If you dream of becoming a doctor or dentist, want to understand how diseases are diagnosed and treated, or feel called to a career on the front line of patient care, 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 medicine, dentistry 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 Medicine & Dentistry guidance helps you see how those choices can support your future goals.
Integrated Maths and Technical Maths cannot be studied together.
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. 9 NCUK University Partners are ranked among the world’s Top 100 and Top 200* for Medicine & Dentistry-related degrees, with a further 2 international progression options also available. 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 Medicine and Dentistry rankings (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
Medicine and dentistry sit among the most respected and rewarding fields of study at university. They open doors to careers that directly improve people’s lives, in hospitals, clinics, research centres and communities around the world.
Students exploring this area can progress to undergraduate degrees such as:
You can also progress to other medical-related 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. Progression to medicine and dentistry degrees typically calls for a more specific combination than some other areas. Most students aiming for these degrees will need to study Biology and Chemistry, plus either Integrated Maths, Technical Maths or Physics. Our Pathways to Medicine & Dentistry 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 biomedical research, pharmacy 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.
The diversity and opportunities to experience medical practices from the UK, Grenada, and the USA all through the medical degree really influenced my study destination.
Blossom, MD Medicine, St. George’s University, Grenada
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 medicine and dentistry.
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.
Yes, though for medicine and dentistry the choice is more defined than for other areas. You’ll usually need to include Biology, Chemistry, and one of either Integrated Maths, Technical Maths or Physics. Within that framework, the decision is still yours, and your Study Centre can help you choose the combination that works best for your background and goals.
Most students will have studied some science at school, and you’ll usually need a relevant academic background for science 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.
For medicine and dentistry progression, the usual required academic subject modules are Biology, Chemistry, and either Integrated Maths, Technical Maths or Physics. Most universities expect this, so it’s important to plan your module choices around these requirements from the start. Check the exact requirements for your chosen universities in the NCUK University Course Finder before you finalise your modules.
Many universities ask applicants for medicine or dentistry to sit an admissions test, such as the UCAT or BMAT, and attend an interview. These are set by individual universities and are separate from your IFY studies. Check each university’s requirements in the NCUK University Course Finder and plan ahead, as test registration deadlines can fall early in the application cycle.
Yes. Medicine and dentistry are among the most competitive degrees at university. Places are limited, particularly for international students. You’ll usually need high grades alongside a strong all-round application, and you should research each university’s requirements carefully. Starting that research early is always worthwhile.
Your ambition to heal, care and make a difference 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.
