FAQs regarding pathway programmes

The University of Surrey International Study Centre offers a choice of pathway programmes for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Each pathway leads to a variety of study programmes at the University of Surrey.

International Foundation Year

The International Foundation Year is a preparation programme that leads to entry to the first year of your chosen degree. As well as learning about your subject, you will develop your study skills and understanding of the English language. After successfully completing the International Foundation Year, you can start your first year of your chosen degree at the University of Surrey.

International Foundation Year programmes available are:

• Business, Economics, Law and Social Sciences
• Computer Science, Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Life Sciences

International Year One

The International Year One is a pathway - equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree - that leads to entry to year two of your chosen degree. It will give you the extra academic support and English language skills required.

The route available is:

• International Hospitality and Tourism Management

Pre-Masters Programme

The Pre-Masters programme will prepare you for a Masters degree at the University of Surrey. The programme combines subject-specific teaching, study skills and English language development.

Pre-Masters Programmes available are:

• Health and Medical Sciences
• Engineering
• Management, Finance and Economics

Online English Preparation

Our Online English language programmes are designed to help you improve your English reading, writing and listening before you begin the International Foundation Year, the International Year One or Pre-Masters Programme.

To study at the University of Surrey International Study Centre, you need to meet the English language and academic entry requirements.

If you need to improve your English skills, you can join one of our Online English programmes before starting your pathway programme.

Our expert teachers will deliver face-to-face teaching, supported by an online hub and other online resources. At the International Study Centre, you can expect classes of no more than 25 students. You will be assigned a Personal Tutor who is there to support you every step of the way to help you to stay on track to progress to the University.

We offer a free online preparation course, Prepare for Success, to help you gain a head-start before you start your academic programme.

You will have the option to live in allocated student accommodation. Spaces may be limited so it is advisable that you confirm your place so that you can arrange your accommodation.

Alternatively, you can arrange your own accommodation which should be no more than a 60 minute commute from the Centre. However, for the best student experience and to be able to focus on your studies, we strongly recommend that you arrange accommodation close to the Centre.

Discover your accommodation options.

You can book your accommodation once you have accepted your offer and made your confirmation payment.

Central Student Services will contact you with more information.

The 3-week Enhanced Induction programme is designed to help you settle into your new home in the UK before commencing your main pathway programme in January. The Enhanced Induction focuses on three key areas that will help you succeed on your academic programme: language, life and learning skills.

Find out more about what to expect here.

There are no additional tuition fees to pay. However, there will be additional costs to consider, as expected with being in the UK for a longer period including living costs and accommodation. You can request accommodation on your application form, our Central Student Support Team will contact you directly about the options available.

No, this will be available face-to-face only. You must be in the UK ready to start the Enhanced Induction on the first day of the semester.

When looking at your study options, it is important to consider all the costs involved, including tuition fees, accommodation and cost of living. There are no scholarships available at this time. You can find out more about how much your programme will cost on our fees page.

The cost of your accommodation will vary, depending on where you are staying and for how long you are studying with us.

You will need a Student visa to study in the UK. Find out more on the visa process.

The first step is to apply to the University of Surrey International Study Centre. Once you are offered a place you will need to pay a deposit and Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) payment. You will then receive a CAS number and can begin your visa application process online. If required, you may need to take a Pre-CAS interview.

Once you have confirmed your place, you can receive your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) up to 6 months before your course start date (or 3 months if already in the UK). You can then start the process of applying for a UK Student visa.

It is important to start your application early so your visa is processed in time for you to travel to the UK for the start of your course.