Admissions
ADMISSIONS
We have an experienced team of admissions staff waiting to talk you through your options at University Foundation College and beyond, helping you to make decisions today which will positively influence your education and career.
We will provide you with personal counselling and support as you make the transition from high school to college and then from college to your university degree programme.
Places on our programmes are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. We recommend that you apply early to maximise your chances of gaining a place; we accept and process applications all year round.
What You Need to Apply
Passport
Scanned copy of the student’s passport main page
Qatar ID
Scanned or digital copy of the student’s Qatar ID, if the student is a citizen or resident of Qatar
Photo
Student’s passport sized photo
High School Transcript
Certificates and transcripts of the student’s qualifications, including evidence of predicted or final grades.
English Language Proficiency Proof
We accept IELTS, SAT, TOEFL, or the Password Knowledge Test. IELTS must be taken within the last 2 years.
Application Fee (QAR 100)
Ensure you have a valid payment method ready before submitting your application. We accept Debit or Credit Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and American Express.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) offers two entry routes to support students from different academic backgrounds. Students who meet the standard entry requirements (Route 1) can access the full range of progression opportunities, including competitive programmes at top-ranking universities worldwide. Those who have not achieved the expected results can still join through an alternative route (Route 2), which offers access to many university degrees, though progression options can be more limited. Top-ranking universities and competitive programmes can also be unavailable through this route. On successful completion of the IFY, students from both routes can progress to a wide range of universities globally.
Qatari Qualifications (Al-Thanawiya Al-Aama)
Route 1 – Standard Entry
Route 1 is designed for students who meet the standard academic entry requirements for the International Foundation Year (IFY). This route provides access to the full range of NCUK’s university progression options, including top-ranking universities and high-demand degree programmes.
Route 1 Entry Requirements for Qatari Qualifications:
- Qatari General Secondary Education Certificate (Al-Thanawiya Al-Aama) 60% or above
- Minimum IELTS score of 5.0 (no single element less than 4.5) or recognised equivalent English language proficiency* (eg. TOEFL, SAT)
- Pathways requiring Maths students need to have SAT 550+ or can take our own internal test.
*Students who do not have an English language proficiency can take our own internal entrance test.
Route 2 – Alternative Entry
Route 2 is designed for students who have not achieved the expected results in their high school or equivalent qualifications but remain committed to progressing to university study. While Route 2 students will still have access to a wide range of high-quality university degrees, their progression options may be more limited than those available to Route 1 students. Top-ranking universities and programmes may not be available through this route.
Route 2 Entry Requirements for Qatari Qualifications:
- Qatari General Secondary Education Certificate (Al-Thanawiya Al-Aama) 50% or above
- Minimum IELTS score of 5.0 (no single element less than 4.5) or recognised equivalent English language proficiency* (eg. TOEFL, SAT, Duolingo)
- Pathways requiring Maths students need to have SAT 550+ or can take our own internal test.
*Students who do not have an English language proficiency can take our own internal entrance test.
British Qualifications
Route 1 – Standard Entry
Route 1 is designed for students who meet the standard academic entry requirements for the International Foundation Year (IFY). This route provides access to the full range of NCUK’s university progression options, including top-ranking universities and high-demand degree programmes.
Route 1 Entry Requirements for British Qualifications:
- Minimum 4 IGCSE passes (including grade C or above in Mathematics and English)*
Or
- Minimum of 2 AS Levels (grade E or above).
*Students who have not completed 12 years of education can still join with their IGCSEs; however, progression after the IFY will be limited to universities abroad (not in Qatar), and students must acknowledge this by signing the declaration form provided along with the offer letter.
Students who do not have a minimum C grade in English or any recognised English language proficiency at the required grade must take our Internal English Entrance test.
Students who do not have a minimum C grade in Maths will have to take our Internal entrance test (Maths test needed for Pathways requiring Maths).
We do accept BTEC Qualifications as a replacement for GCSE/AS.
Route 2 – Alternative Entry
Route 2 is designed for students who have not achieved the expected results in their high school or equivalent qualifications but remain committed to progressing to university study. While Route 2 students will still have access to a wide range of high-quality university degrees, their progression options may be more limited than those available to Route 1 students. Top-ranking universities and programmes may not be available through this route.
Route 2 Entry Requirements for British Qualifications:
- Minimum 4 IGCSE grade DDDE (including Mathematics and English).*
Or
- Minimum of 2 AS Levels (grade E or above).
*Students who have not completed 12 years of education can still join with their IGCSEs; however, progression after the IFY will be limited to universities abroad (not in Qatar), and students must acknowledge this by signing the declaration form provided along with the offer letter.
Students who do not have a minimum C grade in English Language or any recognised English language proficiency at the required grade must take our Internal English Entrance test.
