NCUK - International Foundation Year
Summary
Admission Criteria
Program Structure
NCUK Universities
Accreditations

Duration

9 months

View NCUK - International Foundation Year

Academic Calendar

Intake

September 2025

For more information, please contact De Montfort University Cambodia (DMUC).

Total Fees

USD 10,000

Scholarships available, Partner School Awards


De Montfort University (DMU) has partnered with NCUK, a leading provider of pathway qualifications, to offer students the opportunity to complete an internationally recognised foundation course in Cambodia before progressing to a top-ranked university in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or the USA.

The International Foundation Year (IFY) provides access to over 4,000 degree programmes across 45+ prestigious universities in 13 countries. This qualification is specifically designed to prepare students for entry into the first year of a bachelor’s degree.

One of the key advantages of the International Foundation Year is that students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for a bachelor's degree in destinations such as the UK, Australia, or the USA can study at De Montfort University (DMU) for one year before continuing their education abroad at an NCUK university.

Upon successful completion of NCUK’s International Foundation Year, students are guaranteed a place on a relevant course at an NCUK university or De Montfort University (DMU)*. Both DMU Cambodia and NCUK will support students throughout the university application process.


The entry requirements for the International Foundation Year depends on the University you may wish to purse your bachelor degree.


Egnlish Level:    IELTS minimum score of 5 or equivalent, with no single component less than 4.5

Academic requirements:    Completion of local high school

Special requirements:     Personal Statment & references

Introduction

The International Foundation Year (IFY) programme is a pre-university programme designed to prepare international students for study in English-language universities. It develops students’ subject knowledge, study skills and English language competency to a level suitable for smooth progression to undergraduate study.

Aim of the Programme

The aims of the NCUK IFY programme are to:

  • Provide you with a high-quality pre-undergraduate education, with outcomes comparable to internationally recognised High School qualifications such as GCE A levels.
  • Prepare yourself for undergraduate study in English at universities that offer degree courses taught in English.
  • Enhance your English language ability to communicate and study effectively and confidently at the undergraduate level.
  • Develop the study skills, subject knowledge, and related capabilities required for successful undergraduate study at DMU Cambodia and NCUK Partner University.
  • Cultivate a commitment to good practice in academic work.
  • Provide the necessary skills to develop as independent, autonomous learners.
  • Give you practical experience of different methods that may be used to develop and assess their learning.
Programme stucture

The IFY consists of 1,200 study hours (600 guided learning hours, 600 independent study hours) and is generally delivered over one academic year.

Depending on your level of English upon entry, you will study one of the English for Academic Purposes modules. In addition, you will study your program pathway modules.

The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) module is designed for students who are not native English speakers and do not have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) acceptable for entry to NCUK University Partners.

The EAP for Proficient Users (EAPPU) module is designed for students who have either previously studied in English throughout their education but have an English language qualification that is not accepted for visa purposes in their university destination country, or who have a very good level of English but no SELT to prove this.

The Research and Communication Skills (RCS) module is designed for students who already possess a SELT at an acceptable level for UK visa purposes and the requirements of NCUK University Partners. Typically, these students will hold an acceptable qualification at IELTS 6.0 level or better (with a minimum of 5.5 in individual skills), or IGCSE English at grade C or better, that was completed within one year of entry to the International Foundation Year.

Pathways

Business Programmes

The Business Programs Pathway aims to introduce you to the necessary subject knowledge and understanding required to successfully study business studies and related social science disciplines at the undergraduate level at DMU Cambodia and at an NCUK University Partner.

You will develop an understanding of the external environment in which businesses operate and the topical issues affecting them, focusing on the three key functional areas of business: marketing, accounting & finance and human resource management.

You will study 3 of the following modules:

Computing Programmes

The Computing Programs Pathway aims to help you understand and apply computer science's fundamental principles and concepts. While studying this module, you will become confident in using various tools and techniques relevant to Computer Science. You will study 3 of the following modules:

Upon successfully completing the International Foundation Year (IFY) program, students will gain access to a wide range of study opportunities in countries such as Australia, the UK, the USA, New Zealand, Canada, France, and more. This program ensures that students meet the necessary academic requirements before traveling abroad for higher education, providing them with confidence in their university progression.

For those who prefer to continue their studies locally, students can also complete their bachelor’s degree at De Montfort University (DMU) Cambodia.

The IFY qualification is internationally recognized by over 45 universities worldwide , including:


NCUK Universities
Accreditations and Qualifications

Upon successfully completing the International Foundation Year (IFY), students will receive an official certificate from NCUK, confirming their achievement, along with a detailed transcript outlining their individual module results.

The NCUK International Foundation Year is widely recognized by prestigious universities across the globe, providing students with a pathway to top-ranked international institutions.



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