Entry requirements for Pathway Programmes
To join us at Cardiff University International Study Centre, you need to meet the minimum academic and English language entrance requirements.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for your International Foundation Year or Pre-Master's programme, you can first join an Online English Programme.
You can start your studies with a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), provided you have met all the programme entry requirements.
The test results must have been achieved in the past 24 months and meet the minimum English equivalency score for your chosen programme.
- IELTS Academic for UKVI
- Trinity Integrated Skills in English UKVI
- Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
- LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
- PSI Skills for English UKVI (4 components)
You can start your studies with either a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), or an accepted alternative equivalent assessment, provided you meet all the programme entry requirements.
The test results must have been achieved in the past 24 months and meet the minimum English equivalency score for your chosen programme.
UKVI-approved SELTS include:
- IELTS Academic for UKVI
- Trinity Integrated Skills in English UKVI
- Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
- LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
- PSI Skills for English UKVI (4 components)
Alternative tests accepted include:
- Pearson PTE Academic (non-UKVI) / Pearson PTE Academic Online
- IELTS Indicator*
- IELTS Academic (non-UKVI) / IELTS Academic Online
- LanguageCert International ESOL
- TOEFL iBT/iBT Home Edition
- Cambridge ESOL
- Cambridge Linguaskill
- Oxford Test of English
- Academic English Skills
- Password Skills Solo / Password Skills Plus
Study Group is permitted to assess students’ suitability for entry onto programmes which are degree level and above under the registration for the UK Office for Students. You are therefore not required to have a UKVI SELT to obtain a Student Visa.
A CAS for a Student Visa will only be issued if you have met the minimum language requirement of CEFR B2 in all skills, and the academic entry requirements for your chosen programme.
*The IELTS Indicator test will not be accepted for on campus study for the Pre-Masters Programme.
Check the entry requirements for your programme
If you do not meet the English language requirements for the International Foundation Year, International Year One or Pre-Master's, you can join an Online English course first.
To progress to your undergraduate or postgraduate degree, you will be required to successfully complete your pathway programme and achieve the required grades.
International Foundation Year
A one-year programme to prepare international students for their undergraduate degree.
| Academic | Good high school graduation grades or equivalent |
| English language | Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 (minimum 5.0 in writing with no other skill below 4.0). Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.5 (minimum 5.0 in all skills) is required for students aiming to progress to Optometry. Academic IELTS for UKVI 6.0 (minimum 6.0 in writing, no skill below 5.5) is required for students aiming to progress to Medicine*, Dental Surgery*, Pharmacy and Medical Pharmacology*, Journalism and Communications; Journalism, Communications and Politics; Media and Communications, or Media, Journalism and Culture. *Please note: IELTS is required to confirm an offer for these progression degrees. |
| Age | 17+ Please note that students aiming for Medicine, Pharmacy or Dental Surgery must be 18 years at the start of the degree. |
| Your country | Academic qualification(s) you need |
| Bahrain | Successful completion of Tawjahiya with average grade of 80% or above, with 70% in relevant subjects |
| Bangladesh | Year 12 (HSC): GPA 4.0 overall with passes in min 4 subjects and 3.75 in relevant subjects. Maximum age 21 years & 364 days |
| China | SH2: 70% average inc relevant subjects, and a minimum of 4 academic subjects or SH3: 65% average inc relevant subjects, and a minimum of 4 academic subjects pass or above |
| Ghana | Successful completion of the West African School Certificate (WAEC) or Senior School Certificate average grade 1-6 (A-C) in 4 or more subjects |
| Hong Kong | Form 5: Pass in 4 or more subjects. Subject list includes all subjects HKDSE 322 |
| India | Completion of Year 11 65% or Year 12 (HSC) 55% |
| Indonesia | Successful completion of SMU 3/Sikolah Menegah at grade 6.5 or above or SMU 2 at an average of 7.0, to include 5 relevant subjects |
| Iran | Transcript of High School Diploma Theoretical stream (3 years) required Min. overall GPA requirement is 14 inc relevant subjects |
