Why study with us?

• We have been teaching our International Foundation Programme for more than 40 years. Our experienced staff will help you develop the knowledge and skills to succeed in your undergraduate studies.
• In 2024, 98% of students passed the IFP and 92% progressed onto a undergraduate degree at Reading.
• Our international foundation courses are not taught by an external provider. From day one, you will study and live on our award-winning Whiteknights campus, with access to all the University's facilities – including the Library, study areas, clubs and societies.
• All international foundation students are guaranteed a room in University of Reading accommodation. (To apply for accommodation, you need to be at least 17 years old at the start of the accommodation contract, and have firmly accepted a place on an IFP or IFY course.)
• Your personal tutor will monitor your progress throughout the year, meet with you twice a term, and provide help and guidance whenever you need it.
• Throughout your time at the University, you will have access to career support – including help with your CV, employability advice, and careers events. We'll help you prepare for your future alongside your studies.
• At Reading, there is a diverse mix of nationalities and cultures. You will have the opportunity to study, make friends, and improve your English with students from all over the world.
• Reading is a very well-connected town: regular fast trains to London Paddington take just 23 minutes. Access to the UK’s major airports is also convenient – Heathrow Airport is easy to reach by rail or road in less than an hour, and Gatwick Airport in under two hours.

If you need help during your time at Reading, there are many people and services you can turn to:

• our International Student Advice Team can support you with settling in or adapting to the new academic culture, or provide advice on visas and immigration
• our Counselling and Wellbeing Team provides mental health support
• our Chaplaincy Centre is a welcoming place to go for a friendly chat, the Chaplaincy Service can also direct you to other places of worship and faith centres
• Reading Students' Union offers friendly, student-run societies that enable you to meet people from your home country or religion, or to find out about new cultures.

To learn more about the support available for international students, please visit our Essentials website.

Your academic tutor is a friendly and approachable member of staff who is here to support you. They will help you settle into life at Reading, and answer any questions you may have about the University.

Throughout your time on the IFP, your academic tutor will:

• advise and support you with your studies
• help you with any academic or personal matters that may be affecting your progress
• check that you are settling in and enjoying your time at Reading
• provide you with a reference, if you need one to apply for a future job or course.