Maybe you’ve wondered how bridges carry thousands of cars a day, how a plane stays in the air or how a smartphone fits so much power into your pocket. If so, you’re in the right place.
The NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) gives you the knowledge, skills and confidence to progress to an undergraduate degree in mechanical, civil, electrical, chemical, aerospace engineering and more.
The NCUK International Foundation Year is a university preparation programme for international students who want to progress to undergraduate study. It helps you bridge the gap between school and university. You’ll build academic subject knowledge, academic English and the study skills you’ll rely on throughout your degree.
Students study one recognised programme, made up of:
By studying the IFY, you can choose modules that reflect your goals. Our Pathways to Engineering guidance helps you see how those choices can support your future goals.
Entry requirements vary by degree and university. Use the NCUK University Course Finder to check:
Then speak to your Study Centre about the modules available locally.
By studying the IFY, you have options to progress to leading universities worldwide. 27 NCUK University Partners are ranked among the world’s Top 100 and Top 200* for Engineering-related degrees. These include:
View our full list of progression options which showcase NCUK University Partners in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA and more.
*Data compiled from NCUK University Partners ranked in the Engineering and Technology, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Structural Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering, Mineral & Mining Engineering and Engineering – Petroleum rankings (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
Engineers design the world around us, from clean energy systems and smart cities to medical devices and space technology. An engineering degree builds strong skills in maths, design and problem-solving. Employers in almost every industry value these skills.
Students exploring this area often progress to undergraduate degrees such as:
Want to see where the IFY could take you? The NCUK University Course Finder lets you explore degree options and check the exact entry requirements for the universities and courses you’re interested in. It’s the smartest way to plan your module choices with confidence.
University entry requirements vary by course and institution. Always check the NCUK University Course Finder before making your module choices.
Explore the NCUK University Course FinderHere’s the important part: you’re not signing up to a separate programme. You study the NCUK International Foundation Year and choose the three subject modules that suit you. Our Pathways to Engineering guidance is here to support your thinking, not to limit it.
If your ambitions shift along the way, that’s completely fine. Maybe you’ll discover a passion for physics, computer science or something new entirely. The IFY is flexible enough to change with you, and your options stay open as you discover what you love most.
My dream for the future is to become a skilled Mechanical Engineer, contributing to innovative solutions in sustainable technology and engineering design. Additionally, I aspire to mentor and inspire future engineers, promoting diversity and inclusivity in the field.
David, BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol
When you succeed on the NCUK International Foundation Year, you benefit from NCUK’s university progression guarantee. It gives you access to a university place through NCUK’s university network, so you can take your next step knowing a real opportunity is waiting for you.
NCUK’s university progression guarantee applies to eligible students who successfully complete the IFY and meet the terms of the guarantee. It does not guarantee entry to a specific course, subject area, university or regulated profession. (ncuk.ac.uk/guarantee)
Choosing your future can feel like a big step, so we make sure you’re supported at every stage.
Alongside the IFY, you’ll get guidance on university options, applications, progression requirements and the practical side of moving to university. Your Study Centre, NCUK and our university network are all there to help you prepare, apply and progress with confidence.
No. You enrol onto the NCUK International Foundation Year. Our subject-led guidance simply helps you choose modules that may support your interest in engineering.
The IFY is delivered over two semesters. Speak to your Study Centre about the start dates and study options available to you.
You’ll normally need a recognised upper-secondary school qualification and English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5. You’ll also usually be around 17 years old at the start. Requirements can vary by country, so speak to your Study Centre for details. For university entry requirements, check the NCUK University Course Finder.
Absolutely. The guidance supports your choices but never limits them. You choose the three subject modules that feel right for you. Speak to your chosen Study Centre to confirm which modules are available to you.
Most students will have studied some maths and science at school, and you’ll usually need a relevant academic background for these modules. The IFY builds on what you already know, step by step, so you can grow your knowledge and confidence before university. Your Study Centre can advise on whether your background suits your chosen modules.
Yes, for almost all engineering degrees. Maths is at the heart of engineering, from structural calculations to circuit design, and most universities require it. Technical Maths is usually the stronger choice for engineering, and you can take Further Maths alongside it for highly mathematical courses. Check the NCUK University Course Finder and speak to your Study Centre before choosing your modules.
Many engineering degrees ask for physics alongside maths, especially mechanical, electrical, civil and aerospace engineering. Chemical engineering courses often ask for Chemistry too. Check the NCUK University Course Finder and speak to your Study Centre before choosing your modules.
Your interest in how things work deserves a strong foundation. Explore the modules that inspire you, check your options in the Course Finder, and speak to your local Study Centre to get started.
Subject availability depends on the modules offered by each Study Centre. Speak to your local Study Centre to see which modules are available.
Find a Study Centre
Locate a Study Centre locally or overseas.
Explore the NCUK University Course Finder
Find a degree that you are interested in studying.
View NCUK University Partners
See which world-leading universities we can take you to.
Search more subject pathways
Check out more subject pathways on our IFY page.
