Entry requirements for International students at UK University

Entry requirements

For admission to the International Foundation Year:

Academic: Good high school graduation grades or equivalent academic study
Country of residence/nationality:
- for the Business, Management & Economics Foundation, only 'overseas' students are accepted (HEU students* are not accepted - see note below)
- for all other Foundation routes, both 'overseas' and EU students may apply
Age: students are usually 17 years old on commencement of the International Foundation Year

For admission to the Pre-Masters:

Academic: One or more of the following:
- recognised higher/advanced diploma in a related subject area
- recognised degree in related field (eg Business Studies)
- Honours degree in any subject (eg BA International Relations)
Country of residence/nationality: both 'overseas' and EU students may apply
Age: students are normally at least 20 years old

English Language level:

If you don’t have a current IELTS grade, you may still apply to the ISC. Please contact us to find out about alternative assessment of your English Language level.

For direct entry to the Foundation Year: IELTS 5.0, TOEFL 500 (173 computer based test) or equivalent
For direct entry to the Two-term Pre-Masters: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 600 (213 computer based test) or equivalent
For direct entry to the Three-term Pre-Masters: IELTS 5.0, TOEFL 500 (173 computer based test) or equivalent
For one term of English Language Preparation prior to your academic programme: IELTS 4.0 or equivalent
For two terms of English Language Preparation prior to your academic programme: IELTS 3.0 or equivalent

**Important note for applicants from UK and European Union countries ('HEU' students*)**

There is a very high level of competition worldwide for degree places at the University of Sussex. Numbers applying from within the UK and the European Union region are especially high. Therefore, we do not accept students from the UK at the International Study Centre. Neither do we accept applications for the Business and Manangement Studies Foundation route from EU/EEA students. Instead, we strongly recommend that these students consider joining an A Level programme at Bellerbys College.

If you are a UK or EU student and wish to learn more, visit the Bellerbys website or submit an enquiry directly to Bellerbys.

*Definition of HEU students

HEU (Home/EU) students include the following categories:

Permanent residents in the UK who have been resident in the UK for three years
EEA (European Economic Area) migrant workers and their families in the UK who have lived in the EEA for three years
EU nationals and their children who have lived in the EEA for three years
Refugees (recognised by the UK government) and their families
People who have applied for asylum and have been granted leave to enter/remain, and their families

The rules on whether you are classified as a ‘home’ or ‘overseas’ student are strictly defined by the British Government; universities do not have discretion.

International Study Centre

Admissions