| Japan | Successful completion of Kotogakko (Year 12) with grade average or 65% or GPA 2.5 Year 11 with 70% or GPA 4/5 may be considered, subject to age |
| Jordan | Successful completion of Tawjihi with overall average of 80% including relevant subjects, with no lower than 70% in any subject |
| Kazakhstan | Successful completion of ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education (Grade 11) with grade average 4 and 5 |
| Korea | SH3: 5th Grade average in rank, with at least 5th grade in relevant subjects SH2: 4th Grade average in rank with at least 4th grade in relevant subjects |
| Kuwait | Successful completion of Tawjihi with overall average of 80% including relevant subjects, with no lower than 70% in any subject. For progression to MPharm: Shahadat Al-Thanawiya-Al-A'ama 90% overall including relevant subjects. |
| Libya | Successful completion Secondary Education Certificate with average of 80% |
| Macau | Successful completion of iGCSE/'O' Levels at grade C in 5 relevant subjects including English or completion of Form 5 or Senior Middle 2. Top schools require 65%, other schools require 75% |
| Malaysia | SPM/UEC school: Form 5, Term 2, Mid-Year, Final Year Transcripts - Grades of A- C achieved in 5 relevant academic subjects to include English and Maths. SPM (Malaysia Certificate of Education) with 5 C grades or above in relevant subjects to include English and Mathematics. UEC minimum C grade in 5 relevant academic subjects inc. English & Mathematics. |
| Mexico | Successful completion of Bachillerato at a average of 75% and above |
| Morocco | Diplôme du Baccalauréat with grade average of 12 |
| Nigeria | Successful completion of West African School Certificate (WAEC) or Senior School Certificate with 1-6 (A-C) in 4 or more relevant subjects |
| Oman | Successful completion of Year 12 (General Education Diploma): 80% overall and 70% in all subjects, including relevant subjects |
| Pakistan | Year 11 entry: 75% - 50% min. required for relevant subjects ie. Maths and Sciences, to include passes in 4 or more subjects. HSC grades (60% overall, min 50% in any subject) |
| Qatar | Successful completion of Thanawaya Aam Qatari with overall grade 80% including relevant subjects and with no lower than 80% in any subjects |
| Russia | Successful completion of ATTESTAT/11th grade with a minimum GPA of 4.0 |
| Saudi Arabia | Successful completion of Tawjihi with average of 80% and no lower than 70% in relevant subjects |
| Singapore | 5 A-C grades O Level (accept mother tongue languages) or Year 1 of Diploma/University course with GPA 1.8 |
| Taiwan | Successful completion of Senior High School Year 3 pass with an average grade of 60% in relevant subjects overall, including relevant subjects or SH2 with 70% |
| Thailand | Successful completion of MAW 6 with average GPA 2.0 in relevant subjects including Maths and Sciences or successful completion of MAW 5 with GPA 2.5 |
| Turkey | Successful completion of Devlet Lise Diploması (High School Completion) - 65% overall with minimum 60% in relevant subjects |
| UAE | Successful completion of Tawjihi with average of 80% and minimum of 70% in relevant subjects |
| Ukraine | Successful completion of ATTESTAT/11th grade with a minimum GPA of 7.0 |
| USA | Grade 11 - GPA 2.75 or Grade 12 2.50. GED: 600 overall with 150 in 4 subjects, including prerequisites |
| Vietnam | Successful completion of Year 12 with average GPA 6.5 or Year 11 GPA 7.0, to include 6.5+ for Maths and Science subjects |
Please note: country specific entry requirements are for all programmes except for students wishing to apply for Medicine or Dental Surgery. For these degree aims, students must make an enquiry to be advised on entry and progression requirements.
Arts, Humanities, Law and Social Sciences
For Music: Applicants are required to show evidence of working towards Grade 8 Practical in one instrument or voice (ABRSM/Trinity/Rockschool) + Grade 5/6 Theory (ABRSM/Trinity). This will be assessed by means of a short audition or theory test when applying for the International Foundation Year. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted following consultation with Cardiff University.
Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture
Maths or a numerate subject is required for all degree aims (except for Architecture).
Health, Medical and Life Sciences
For Medicine and Dental Surgery, students must have Chemistry and two other Sciences (Maths is one science). Find out more about the Medicine and Dental Surgery selection process.
For all other degree aims, students need one science subject - biology or chemistry or a combined science.
Please note: places may be limited for Pharmacy, Medicine and Dental Surgery.
