If you have received queries about the recruitment of international students onto our International Foundation Programme (IFP), following recent media coverage about the HE sector, here are some Q&As for colleagues.

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Understanding our International Foundation Programme

At the weekend (28 January), the Sunday Times published a story on the international foundation programmes run by some Russell Group universities.

The report included allegations that overseas students are admitted with lower entry requirements than those required for domestic students and also highlighted the use of private agencies for recruitment. This is not the case at Warwick. We run a fair, robust and transparent admissions process. Below we wanted to clarify our approach to our community openly and transparently.

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What is the IFP and why does Warwick have one?

Many countries operate an 11 or 12-year compulsory education system, as opposed to the 13-year system in the UK. This means that students leave compulsory education having completed the equivalent of an AS Level qualification or below. Our International Foundation Programme (IFP) is a one-year course which enables students to bridge the gap between the end of their compulsory schooling and the level required to access a degree programme at Warwick or other Russell Group universities. The programme aims to prepare talented students for undergraduate study with an intense course of study and support, but places on degrees are in no way guaranteed.

How do prospective students access the IFP?

We do not accept students onto this pathway who have studied A Levels, International Baccalaureate Diploma or any other qualification which allows progression directly to Warwick’s Undergraduate Programmes.

Applications are carefully assessed on merit and school grades, before being accepted onto the IFP. Students will only be accepted onto an undergraduate degree if they successfully pass their foundation programme and meet the demanding academic targets we set, which are equivalent to our direct entry requirements.

Does Warwick use private agencies and recruiters for the programme?

No. Our IFP is run entirely in-house by the university meaning we have complete control and oversight over the programme.

Are there different admission entry levels for international students compared to UK students?

No. We operate a fair, rigorous and transparent admissions process to ensure we attract the best and brightest students. All qualifications, international, home or otherwise (including our own foundation programme) are benchmarked to A levels and offers are made accordingly. That means that A-level entry requirements at Warwick are the same for international students as they are for UK students.

How many students from the IFP went on to Warwick programmes?

Fewer than 100 of our first-year undergraduate students came via the IFP last year, out of a total of nearly 6,000.

What proportion of undergraduates are from overseas?

Around 75% of our undergraduates are from the UK and this proportion has increased over recent years. We’re proud of the fact we’re a truly global university and welcome students from over 140 countries to our campus to live and study.

31 January 2024