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Programme: 1+3

International Foundation Year

80+partner universities
7,500+programme options
10universities in the QS world top 100
21universities in the QS world top 200

The main idea

International Foundation Year is an International University Consortium programme developed with partner universities as an academic pathway to the first year of their undergraduate programmes. Students begin at STARS International University in Tashkent, choose their future field and target universities in advance, and then continue within the international university network.

International Foundation Year

International
Foundation Year
in 60 seconds

Everything you need to know about the programme — briefly and clearly

International university students
1yearfoundation programme
80+universities
7 500+undergraduate programmes
1styearprogression to university

IFY programme

What is International Foundation Year?

An International University Consortium pre-university programme developed with partner universities for progression to the first year of a bachelor’s degree.

Students working on a project

IUC programme

Who is it for?

For school graduates and other applicants who need an academic bridge between their previous education and the first year of an international university.

Where does the programme lead?

After Foundation, students can access 80+ partner universities and 7,500+ undergraduate programmes worldwide.

The student chooses

The student. STARS helps compare universities, countries, subjects and budgets, then create a personal shortlist.

Who awards the bachelor’s degree?

The university selected for further study awards the bachelor’s degree after the full programme is completed.

Where does the journey begin?

At STARS International University in Tashkent, without moving abroad for the foundation year.

Why is progression built into the system?

Because students take the International University Consortium Foundation Year developed with partner universities.

What does the student study?

Three academic subject modules, English, research and academic communication skills, plus study-success skills.

The academic system

Whose programme is it — and why do universities accept it?

International Foundation Year is an International University Consortium programme. It is not a standalone internal STARS course, but part of an international progression system developed with partner universities to prepare international students for first-year undergraduate study.

  1. 1

    International University Consortium

    Defines the academic structure and international progression ecosystem.

  2. 2

    STARS International University

    Teaches students in Tashkent, provides academic support and helps build a university progression strategy.

  3. 3

    Partner universities

    Recognise IFY as an academic pathway to undergraduate study within the network.

  4. 4

    Student

    Chooses a future field and target universities from the outset, studying towards a clear next destination.

International university students

University progression

A clear path to the first year

Partner universities recognise IFY as an academic pathway to undergraduate study. STARS helps align your future degree, Foundation subjects, university requirements and application deadlines in advance.

01

Choose your goal

Define your future field, countries and suitable universities with STARS Admissions.

02

Plan your study route

Choose three IFY subjects aligned with the requirements of your target degrees.

03

Progress to Year 1

After successfully completing IFY, apply to available programmes in the partner network.

Consortium Guarantee. Progression is considered after successful completion of IFY and satisfaction of the requirements of an available chosen degree. Conditions, deadlines and university options are confirmed for each intake and field; no specific university or degree is assigned automatically.

Ecctis — an independent assessment benchmarked the programme’s academic standard against GCE A Level (UK), Advanced Placement (USA), HKDSE, Australian Senior Secondary School Certificate and Alberta High School Diploma.

Partner universities

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingem, USA

An international university with a broad programme portfolio and modern academic environment.

University of Alberta

University of Alberta

Edmonton, Canada

A university combining strong academics, research and practical learning.

Aston University

Aston University

Birmingem, United Kingdom

A modern education centre with programmes for professional and international development.

Partner universities in the QS World University Rankings 2027Show the listHide the list

10 partners in the Top 100

  1. UNSW SydneyAustralia#19
  2. The University of ManchesterUnited Kingdom=40
  3. University of BristolUnited Kingdom#57
  4. The University of AucklandNew Zealand#67
  5. University of BirminghamUnited Kingdom=68
  6. The University of Western AustraliaAustralia=77
  7. University of LeedsUnited Kingdom=77
  8. University of SheffieldUnited Kingdom=82
  9. Durham UniversityUnited Kingdom#85
  10. University of AlbertaCanada#96

11 more partners in the Top 200

  1. Queen Mary University of LondonUnited Kingdom#103
  2. RMIT UniversityAustralia=119
  3. University of ExeterUnited Kingdom#136
  4. University of LiverpoolUnited Kingdom#139
  5. Newcastle UniversityUnited Kingdom#149
  6. University of YorkUnited Kingdom=158
  7. Lancaster UniversityUnited Kingdom#164
  8. Queen’s University BelfastUnited Kingdom=174
  9. Cardiff UniversityUnited Kingdom=179
  10. University of ReadingUnited Kingdom=196
  11. University of OtagoNew Zealand#198
University graduates

12 subject modules — a foundation for your future degree

Art and Design

Portfolio, creative practice, visual context and the development of creative ideas.

Business

Management, marketing, HR, finance and business strategy.

Economics

Microeconomics, macroeconomics, markets and international trade.

Biology

Cell structure, genetics, physiology and experimental methods.

Chemistry

Atomic structure, organic chemistry, chemical equilibrium and analytical methods.

Further Mathematics

Advanced mathematical methods for technical and engineering fields.

Computer Science

Programming, algorithms, computer systems and computational thinking.

Global Studies

Globalisation, sustainable development and international relations.

Sociology

Society, social relations, institutions and cultural influence.

Physics

Mechanics, electricity, waves and quantum physics.

Applied Mathematics

Data, mathematical modelling and practical applications of mathematics.

Technical Mathematics

Mathematics for engineering and IT: mechanics, differential equations, trigonometry and technical methods.

Programme structure

How Foundation Year works

Students study three subject modules, academic English and research communication, plus Skills for Success. Subjects are selected for the future degree and universities on a personal shortlist.

