Entry requirements for the Foundation Pathways

The Foundation Pathways are suitable if you've completed your high school education to a high standard and you'd normally require a foundation year before being eligible for first-year undergraduate entry to UK universities.

Please note: if you've studied in a country which isn't on this list please contact us and we will be happy to advise on the suitability of your qualifications for the Foundation Pathway.

Country-specific requirements:

Africa

Country	Academic Requirements
Angola	Average of 16/20 in the Habilitação Literarias (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) to include at least 16/20 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Botswana	Average of grade 2/good in either the Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education Examination of Cambridge Overseas School Certificate, to include grade B in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway. If you have achieved English language at grade C or above, you will not be required to take an additional English proficiency test (for the 4-year programme).
Cameroon	13/20 in the Cameroon Baccalaureate to include at least 13/20 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Egypt	Average of 85% in the Thanawiyan to include 85% in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Ethiopia	Ethiopian Higher Education Entrance Qualification Certificate (with a minimum of 7 subjects taken) with 'very good', to include 'very good' in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Gambia	WAEC Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) with at least 5 subjects at grade B3, to include grade B3 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway. If you have achieved English Language at grade C4, you will not be required to take an additional English proficiency test (for the 4-year programme)
Ghana	WAEC Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) with at least 5 subjects at grade B3 to include grade B3 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway. If you have achieved English Language at grade C6, you will not be required to take an additional English proficiency test (for the 4-year programme).
Ivory Coast	Baccalauréat with a minimum of 14/20 (Bien) to include at least 14/20 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Kenya	65% or B grade average in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) to include grade B in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway. If you have achieved English language at grade C or above, you will not be required to take an additional English proficiency test (for the 4-year programme)
Libya	An average of 80% in the Secondary Education Certificate, with at least 80% in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Malawi	Average grade of 3 in the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) to include grade 3 in Mathematics for the Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Mauritius	Applicants who possess high school leaving qualifications equivalent to UK A Levels will not normally be considered eligible for the Foundation Pathways. However if you choose to take a Foundation Pathway as an adjustment year, you would be required to have at least an ABB profile, to include Mathematics for the Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway or 13/20 in the Baccalauréat Général with at least 13/20 in Maths for Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway. If you have achieved English Language at grade C, you will not be required to take an additional English proficiency test (for the 4-year programme).
Morocco	14/20 in the Diplome du Baccalaureat, to include at least 14/20 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Nigeria	Students studying the WAEC or NECO would be required to study a four year integrated foundation and degree programme. WAEC Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) with at least 5 subjects at grade B3, to include grade B3 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway. NECO Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) can also be accepted with at least 5 subjects at grade B3 or the joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with 300+ points and at least 5 subjects at grade C4 to include grade B in Maths for our EPS pathway.
Rwanda	Grades AAB in the Advanced General Certificate of Education, to include Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway or Baccalaureate with minimum of 14/20 (Bien) with at least 14/20 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Senegal	Baccalauréat with minimum of 14/20 (Bien) to include 14/20 in Mathematics for the Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Sierra Leone	Applicants who possess high school leaving qualifications equivalent to UK A levels will not normally be considered eligible for the Foundation Pathways. However, if you choose to take a Foundation Pathway as an adjustment year, you would be required to have the West African Higher School Certificate (WAHSC) or Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate (COHSC) with five high passes at B/4 or above, to include Maths for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Somolia	Secondary School Leaving Certificate with 80% or above, with at least 80% in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
South Africa	Applicants who possess high school leaving qualifications equivalent to UK A levels will not normally be considered eligible for the Foundation Pathways. However, if you choose to take a Foundation Pathway as an adjustment year, you would be required to have the South African National Senior Certificate (SANSC) with martriculation with 666666 overall, to include Maths for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway. If you have achieved English Language at grade C, you will not be required to take an additional English proficiency test (for the 4-year programme).
Sudan	Sudan School Certificate with a minimum grade of 70% (gr B), to include a grade of 70% (gr B) in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Tanzania	Applicants who possess high school leaving qualifications equivalent to UK A Levels will not normally be considered eligible for the Foundation Pathways. However if you choose to take a Foundation Pathway as an adjustment year, you would be required to have at least an ABB profile, to include Mathematics for the Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway. If you have achieved English Language at grade C, you will not be required to take an additional English proficiency test (for the 4-year programme).
Uganda	Applicants who possess high school leaving qualifications equivalent to UK A Levels will not normally be considered eligible for the Foundation Pathways. However if you choose to take a Foundation Pathway as an adjustment year, you would be required to have at least an ABB profile, to include Mathematics for the Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway. If you have achieved English Language at grade C, you will not be required to take an additional English proficiency test (for the 4-year programme).
Zambia	Zambian General Certificate of Education with an overall grade of 2 from across at least 5 subjects to include Merit in Mathematics, grade 2 for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway. If you have achieved English Language at grade 6 or above, you will not be required to take an additional English proficiency test (for the 4-year programme).
Zimbabwe	Applicants who possess high school leaving qualifications equivalent to UK A Levels will not normally be considered eligible for the Foundation Pathways. However if you choose to take a Foundation Pathway as an adjustment year, you would be required to have at least an ABB profile, to include Mathematics for the Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway. If you have achieved English Language at grade C, you will not be required to take an additional English proficiency test (for the 4-year programme).