Accelerated International Foundation
A 22-week programme to prepare international students for their undergraduate degree.
| Academic | Good high school graduation grades |
| English language | Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.5 (5.0 in all skills) or equivalent |
| Age | 17+ |
| Your country | Academic qualification(s) you need |
| Bahrain | Successful completion of Tawjahiya with average grade of 80% or above, with 70% in relevant subjects |
| Bangladesh | HSC with overall GPA 3.25 or 55%, with 55% or above in Maths and English or Diploma (4 years). Maximum age 21 years & 364 days |
| China | SH2: 70% average inc relevant subjects, and a minimum of 4 academic subjects or SH3: 65% average inc relevant subjects, and a minimum of 4 academic subjects pass or above |
| Ghana | Successful completion of the West African School Certificate (WAEC) or Senior School Certificate average grade 1-6 (A-C) in 4 or more subjects |
| Hong Kong | Form 5: Pass in 4 or more subjects. Subject list includes all subjects HKDSE 322 |
| India | Completion of Year 11 65% or Year 12 (HSC) 55% |
| Indonesia | Successful completion of SMU 3/Sikolah Menegah at grade 6.5 or above or SMU 2 at an average of 7.0, to include 5 relevant subjects |
| Iran | Transcript of High School Diploma Theoretical stream (3 years) required Min. overall GPA requirement is 14 inc relevant subjects |
| Japan | Successful completion of Kotogakko (Year 12) with grade average or 65% or GPA 2.5 Year 11 with 70% or GPA 4/5 may be considered, subject to age |
| Jordan | Successful completion of Tawjihi with overall average of 80% including relevant subjects, with no lower than 70% in any subject |
| Kazakhstan | Successful completion of ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education (Grade 11) with grade average 4 and 5 |
| Korea | SH3: 5th Grade average in rank, with at least 5th grade in relevant subjects SH2: 4th Grade average in rank with at least 4th grade in relevant subjects |
| Kuwait | Successful completion of Tawjihi with overall average of 80% including relevant subjects, with no lower than 70% in any subject |
| Libya | Successful completion Secondary Education Certificate with average of 80% |
| Macau | Successful completion of iGCSE/'O' Levels at grade C in 5 relevant subjects including English or completion of Form 5 or Senior Middle 2. Top schools require 65%, other schools require 75% |
| Malaysia | SPM/UEC school: Form 5, Term 2, Mid-Year, Final Year Transcripts - Grades of A- C achieved in 5 relevant academic subjects to include English and Maths. SPM (Malaysia Certificate of Education) with 5 C grades or above in relevant subjects to include English and Mathematics. UEC minimum C grade in 5 relevant academic subjects inc. English & Mathematics. |
| Mexico | Successful completion of Bachillerato at a average of 75% and above |
| Morocco | Diplôme du Baccalauréat with grade average of 12 |
| Nigeria | Successful completion of West African School Certificate (WAEC) or Senior School Certificate with 1-6 (A-C) in 4 or more relevant subjects |
| Oman | Successful completion of Year 12 (General Education Diploma): 80% overall and 70% in all subjects, including relevant subjects |
| Pakistan | Year 11 entry: 75% - 50% min. required for relevant subjects ie. Maths and Sciences, to include passes in 4 or more subjects. HSC grades (60% overall, min 50% in any subject) |
| Qatar | Successful completion of Thanawaya Aam Qatari with overall grade 80% including relevant subjects and with no lower than 80% in any subjects |
| Russia | Successful completion of ATTESTAT/11th grade with a minimum GPA of 4.0 |
| Saudi Arabia | Successful completion of Tawjihi with average of 80% and no lower than 70% in relevant subjects |
| Singapore | 5 A-C grades O Level (accept mother tongue languages) or Year 1 of Diploma/University course with GPA 1.8 |
| Taiwan | Successful completion of Senior High School Year 3 pass with an average grade of 60% in relevant subjects overall, including relevant subjects or SH2 with 70% |
| Thailand | Successful completion of MAW 6 with average GPA 2.0 in relevant subjects including Maths and Sciences or successful completion of MAW 5 with GPA 2.5 |
| Turkey | Successful completion of Devlet Lise Diploması (High School Completion) - 65% overall with minimum 60% in relevant subjects |
| UAE | Successful completion of Tawjihi with average of 80% and minimum of 70% in relevant subjects |
| Ukraine | Successful completion of ATTESTAT/11th grade with a minimum GPA of 7.0 |
| USA | Grade 11 - GPA 2.75 or Grade 12 2.50. GED: 600 overall with 150 in 4 subjects, including prerequisites |
| Vietnam | Successful completion of Year 12 with average GPA 6.5 or Year 11 GPA 7.0, to include 6.5+ for Maths and Science subjects |
Please note: country specific entry requirements are for all programmes except for students wishing to apply for Medicine or Dental Surgery. For these degree aims, students must make an enquiry to be advised on entry and progression requirements.
Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance
Maths is not required except for progression to Economics (L100), Economics with a Language (L160, L1R2, L1R4) and Economics & Finance (LN13). Other numerate subjects accepted: Economics, Statistics, Accounting, Algebra, Calculus, Finance
Engineering, Physical Science and Computer Science
Students need Maths or numerate subject pass (Economics , Statistics, Accounting, Algebra, Calculus, Finance) and Physics.
International Year One
A programme equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree, with extra support and English language preparation.
| Academic | Good high school graduation grades plus up to one year of further study, or equivalent |
| English language | Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.5 (minimum 5.5 in writing and no skill less than 5) |
| Age | 17+ |
| Your country | Academic qualification(s) you need |
| Bahrain | Tawjahiya with 80% overall and minimum 70% in relevant subjects plus successfully completed 1 year of further study |
| Bangladesh | Year 12 (HSC): GPA 4.0 overall with GPA 3.75 in relevant subjects and GPA 4.0 in Maths and English, plus successful completion of 1st year of degree/diploma level studies. Maximum age 22 years & 364 days |
| Brazil | Ensino Medio - 5 subjects min (6.9 - 5.0 / regular / C / 3) plus successfully completed 1 year of further study |
| China | Senior High 3: 65% each in 4 or more subjects including relevant subjects plus 1 year of further year of study or 60% overall GaoKao results |
| Egypt | Year 12 (GSEC): 75% overall and 70% in relevant subjects. For engineering, Year 12 (GSEC): 75% overall and 70% in relevant subjects plus successfully completed 1 year of further study. |
| Ghana | Senior School Certificate average grade 1-6 (A-C) in 4 or more subjects plus successfully completed 1 year of further study |
| Hong Kong | HKDSE: 333 all subjects accepted, Higher Certificate or Honours Diploma (from Shue Yan College) or 2 Years Higher Diploma or 1 year Associate Degree: GPA 2.0. For Engineering, HKDSE: 333 all subjects accepted with 4 in Maths, Higher Certificate or Honours Diploma (from Shue Yan College) or 2 Years Higher Diploma or 1 year Associate Degree: GPA 2.0 |
| India | Year 12 (HSC): 60% overall, 50% in relevant subjects required from either Year 11 or Year 12. For Engineering: Year 12 (HSC): 60% overall with 75% in Maths, 50% in relevant subjects required from either Year 11 or Year 12 |
| Indonesia | 7.5 SMU 3 with 5 relevant subjects or first year university study with grade 2.0 and above |
| Japan | High School leaving certificate with 3.5 GPA or High School/Upper Secondary School leaving certificate plus successfully completed 1 year of further year of study |
| Jordan | High School certificate 70% with 50% in relevant subjects plus successfully completed 1 year of further study |
| Korea | From SH3 : 4th Grade average in rank, with at least 4th grade in relevant/prerequisite subjects. High School Diploma or Junior Vocational College Diploma. For Engineering, From SH3 : 4th Grade average in rank, with at least 4th grade in relevant/prerequisite subjects and Maths rank 5. High School Diploma or Junior Vocational College Diploma. |
| Kuwait | Year 12 (GSEC): overall 80% and 70% in relevant subjects plus successfully completed 1 year of further study |
| Malaysia | STPM or A Levels with 2 principal passes, GPA of 2.2. For Engineering, STPM or A Levels with 2 principal passes, or UEC with aggregate of not more than 30 points |
| Nigeria | WAEC, SSCE or GCE grades A1 - C6 in 5 or more subjects. plus successfully completed 1 year of further study |
| Oman | Year 12 (General Education Diploma): 80% overall and 70% in relevant subjects plus successfully completed 1 year of further study |
| Pakistan | Year 12 (HSC/ Intermediate certificate(Part I & II))): 70% overall (50% relevant subjects) or Year 12 (HSC/ Intermediate certificate(Part I & II))): 60% overall (50% relevant subjects) + 1 year of further study |
| Qatar | School Leaving Certificate 85% including relevant subjects plus successfully completed 1 year of further study |
| Saudi Arabia | Thanawaya Al-Aama 80% overall with 70% in relevant subjects plus successfully completed 1 year of further study |
| UAE | High School certificate (Tawjihiyya) 80% overall with 70% in relevant subjects plus successfully completed 1 year of further study |
Pre-Master's programme
A programme preparing international students for postgraduate study.