Students who do not have a minimum C grade in Maths will have to take our Internal entrance test (Maths test needed for Pathways requiring Maths).
We do accept BTEC Qualifications as a replacement for GCSE/AS.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Route 1 – Standard Entry
Route 1 is designed for students who meet the standard academic entry requirements for the International Foundation Year (IFY). This route provides access to the full range of NCUK’s university progression options, including top-ranking universities and high-demand degree programmes.
Route 1 Entry Requirements for International Baccalaureate (IB) Qualifications:
- Successful completion with a minimum of 22 points
- Students who score lower than 4 in IB English or does not have any recognised English language proficiency at the required grade must take our Internal English Entrance test.
Route 2 – Alternative Entry
Route 2 is designed for students who have not achieved the expected results in their high school or equivalent qualifications but remain committed to progressing to university study. While Route 2 students will still have access to a wide range of high-quality university degrees, their progression options may be more limited than those available to Route 1 students. Top-ranking universities and programmes may not be available through this route.
Route 2 Entry Requirements for International Baccalaureate (IB) Qualifications:
- Successful completion with a minimum of 20 points
- Students who score lower than 4 in IB English or does not have any recognised English language proficiency at the required grade must take our Internal English Entrance test.
American Qualifications
US High School Diploma
Route 1 – Standard Entry
Route 1 is designed for students who meet the standard academic entry requirements for the International Foundation Year (IFY). This route provides access to the full range of NCUK’s university progression options, including top-ranking universities and high-demand degree programmes.
Route 1 Entry Requirements for US High School Diploma Qualifications:
- Successful completion of US High School Graduate Diploma with minimum final GPA of 2.0 or 70%
Route 2 – Alternative Entry
Route 2 is designed for students who have not achieved the expected results in their high school or equivalent qualifications but remain committed to progressing to university study. While Route 2 students will still have access to a wide range of high-quality university degrees, their progression options may be more limited than those available to Route 1 students. Top-ranking universities and programmes may not be available through this route.
Route 2 Entry Requirements for US High School Diploma Qualifications:
- Successful completion of US High School Graduate Diploma with minimum final GPA of 1.0 or 60%
General Education Development Tests (GED)
Entry Requirements for General Education Development Tests (GED) Qualifications:
- Successful completion of each of the four tests with a mark of 145 or more in each test.
Indian Qualifications
Higher Secondary Certificate/CBSE / Year 12
Route 1 – Standard Entry
Route 1 is designed for students who meet the standard academic entry requirements for the International Foundation Year (IFY). This route provides access to the full range of NCUK’s university progression options, including top-ranking universities and high-demand degree programmes.
Route 1 Entry Requirements for Higher Secondary Certificate/ CBSE/Year 12 Qualifications:
- Successful completion with average of 40% (including at least 40% in Maths only where further progression requires it).
Route 2 – Alternative Entry
Route 2 is designed for students who have not achieved the expected results in their high school or equivalent qualifications but remain committed to progressing to university study. While Route 2 students will still have access to a wide range of high-quality university degrees, their progression options may be more limited than those available to Route 1 students. Top-ranking universities and programmes may not be available through this route.
Route 2 Entry Requirements for Higher Secondary Certificate/ CBSE/Year 12 Qualifications:
- Successful completion with average of 35% (including at least 35% in Maths only where further progression requires it).
Higher Secondary Year 11
Route 1 – Standard Entry
Route 1 is designed for students who meet the standard academic entry requirements for the International Foundation Year (IFY). This route provides access to the full range of NCUK’s university progression options, including top-ranking universities and high-demand degree programmes.
Route 1 Entry Requirements for Higher Secondary Year 11 Qualifications:
- Successful completion of Year 11 with an average of 65% (students wishing to study IFY Science or Engineering must have a minimum of 65% in Maths only where further progression requires it).
Route 2 – Alternative Entry
Route 2 is designed for students who have not achieved the expected results in their high school or equivalent qualifications but remain committed to progressing to university study. While Route 2 students will still have access to a wide range of high-quality university degrees, their progression options may be more limited than those available to Route 1 students. Top-ranking universities and programmes may not be available through this route.
Route 2 Entry Requirements for Higher Secondary Year 11 Qualifications:
- Successful completion of Year 11 with an average of 35%.
Other Qualifications
All other high school qualifications are accepted. For more details, please contact us at (+974)-6673-3386 or WhatsApp us at (+974)-6673-3368.
If you do not meet the stated entry requirements, we encourage you to contact us at (+974)-6673-3386 or via WhatsApp at (+974) 6673 3368 to explore alternative admission options.
To join the NCC International Foundation Diploma, students can complete the International Foundation Year (IFY) application process. Our admissions team will then review your application and contact you.
The Application Process
We have made the application process as easy as possible. You can follow the below steps and we are here to support you at every stage of the process.
