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International Foundation Programme - University of Edinburgh

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International Foundation Programme - University of Edinburgh

Find out about the International Foundation Programme at the University of Edinburgh

07/04/2026

We are still accepting applications for our our 2026/27 International Foundation Programme (IFP) here at The University of Edinburgh!

If you join our IFP BCBES or STEM pathway, you’ll choose one of three specialist streams to pursue in Teaching Block 2, designed to support you towards progression to your preferred undergraduate degree programme 🧑‍🔬

Our Biological, Biomedical & Environmental Sciences (Stream A) is perfect for those looking to go on to study life and health sciences. 🥬

Our Chemical & Biochemical Sciences (Stream B) is ideal for those looking to go to study chemistry including medicinal and biological chemistry. 🧪

And we are now offering a third stream, the Biomedical & Earth Sciences (Stream C) which is designed for those interested in geosciences or biomedical fields like pharmacology. 🌎💊

If you're not sure which stream to pick, we'll help you choose during Teaching Block 1 of the programme.

To find out more about the structure and content of our IFP BCBES Pathway, including the different streams and how to apply, visit our website

🔗https://cahss.ed.ac.uk/international-foundation-programme-university-of-edinburgh/what-is-the-ifp/structure-and-content-1

24/03/2026

Hala, who is currently taking our International Foundation Programme, shares more about her experience of the tight-knit, supportive dynamic on our programme known as the 'IFP Family.'

Hala says:
“'We are the IFP family' is something you will hear quite often on the international foundation year at The University of Edinburgh - and that's because we really do become like family! 🤗

Our IFP community is built on unity, support, and shared ambition. Coming from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, we’ve created a close-knit and supportive community where everyone feels they belong. 🤍

We celebrate each other’s successes and stand together during challenges. The 'IFP Family' isn’t just about academic preparation, it’s about friendship, encouragement, and building a strong support system." 💪

*Please note Hala is an IFP student ambassador who has been paid to share her own personal experiences of our 2025/26 International Foundation Programme.

You can learn more about our IFP community and robust student support system in place on our website:

https://cahss.ed.ac.uk/international-and-study-abroad/foundation-programme/about/studentsupport

11/03/2026

Jumana, who is currently taking our International Foundation Programme here at The University of Edinburgh, shares more about how the IFP has helped her to put her best foot forward when applying to undergraduate study for the 2026/27 academic year👇

"The UCAS support I've received this year has genuinely improved my whole application experience to undergraduate studies next year. The guidance was structured but still personal, which helped me approach everything with much more clarity and confidence. 👌

We were allocated an advisor to help with our UCAS applications and our advisor meetings were especially helpful because they didn’t just tell us what to do - they explained how to make the best choices for each of us and understand what different universities expect. 🤩

The personal statement feedback pushed me to refine my ideas with clarity and professionalism while still sounding like myself.🙏

Along the way, I developed practical skills like researching courses properly and managing deadlines without feeling overwhelmed. This support wasn’t just about completing UCAS, it helped me feel genuinely prepared and confident when applying for my first choice undergraduate degree next year at the University of Edinburgh.

It made the whole decision making process feel much safer and more informed. "💫
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We are still accepting applications for our 2026/27 programme -find out more on our website including if you'd be eligible and how to apply

https://cahss.ed.ac.uk/international-and-study-abroad/foundation-programme

05/03/2026

Are you an international student interested in studying chemistry at the University of Edinburgh College of Science and Engineering, but your country's qualifications aren't accepted for direct entry into undergraduate study here at The University of Edinburgh? 🙋

We are still accepting applications for our STEM International Foundation Programme (IFP), which includes a chemical sciences pathway, perfect for those interested in Chemistry, Medicinal and Biological Chemistry undergraduate degrees. 🧪

Our Biological, Chemical, Biomedical & Environmental Sciences (BCBES) IFP is a full-time, one-year pre-undergraduate STEM programme designed to prepare eligible international students for direct entry into undergraduate studies at the University's College of Science & Engineering and College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine.

On our STEM IFP, you'll learn key skills such as laboratory techniques, experimental design, quantitative analysis and scientific communication, preparing you for undergraduate study. 🧑‍🔬

🔗Learn more, including eligibility requirements and how to apply

https://cahss.ed.ac.uk/international-and-study-abroad/foundation-programme

20/02/2026

Current International Foundation Programme (IFP) student, Nyandeng, shares more about her favourite class on our IFP Humanities and Social Science pathway 👇

"Studying Society is my favourite subject on the IFP here at The University of Edinburgh because it allows us to explore historical contexts and current societal issues, which has really increased my awareness of global affairs. 🌍

Some of the most interesting parts of the course include developing our own research questions, writing proposals and presenting our ideas to the class. This process has helped me strengthen my research skills, as I have learned how to find reliable sources, analyse information critically, and organise my ideas clearly. 👌

Presenting my work has also improved my confidence, communication skills, and the ability to explain complex topics effectively. I believe that all the skills I have gained during this course so far will be valuable in my Business and Economics undergraduate studies next year at the University of Edinburgh Business School🤩