| Academic | First degree or a diploma in a related subject area |
| English language | 2 semester programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.5 (minimum 5.5 in all skills), or equivalent* * You do not need a UKVI-approved Secure English Test to start the programme. See above for equivalent tests information. |
| Age | 20+ |
| Your country | Academic qualification(s) you need to have |
| Bangladesh | Recognised first degree - 3 year undergraduate degree with overall of 50% (Hons) and 55% (Regular Pass) |
| China | 4 year full time studies Bachelor degree average 65% / 4 year full times studies Undergraduate Graduation Certificate 75% /3 year Academic JCD (max 1 semester internship accepted) 75% |
| Ghana | Undergraduate degree or HND in a related subject area (Grades A+ to B/3.0-4.0) |
| Hong Kong | First degree (honours/ordinary) OR HND, Honours Diploma, Associate Degree, Professional Diploma all in a related subject area with GPA 2.5 + |
| India | Recognised first degree - 3 year undergraduate degree with overall of 45% (Hons) and 50% (Regular Pass), 4 Year Undergraduate (Any) 45%, |
| Indonesia | Recognised first degree or D4 Diploma with grades A4-B3 |
| Japan | Recognised first degree with 60% or above or 3 year associated degree with 70% or above |
| Jordan | Recognised first degree, GPA 2.5/4.0 scale or 3.0/5.0 scale |
| Kazakhstan | Successful completion of Bakalavar, Specialist Diploma/Kazakh Diploma (4-5 years) with grades 3/4/5. Recognised first degree |
| Korea | Bachelor’s degree with grade average 70%+. Grade C or of 2.0 on the 4.5 scale or 2.0 on the 4.3 scale |
| Kuwait | Recognised first degree, GPA 2.5/4.0 scale or 3.0/5.0 scale |
| Libya | Higher Diploma in a related subject |
| Macau | Recognised first degree (honours/ordinary) GPA 2.5 or HND, Honours Diploma, Associate Degree, Professional Diploma in a related subject Area with GPA 3 or higher |
| Malaysia | Recognised first degree or Advanced Diploma in a related subject area (A, B & C/2.0+) |
| Nigeria | Recognised first degree or HND (in any subject). Distinction and Upper credit only |
| Oman | 4 years Bachelor's degree or 3 year Higher/Advanced Diploma : GPA 2.5/4.0 scale or 3.0/5.0 scale |
| Pakistan | Recognised first degree - 3 year undergraduate degree with overall of 50% (Hons) and 55% (Regular Pass), 4 Year Undergraduate (Any) 50% |
| Qatar | Recognised first degree, GPA 2.5/4.0 scale or 3.0/5.0 scale |
| Russia | Bakalavar, Specialist Diploma (4/5 years) with a minimum GPA of 4.0 |
| Saudi Arabia | Recognised first degree GPA 2.5/4.0 scale or 3.0/5.0 scale |
| Singapore | Pass from a recognised first degree or Advanced Diploma or Singapore Diploma GPA 2.0 |
| Taiwan | Recognised first degree/Bachelor degree at GPA 2.0 |
| Thailand | Bachelor degree with 2.3 on the 4.0 scale or Higher Diploma of Technical or Vocational Education or Associate Degree |
| Turkey | Lisans Diplomasi or Muhendis Diplomasi at GPA 2.1 or above |
| UAE | Recognised first degree, GPA 2.5/4.0 scale or 3.0/5.0 scale |
| Ukraine | Recognised first degree/Bakavalar/Ukrainian Diploma with a minimum GPA of 7.0 |
| USA | Successful completion of degree GPA 2.0 on a 4 point scale |
| Vietnam | Recognised First Degree with GPA 6.0. Recognised Associate Degree or Higher Diploma with high grades (7.0+) |
Business, Social Sciences and Humanities
For Forensic Linguistics and Applied Linguistics – First degree or diploma in English Language or Linguistics
For Education, Social and Public Policy and Social Science – First degree or diploma in relevant subject area
For Journalism related degrees – First degree or diploma in related arts, humanities or social science disciplines
For Computing / Computing and IT Management degrees - First degree or diploma in any discipline other than Computing
For Software Engineering - First degree or diploma in either a STEM subject with evidence of programming OR a non-STEM subject with evidence of suitable professional programming experience
Please note that places may be limited on some degrees.
Fees
Find out all you need to know about the fees for our pathway programmes.
Admissions support
Find out everything you need to know about applying to the International Study Centre, including visa information and how we will help you during the application process and beyond.
Contact us
Have more questions about studying with us? Read our FAQs, and if you still have questions, fill out our our online enquiry form and a friendly Student Enrolment Advisor will get back to you.