FAQ
General Questions
Do I need to take the IFY element?
When students in England graduate from high school, they have usually completed 13 years of study. Their last two years at school are normally spent studying a small number of subjects in great depth, which prepares them for first year entry to universities in England. In many other countries, however, students leave high school after 12 years of study, having covered a much wider range of subjects in their last two years. This means that they have not yet covered the relevant subjects to the required depth. To overcome this, our IFY element has been developed specifically for international students to bridge this one year gap and prepare them for first year undergraduate studies in England. Therefore, if you have only studied a wide range of subjects to grade 12 level, you would normally be required to take the IFY element if you wish to study at the University of Leeds.
When do the Integrated IFY programmes begin?
There is one intake per year in the middle of September.
Can I join the Integrated IFY programmes in January or February?
No, the integrated programmes only have one intake per year in the middle of September.
What is the course structure?
The first few days are spent settling in, meeting staff and attending several introductory meetings. These are followed by an Induction Week, which introduces you to the Study Skills module of your programme and allows you the opportunity to meet other students before your first Semester begins at the end of September. You then follow a two Semester system with examinations being taken at the end of each Semester. There are one-month vacation periods at Christmas and Easter and the IFY element of your integrated programme ends in the middle of June.
What Integrated IFY programmes are offered?
Currently, 6 Integrated IFY programmes are available: Arts, Business, Design, Engineering, Joint Honours and Science. These give entry to a wide range of Leeds’ undergraduate degree courses. The IFY element of each programme consists of a balanced combination of academic subjects, study skills and English language training, specifically tailored to the student’s intended undergraduate degree element. Full details of each of the integrated programmes can be found at
http://webprod1.leeds.ac.uk/banner/programmesearch.asp?&T=S&L=UG&Z=/foun.htm
Entry requirements
How old must I be to join one of the Integrated IFY programmes?
Under the new UK Border Agency visa regulations, students under the age of 16 are not permitted to study on any of the Integrated IFY programmes. There is no upper age limit for applicants.
Can EU students who are assessed as home students for fee paying purposes be considered for the Integrated IFY programmes?
Yes, this is generally the case. However, since EU students who have been assessed as home students for fee paying purposes will be competing with British students for the strict quota of places allocated to the undergraduate elements of each programme, the number of places available for them on the IFY element may be limited.
What are the academic entry requirements?
In order to gain entry to the Integrated IFY programmes, students are asked to achieve good grades or marks in relevant academic subjects in their grade 12 school leaving examinations in their home country. For example, students wishing to study Business or Economics during the undergraduate element would require good grades/marks in Mathematics and Economics (if they have studied Economics) whereas students wishing to study Engineering would require good grades/marks in Mathematics and either Physics (for Civil, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering) or Chemistry (for Chemical Engineering). Further details can be found on our website at:
http://international foundationyear.leeds.ac.uk/applying/entry_requirements
If I achieve the required overall IELTS score but do not obtain the required score in each skill can I still be considered?
Normally, we require you to obtain the required score in each skill.
Can I join the Integrated IFY programmes before I finish my secondary education?
No, you would normally be expected to complete the full period of secondary education (grade 12) in your home country.
Applying
How do I apply?
Our Integrated IFY programmes are not in the UCAS system so you should apply to us directly. You can apply either online or by downloading a paper application form and sending it to us by e-mail, fax or post. For details of how to apply, please log onto our website at
http://internationalfoundationyear.leeds.ac.uk/applying
What do I need to send to you when I apply?
If you apply online you still have to send us copies of the results transcripts for any examinations you have taken and copies of any English language qualifications that you have achieved. We will not be able to process your online application until we receive these.
If you apply using a paper application form you must send this to us with copies of the results transcripts for any examinations you have taken and copies of any English language qualifications that you have achieved.
Do I need to send original documents?
No, when you submit your application you should only send us copies of your examination results documents. However, you must bring your original documents with you when you start your programme. You will not be able to register for the course until your original documents have been verified.
Can I e-mail or fax my documents to you?
Yes, we are happy to accept faxed or e-mailed documents. However, if you are faxing an IELTS certificate to us it can sometimes be difficult to read the scores that you have achieved so it may be better to e-mail or post it.
What is the deadline for applying?
The deadline by which applications should be received in Leeds is normally June 30th although late applications received up to and including July 31st will be considered wherever possible. However, we strongly recommend that you apply well in advance of June 30th to allow yourself time to make the necessary arrangements if you are offered a place.
Being offered a place
When will I know if I have been offered a place?
