Pre-Foundation Programme

Prepare for Success in Higher Education

The IH Dublin – University Pathway: Pre-Foundation Programme (GE + IELTS) is designed for students who wish to progress to a foundation or university programme in Ireland and need to develop both their English level and academic skills. It combines focused language development, IELTS preparation and structured academic training to build the competencies required for successful entry into higher education.

Students follow a morning schedule of 20 hours per week, combining General English and IELTS preparation according to their entry level. They also have access to optional weekly sessions in academic English, speaking and writing, presentations and study techniques.

Throughout the course, students complete regular IELTS mock tests under exam-style conditions and receive feedback and score guidance from their teachers. The pathway also includes seminars that introduce foundation and university options in Ireland, academic culture, and exam and study strategies.

The aim of the programme is for students to reach IELTS 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent), providing a smooth pathway to a Foundation Programme starting in September or January. Foundation programmes in Ireland typically require at least IELTS 5.0 for entry, so this course is designed as a bridge between students’ current level and those requirements.

Students can join at different points depending on their starting level and progression goals.

Progression to Foundation Programme with DIFC

International House Dublin has a partnership with Dublin International Foundation College (DIFC), a specialist pathway college in Dublin and Cork that delivers NCUK-accredited International Foundation Year and Pre-Master’s programmes leading to universities in Ireland, the UK and beyond. Through this partnership, students who complete our University Pathway: Pre-Foundation Programme and achieve the required level can progress to DIFC’s foundation routes (e.g. Business, Engineering, Science, Health) at a preferential, discounted fee, and from there on to a wide network of partner universities.