Asia

Country	Academic Requirements
Azerbaijan	Grades of 4/5 and above on the Attestat (Certificate of Complete Secondary Education) for entry to our Foundation Pathways (to include 4/5 in Maths for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Bangladesh	Successful completion of High School Certificate with grade a verage of 75% in the Higher Secondary Certificate. To include at least 75% in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Brunei	Applicants who possess high school leaving qualifications equivalent to UK ‘A’ levels will not normally be considered eligible for the foundation. However, if you choose to take the BFA as an adjustment year, you would be required to have at least ABB profile, to include Mathematics for the Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
China	Students who have completed Senior High School, with an average of at least 80%, with 80% in Mathematics for the Engineering and Physical Science Pathway. Students completing High School at year two should present a transcript of results and a letter from the school confirming completion of Senior High School.Students completing High School at year three should present a transcript of results and the High School graduation examination (Huikao) Certificate.At least an overall grade of B or 80% in year 2 of Senior High School, including B or 80% in Mathematics, from the High School Graduation Examinations for the Engineering and Physical Science Pathway (this will usually be taken at the end of year 2 but in some provinces this is in year 3).
Hong Kong	Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with 4 subjects at grades of 3333, (not including Chinese or Liberal studies) or 5 subjects at grades of 33333 (from any subject including Chinese and Liberal Studies). For our Engineering and Physical Sciences, subjects must include Mathematics at grade 3.
Georgia	Georgia Secondary School Leaving Certificate (sashualo skolis atestati) Average 2 on 1-4 scale, 7 on 0-10 or C. To include Mathematics at 2 or equivalent for our Engineering and Physical Science Pathway.
India	Holders of the Standard XII Higher Secondary Certificate with an average score of 65% from for ICSE, CBSE, West Bengal State Board will be considered for entry to Birmingham Foundation Academy. All other state boards require 70% overall. If wish to apply for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway you need to have at least 65% in mathematics from ICSE, CBSE, West Bengal State Boards
Indonesia	Students who have graduated from an Indonesian High School with a good score in the Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA/SMU ) will need to have completed a suitable foundation programme by joining the Birmingham Foundation Academy to be considered for entry to undergraduate degree programmes. We will consider students with grades of 7.0/10 in the High School Certificate from year 12 (SMU3), to include 7.0 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Japan	An average of 4/5 GPA in the Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho (Senior High School Leaving Certificate), to include 4/5 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Kazakhstan	Grades of 4/5 and above in the Certificate of (Completed) Secondary Education (Oрта білім туралы аттестат/Аттестат о среднем (полном) общем образовании) for entry to our Foundation Pathways (to include 4/5 in Maths for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway).
Mongolia	Average grade of A (90%) in the Certificate of Complete Secondary Education, to include grade A in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Malaysia	At least Grade B3 in the Malaysian Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), with at least grade B3 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway. 1 year of study of STPM with grades of 'good' may also be considered, alongside SPM with B average.
Pakistan	The University will consider students with a Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSC) (also called Intermediate Certificate), with at least grade B or 70%, to include grade B or 70% in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
South Korea	Senior High School Certificate with a minimum grade of 70% or C (Mi), to include 70% in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Singapore	A-Levels BBB. For Engineering and Physical Sciences Pathway this should include grade B in Mathematics and for the Medical, Life and Geo Sciences Pathway Or For IB, we require a total of 28 points, or 554 at HL with 24 overall with no subject requirements - except for the Engineering and Physical Science Pathway, where a 5 in Mathematics at SL or HL would be required.
Sri Lanka	Applicants who possess high school leaving qualifications equivalent to UK ‘A’ levels will not normally be considered eligible for the foundation. However, if you choose to take the BFA as an adjustment year, you would be required to have at least A levels - At least ABB profile, to include Mathematics for the Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Taiwan	An average of 75% in the Senior High School Leaving Certificate. To include 75% in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway. We will consider students for entry to the Birmingham Foundation Academy who have completed their first year at a recognised institution in the Taiwan and obtained good grades in all subject areas.
Thailand	Certificate of Secondary Education/Maw 6 with a minimum grade point of 3 (70%). To include a grade point of 3 (70%) in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences Pathway.
Uzbekistan	Diploma of Specialised Secondary Education (O'rta Ma'lumot To'g'risida Shahodatnoma) with an overall grade of 4/5, to include 4/5 in Maths for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Vietnam	Upper Secondary School Graduation Diploma (B?ng T?t Nghi?p Ph? Thông Trung H?c) with an overall score of 7.0, to include 7.0 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway. Grade 11 students with 7.5 or above are also eligible.