We will try to reply to your application within 14 days of receiving all your documents. Our decision letter will be posted to you using the normal air mail postal system.
Will you courier my decision to me?
Due to the large number of applications that we receive and the high cost of sending items by courier, we do not normally use courier services.
Is it possible for you to courier my decision letter to me if I offer to pay for the courier myself?
Unfortunately, we no longer offer this facility.
Can I apply before I know my grade 12 results?
Yes, you can apply even if you do not yet know your grade 12 results or even if you have not yet taken your grade 12 examinations. In such a case you should send copies of your grade 10 or grade 11 examination results. If you have performed well in these we may make you a “Conditional Offer”. This enables you to apply well before the June 30th deadline.
What does it mean if I am given a conditional offer?
If you apply to us before you have completed your grade 12 examinations or before you have achieved a recognised English language qualification, we may make you a conditional offer. For example, we may ask you to achieve a grade B in Mathematics and an IELTS of 5.5 with at least 5.0 in three of the skills (including writing) and 4.5 in the other skill.
What must I do if I have been given a conditional offer?
In the envelope containing your conditional offer there will be a form for you to complete and return to us in order to accept our conditional offer. When you accept this offer, once you have taken your final examination you should send a copy of the results transcript to us. If you have met the conditions, we will write to you with an “Unconditional Offer”.
If I have been given a conditional offer, what is the deadline for meeting the conditions?
If possible you must meet any conditions and send us a copy of your results transcripts by the end of July so that we have time to send you an unconditional offer and you have time to obtain any required visa and make your traveling arrangements.
What does it mean if I am given an unconditional offer?
An unconditional offer means that you have achieved all the academic and English language qualifications required to join your integrated programme.
What must I do if I have been given an unconditional offer?
In the envelope containing your unconditional offer there will be a form for you to complete and return to us in order to accept our unconditional offer. When you accept this offer, we will arrange for a CAS to be sent to you by e-mail. Please note that you will not be issued with a CAS until you have accepted your unconditional offer.
What is a CAS and why do I need it?
A CAS is a 'Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies' which shows that not only have you been given an unconditional offer but also that you have accepted it. It consists of a written statement (which gives details of the unconditional offer you have accepted) containing a unique sequence of numbers and letters known as a 'CAS number'. This number identifies your offer to the UK Border Agency and shows you have accepted an unconditional offer of a place on one of our Integrated IFY programmes. Together with your Unconditional Offer Letter, your CAS forms a very important set of documents, which you should keep safe. You will need to show these documents if you are required to apply for a visa. You may also need to show them to the Immigration Officer when you enter the UK to join your programme.
Will my CAS cover the full duration of my integrated programme?
No, you will be issued with a CAS to cover the duration of the IFY element of your integrated programme. If you successfully complete this element you will be issued with a new CAS to cover the full duration of the UG element of your integrated programme.
Can you help me with my visa application?
The University’s International Student Office has trained staff who are allowed to give immigration advice to students. Please log onto
www.leeds.ac.uk/international for further information or send an e-mail to internationalstudents@leeds.ac.uk
What happens if my visa application is refused?
If your visa application is refused, you may be able to appeal. For further advice on this please contact our International Student Office by e-mail on
internationalstudents@leeds.ac.uk
Will I be able to join one of the Integrated IFY programmes if I only have a visitor’s visa?
No, if you require a visa to enter the UK, you must have a student visa in order to take up full-time education on one of our Integrated IFY programmes. A visitor’s visa is not acceptable.
Arriving in Leeds
When should I arrive in Leeds to join my Integrated IFY programme?
When you are made an offer for your integrated programme you will receive a set of “Joining Instructions” which specify the “IFY Welcome Day”. This is normally a Wednesday in the middle of September. You should make your travel arrangements so that you arrive in Leeds on this day between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm.
Is it possible for me to arrive before the IFY Welcome Day?
Details of what you should do if you wish to arrive in Leeds before the IFY Welcome Day are given in your Joining Instructions.
What if I cannot arrive in Leeds until after the IFY Welcome Day?
If you are unable to arrive in Leeds until after the IFY Welcome Day, you should contact the IFY Office and ask permission to arrive late. If permission is given, you should try to arrive in Leeds as soon as possible. You should also let the IFY Office know exactly when you will be arriving.
What is the latest date that I will be allowed to join my Integrated IFY programme?
It is very important that you join your programme as soon as possible so that you do not miss the Induction Week. If you feel that you will not be able to arrive until after the start of the Induction Week, you must let the IFY Office know and ask if it is still possible for you to join your programme. Students who are unable to arrive before the Semester 1 teaching begins would not normally be allowed to join.
