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University preparation in London 2025
This content was developed and approved with active participation of Chris Skidmore.
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:
- https://www.mystudenthalls.com/news/prepare-university-interview/
- https://www.student.com/articles/prepare-going-university.
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United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 9from 19795.00 £ / year -
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 5from 18990.00 £ / term -
University preparation London is not an easy task, which must be approached in a comprehensive manner: improve English, study in depth specialized subjects, learn to write motivation letters and pass interviews. The importance of higher education in London at TOP universities for foreign applicants is difficult to overestimate. They not only fill knowledge gaps, but also allow for gradual adaptation to the learning models used in the United Kingdom.
Why Opt for University Preparation Courses in London?
If a foreign student is interested in pursuing higher education in the UK, he is usually required to eliminate differences between the educational systems of their home country and the United Kingdom. Such a situation is related to the fact that students in the UK usually study for 13 years, compared to 11 years adopted in many other countries. Pre-university programs in London are designed for eliminating this gap during a year of studying. This course makes an emphasis on in-depth academic preparation and development of soft skills, such as time management and financial planning.
What's Covered in University Prep Courses?
The curriculum for preparing for university in London usually consists of the following:
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Academic English: Enhances your skills in English essay writing, graph and diagram interpretation, etc.
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Specialized Subjects: Focuses on 3-4 key disciplines relevant to your chosen field.
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Project Work: Practical projects are conducted, its forms include individual or group-based. Usually such projects are submitted as a part of a package of documents when applying to the university.
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Skill Development Seminars: These activities provide students with university-specific skills, which include essay writing, presentation making, and data analysis.
Alternative destinations
Types of University Prep Courses in London
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International Foundation Program: This is the standard university preparation course in London and lasts for three terms, typically running from September to June or January to August. Completion leads to first-year university admission.
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International Diploma: This program is designed for students who have already completed a year of university education in their home country. Taking this course leads to second-year university admission.
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International Year 1: This is an accelerated one-year program, leading to entry to the second year of a university course.
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Extended Foundation: This extended program lasts from 4 to 6 semesters, target audience is students who lack English skills.
Do all schools provide ESL courses for foreign students? How important is it?
Yes, universities offer an English language course for foreign students, but keep in mind that for enrollment you will still have to have some knowledge (usually it is B2-C1 on the CEFR scale) - otherwise you simply will not enter the university, which means that ESL will not be available to you. Support is offered to students who have been able to enroll but are still experiencing a little difficulty – but ESL will not become a major part of your studies, so you should not rely on it too much.
Who Needs University Preparation Courses?
You should consider enrolling in a Foundation or Pre-Masters program in London if:
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You've studied under a non-British educational system.
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Your academic grades fall short of your chosen university's requirements.
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You lack specific subject experience required for your desired program.
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Your English proficiency isn't sufficient for direct university entry.
Cost of Preparing for University in London
When you decide to obtain a higher education in London, please take into account the cost of attending the university preparation course. Fees range, which is stipulated by depending on the course type and its duration.
Pre-Masters Programs in London
In case of interest to enter a Master’s program, foreign students are offered Pre-Masters programs. They are especially useful if:
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Your academic background does not meet the admission requirements of your selected Master's program.
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You have an insufficient level of English.
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You've been out of academia for an extended period due to work commitments.
Pre-Masters programs are aimed at improving academic and language skills, and also helping you to get acquainted with the British educational system.
Pre-university courses in London provide a comprehensive approach to eliminating the academic and cultural differences. By enrolling in these courses, you can enhance your qualifications and significantly increase your chances of securing a spot in one of London's top universities.
