It is designed for three groups. School leavers who have finished high school with at least 60% in their Tawjihiyya or equivalent and want a bachelor's degree. Students who need to reach IELTS 5.0, or take the English placement test, and build university-level study skills before a degree. And parents, agents and counsellors who want a trusted, structured route to good universities, with the first year staying local in Riyadh.
HOW THE PATHWAY WORK
3 steps to university
A clear route from school to a bachelor's degree anywhere in the world.
STEP 1
Check the Entry Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate an English proficiency level of IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent). Candidates without a recognised English qualification may complete an approved language test through EP or enrol in a Pre-sessional English course. Academic qualifications will also be evaluated to confirm eligibility.
STEP 2
Take your International Foundation Year
Study the International Foundation Year in Riyadh, specialising in Business or Computing, and pass at the required level with good attendance.
STEP 3
Go abroad to university
Guaranteed progression to your chosen undergraduate degree anywhere in the world, subject to meeting your course requirements.
Progression depends on meeting the exit grade and the requirements of your offer.
OVERVIEW
An academic bridge from school to university
Ready to study for a bachelor's degree but not sure where to start? The International Foundation Year is your pathway: a full-time programme in Riyadh designed to take you from school straight into university life. In just one year, you'll strengthen your academic English, dive into core subjects in your chosen field, and build the study skills you'll need to thrive at university. Best of all, you do it all close to home. Choose the path that fits your future: Business or Computing. Both streams are taught face to face and awarded by NCUK, a consortium of leading universities, so when you complete the year and meet your progression requirement, your place at a partner university is guaranteed, anywhere in the world.
Not quite at the English level you need yet?
No problem. Our Pre-sessional English programme gets you there. Every student starts with 160 hours of focused English study, with up to 320 additional hours available depending on your level. That means 8 to 40 weeks of study, built in flexible 8 week blocks, at 20 hours a week. You'll sharpen your reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills until you reach the IELTS 5.0 equivalent you need to start your Foundation Year with confidence.
80+
partner universities worldwide
2 streams
Business & Computing
11 months
full-time, October to August
Intake day: October 18th, 2026
Entry-level requirements:
IELTS 5.0 for Foundation Year
(IELTS 3.5 for Pre-sessional English)
Guaranteed progression
subject to meeting your grades
Where this pathway can take you
Your route to 80+ universities worldwide
Meet your grades and progress to a network of partner universities across the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and beyond. If you exceed or fall short of your offer, your counsellor helps you find the right match.
CHOOSE YOUR STREAM
Two academic streams, one clear pathway
Choose the stream that matches the degree you want to study. The Business Stream serves as an ideal entry point for careers in business, finance, management, or economics. You will master subjects like Business Studies, Economics, and Global Studies while advancing your academic English language proficiency and essential university study skills. The Computing Stream is tailored for students passionate about technology, computer science, software engineering, or data analytics. It covers foundational technical modules including Computer Science and Technical Maths alongside Business Studies. Whichever path you select, the International Foundation Year at English Path Riyadh delivers the core knowledge, academic confidence, and practical skills required to progress to a top university
Business Stream
For business, economics and social science degrees
Ideal if you plan to study business, finance, economics, management or a related subject.
- English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Global Studies
Progression areas
-
Business & Management -
Finance & Economics -
Accounting -
Social Sciences
Computing Stream
For computer science and technology degrees
Ideal if you plan to study computer science, software, data or a technology related subject.
- English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
- Computer Science
- Technical Maths
- Business Studies
Progression areas
-
Computer Science -
Software & Data -
Engineering & Tech -
Marketing & Media
What we provide for you
What’s included
Onboarding pack
Pre-arrival pack and full
induction
Placement test
IELTS or an equivalent recognised English language test
Face-to-face teaching
25 hours per week on campus
Digital platforms
Online learning and resources
1-to-1 counselling
Regular academic guidance
University guidance
Application and progression support
Official certificate
IFY certificate and transcript
Study in Riyadh
Local, supportive first year
By the end of the year
What you will achieve
- Meet the requirements for direct entry to an undergraduate degree
- Develop academic reading, writing and presentation skills
- Apply the core knowledge of your chosen stream
- Carry out basic academic research and reference sources correctly
- Think critically and solve problems using logical reasoning
- Manage your own study and work well in a team
- Use digital tools confidently for research and presentations
Why Riyadh
Why study at English Path Riyadh?