Europe and rest of the World

Country	Academic requirements
Albania	Average of 8/10 in the Dëftesë Pjekurie (Secondary School Leaving Certificate), to include at least 8/10 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Austria	Applicants who possess high school leaving qualifications equivalent to UK ‘A’ levels will not normally be considered eligible for the foundation. However if you choose to take the BFA as an adjustment year, you would be required to have at least 2/5 in the Matura/Reifeprüfung with at least 2/5 in Maths for Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Cyprus	Holders of the Apolytirion, with a minimum overall score of 16/20 to include 16/20 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway. For those in the Turkish - Cypriot system, holders of the Lise Bitirme Diplomasi, with an overall score of 4/5 (or the National Diploma with an overall score of 8/10) to include 4/5 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
France	Applicants who possess high school leaving qualifications equivalent to UK ‘A’ levels will not normally be considered eligible for the foundation. However if you choose to take the Foundation as an adjustment year, you would be required to have at least 13/20 in the Baccalauréat Général with at least 12/20 in Maths for Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway OR at least 12/20 in the Option International du Baccalauréat (OIB).
New Zealand	Applicants who possess high school leaving qualifications equivalent to UK ‘A’ levels will not normally be considered eligible for the foundation. However, if you choose to take the Foundation as an adjustment year, you would be required to have at least a pass NCEA Level 2 with Merit. To include at least 60 credits at Level 2 and a minimum of 5 subjects. To also include at least 18 credits in Maths with Merit at Level 2 for the Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Portugal	Applicants who possess high school leaving qualifications equivalent to UK ‘A’ levels will not normally be considered eligible for the foundation. However, if you choose to take the BFA as an adjustment year, you would be required to have at least Diploma de Ensino Secundario or Certificado de fim de Estudios Secundarios with 17/20 overall, with at least 17/20 in Maths for the EPS pathway.
Russia	An average grade of 4 (out of 5) in the аттестат о среднем (полном) общем образовании (Attestat o (Polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii/Certificate of Secondary Education), to include grade 4 in Maths for EPS pathway.
Spain	Applicants who possess high school leaving qualifications equivalent to UK ‘A’ levels will not normally be considered eligible for the foundation. However, if you choose to take the BFA as an adjustment year, you would be required to have at least Título de Bachillerato / Selectividad with 7.5/10 overall, with at least 8/10 in Maths for the EPS pathway.
Turkey	Devlet Lise Diplomasi or Lise Bitirme Diplomasi with an overall score of at least 3/5 or 60/100, to include 3/5 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.

Americas including South America, Caribbean

Country	Academic requirements
Argentina	Average of 7/10 in the Titulo de Bachillerato (High School Leaving Certificate) to include at least 7/10 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Brazil	A score of at least 8/10 in the Certificado de Conclusão de Ensino Médio (also known as: Certificado de Ensino Médio). To include a score of at least 8/10 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Canada	Students who possess high school leaving qualifications equivalent to UK ‘A’ levels will not normally be considered eligible for the foundation. However if you choose to take the BFA as an adjustment year, you would be required to have at least 75% in the Canadian High School Diploma with at least 75% in Maths for Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Caribbean	Applicants who possess high school leaving qualifications equivalent to UK ‘A’ levels will not normally be considered eligible for the foundation. However if you choose to take the Foundation as an adjustment year, you would be required to have the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) with at least I, II, II in 3 Unit 2 subjects. To include II in Maths for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway will be considered for our Foundation Pathways.
Chile	For entry to our foundation programme we would consider applications from students who have obtained grades of 6 or more on the Licencia de Educación Media, and a minimum of 650 points in the PSU. To include a score of 5 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Colombia	75/100 or 7.5/10 overall in the Titulo de Bachillerato (Bachiller Académico) to include 75/100 or 7.5/10 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway will be considered for our Foundation Pathways.
Ecuador	For entry to our foundation programme we would consider students who have completed Senior Secondary School (Titulo de Bachiller en Ciencias) with an overall grade of 16/20. To include 16/20 in Mathematics for the Engineering & Physical Sciences Pathway.
Guatemala	For entry to our foundation programmes we would consider students who have obtained an average of 70 or more in the Bachillerato. To include a score of at least 70 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Jamaica	Applicants who possess high school leaving qualifications equivalent to UK ‘A’ levels will not normally be considered eligible for the foundation. However if you choose to take the BFA as an adjustment year, you would be required to have the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) with at least I, II, II in 3 Unit 2 subjects. To include II in Maths for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway will be considered for our Foundation Pathways.
Paraguay	For entry to our foundation programme we would consider students who have completed Título de Bachillerato Científico with an overall grade of 7/10 or higher to include 7 in Mathematics for the Engineering & Physical Sciences Pathway.
Peru	For entry to our foundation programmes we would consider students who have obtained grades of at least 13 on their Certificado de Educación Secundaria Común Completa. To include a score of at least 13 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Saint Martin	Applicants who possess high school leaving qualifications equivalent to UK ‘A’ levels will not normally be considered eligible for the foundation. However if you choose to take the Foundation as an adjustment year, you would be required to have the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) with at least I, II, II in 3 Unit 2 subjects. To include II in Maths for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway will be considered for our Foundation Pathways.
USA	High School Graduation Diploma with 'good'/grade B/GPA 3.0 average, to include grade B in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Venezuela	Pass the Titulo de Bachiller with at least 14/20 with 14 in Maths for the EPS Pathway. Applicants will need to provide a full transcript of studies (entitled Certificación de Calificaciones).

