Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates – UCL's International Foundation Year
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) are for international students who don’t have the qualifications to enter a UCL undergraduate degree directly.
These intensive one-year international foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.
Experienced UCL subject tutors will support you to develop your academic skills, English and subject knowledge, so you can progress to a degree at UCL or another top UK university.
Why choose the UCL foundation year?
A global top 10 university: We’re the only UK university in the top 10 of the QS World University Rankings 2025 with its own international foundation year. Start your journey with the UPC and move on to your chosen degree at a high-ranking university.
High progression rates: In 2023, 80% of UPC students progressed to UCL or another leading UK university.
Guaranteed conditional offers: If you are predicted to meet the entry requirements (and write a clearly relevant personal statement) you have a guaranteed offer on over 230 UCL degrees.
Personalised support: You’ll have a one-to-one tutorial every week with your personal tutor, as well as regular support from a student mentor and dedicated education advisor.
Quality teaching: You’ll be taught by experienced UCL subject tutors who are experts in preparing international students for undergraduate studies.
London’s Global University: You’ll be joining a welcoming, supportive environment of international students and staff, both on the UPC and in the wider-UCL community.
Find out which qualifications you need for our international foundation year. This includes the academic and English qualifications and the grades you need.
Understand how to progress to a degree at UCL or another UK university. This covers UCL degrees with guaranteed offers, the grades required, the UCAS application process and how we support you.
Discover where the international foundation year has led to for previous students and hear about their experiences of the UPC and undergraduate studies.
We’ll give you all the support you need during the UPC. Learn more about the support available, including a personal tutor, student mentor and education advisor.
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