Choose an International Foundation Pathway at Reading

Start your journey at the University of Reading Global Academy – one of the UK’s first universities to deliver its own international foundation programmes.

From day one, you are a University of Reading student with full access to our campus, facilities, and university life. This means you build academic confidence, real-world skills, and a strong community around you from the start.

Completing one of our international foundation pathways enables you to progress to over 200 undergraduate degrees at the University of Reading. These include Henley Business School courses, and courses in humanities, biological sciences, arts and communication design, and law.

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Speak directly to a University of Reading representative

Book a one-to-one virtual meeting with Atul Rana, our International Foundation Pathways Recruitment Manager. You will be able to find out more about our pathways, how to apply, and discuss which option may be right for you.

Our pathways

We offer two pathways: the International Foundation Programme, and the International Foundation Year, so you can choose which option is right for you.

International Foundation Programme (IFP)

Progress to a wide range of University of Reading undergraduate degrees, including courses at Henley Business School, with this one-year programme. You’ll follow a subject pathway that is relevant to the area you want to study at undergraduate level.

International Foundation Year (IFY)

We offer some degrees with an International Foundation Year included; ideal if you already know which University of Reading course you want to progress on to. These courses provide a single, four-year visa that covers all years of study.

International Foundation Pathway options 

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Preparing you for academic success

You will be taught by our expert staff, who will set you up to succeed in your university education with support that is tailored to you.

They provide outstanding academic training in subjects for your undergraduate degree, as well as equipping you with transferable academic skills.

In 2024, 98% of our international foundation students successfully progressed to undergraduate study.

Benefits

You will:

  • be a University of Reading student from day one: you will be taught on our campus and have access to our facilities and services
  • be eligible for scholarships and discounts
  • usually have the option to start in either September or January (although January start is not available for Science pathways)
  • be guaranteed a place on your chosen University of Reading undergraduate course, as long as you pass the international foundation pathway and meet any other entry requirements.

Find out more reasons to study with us

Subject pathways

You will study subject modules that are designed to prepare you for the undergraduate degree you intend to study at the University of Reading.

You will be enrolled in one of three subject pathways:

  • Science and Mathematics
  • Business, Management and Finance
  • Social Sciences and Art.

Meet our students

There are more than 4,700 international students at the University of Reading. See what some of our International Foundation Pathways students have to say about studying at Reading.

Scholarships and discounts

We offer our international students a variety of scholarships that can lower your tuition fees. These include the Reading Excellence Scholarship.

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Life on campus

Our main campus is set on 120 hectares of beautiful parkland, so you'll find plenty of places to relax. Our campus is home to a thriving community and features the Students' Union, Library and places to eat.