12/02/2026

Meet current IFP student Saif from Makkah, Saudi Arabia. 🌇

Saif is currently studying on our International Foundation Programme and hopes to progress onto undergraduate studies in Finance and Business here at the The University of Edinburgh's Business School next year. 💹

Saif says:
"A highlight of my experience as an IFP student at the University of Edinburgh has been access to the sports and fitness facilities, particularly the Pleasance Gym and the Peffermill Playing Fields. 🏋️

Pleasance Gym offers a wide range of dedicated training spaces, including fully equipped fitness areas, specialised rooms designed for different training needs, and sports halls used by both casual gym-goers and university athletes. 👟

Its convenient location close to the main campus makes it easy to fit workouts in before or after classes and helps me to unwind after a busy day on campus. Sometimes I go with other friends from the IFP, which makes it super social too. 🤼‍♂️

In addition, the Peffermill Playing Fields provide excellent outdoor facilities, with pitches used for sports such as American football, lacrosse, field hockey, rugby, and more, giving students plenty of opportunities to stay active and get involved in team sports. 🏈🏒🏉🥍

I've joined the University's American football society and have met lots of other international students from all over as well as UK students who are studying at undergraduate level at Edinburgh Uni - so it's been a great way to make new friends with similar interests outside of the programme."

03/02/2026

Current International Foundation Programme student here at The University of Edinburgh , Yazen, shares more about how easy it is to get around Edinburgh - making it perfect for student life. 👌

It's no wonder Edinburgh is ranked one of the world's best cities for students. 🏆

Yazen says: "Edinburgh is a small, compact city and our classes take place in the city centre, which makes it easy to walk to class or go to the shops as there are many amenities and things to do within walking distance of both campus and student accommodation. 🚶

If you're running late, or not feeling like walking to class or into town, there are lots of transportation links all around the city...

Most students use buses because they’re cheap and run all the time. 🚌

The trams are also really useful, especially if you’re going to the airport or the city centre. 🚋

There are also bicycles and E-bikes available to rent cheaply and easily through apps, which are great for short trips and getting around quickly. 🚴

If you need to get anywhere urgently, you can always take the famous black cabs or an app-based car service like Uber. 🚖

Overall, getting around Edinburgh is simple and very student-friendly - and with incredible, historic architecture at every turn, there's always something to see on your journey." 🏰🏛️

Find out more and our city and being a student in Edinburgh on our website 🔗https://cahss.ed.ac.uk/international-and-study-abroad/foundation-programme/about/why-choose-the-programme

23/01/2026

🌎 IFP current student Nyandeng shares more about the fitness facilities that keep her physically and mentally prepared for the busy student workload on our International Foundation Programme 👇

Nyandeng says:

"What I like about studying at as an IFP student is the opportunity to join over 70 different sports clubs, which allows me to socialise with other students and meet people from around the world. ⚽🎾⛳

I play tennis as a fun activity with friends on the weekend and go to the gym once or twice a week. I like tennis and gyming because it keeps me active and healthy - and the gym is just across the street from where our classes take place on the Holyrood Campus, so it's super easy to stick to a routine!

It also has a climbing wall, which is fun 🧗

Working out like this regularly helps me focus better in my classwork and improve my concentration." 🤩

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We are still accepting applications for our 2026/27 programme starting in September!

🔗https://cahss.ed.ac.uk/international-and-study-abroad/foundation-programme/applying-for-ifp/who-is-the-programme-for

16/01/2026

Interested in applying for our International Foundation Programme STEM pathway? Or have you applied already? 🙋‍♀️

Come along to next week's IFP STEM Pathway online info session and meet the teachers on our IFP Biological, Chemical, Biomedical & Environmental Sciences (BCBES) pathway including Head of STEM Jayne Quoiani (featured in this video). 🧑‍🔬

They'll be sharing all about the STEM classes they teach from biology to chemistry and languages as well as the skills you'll learn to help you thrive at undergraduate level. 🧫🧪🪴

To join us at this online information session, register via the link in our bio before Monday 19 January at 9am.

🔗https://cahss.ed.ac.uk/international-and-study-abroad/foundation-programme/ifp-events

30/12/2025

Which of our International Foundation Programme Pathways are you interested in? 🤔💡

In the new year, we'll be hosting an online info session for each of our IFP pathways. 📚⚖️📈🧬🧪🎨

You'll get to meet the teachers, find out more about the classes and skills you'll be learning as well having an opportunity to ask any questions.

To attend these sessions, register for the pathway of your choice on our website

🔗https://cahss.ed.ac.uk/international-and-study-abroad/foundation-programme/ifp-events

23/12/2025

The University is now closed for winter break ❄️

We’ll respond to your queries as soon as possible after reopening on Monday 5 January 2026.

We wish everyone a joyful festive season and a very Happy New Year!🎄✨

For urgent assistance, University Support Teams are available 24/7 to all current IFP students throughout the break.

Contact details can be found here 👇
https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/festive-holiday-period

Address

Paterson's Land, Holyrood Rd
Edinburgh
EH8 8AQ

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.ed.ac.uk/humanities-soc-sci/international-foundation-programme

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