English Path Riyadh is where your university journey begins. You study close to home in a modern, welcoming centre, then move on to your degree once you have your place.
- Study close to home before you move on to university
- Small, supportive classes taught face to face
- Save on overseas living costs during your first year
- A wide choice of universities around the world
QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Who is the International Foundation Year for?
Is my progression to university guaranteed?
Progression to an NCUK partner university is guaranteed, subject to meeting your course requirements. You must complete the foundation year and meet the progression requirement of your offer — your exit grades and good attendance — and apply through NCUK. Progression depends on meeting the exit grade.
What is the difference between the entry requirement and the progression requirement?
The entry requirement is what you need to join the foundation year, such as 60% in your Tawjihiyya and IELTS 5.0 or the placement test. The progression requirement is what you must achieve during the year, your exit grades and attendance, to move on to your chosen degree.
What if I haven't taken IELTS or a similar exam?
If you do not have IELTS 5.0 or an equivalent, you can take the English placement test at our centre in Riyadh.
Will I need a separate IELTS to progress to university?
For partner universities, no. Once you pass the English for Academic Purposes module, it meets the English requirement for progression. If you plan to study abroad, you will still need to meet the visa requirements of that country.
Do I need to pass all modules?
To pass the programme you need at least 40 percent (Grade D) in every module.
Can I resit a module if I don't pass?
If you score below 40 percent in a module's coursework or exams, you will normally resit the failed assessment. This may delay your entry to university.
Do I automatically qualify for any partner university?
No. Universities set their own offers, usually between CCC and AAB, and you need the matching exit grade. Some specialised courses may ask for extra steps, such as an interview or a portfolio, and your counsellor will guide you through these.
Can I apply to universities outside the partner network?
Yes. The IFY is recognised as equivalent to UK A-levels and many non-partner universities accept it. However, guaranteed progression applies only to official NCUK partner universities, subject to meeting your course requirements.
Yes. Students who successfully complete the International Foundation Year (IFY) will receive a TVTC-accredited Associate Diploma, supported by an official completion certificate. This recognised qualification provides formal confirmation of successful completion of the programme.
You take one compulsory English for Academic Purposes module plus three subject modules in your stream. Business: Business Studies, Economics and Global Studies. Computing: Computer Science, Technical Maths and Business Studies.
Through a mix of coursework, such as essays, reports, presentations and portfolios, and end of term examinations, depending on the subject.
How is my grade worked out, and how does it compare to UK A-levels?
Your final mark in each module maps to a grade and a UK A-level equivalent. To pass, you need at least 40 percent (Grade D) in every module. Your overall exit grade is what universities check against your offer. Most partner university offers sit between CCC and AAB, depending on the degree and institution. If you meet your offer, your place is confirmed. If not, your student counsellor will help you find another option.
| Percentage | Grade | UK A-Level |
|---|---|---|
| 70 to 100% | A | A / A* |
| 60 to 69% | B | B |
| 50 to 59% | C | C |
| 40 to 49% | D | D |
| 0 to 39% | F | Fail |
Can I join after the start date?
Because the course is intensive, there is no option to join after the official start date.
Accreditations and nominations
At EP, part of the GEDU group, we are committed to excellence in language education. Our dedication is reflected in the prestigious accreditations we hold, such as the British Council in the UK, the ELT Council in Malta, Languages Canada in Toronto, Bildungsurlaub in Germany, ACELS and English Education in Ireland, and approval Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai. These accreditations prove that our programmes meet high standards. We are also proud to have been finalists or winners of awards for the best language schools, a testament to the quality and impact of our educational offerings. Click here to find out more about our accreditations.
An NCUK Study Centre, delivering a qualification recognised as equivalent to UK A Levels, and a TVTC-accredited Associate Diploma recognised here in the Kingdom.
English Path Riyadh is an NCUK Study Centre. NCUK qualifications are developed, owned and awarded by NCUK. Approved by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
