UFC is the first and only institution in Qatar offering globally recognised foundation qualifications through both NCUK University Pathways and NCC Education. Recognised by over 100 universities across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, Malaysia and beyond, these programmes provide guaranteed progression to top-ranking institutions.
The UK National Information Centre (UK ENIC, previously UK NARIC) is the UK government’s official body for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills, managed by Ecctis on behalf of the Department for Education. Following its latest evaluation, Ecctis has confirmed that the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) delivered at UFC is academically comparable to secondary education standards across five major international systems:
A-Level standard (United Kingdom)
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) standard
Advanced Placement standard (United States)
Senior Secondary School Certificate of Education standard (Australia)
Alberta High School Diploma standard (Canada)
This recognition establishes UFC’s International Foundation Year as equivalent to some of the world’s most respected qualifications.Â
The global recognition of the NCUK IFY at UFC allows clear comparisons with other foundation programmes in Qatar, foundation programmes in the UK, and traditional pathways such as A Levels and AP, highlighting why UFC provides a unique and effective route to university.
While some institutions in Qatar offer local foundation programmes that focus primarily on academic bridging or basic preparation, UFC delivers internationally recognised UK-accredited qualifications through NCUK University Pathways and NCC Education. These programmes are equivalent to the first year of a four-year degree, allowing students to progress directly into the second year at our partner universities without losing an additional year.
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University Foundation College (UFC)
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Other Foundation Programmes in Qatar
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Accreditation
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UK government accredited
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Local or in house only
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Global Recognition
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Accepted by over 100 universities worldwide
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Often limited to regional institutions
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Guaranteed Progression
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Guaranteed progression to our top-ranked partner universities, including members of the Russell Group
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Progression considered on a case-by-case basis
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Curriculum
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UK designed, internationally benchmarked
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Locally adapted or inconsistent
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Student Support
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Dedicated University Placement Officer support, including UCAS application and career guidance and counselling
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Support levels vary
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Academic Level
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Level 3 qualification with direct university progression, no additional year required
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Preparatory or bridging level only, with no equivalency to a full year of university study
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While studying in the UK offers immersion in a university setting, UFC delivers the same internationally recognised UK accredited qualifications through NCUK University Pathways and NCC Education right here in Qatar. These programmes match UK academic standards and are equivalent to the first year of a four year degree, enabling direct entry into the second year of a four year degree at our partner universities.
Choosing UFC means starting locally with lower living costs, smaller class sizes, and personalised support, while still keeping global progression routes open. For students seeking a cost effective, flexible, and academically rigorous start without losing a year, UFC offers a strong alternative to beginning their foundation journey in the UK.
At UFC, the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) delivers the same academic rigour in just nine months. It’s designed to fast-track your progression to top universities without compromising quality or recognition.
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A-Levels
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NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY)
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Duration of Study
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2 academic years
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1 academic year
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Assessment Method
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Mostly exams upon completion of the programme*
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20% coursework, 80% exams (mixed assessment)**
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Length of Assessment
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2-3 parts taken on separate days (5-6 hours in total)
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Most exams are under 3 hours, taken in one day
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University Progression
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Widely recognised
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Guaranteed entry to 100+ NCUK University Partners
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Guaranteed University Entry
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No
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Yes, Guaranteed entry to a NCUK partner university***
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University Application Support
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No
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Yes, NCUK submits university applications on behalf of the student
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Accepted for Visa Purposes
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No
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Yes****
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Student Counselling & Services
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Varies by school
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Guaranteed at every NCUK Study Centre including UFC
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UCAS Points Equivalency
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Same UCAS points as NCUK IFY
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Same UCAS points as A Levels
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*Dependent on specific subject
**Exceptions may apply
***Students gain guaranteed entry to an NCUK University Partner upon successful completion of NCUK International Foundation Year
****Most NCUK University Partners don’t require students to obtain additional language tests for entry such as IELTS
When students explore international qualifications that open doors to leading universities, the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) and the U.S. Advanced Placement (AP) often stand out. Both are recognised worldwide and carry strong academic credibility. What sets the IFY apart is its defined pathway, guaranteed progression opportunities, and built-in academic English training, making it a powerful alternative for ambitious students across the globe.
Delivered at University Foundation College (UFC) in Qatar, the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) is tailored for students seeking a supportive and globally recognised route to higher education. Independent benchmarking by Ecctis, the UK government’s official body for recognising international qualifications, has confirmed that the IFY is academically comparable to AP, A-Levels, and other respected international systems.
At University Foundation College (UFC), students gain a globally recognised academic experience right here in Qatar. Our foundation programmes, developed by respected UK awarding bodies like NCUK and NCC Education, meet international higher education standards from day one.
Aligned with UK academic standards, our foundation programmes provide pathways in Business, Engineering, Science/Medicine, Humanities, Art & Design and Computing, preparing students to progress into their chosen undergraduate degree at university.
What makes UFC stand out is not just the curriculum, but the outcome: guaranteed progression to over 100 top-ranking universities worldwide.
UFC students benefit from guaranteed offers to over 100 international universities through our official NCUK partnerships. Upon successful completion of the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) at University Foundation College in Qatar, students can progress directly to the second year of a four-year undergraduate degree in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, Malaysia and more.
You can search by university name or filter by country to explore your ideal progression route, with options that include many top-ranking universities around the world.
