International Foundation Programme | University of Edinburgh

Why Study with Us?

There are many reasons to choose the International Foundation Programme at the University of Edinburgh.

holyrood campus courtyard

Did you know that our University is one of the top 25 in the world?

Founded in 1583, it's also one of Britain's oldest higher education institutions.

All IFP classes take place at the University's Holyrood Campus, which is conveniently situated in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town.

Our campus is not only centrally located but is just a short walk from both the city centre and the University accommodation where our IFP students usually reside during the programme.

We've put together a list featuring just some of the many draws and benefits that attract students from across the globe to study with us each year in Scotland's capital city.

1.

The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked one of the best 50 universities in the world. We were ranked 15th in the QS World University Rankings (2023).

We are currently ranked 4th in the world and no.1 in the UK for our successful sustainability practices via our research, teaching, partnerships and operations.

Learn more here>

2. Edinburgh was voted the best city in the world by Time Out (2022).
3. 95% of the University’s graduates go on to employment or further study (2011 report by the Higher Education Statistics Agency).
4. The programme provides an entry route to more than 150 degrees within the University’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. This includes degrees in business, law, international relations and English literature.
5. Successful completion of the programme with good grades and the required level of English language provides guaranteed progression to degree level study at the University of Edinburgh.
6. You will receive English language tuition from the University’s English Language Education department. The Centre is one of the largest higher education centres for English language teaching in the UK.
7. You will be a fully enrolled student at the University of Edinburgh. You will have access to all of the University’s academic, support, social and sporting facilities.
8. You will be taught by University of Edinburgh academics at our historic, central Holyrood Campus - located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town.
9.

Throughout the programme, you will receive dedicated one-to-one and group support from our dedicated student support team.

10.

You will have the opportunity to meet students from all over the world! More than 13,000 international students study at the University of Edinburgh - from over 150 countries.

Read more facts about the University and city of Edinburgh 

 

Don't just take our word for it...hear from some former IFP students:

 

Jinyang from China, IFP student 2021/22 - Studies BA (Hons) Fashion at Edinburgh College of Art

 

“IFP courses are very helpful for preparing to enter university. I have never covered academic reflective writing or how to embody critical thinking into my academic papers before.

On the IFP, I've realised the significance of these skills and received targeted training, which has played an important role in the preparation for engaging in undergraduate study.

My teachers gave incredible feedback on every essay, group work and home assignment that we did....Their feedback was very important for my next learning direction, which made me clearly aware of what to maintain and what I needed to improve.”

Karlen from Armenia, IFP student 2019/20 - Studies MA Business Management at the University of Edinburgh

 

“The group work on the IFP was my favourite part - when you work together with peers to solve problems . It’s beneficial when the abilities of each member in the group all come together to achieve the best results. It is also a good way for networking and making friends on the programme.

Personally [the programme] helped to improve my language skills and feel confident at lectures and tutorials.

Read more about how the IFP has helped Karlen to succeed at undergraduate level at the University of Edinburgh

Zahraa from Bahrain, IFP student 2017/18 - University of Edinburgh Law LLB (Hons) 2022 Graduate

 

“The IFP not only prepares you for your undergraduate degree, but it also helps you meet wonderful people (who will most likely stay in touch with you forever!) The IFP also helps you familiarise yourself with Scotland’s culture, and aids you in developing yourself both academically and personally!”

 

Polina from Russia, IFP student 2017/18 - University of Edinburgh Business and Economics 2022 Graduate

 

“I loved all of my IFP courses, but FEAP, international relations and cultural studies were my favourite. I loved that our tutors were so involved in their subjects and were so interested in our opinions.”