
| Thailand | High School certificate (MAW6) GPA 3.0 |
| Turkey | Successful completion of Devlet Lise Diploması (High School Completion) - 60% overall |
| UAE | Successful completion of Tawjihiyya 80% plus evidence of further study |
| Ukraine | Successful completion of ATTESTAT/11th grade with a minimum of GPA of 7.0 plus successful completion of 1 year of further study with a minimum GPA 5.0 |
| USA | SATs 500 in Reading and Writing & Maths PLUS 500 in two SAT II subject test Or ACT 24 overall Or 2 APs at grade 3 in relevant subject areas |
| Vietnam | Successful completion of Year 12 with grade 7.5 plus 1 further year of study |
| Academic qualification | Grade |
| IB Diploma and IB Certificate | 26 points |
| A/AS levels | 52 UCAS points (including native language) |
Other relevant subjects at school completion will also be considered to meet entry requirements.
English Language Preparation Programme
Our programmes can be taken with an additional course of English preparation - find out what academic requirements our English language programme require.
Academic
Students normally need to have a minimum of 12 years of schooling with good grades.
English language for International Foundation Year
| Duration | Entry requirements |
| 10 weeks | IELTS Academic 4.5 overall (4.5 in all other skills) |
English language for International Year One
| Duration | Entry requirements |
| 6 weeks | IELTS Academic 5.0 overall (5.0 in all other skills) |
| 10 weeks | IELTS Academic 5.0 overall (4.5 in all other skills) |
| 16 weeks | IELTS Academic 4.5 overall (4.5 in all other skills) |
* If you do not need a Student visa, or are exempted in another way, we can accept equivalent proof of English. The English language entry requirements stated are for information regarding entry to the course. If you require a UK visa to study, depending on the type of visa you need, the English language requirements and valid English tests to satisfy the UK visa criteria may differ.
Secure English Language Test
If you are applying to study in the UK under the Student visa route, it may be necessary for you to submit a Secure English Language Test as part of your visa application.
Check the UK government website for guidance and information about valid test providers and approved test centre locations for tests taken on or after 6 April 2015. To find out if you are exempt from the Secure English Language Test requirement and to find out about acceptable English language tests, please contact us.
Fees & funding
Once you've chosen your pathway programme, check out the fees associated with your study abroad journey.
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