Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates - UCL's International Foundation Year
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus. Experienced UCL teachers will support you to develop your academic skills, English and subject knowledge so you can progress to UCL or other top UK universities.
Why choose the UCL foundation year?
A global top 10 university: We’re the only UK university in the top 10 of the QS World University Rankings 2024 with its own international foundation year. Start your journey with the UPC and move on to your chosen degree at a high-ranking university.
High progression rates: In 2022, 75% of UPC students progressed to UCL or another leading UK university.
Guaranteed conditional offers: As long as you are predicted to meet the entry requirements (and write a clearly relevant personal statement) you have a guaranteed offer on over 160 UCL degrees.
Personalised support: You’ll receive a one-to-one tutorial every week with your personal tutor, as well as regular support from a student mentor and dedicated education advisor.
Quality teaching: You’ll be taught by experienced UCL academic staff who are experts in preparing international students for undergraduate studies.
London’s Global University: You’ll be joining a welcoming, supportive environment of international staff and students, both on the UPC and the wider-UCL community.
Find out what qualifications you need for our international foundation year. This includes academic and English qualifications and the grades you need.
Understand how to progress to UCL or another UK university. This covers UCL degrees with guaranteed offers, grades needed, the UCAS process and how we support you.
Discover where the international foundation year has led to for previous students and hear about their experiences of the UPC and undergraduate studies.
We’ll give you all the support you need during the UPC. Learn more about the support available, including a personal tutor, student mentor and education advisor.
September 2023 entry Application for September 2023 entry are now closed. If you have made a late application, we will be in touch if places are available and you have been selected for the entrance tests.
September 2024 entry Application for September 2024 entry will open in November 2023. The current information on this website relates to September 2023 entry. Register your interest and we will email you once this website has been updated and when application is open.
Register your interest
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