General statistics on education in the UK - ratings, specialties, universities
Top 9 best colleges in London 2025 rankings
| 1 | Abbey DLD College London |
| 2 | MPW College London |
| 3 | Kensington Park School |
| 4 | CATS College London |
| 5 | Bellerbys College London |
| 6 | David Game College London |
| 7 | Cambridge Tutors College |
| 8 | Ealing Independent College |
| 9 | King’s College London |
Top 33 best schools and colleges in and near London 2025
| 1 | Abbey DLD College London |
| 2 | Sevenoaks School |
| 3 | Chelsea Independent College |
| 4 | ACS Cobham International School |
| 5 | MPW College London |
| 6 | Westminster School |
| 7 | Mill Hill School |
| 8 | St Pauls School London |
| 9 | Kensington Park School |
| 10 | Harrow School |
| 11 | CATS College London |
| 12 | David Game College London |
| 13 | Hurtwood House School |
| 14 | Brentwood Private School |
| 15 | Bellerbys College London |
| 16 | Caterham School |
| 17 | International Community School |
| 18 | TASIS the American International School in England |
| 19 | City of London Freemen’s School |
| 20 | Dulwich College |
| 21 | Ashbourne College |
| 22 | Epsom College |
| 23 | Royal Russell School |
| 24 | Rochester Independent College |
| 25 | Worth School |
| 26 | Felsted School |
| 27 | Queenswood private boarding school |
| 28 | LVS Ascot School |
| 29 | Eaton Square Private School London |
| 30 | Cambridge Tutors College |
| 31 | Marymount International School London |
| 32 | St Christopher School Letchworth |
| 33 | King Edward's Witley Private School |
Learning programs-summary information
| Name | Meaning | Equivalent | Min. age | Duration, years |
Next stage | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCSE | General certificate of secondary education | secondary education (non-accomplished) | 14 | 1–2 | A-Levels | 15,000 USD+ |
| A-Levels | Advanced level | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
| BTEC | Business and Technology Education Board | secondary special education | 14 | 2–3 | University/ work | 15,000 USD+ |
| Oxbridge Preparation | Preparing for Oxford and Cambridge | secondary education (accomplished) | 17 | 1 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
| International Baccalaureate | International baccalaureate | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 18,000 USD+ |
| Foundation/ Pathway Year | Preparatory year | admission to the 1st year of university | 17 | 1 | University | 14,000 USD+ |
| NCUK | The Northern consortium | 2 year university | 17,5 | 1 | 2 year University of NCUK | 13,000 USD+ |
| Special Preparation (Medics/Math/Business) | Specialized training | - | 14 | optional | optional | 4,000 USD+ |
| Academic English | Academic English | Language school | 8 + | 6–12 months | School or University | 8,000 USD+ |
Top 21 boarding colleges in England 2025
| 1 | Cardiff Sixth Form College |
| 2 | National Mathematics and Science College |
| 3 | Abbey College Cambridge |
| 4 | d'Overbroeck's College |
| 5 | MPW London |
| 6 | CATS Cambridge |
| 7 | Kensington Park |
| 8 | DLD London |
| 9 | King's College St Michael’s |
| 10 | Bellerbys Cambridge |
| 11 | Chelsea Independent College |
| 12 | MPW Cambridge |
| 13 | Bellerbys Brighton |
| 14 | CATS London |
| 15 | St Clare's Oxford |
| 16 | Bishopstrow College |
| 17 | CATS Canterbury |
| 18 | Bellerbys London |
| 19 | Ealing Independent College |
| 20 | Cambridge Tutors College |
| 21 | Abbey Manchester |
Top 35 best universities and colleges in Canada 2025
| 1 | University of Toronto |
| 2 | McGill University |
| 3 | University of British Columbia |
| 4 | University of Alberta |
| 5 | Simon Fraser University |
| 6 | Montreal University |
| 7 | University of Windsor |
| 8 | York University |
| 9 | University of Guelph |
| 10 | McMaster University |
| 11 | University of Manitoba |
| 12 | University of Waterloo |
| 13 | Royal Roads University |
| 14 | Vancouver Film School |
| 15 | Kwantlen Polytechnic University |
| 16 | University of Calgary |
| 17 | Dalhousie University |
| 18 | Fanshawe College |
| 19 | University of Ottawa |
| 20 | Laval University |
| 21 | Sheridan College |
| 22 | University of Regina |
| 23 | Brock University |
| 24 | Thompson Rivers University |
| 25 | Humber College |
| 26 | Vancouver Island University |
| 27 | Mohawk College |
| 28 | Centennial College Toronto |
| 29 | Niagara College |
| 30 | Capilano University |
| 31 | Seneca College |
| 32 | Algoma University |
| 33 | Saint Clair College |
| 34 | Douglas College |
| 35 | LaSalle College |