Middle East

Country	Academic requirements
Afghanistan	Average of 80%, or B, or 3.0 in the Baccalauria / Baccalaureate Certificate, to include at least 80%, or B, or 3.0 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Bahrain	Average of 85% in the Thanawiyan (Secondary School Leaving Certificate), to include 85% in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Iran	An overall score of 16/20 in the Diplom-Metevaseth (National High School Diploma), to include 16/20 in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Iraq	Average of 85% in the Sixth Form Baccalaureat/Iraqi high school leaving certificate, to include 85% in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Jordan	Average score of 85% in the Tawjihi, to include85% or above in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway or 85%.
Kuwait	Average of 85% in the Shahadat-al-thanwiia-al-a’ama, to include 85% in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Lebanon	Baccalaureat General with >14/20 overall, to include 14/20 in Maths for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Oman	Average of 85% in the Thanawiyan, to include 85% in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Palestine	Average of 85% in the Tawijihi (Secondary School Leaving Certificate), to include 85% in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Qatar	B grade average in the QSSC (Qatar Secondary School Certificate), to include Grade B in Advanced Level Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
Saudi Arabia	Average of 85% in the Thanawiya, to include 85% in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.
UAE	Average 85% in the Tawjihiyya with 85% or above, to include Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.

IGCSE and AS level

Qualification

Academic Requirements

IGCSEs

IGCSEs, and other qualification that are at the same level as GCSEs in the UK education system, on their own are not considered sufficient for Entry to the Foundation. We would normally expect qualifications to be broadly equivalent to the UK AS-Level qualification.

IGCSEs would be considered if offered together with additional qualifications.

GCE AS Level

AS Levels will be accepted with a ABB profile, to include Mathematics for the Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.

If you are studying for AS Levels we would strongly urge you to continue your studies to A Level as this will provide you with more options for higher education study

A level and IB

Qualification Academic Requirements
A-Levels: We normally require BBC but BCC will be considered depending on A-level subjects and destination degree. For Engineering and Physical Sciences Pathway this should include Mathematics. Or IB: We require a total of 28 points, or 554 at HL with 24 overall with no subject requirements - except for the Engineering and Physical Science Pathway, where a 5 in Mathematics at SL or HL would be required.

Qualification Academic Requirements

A-Levels: We normally require BBC but BCC will be considered depending on A-level subjects and destination degree. For Engineering and Physical Sciences Pathway this should include Mathematics.

IB: We require a total of 28 points, or 554 at HL with 24 overall with no subject requirements - except for the Engineering and Physical Science Pathway, where a 5 in Mathematics at SL or HL would be required.

Please note that Foundation Pathways are not suitable for you if you already hold a degree (both UG and PG)

English language entry requirements

Foundation programme English language requirements
Four-year programmes	TOEFL	IELTS	Pearson Test of English (Academic)	EmSAT
Bachelor's Degree with Integrated Foundation Year (Four-year programme)	72 overall with 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing	5.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each band	A minimum of: Listening - 51 Reading - 51 Writing - 51 Speaking - 51	1,250-1,375

Please note: For further information on where the Approved Secure English Language test and centres are, from 6 April 2015.

If you have studied in country where English is the medium of instruction and you have achieved a suitably high grade you will not normally be required to take an additional English proficiency test. You will be advised on these requirements if you are made an offer.

If you are made an offer:

Providing you meet the academic entry requirements and depending on your English language competence and the undergraduate degree programme you intend to progress to,you will be made an offer for:

Bachelor's Degree with Integrated Foundation Year (four-year programme).