Fill the application using the application portal
Complete and submit your application through the UFC application portal to begin the admissions process. An application fee payment of QAR 100 is required before submission.
Submitted application will be reviewed
Our admissions team is committed to make sure that every application is carefully and thoughtfully reviewed. After the review is finished, students will either be contacted by the Admission Manager for guidance counselling or progress to Step 3 or directly to Step 4 and recieve an offer letter.
Take the entrance test if required
After processing your application and meeting the overall requirements you will be given a date for the entrance test for Maths and English proficiency.
Receive admission offer letter via email
After successful completion of entrance tests, you will then receive an offer letter.
Types of offer letters
1. Unconditional Offer (Subject to Deposit)
If you meet all of the entry requirements, we will send you an unconditional offer. The next step is to pay the non-refundable deposit fee (QAR 10,000), and you will receive an unconditional offer letter to confirm your place at University Foundation College.
2. Conditional Offer
An offer of admission subject to you meeting a particular condition.
For example,
- We require you to pass our English and Maths Test if you don’t meet the admissions criteria.
- Qatari General Secondary Education Certificate (Al-Thanawiyya Al-Amma) 60% or above
FEES
NCUK International Foundation Year
Type of Fee | Amount in Qatari Riyal |
|---|---|
Total | 73,700 |
Tuition Fee + Deposit Fee (Non-Refundable) | 73,000 |
English Internal Test (If Applicable) | 300 |
Maths Internal Test (If Applicable) | 300 |
Application Fee (Non-Refundable) | 100 |
NCC International Foundation Diploma
Type of Fee | Amount in Qatari Riyal |
|---|---|
Total | 73,700 |
Tuition Fee + Deposit Fee (Non-Refundable) | 73,000 |
English Internal Test (If Applicable) | 300 |
Maths Internal Test (If Applicable) | 300 |
Application Fee (Non-Refundable) | 100 |
International Applicants
If you are an international student not living in Qatar, please refer to our guidelines for international students for important information on visa requirements, accommodation, and pre-arrival procedures. Click the button below for full details.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Is University Foundation College (UFC) licensed by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Qatar?
Yes. University Foundation College (UFC) is licensed by Ministry of Education and Higher Education Qatar
Who can apply to study at University Foundation College (UFC)?
University Foundation College is an ideal starting point for students who want to progress to leading universities or are still exploring their options after high school. Applicants typically include:
- Students who are completing or have completed high school qualifications such as Al Thanawiyya Al Aamma, IGCSE, AS Levels, IB, US High School Diploma, GED, CBSE, or an equivalent qualification.
- Students aiming to study at top universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, Malaysia, and other destinations.
- Students who are unsure where they want to study and would like the flexibility to decide during their foundation year, with options to progress abroad or continue locally through UFC’s university partners in Qatar.
- Students looking for a faster and more focused alternative to A Levels.
- International students who wish to study in Qatar before progressing to universities abroad or within Qatar.
When should I apply to University Foundation College?
University Foundation College accepts applications year-round for the most appropriate intake. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.
What English proficiency tests does UFC accept?
We accept IELTS, SAT, TOEFL, or the Password Knowledge Test. IELTS results must be taken within the last 2 years.
Do I need to take an entrance test?
It depends on your English and Maths qualifications. You may be required to take an internal English and or Maths entrance test depending on what qualifications you already hold. If you do not have a minimum grade C in English Language or a recognised English qualification such as IELTS, SAT, TOEFL, or the Password Knowledge Test at the required level, you will need to take the internal English test. Your Maths qualifications will also be reviewed, and depending on your high school curriculum and the pathway you are applying for, you may be required to sit the internal Maths test. Each test costs QAR 300 if required.
When does the academic year start?
The academic year for the NCUK International Foundation Year usually starts in September and runs until June. A January intake may also be available for selected pathways. Applications are accepted throughout the year, and early application is recommended to secure a place. Availability of the January intake may vary by pathway, so applicants are advised to confirm current options with the admissions office.
Are the programmes taught online?
No, our programmes are not taught online. Students are required to attend classes in person. However, we utilise new technologies like Microsoft Teams to ensure students can stay connected with their teachers and access additional support when needed.
Do you accept international students?
Yes, we accept international students from outside Qatar. The college will assist students in obtaining a student visa for Qatar. Please note that the visa application process will commence only after the deposit fee has been paid. Additionally, students are responsible for covering all extra costs, including travel, visa expenses, accommodation, and food within Qatar.
For more details, please visit the International Students Guidelines page.
Is there an application fee?
Yes. There is a non refundable application fee of QAR 100.
How to Apply
We have an experienced team of admissions staff waiting to talk you through your options at University Foundation College and beyond, helping you to make decisions today which will positively influence your education and career.
We will provide you with personal counselling and support as you make the transition from high school to University Foundation College and then to your university degree programme.