How to apply
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Select your chosen start date for the International Foundation Programme
Timeline panel
Choose your subject pathway
Choose which undergraduate degree you would like to progress to upon completion of the IFP. This may also determine whether you will need to take the Autumn-start or the Spring-start IFP.
Apply
Complete our online application. You will need to provide
- your most recent school transcript
- a personal statement
- proof of your English language level (if required)
Personal statement
It's important that you include, in your personal statement:
- Your reasons for studying the IFP at Kent
- The undergraduate degree you would like to study upon completion of the IFP and why you would like to study it.
Provide necessary documents
We'll assess your application. We may need more information from you so remember to check Kent Vision regularly. If you are under 18, we may ask you to take part in an online interview to find out more about you and your academic background.
Offer and accommodation
If your application meets our requirements, we will make you a conditional offer – for example we may require you to achieve certain grades in your exams. Once you have a conditional offer you can apply for accommodation on campus.
Book your IELTS test
If you require a visa to study in the UK, you will need to take an IELTS test as a condition of study. It's important that you take the test in an 'IELTS for UKVI' session, so take special care when you book your test.
Provide us with your IELTS results
You will need an overall minimum score of 5.0 in your IELTS test to meet the conditions of the International Foundation Programme. If you require a visa to study in the UK, we cannot make an unconditional offer until we have received these results.
Accept your unconditional offer
Once you have met the conditions of your offer and let us know, we will make your offer unconditional, which you can accept on Kent Vision. At this point, our CAS team will review your file and request any missing information.
Check your Pre-CAS document
Subject to fulfilling all the necessary conditions, the University will issue an electronic Pre-CAS document before issuing a CAS number. This will be sent to you via Kent Vision.
Your CAS number
Your CAS number (a unique 14-digit code) signifies that you have met all the University's academic and immigration conditions. It is assigned no earlier than 3 months prior to the start date of your course.
Apply for your student visa (if required)
You can now apply for your Tier 4 Student Visa (if required).
You will need a UK address as a part of your application.
Visa decisions
Usually you will get a decision on your visa within 3-8 weeks (although it may take longer if your supporting documents need to be verified or you need to attend an interview).
Enrol on your course
You will receive an email advising you when you can enrol. We recommend you fill out your enrolment as soon as possible.
Collecting your visa
Most student visa applications will receive a 90-day vignette (sticker) to put in your passport and a letter which you will need to bring with you to the UK. When you arrive, you will collect a biometric residence permit (BRP).
Arrivals and Welcome Week
We look forward to welcoming you to University of Kent! You'll want to attend as much of Welcome Week as possible to help you get acquainted with the University.
Find out more
IFP students are full University of Kent students, so the full range of induction and support events will be available to you. You will have access to all learning and support resources and services.