Why study your IFP with us?

From the day you arrive on the International Foundation Programme (IFP), you will be made welcome as a member of our international community at Reading.

We provide the support you need to make a success of your studies and enjoy your time at Reading.

"Knowing that academic assistance was readily available through the numerous seminars, tutorials, and drop-in sessions gave me a sense of confidence, assurance and academic security."

Anita Omonuwa - Nigeria

How we support you

Your Academic Tutor

When you join us at Reading, you may have a lot of questions about your studies, the University and life in the UK. Your Academic Tutor is here to make sure you get the help you need to settle in quickly. They 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.

Just having someone to talk to can make a big difference, and your Academic Tutor is a friendly and approachable member of staff who is here to support you.

Other support available from the University

There are many different people you can turn to, if you need help during your time on the IFP, including:

• our International Student Advice team can provide you with support on settling in or adapting to the new academic culture, or advice on visas and immigration
• cultural societies: friendly, student-run communities that give you the opportunity to meet people from your home country or religion, or find out about new cultures
• our counselling and wellbeing service: a professional service that provides counselling, well-being and mental health support
• our Chaplaincy Centre: a welcoming place to go for a friendly chat, the Chaplaincy Service can also point you in the direction of other places of worship and faith centres
• our student website Essentials, in particular the information for international students.

Friendship and fun

You'll get to make friends, have fun and develop your confidence on the IFP at Reading.

Just for you

We organise a range of fun activities, trips and events just for IFP students, such as:

• paintballing, bowling, laser tag and ice-skating
• day trips to London, Oxford, Stonehenge and other places of interest
• a fun day out at Thorpe Park for thrilling roller coaster rides
• parties
• theatre visits.

1. We are among the top 30 UK universities in two world rankings* We have been consistently placed among the top 20% of world institutions ranked by QS, currently at 172 in the world.**
2. University-owned international foundation programme with over 35 years of experience ensuring the highest quality of preparation for success on an undergraduate degree.
3. The majority of IFP students successfully meet their entry requirements for University of Reading degrees.
4. Teaching by expert University of Reading lecturers who will help you develop the knowledge and skills required for success in your undergraduate studies.
5. High level of student support. You will get a personal tutor who will monitor your progress throughout the year, meet with you twice a term and provide help and guidance whenever you need it.
6. Studying and living on the award-winning main University of Reading Whiteknights campus with access to all the University facilities including the library, study areas, student support, clubs and societies.
7. A diverse mix of nationalities and cultures enabling you to study, make friends and improve your English with students from across the world.
8. Only 30 minutes from central London by train. Reading is a lovely British town with plenty of things to do in leisure time and is located close to London and Heathrow airport. 
9. Guaranteed university accommodation including modern study rooms with bathroom facilities.
10. A fantastic social programme including city visits to places like Oxford, Brighton and Bath that makes it easy to make friends and settle into life at University.

* University of Reading is 25th in the UK of UK universities featured in the QS World University Rankings 2025, and 26th in the Times Higher Education University Rankings 2024
** University of Reading is ranked 172 in the QS World University Rankings 2025

Our halls of residence are a place to live, study, meet friends and socialise. We offer a range of options to suit different budgets and requirements.

To apply for accommodation at Reading, you need to:

• be at least 17 years old at the start of the accommodation contract
• have firmly accepted a place (conditional or unconditional) on the programme.

You will be sent instructions on how to apply for accommodation after accepting your place, and we recommend that you apply as soon as possible:

• for IFP programmes that start in September, you must apply for accommodation by 1 August and meet any outstanding conditions by 31 August

• for IFP programmes that start in January, you can apply from 22 September in the year before you start.