This one-year (2-semester) programme offers successful students guaranteed progression* to a range of partner institutions
You will study your Foundation programme at our Centre located in Maynooth.
*Guaranteed progression is subject to meeting the specified entry criteria.
About the International Foundation Programme
This programme is designed to to enable international students to progress onto undergraduate programmes in Ireland.
Successful completion of the programme entitles students to a Level 5 Specific Purpose Certificate in International Foundation Studies award that is awarded by QQI. It sits on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) at Level 5 as a Specific Purpose Certificate in International Foundation Studies award. It has equivalency with Level 4 on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). This qualification is internationally recognised. This is a 120 FET credit qualification which equates to approximately 60 ECTS. All students who successfully complete the IFP are guaranteed placement on a suitable programme of undergraduate study at one of our partner institutions.
This programme lasts seven months, the year divided into two semesters of 12 to 13 teaching weeks and one examination week. On average, you will undertake 25 hours of classroom-based study per week.
English Language forms at least nine hours of your timetable, is compulsory for students and will be integrated into the teaching of academic subjects as well as being taught separately if you need additional support.
Students will be expected to timetable self-study hours in addition to the classroom-based hours.
You will be assessed at regular intervals throughout the programme to ensure you are making the progress required to successfully complete the programme. Full assessment of the programme will take place in the final semester. Assessment methodologies are aligned to those that will be experienced in the University environment, and include project work, essays, presentations and unseen examination. Students shall attend all assessments, including written examinations, for the modules on which they are registered and submit coursework for assessment as required. Students must successfully pass all core modules and their chosen options to successfully complete the programme. Full details can be found in the UniHaven Quality Assurance Manual, the UniHaven Assessment and Awards Policy and the Programme Handbook.
Discover the progression options available to OnCampus Ireland students.
Pathway options and modules
You will study two core modules, one mandatory module and two of four optional modules. English will be integrated into the teaching of academic subjects.
If you study the "Engineering & Sciences (medical routes)" pathway leading to Medical University Pleven you will need to take Biology and Chemistry as your mandatory modules.
The pathway options available are detailed below:
This pathway is designed for students who wish to progress to degree study in the areas of Business, Accounting, Humanities, Philosophy, Law, and Social Sciences. Modules included are:
English 60 FET credits (Core module)
Intercultural Studies and Communication 10 FET credits (Core module)
Mathematics Ordinary 20 FET Credits (Mandatory module)
Business Studies 15 FET Credits (Optional module)
Information Systems 15 FET Credits (Optional Module)
Global Politics 15 FET Credits (Optional Module)
Introduction to Social Science 15 FET Credits (Optional Module)
This pathway is designed for students who wish to progress to degree study in the areas of Biological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Science, Pharmaceutical Science and many more. Modules included are:
English 60 FET credits (Core module)
Intercultural Studies and Communication 10 FET credits (Core module)
Mathematics Higher 20 FET Credits (Mandatory module)
Biology 15 FET Credits (Optional module)
Chemistry 15 FET Credits (Optional Module)
Physics 15 FET Credits (Optional Module)
Computer Science 15 FET Credits (Optional Module)
This pathway is designed for students who wish to progress to degree study in Medicine at Medical University Pleven. Students will study the following modules;
English 60 FET credits (Core module)
Intercultural Studies and Communication 10 FET credits (Core module)
Mathematics Higher 20 FET Credits (Mandatory module)
Biology 15 FET Credits (Mandatory module)
Chemistry 15 FET Credits (Mandatory Module)
Programme Details, Dates, and Fees
All three pathways offer the same duration options.
Course length: 2 semesters
Hours per week: 25
Minimum age: 17 (you must have turned 18 before progression onto university degree)
Entry IELTS: from 5.0 or equivalent (with 5.0 in writing and no other single element lower than 4.5)
All programmes are subject to a €300 non-refundable administration fee.
| Dates | Duration | Business & Social Sciences (€) | Engineering & Science Fees (€) | Engineering & Sciences Fees (Medical routes) Fees (€) | Progressing to undergraduate study in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 September 2025 - 30 April 2026 | 2 semesters | 16,330 | 16,330 | 20,450 | Sep-26 (Feb-27 for Medical University Pleven progression) |
| 05 January 2026 - 31 July 2026 | 2 semesters | 16,330 | 16,330 | 20,450 | Sep-26 (Feb-27 for Medical University Pleven progression) |
| 14 September 2026 - 23 April 2027 | 2 semesters | 16,330 | 16,330 | 20,450 | Sep-27 |
| 05 January 2027 - 31 July 2027 | 2 semesters | 16,330 | 16,330 | N/A | Sep-27 |