International Foundation Year in Business and Social Sciences
Our partnership with NCUK provides the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year (IFY), leading to Year One of an undergraduate degree at a range of leading universities worldwide.
Welcome to your University Pathway
Prepare for your undergraduate journey with the International Foundation Year (IFY)! Developed in partnership with NCUK, our IFY opens doors to Year One of diverse undergraduate programmes, equipping you for academic success.
With a mix of academic modules, study skills, and support services, this foundation year ensures that students are fully prepared for the challenges of university-level education.
Successful completion of this programme not only fully prepares you for undergraduate study, it guarantees you a place on a course at one of over 60 universities, opening a gateway to thousands of degree courses.
Why study an International Foundation Year with BSC?
Feel comfortable in a new country and culture, and progress to university life with ease.
Get Qualified
Achieve a recognised qualification required to study for an undergraduate degree
Get Fluent
Full immersion in English means you will thrive wherever you choose to study your degree
Get Supported
More personalised academic and pastoral support than in larger university programmes
Where can you study IFY?
Our IFY programme is available at three locations, providing you the flexibility to choose the study destination that best suits your needs:
Colourful and diverse – you will never be bored in the UK’s number one tourist destination.
The UK’s chocolate capital – explore the incredible medieval streets of this historic city.
Study in a beautiful Mediterranean country where English is an official language.
Your Guaranteed Path to University
Students who successfully complete an NCUK qualification and submit university applications through NCUK will be guaranteed entry* to an NCUK University Partner.
- In 2021/22, 81% of IFY students passed the qualification.
- 87% of International Students who have passed NCUK Programmes have secured a place in their 1st or 2nd choice Universities
- Qualifications recognised by 60+ partner universities around the world
- Over 6,000 degree programmes available
- *For guaranteed entry you must achieve: 96 NCUK points on the subject modules and minimum C grade for EAP (English for Academic Purposes) with no less than D in any component.
Early Booking Offer
Enjoy big savings on our IFY programmes when booked in advance.
September 2025 (Standard Programme)
- London: £12,995 from £14,500
- York: £12,250 from £13,500
- Malta: €11,495 from €12,950
Book by 30 April 2025
January 2026 (Accelerated Programme)
- London: £10,995 from £11,995
- York: £9,995 from £10,995
- Malta: €9,495 from €10,450
Book by 31 August 2025
IFY Early Booking Offer Terms & Conditions
- Limited time offer subject to availability. We reserve the right to withdraw the offer at any time.
- Offer applies to International Foundation Year programmes only.
- Must be booked by the date stated with a 50 % deposit.
- Remaining balance must be paid 8 weeks prior to arrival.
- Cannot be combined with any other offer.
- Discount is on courses only. Accommodation and extras not included.
Choose your Path
At BSC we have two different ways of undertaking our NCUK International Foundation Year depending on English Level and intensity of study: Standard Programme or Accelerated Programme. Take a look at our options below.
Standard Programme
Begin in September for a full academic year, allowing more time to immerse in your studies and experiences.
Courses availableInternational Foundation Year in Business and Social Sciences (with or without Maths)
Course length37 weeks total made up of 30 weeks tuition and exam plus induction weeks and holidays
Available inMalta, London, York
Course start datesMalta:
9 September 2025
Apply by 18 July
London & York:
29 September 2025
Apply by 1 August
Lessons per week20 hours plus workshops and tutorials. The course demands at least 20 hours of self-study per week.
Entry requirementsIELTS 5.5 & country specific high school score
Minimum age17 years
PriceLondon: £14,500
York: £13,500
Malta: €12,950
AccommodationLondon: Homestay or Residence
York: Homestay or Residence
Malta: Available on request
Early Booking OfferBook by 30 April 2025
London: £12,995 (tuition only)
York: £12,250 (tuition only)
Malta: €11,495 (tuition only)
Booking T&C's20% deposit required at time of booking (50% for Early Bird Offer)
Balance paid 8 weeks prior to arrival
Accelerated Programme
Fast-track your studies with a January start and complete the foundation year in a shorter time frame. This option provides an intensive, focused path to university.
Courses availableInternational Foundation Year in Business and Social Sciences (with or without Maths)
Course length26 weeks total made up of 24 weeks tuition and exam plus holidays
Available inMalta, London, York
Course start datesAll locations:
5 January 2026
Lessons per week28 hours plus workshops and tutorials
The course demands at least 20 hours of self-study per week.
Entry requirementsIELTS 5.5 in each of the four skills & country specific high school score
Minimum age17 years
PriceLondon: £11,995
York: £10,995
Malta: €10,450
AccommodationLondon: Homestay or Residence
York: Homestay or Residence
Malta: Available on request
Early Booking OfferBook by 31 August 2025
London: £10,995 (tuition only)
York: £9,995 (tuition only)
Malta: €9,495 (tuition only)
Booking T&C's20% deposit required at time of booking (50% for Early Bird Offer)
Balance paid 8 weeks prior to arrival
Which IFY programme is right for me?
Developing independent learners
At NCUK universities, you are expected to take ownership of your own learning and progress. The International Foundation Year at BSC will train you to become an independent and self-regulated learner.
- Regular homework and lesson preparation tasks
- Research skills training
- Goal setting, reflection and self-assessment
- NCUK Skills for Success self-study module
A new way of learning
This programme is designed to prepare you for life at an NCUK university. This means teachers will use methods and styles that may be very different from how you are used to learning in your home country.
- Lessons only delivered in English
- Lesson content from text books, case studies and data response material
- Varied and dynamic class activities
- Individual, pair and group work
- Preparation in advance of lectures and tutorials
- Use of past examination papers to prepare for assessment
Your Path to Success
Successful completion provides a guaranteed place at one of 60+ universities worldwide
Student Success Stories
Student Support
Comprehensive support to ensure your academic success, personal wellbeing, and smooth progression to university.
Academic Support
We provide the environment and support that you need to succeed in your course and beyond.
Pastoral Support
We care for your wellbeing and are here to support with non-academic needs.
University Progression Support
We help you make your university choices and fill out the applications with you.
Ready to Apply?
Complete the application form to apply for an IFY programme in your preferred location. Contact us if you need any help with your application - our friendly team is here to guide you through the process.
Contact us
Need help or have questions? Our team is here to assist you and will respond as quickly as possible.
It plays a big role, knowing that you’re guaranteed a place in one of the UK Universities when you pass your foundation year with NCUK.