You can study the IFY here at DMU Cambodia. We offer this as a 1 year stand alone programme.
NCUK - International Foundation Year
Introduction
What do I need to Join?
What will I Study?
My University Options
Globally Recognised
Intake
September 2025
De Montfort University (DMU) Cambodia 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 is a pre-university foundation programme, designed with NCUK University Partners, that effectively prepares you for first-year university entry. By studying the International Foundation Year, you will develop your subject knowledge, study skills and English language competency, allowing you to choose from thousands of degree courses across 60+ leading universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and more.
Upon successfully completing NCUK's International Foundation Year, students are guaranteed a place on a suitable course at DMU Cambodia and an NCUK University. DMU Cambodia will also guide them through the university application process.
Key Benefits
- Guaranteed* entry to one of 60+ NCUK University Partners worldwide.
- Get support throughout the entire university application process – why pay agency fees?
- Choose from thousands of degree courses at universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and more.
- Benefit from our English for Academic Purposes module which improves your English language skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening and is accepted by universities in lieu of IELTS.
- Study modules that will allow you to progress to your preferred degree subject.
- Learn from highly qualified international University Lecturers in small classes enabling you to gain further support.
- Complete the International Foundation Year in as little as 9 months!
The entry requirements for the International Foundation Year depends on the University you may wish to purse your bachelor degree.
| International Foundation Year | |
|---|---|
| English level | IELTS minimum score of 5 or equivalent, with no single component less than 4.5 |
| Academic Requirements | Completion of local high school |
| Special requirement | Personal statement and 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
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.
Study 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:
- Business Studies
- Economics One of the following:
- Global Studies
- Mathematics (Business)
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:
- Computer Science
- Mathematics (Engineering) One of the following:
- Business Studies
- Global Studies
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:
Guarantee
Guaranteed University Placement with NCUK
By successfully completing the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY), you are guaranteed a place on a suitable degree programme at one of NCUK’s partner universities — a unique benefit that no other provider offers.
Your final university placement will depend on how well you perform in your exams, as each university sets its own entry requirements. Strong academic results increase your chances of securing a spot at your preferred institution.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I study the International Foundation Year?
What universities can I progress to?
If you successfully complete our International Foundation Year, you have the option progress to 60+ NCUK University Partners located in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and more. Click here to view the list of NCUK University Partners you could progress to.
How much does it cost?
It costs $10,000 USD. Scholarships and School Partnership Awards are available. Contact our Admissions Team to find out more
How do I register?
You can apply online at https://dmuc.edu.kh/applynowclasse365
How long does it take to complete the International Foundation Year?
Typically the International Foundation Year takes 9 months to complete.
Which universities recognise the International Foundation Year?
60+ NCUK University Partners in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and more recognise the International Foundation Year. Universities outside of our network may also recognise the International Foundation Year, however, we cannot guarantee that you would successfully progress to a non-NCUK University Partner. Click here to view the list of NCUK University Partners that accept the International Foundation Year.
What will I receive after completing the International Foundation Year?
After completing the NCUK International Foundation Year, you will receive a certificate confirming that you have successfully completed the programme as well as a transcript that details your module results.
