International Foundation Year ProgrammeBonnchlár Bliana Idirnáisiúnta

The International Foundation Programme (IFP) is a one year programme run by TU Dublin. It has been developed for international students who need language and/or academic preparation for further study on undergraduate programmes in Ireland. Upon successful completion of the programme and International Foundation Certificate (Special Purpose Award, Level 6, 60 ECTS Credits) will be awarded by TU Dublin and you will be guaranteed a place on your undergraduate programme of choice at TU Dublin.

Why study on the IFP?

• This is your first step towards gaining a degree in Ireland
• It makes the transition to third level education in Ireland much easier
• It provides a supportive, student-centred learning environment
• You will study a range of Academic English modules and modules related to your discipline of choice
• You will have full access to TU Dublin facilities and support services
• The campus is located in Dublin city centre
• You are guaranteed entry to your destination degree upon successful completion of IFP and on meeting the rules of progression as set by the individual schools.

What is the Learning & Teaching Style?

• You will be taught by highly qualified and very experienced TU Dublin academics and English language tutors
• The programme takes a communicative teaching & learning approach and is task-based and integrated in its delivery
• There are lots of opportunities to practice English through group work with Irish and non-Irish students
• The class sizes are small to ensure that there is maximum support from lecturers
• There is additional one-to-one Maths & English support
• Learning will involve many different styles of third level teaching such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, cultural trips and online learning
• You will learn how to take control of your own learning and will reflect on your learning experience throughout the programme
• There are regular student support meetings with the IFP Coordinator

Learning Outcomes: What will I Study?

Students will learn language, academic and study skills to prepare for their undergraduate studies. Upon successful completion of the programme, students are guaranteed a place on an undergraduate programme of their choice at TU Dublin. No further IELTS is required. The IFP is an ideal pathway towards furthering your education at third level.

There are four main streams on the International Foundation Programme, namely, Business, Science, Engineering and Social Science. These streams prepare students for all undergraduate programmes at TU Dublin.

Standard International Foundation Programme

The Standard International Foundation Year is for students who have an IELTS score which is one band less than the direct entry score, this is typically IELTS 5.0 for most TU Dublin programmes. There are September and January in-takes for this programme.

Fees: €12,500 (Standard International Foundation Programme Fees)

Students joining the programme should have completed their High School education in their home country. We accept a wide range of local and international high school qualifications including IGCSE, GCE, WASC. Your local qualifications should be equivalent to Irish NFQ level 4 or more. For more details see here.

Please click the online application to complete the application process, you will need to upload a copy of your academic transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL results and passport photo page.

International Students (Non-EU) 

Applications for this course are now open.

• Apply Now Non-EU - September 2025 Intake
• Apply Now Non-EU - January 2026 Intake

Applications from international students are welcome for this programme. If you meet any of the following criteria, applications should be made directly to TU Dublin via the “Apply Now – Non-EU” link on each programme webpage.

• You hold Non-EU Nationality, and you live in a Non-EU country.
• You hold EU Nationality, but you have not lived in an EU country for 3 of the last 5 years AND you have not attended 5 years primary/secondary education in an EU country.
• You require a Student Visa to study in Ireland

For full details on How to Apply, Visa & Immigration Information, Accommodation Information and International Fees, please visit our International Hub.