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International Foundation Programme - Art & Design
- CertHE
- 1 Years
- Full-time
- 09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Central area campus
Course summary
The International Foundation Programme (IFP) is a full-time, one-year programme, and is designed to prepare international students for degree-level study at the University of Edinburgh. It provides a route for applicants whose high school qualifications are not currently accepted for direct undergraduate entry, and whose first language is not English.
You will join the Art & Design pathway, and if successful, you’ll progress on to the first year of a degree at Edinburgh College of Art. The IFP includes core courses in art and design, with dedicated studio time where you can develop your creative ideas and practical skills. You’ll also take core courses in academic English. In addition, a range of option courses are offered; your choices will depend on which degree programme you wish to apply to after the IFP, and you’ll be provided with advice and guidance in selecting these. If you’ve already met the English language requirements for your degree programme, you’ll be able to learn an additional modern language you haven’t previously studied.
Our courses have been carefully designed to give you the best possible start to your university learning experience. All are taught by our expert academic team and will help you to build the skills and knowledge you need. Teaching methods will prepare you for those used at undergraduate level and will include practical workshops, group critiques, lectures and tutorials. You’ll primarily study in small, interactive classes with an emphasis on developing and applying research and academic skills.
You’ll be able to measure your progress through regular feedback from your teachers and from supported assessments. This approach will enable you to reflect on your own practical, academic and personal development and growth. All teaching for the 2026/27 academic year is planned to take place in-person, usually at the University of Edinburgh's Holyrood Campus.
As an IFP student, you’ll also benefit from a specialist support system. This includes social and information events held throughout the academic year, along with a dedicated student adviser for help with any wellbeing, health or non-academic matters. You’ll also have access to all the University’s academic, social and sporting facilities. This includes full membership of Edinburgh University Students’ Association and its wide range of societies.
The University of Edinburgh is consistently one of the best universities in the world and is ranked 27th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. As an IFP student, you’ll be joining a vibrant community of international students in one of the world’s most beautiful and historic cities.
You can view more details about the programme and its courses on our website:
You can view more details about the programme and its courses on our website: https://cahss.ed.ac.uk/international-foundation-programme-university-of-edinburgh/what-is-the-ifp/structure-and-content
Modules
Further information can be found at https://www.ed.ac.uk/arts-humanities-soc-sci/international-and-study-abroad/foundation-programme/about/structure-and-content
How to apply
This course has limited vacancies, and is no longer accepting applications from some students. See the list below for where you normally live, to check if you're eligible to apply.
- EU has vacancies
- does not have vacancies
- does not have vacancies
- International has vacancies
- Scotland does not have vacancies
- Northern Ireland does not have vacancies
- Republic of Ireland does not have vacancies
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- IFP4
- Institution code:
- E56
- Campus name:
- Central area campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
To be eligible to be considered for entry to the programme, you must be an international student: • Whose first language is not English • Whose school qualifications were obtained within the last 4 years • Who is not eligible for direct entry to the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences' undergraduate degrees because your school qualifications are not accepted. • Please note that you can check if your qualifications are accepted for direct entry through the following links: EUROPE https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international/country/europe NON-EUROPEAN https://www.ed.ac.uk/arts-humanities-soc-sci/international-eu/entry-requirements
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
To be eligible to be considered for entry to the programme, you must be an international student:
You should be expecting to achieve excellent grades in your high school leaving qualifications or have already achieved excellent grades within the last four years. See entry requirements link for more information.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
English language requirements
We require applicants to complete an approved secure English language test (SELT) for entry to this programme. Our approved SELTs meet our English language proficiency requirements and the minimum standard for Student Visas. Accepted tests and scores are: • IELTS for UKVI with overall score of 5.5 or above with at least 5.5 in each component (normal IELTS will not be accepted, you must have an IELTS for UKVI certificate). • PTE Academic UKVI SELT with 54 overall and 54 in each component. *Your English language qualification must be no more than two years old from the start date of the programme.
Full details of our English language requirements can be found on our website: https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-administration/immigration/applying-for-visa/student-visa/requirements/english-language
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
The University of Edinburgh welcomes students from the UK and all over the world. We accept a wide range of qualifications and our policies support students with diverse backgrounds and experience. UCAS entry grade data is currently not available for our degrees but we publish admissions statistics on our website. We also provide information on widening access offers and entry requirements.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for The University of Edinburgh - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| EU | £29600 | Year 1 |
| International | £29600 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Scotland - Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees.
England/Wales/Northern Ireland - The Rest of UK (RUK) students commencing or continuing their studies in September 2026, the tuition fees will be £9,790. This is subject to Parliamentary approval and is an increase of £255 on the fee rate for academic year 2025-2026.
EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees.
Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh
Old College
South Bridge
Edinburgh
EH8 9YL
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Course contact details
Student Recruitment & Admissions
Have a question about undergraduate study?
Email:futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
Phone:0131 650 1000
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