What is the INTO Foundation programme?

The Foundation programme is a pre-university course designed to bridge the gap for international students between secondary school and undergraduate studies. The programme gives international students a level of academic preparation comparable to UK A-Levels and ensures that students meet the minimum English language requirement for entry to their chosen undergraduate degree programme. In some circumstances, students may be able to enrol on the Foundation programme in order to change their specialist subject. The programme combines academic study, intensive English language preparation, study skills and a cultural orientation.

As well as offering direct entry to a wide range of degree programmes at Newcastle University, successful completion of the Foundation programme (subject to meeting specific academic and English language entry requirements), also prepares international students for undergraduate study at other top UK universities.

Who should apply for the INTO Foundation programme?

The Foundation programme is suitable for students who have successfully completed 12 Years of schooling (or the local equivalent to meet the same standard) with good grades, or show strong evidence of their ability to successfully complete the Foundation programme, and progress to their chosen degree programme. As part of their application, students will also need to show that they meet the minimum English language level for entry to the Foundation programme.

For further guidance on your eligibility for the programme, please either contact the Admissions Team at INTO Newcastle University or contact one of the INTO agents in your home country.

When can I start the INTO Foundation programme?

Students can enrol on the Foundation programme in September and January each year, with both intakes feeding into the University’s September intake for undergraduate studies. For students starting their Foundation programme in September, the programme is a nine-month programme delivered across two academic semesters, which run from September to June. Students enrolled on the January Foundation will cover the same programme content as part of an intensive seven-month programme, and will complete their studies in August of the same year.

What is special about the INTO Foundation programme?

This is a campus-based, quality-assured academic programme that offers, subject to achieving the specified grades for entry, guaranteed progression to the first year of a relevant Newcastle University undergraduate degree programme or placement at another UK university. Students studying at the INTO Centre are granted full university status allowing them to access all of the University’s excellent facilities and services. INTO offers high levels of personal care and 24-hour support ensuring that our students can focus on their studies and achieve their true potential.

Is the INTO Foundation course validated or recognised?

Successful completion of the Foundation programme leads to students being awarded the ‘Newcastle University International Foundation Certificate’. Designed with and approved by the University, the Foundation programme is welcomed as an entry qualification at Newcastle University and by other top-ranking UK universities.