These institutions span across the world and offer students a wide choice of degree programmes in various disciplines, supported by UFC’s academic and university placement team throughout the entire application journey.
After completing UFC’s NCUK foundation programme, many students have successfully progressed to top-ranking universities beyond the official NCUK University Partner Network. This highlights the global respect and recognition NCUK qualifications receive.
Each university evaluates applications on a case-by-case basis, so while these institutions have previously accepted NCUK students, admission is not guaranteed and depends on the strength of each individual application.
Explore the full list of universities outside the NCUK partner network that have accepted UFC students:
UFC also supports students who wish to continue their undergraduate studies in Qatar. The NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) and NCC Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies are recognised by several local universities for direct entry into the second year of a four-year degree.
University Foundation College has an articulation agreement with the following universities in Qatar, allowing students to progress to the second year of four-year undergraduate degree programmes upon successful completion of the foundation programme at University Foundation College.
While not formal partners, the following universities have admitted UFC students on a case-by-case basis, highlighting the strength of the NCUK and NCC foundation qualification.
Whether you choose to continue your academic journey abroad or stay in Qatar, UFC provides the flexibility, recognition and support to help you progress to your ideal university.
Engineering, Humanities, Science, Business, Art & Design, Computing
Approx. 1:12 student-teacher ratio
Writing, presentations, and independent learning
Supports UCAS, personal statements, interviews, university applications and more.
Global University Partners
Subject Options for Degree Progression
UFC Alumni Studying or Graduated Abroad
Student Satisfaction
UFC is the ideal starting point for students who aim to study at leading universities or are still exploring their options after high school.
A foundation qualification is normally required by students who have completed high school outside of the UK education system and/or in a language other than English. This qualification will help bridge the gap between your local qualification and university study and is designed to give you the academic and English language skills needed to succeed at an international university.
Students from the British curriculum can also join the IFY with IGCSEs or AS Levels. Even if they have not completed 12 years of education, they may still be eligible to enrol. However, in such cases, progression after the IFY may be limited to universities abroad (not in Qatar), and a declaration form must be signed.
The NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY), delivered at University Foundation College, is academically equivalent to three A Levels and is widely accepted by NCUK university partners in the UK and other countries.
We also accept BTEC qualifications as an alternative to GCSEs or AS Levels.
Assessment for each module will be via a combination of coursework and examination. The assessment breakdown is generally 30% coursework and 70% exam.
NCUK qualifications provide access to thousands of degree programmes. The range of programmes available to you will depend on the subjects that you study on the IFY, and on your final grades.
You can use NCUK’s University Course Finder to explore the full range of degree options that NCUK qualifications make available, and the grades you’ll require for access to each.
Yes. After a process of research and selection, supported by our University Application Centre, you can apply through UCAS to UK universities, as well as other universities around the world that require a direct paid application. Each university course will have its own criteria for entry, and your final destination will depend on your grades in the NCUK IFY: the better you do, and the harder you work, the more choice you will have.
Foundation Year at UFC allows you to progress to prestigious universities for the remaining three years of your degree, even if you were not initially accepted due to insufficient qualifications. You can still improve your chances by completing our Foundation Year. Changing degrees or universities after starting your foundation year can be challenging, but our Foundation Year gives you an additional year to determine what you truly want to study in a three-year degree without losing a year. Also, our Foundation Year is often more affordable than the first year at many universities.
If you would like to learn more about the comparison between studying Foundation Programmes in Qatar and the UK, you can read the full article here.
Yes. NCUK Qualifications are recognised by universities in the UK and worldwide. The NCUK IFY qualification – taught at the University Foundation College – is recognised by UK NARIC as comparable to the UK’s ‘GCE A-Levels’, Hong Kong’s Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE), the Senior Secondary School Certificate of Education in Australia and the USA’s Advanced Placement programme.
NCUK’s academic quality procedures conform to the standards set out by the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in its Quality Code (the QAA is the independent organisation that sets and monitors standards in UK higher education).
Students who successfully complete their NCUK qualification can gain guaranteed access to one of the NCUK Partner Universities.
Yes, the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) is equivalent to A-Levels. On behalf of the UK Government, UK NARIC validates that the IFY is comparable to four major international qualifications, including A-Levels. For more information, please click here.
You can also find a detailed comparison between the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) and A-Levels here.
For guaranteed entry at an NCUK University you must meet the following requirements:
If you achieve between 72 and 88 points with a grade A-C for EAP, NCUK may be able to place you on to a limited number of degree programmes.
This guarantee is subject to the following exclusions:
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Yes. NCUK is well known for the quality of its university admission advice and works very closely with our University Application Centre. We will support you through every stage of the application process to NCUK partner universities across the world.
NCUK awards the final certificate. Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate showing that you have passed the programme and a transcript that details your module results.
NCUK’s International Foundation Year is accepted by leading universities worldwide allowing you to gain access to top-ranked international universities.
See how NCUK International Foundation Year grades compare to other common qualifications and gradings based on UCAS tariff points by clicking here.
The fees for International Foundation Year is QAR 73,000.
Please be aware that University Foundation College does not offer full scholarships. However, we may consider offering up to a 15% scholarship based on your academic grades.
Start your foundation at UFC in Qatar and progress to the second year of a four-year degree at top universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, the USA, New Zealand or Qatar.
Enjoy the flexibility of choosing to study abroad or continue your degree in Qatar, giving you one more year to decide what’s right for you.