How to Apply

Applications may be made directly to the International Foundation Programme at the University of Reading OR through UCAS.

UCAS Application

Please use the following UCAS codes:

January start - Q3N1

October start - N1Q3

You can find more information about applying through UCAS here:

http://www.ucas.com/students/wheretostart/nonukstudents/

IFP Application

1. Complete an Application Form and provide supporting documents:

 The Guidance Notes tell you how to complete your IFP Application Form  and what documents to send. We will only accept original documents or photocopies which have been certified as authentic copies of the originals by the British Council or other recognised body. Applications which do not include all of the required items cannot be processed.

2. Send your application form and documents directly to:

Admissions (IFP)

Admissions Office

University of Reading

Miller Building

Whiteknights

RG6 6AB

or scan and send via email to ifpadmissions@reading.ac.uk 

Obtaining a visa

You may need to apply for a visa before you come to study at Reading. Please follow this link for more information: Visas

When to apply 

Students are strongly advised to read the information on the UK Border Agency website, apply for their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from their chosen place of study and apply for their visa in good time. Students can apply for a visa up to 3 months in advance of their intended date of travel to the UK. This year, the busy student season coincides with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games so be prepared and apply early!

TOEFL scores

In order to verify your TOEFL results we will require receipt of your TOEFL Official Score Report. Please contact ETS and ask them to send the Official Score Report directly to the IFP Admissions Office, University of Reading (Institution No: 0769). Photocopies or Examinee Score Reports received directly from applicants are not acceptable.

FAQS

• Can I apply to join the Foundation Programme before I have the results of my school leaving examinations?

Yes, you can apply during your final year at secondary school. If you do not have the results of your school leaving examinations, an offer which is conditional on the results of your final examinations, may be made to you on the basis of your academic achievements to that date.

• Can I apply to join the Foundation Programme if I do not have an English language qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL?

Yes, you can submit an application before you take an English test. If you meet the entry requirements in all other respects, an offer will be made to you conditional on your meeting the English language entry requirement. We normally expect students to show evidence that they have met the condition by 1 August. If you are made an offer conditional on English, you should make arrangements as soon as possible to take an IELTS or TOEFL test.

• Do I have to take an IELTS or other language test before I can join the IFP?

Yes, if your first language is not English, entry to the IFP is always conditional on a satisfactory level of English. You cannot join the Programme unless you are able to provide evidence of your level of English. Without an IELTS or TOEFL certificate, it is not possible to know whether your level of English is sufficiently strong to cope with the language demands of the IFP.

• What can I do if my English is not good enough?

If, after taking a test, your score is just below the IFP entry requirement, you will be able to attend a special four week pre-sessional course in September for students intending to join the foundation programme. If you attend the IFP pre-sessional course and we receive a satisfactory report on your progress, you will be able to join the Foundation Programme without taking another IELTS or TOEFL test. The International Study and Language Centre also offers a range of English language and Study Skills courses which take place throughout the year. For further information about these courses and the IFP pre-sessional course, you should contact islc@reading.ac.uk or visit www.reading.ac.uk/islc

• When can I join the IFP?

The IFP has entry points in October and January (for Business pathway students).

• Can I study on a part-time basis?

No, the IFP is a full-time programme.

• Can I join the IFP if I have taken A-levels or another foundation course but failed to obtain the grades that I need to enter a degree programme?

We do not normally offer a place on the Foundation Programme to students who have already had the opportunity to qualify for entry to a degree programme. However, individual applications will be considered if there are exceptional circumstances.