International Foundation Programme

The International Foundation Programme runs for one academic year, from August to June, and prepares students for an undergraduate degree at a Scottish university, starting the following autumn.

Students will study 4 subjects and take examinations called Highers that are set by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). SQA is the national accreditation and awarding body in Scotland, and Highers are the main qualification taken by Scottish students for university entry. Highers are recognised by UCAS, the University and College Admissions Service, and each subject passed attracts tariff points which can be used in your application to university.

The International Foundation Programme allows you to select subjects appropriate to your future study aspirations. Our experienced staff will advise you as to the most appropriate subjects to select in consideration of your intended undergraduate degree, and will check with your preferred universities in order to best advise you. Our students usually follow a 'Business & Finance' or 'Science & Engineering' stream, however we can tailor a programme to your individual needs.

You will study 4 SQA Highers, two of which will normally be English (ESOL) and Mathematics. Your other two subjects will be advised to you at the application stage, and will be those most useful to your intended next course of study. The other subjects available include:

• Business Management
• Economics
• Chemistry
• Human Biology 
• Physics
• History
• Philosophy
• Psychology
• Sociology
• French
• Spanish

Tuition Fee

£6500, including:

• Tuition (15-20 hours per week)
• Airport pick up service on arrival
• Induction programme (college/ city orientation)
• Course material (excluding textbooks)
• English Language support, if required
• Support in your application to university
• Library facilities including internet and email access
• SQA exam registration fee
• Access to clubs, societies and open day events

Other Subjects

In some cases, for example where a student has a very high English Language level, it may be possible to study another subject, either instead of ESOL, or in addition. If your English Language Level is sufficiently high that you are not required to study ESOL, you will be advised of this at the application stage. Should you wish to study a fifth subject, (as required by some institutions in England and Wales) please make this clear at the application stage. 

University Progression

Students can apply to any university once they have finished the International Foundation Programme. In the past students have progressed to universities including: 

• The University of Edinburgh
• University of Glasgow
• The University of Aberdeen

Entry Requirements

• You should have completed at least 11 years of education, with good results overall and especially in subjects relevant to the International Foundation Programme stream you apply for.
• IELTS 5.5 overall, with minimum 5.0 in each band, or equivalent.
• Students might also be required to meet us for an interview via Skype.

Apply

Click here to start your application today.

Our programmes and teaching methods are designed to support the transition from school to university and will provide you with a bridge to university in Scotland. Before applying it is important for you to investigate entry requirements to your chosen university degree directly with your preferred universities.

Stevenson College Edinburgh reserves the right to withdraw or modify any course being offered. In the event of a programme being withdrawn, we will try to find suitable alternatives or refund any fees paid.