If I am unable to join my programme in time can I defer my offer until the following year?
Unfortunately, this is not possible. If you are unable to join the programme for which you have been offered a place, your offer will be withdrawn and you must reapply for the following year.
When does the Induction Week begin?
The Induction Week begins on the Monday after the IFY Welcome Day.
When does the Induction Week end?
The Induction Week ends on the Friday before the start of the Semester 1 teaching period.
Do I need to attend the Induction Week?
Yes, the Induction Week is an integral part of the IFY element of your programme. It offers an invaluable introduction to the Study Skills module of your programme and gives you the opportunity to meet other students before Semester 1 teaching begins. Experience has shown that students who miss some or all of the Induction Week are more likely to have difficulty with the IFY element of their programme than students who arrive on time.
Assessment & progression
How many students study on the IFY element of the programmes each year?
Approximately 150-200 students register on the Integrated IFY programmes each year. Since their inception in 1989, they have attracted over 2000 students from more than 80 countries.
What will I study during the IFY element of my Integrated programme?
During the IFY element each student studies the “Undergraduate Study Skills in English” module and takes several modules in additional subjects chosen from Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computing, Design, Education, Fine Art, Mathematics, Physics and Social Science, depending on the undergraduate degree programme they are intending to follow after the IFY element. All the subjects, apart from Biology, are taught on campus and the students are fully registered as students of the University of Leeds. Biology is taught at Leeds City College, Park Lane Campus, which is close to the University.
How will I be assessed during my programme?
Assessment during the Integrated IFY programme is by a combination of exams, laboratory work, coursework exercises, project work and written assignments, depending on the subject.
How do I progress from the IFY element to the undergraduate element of my programme?
You are guaranteed a place on your chosen undergraduate degree at Leeds if you achieve satisfactory grades in the IFY element. The grades you require depend on your chosen undergraduate degree programme but, typically, you will be asked to obtain a grade B in each of the subjects you study during the IFY element, which is equivalent to 60%. If you achieve the required grades your progression to your undergraduate degree element at Leeds is automatic.
How many students progress each year?
There is no limit on how many students are able to progress. To date our progression rate has been high: more than 75% of the students who register for the IFY have progressed to their chosen undergraduate degree programmes.
Can I use the IFY element to progress to undergraduate degree programmes at other universities?
Although there is no formal agreement with other universities to accept students from the IFY element, many UK universities have accepted students who have successfully completed their IFY element into the first years of their undergraduate degree programmes. If you wish to apply to other universities while studying on the IFY element, you will be given guidance on how to do so.
Accommodation & costs
What about my accommodation?
As an Integrated IFY programme student you are guaranteed University accommodation not only for the IFY element but also for the duration of the undergraduate element of your programme providing you apply for it and pay any required deposits by relevant deadlines. When you are offered a place you will be sent full details of the different types of University accommodation that we offer and information on how to apply.
What will it cost for me to study on my programme?
During your programme you will need to have sufficient funds to pay for your tuition fees and to cover your living expenses, including accommodation, heating, food, clothing, books, pocket money and travelling in Leeds. You will also need extra funds to cover the cost of any air fares between the UK and your home country. The tuition fees and estimates of the living costs are given on our website at
http://internationalfoundationyear.leeds.ac.uk/applying/cost_of_studying
How can I pay my fees?
You can either pay all of your first year tuition fees when you register for the IFY element in September or you can pay in two equal instalments, one in September and one in January. If you choose to live in University accommodation, you can either pay the accommodation fees for the full academic year period all at once in September or you can ask to set up arrangements to pay them either in three equal instalments (once per term) or 9 equal instalments (once per month). Tuition and accommodation fees for each year of the undergraduate element of your programme can be paid in a similar way.
Do I need to pay any of my fees in advance?
The University of Leeds does not require students to pay any of their fees in advance. However, students in some countries are recommended to pay 50% of their first year fees in advance since this will indicate to the visa authorities that they are genuine about studying in the UK. For further advice on this you should contact your nearest UK visa issuing office. If you pay some of your fees in advance but you are not given a visa, the university will give you a full refund of all the money you have paid.
How can I contact the IFY team?
If you have any particular questions simply send an e-mail to
intfyear@leeds.ac.uk where one of the IFY team will be pleased to help you. Alternatively, you can contact the team by telephone on
+44-113-343-3209 or by fax on
+44-113-343-2264. We look forward to hearing from you.