3subject modules
1English / RCS module
1Skills for Success module
120maximum credits

The typical model is 30 teaching weeks, 18 teaching hours per week and about 1,200 total learning hours including independent study. STARS publishes the calendar for each intake; other formats may be available.

English / RCS

Academic reading, writing, speaking, listening and research communication.

Skills for Success

Time management, critical thinking, academic integrity, digital literacy and independent study.

Choosing subjects

From future degree to Foundation subjects

These examples explain how subjects are chosen. STARS confirms the final combination against the requirements of selected universities and programmes.

Engineering

Physics + Technical Maths + Further Maths, or another suitable technical combination.

AI, Computer Science and Cybersecurity

Computer Science + Technical or Integrated Maths + Further Maths, or another suitable combination.

Medicine and life sciences

Biology + Chemistry + Maths, or another suitable science combination.

Business, finance and economics

Business Studies + Economics + Integrated Maths, or another suitable combination.

Law and international relations

Global Studies + Sociology + Business or Economics, or another suitable humanities combination.

Architecture and design

Art and Design + Maths + a complementary academic subject.

Psychology

Biology or Sociology + Maths + a suitable social-science subject.

Environment and sustainability

Biology, Chemistry, Global Studies and Maths — the combination depends on the target degree.

Undergraduate fields after Foundation

Each field contains many degree options. The list shows the partner network’s breadth; availability of a degree and university depends on the intake and admissions requirements.

  • Aerospace / Aeronautical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical & Electronic Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Mechatronics
  • Automotive Engineering
  • Robotics & Automation
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Petroleum / Energy Engineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Renewable Energy Engineering
  • Computer Systems Engineering
  • Construction Engineering
  • Product Design Engineering
  • Engineering Management

Special pathway

Medicine & Health Sciences

Medical and related degrees require early planning of science subjects and the chosen university’s requirements.

Foundation subjects

Biology, Chemistry and Maths or other science preparation provide the academic foundation.

Future degrees

Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Medical Sciences, Nursing, Public Health, Nutrition and Neuroscience.

University planning

STARS helps identify suitable medical and health options early and plan a preparation timeline.

Application readiness

For regulated professions, tests, interviews and documents are planned separately where required.

Medicine and Dentistry are regulated fields: tests, interviews, documents and admissions requirements are reviewed individually. IFY alone does not guarantee a place on a specific medical degree.

Who IFY is for

For different academic backgrounds

School graduate

Needs an academic bridge to the first year of an overseas university.

Student with a strong academic background

Wants to choose a university early and prepare for international study.

Student at another university

Seeks a new international route; previous study is assessed separately.

Applicant with IGCSE, O Level or GCSE

Can use IFY as the next academic stage.

Still choosing a degree

Can keep subject options flexible and narrow the goal with STARS Admissions.

Needs English preparation

Can take a preparatory English route first if needed.

Students on a university campus

Entry points

IFY, IY1 or IY2: where should you start?

Three programme levels for different academic backgrounds

International Foundation Year

International Foundation Year

Level 1
Entry point
After school / when an academic bridge is needed
Typical profile
International foundation year
What you study
International foundation year
Next stageYear 1 of a bachelor’s degree
International Year One

International Year One

Level 2
Entry point
After a Level 3 qualification / Foundation / A-Level / IB / equivalent
Typical profile
First year of an international bachelor’s degree
What you study
First year of an international bachelor’s degree
Next stageYear 2 of a bachelor’s degree
International Year Two

International Year Two

Level 3
Entry point
After an undergraduate year / Level 4 equivalent
Typical profile
Second year of an international bachelor’s degree
What you study
Second year of an international bachelor’s degree
Next stageFinal stage / final year

Life at STARS

Support while studying in Tashkent

University progression

University selection, degree mapping, applications, documents and deadlines.

Visa and arrival

Administrative support for international students.

Accommodation

Organised residence for international and out-of-town students.

Meals and daily life

Facilities for daily life and meals.

Health

Access to a medical check-up through partner clinical facilities.

Sport

Gym, pool and sports activities.

Student community

Student clubs, events and initiatives.

Library

Access to additional academic resources at the National Library.

International opportunities

STARS travel and practical programmes, including Work & Travel where current terms allow.

Career and skills

Communication, independent study and preparation for professional life.

Admissions

How to apply for International Foundation Year

  1. 1

    Submit an application

    Submit the application and core academic documents.

  2. 2

    Academic assessment

    STARS identifies the optimal entry point and discusses the future field of study.

  3. 3

    Choose a university and field

    The student receives an initial map of possible destination universities and academic fields.

  4. 4

    Offer

    A formal study offer is issued.

  5. 5

    Reserve a place and set a financial plan

    The place and applicable grant/payment model are confirmed.

  6. 6

    Visa and arrival support

    STARS organises the necessary administrative processes for international students.

  7. 7

    Start IFY

    The student begins the foundation programme with a progression roadmap.

Tuition and grants

STARS tuition and the financial logic of the pathway

2026–2027
$10Kbase annual tuition
50%STARS grant support
1 YEARFoundation in Tashkent
THENuniversity tuition
International university campus

Grants 2026–2027

During International Foundation Year, students pay STARS International University under the current 2026–2027 grant and payment policy. The grant system can significantly reduce the effective cost for strong and motivated applicants.

  1. 01

    STARS stage

    Study, grant support, academic guidance and progression planning in Tashkent.

  2. 02

    University partnerships

    Many destination universities offer their own scholarships, grants and awards.

  3. 03

    After progression

    Students pay the destination university’s current tuition for the relevant programme and intake.

  4. 04

    Main saving

    The full international year is completed in Tashkent, without overseas living costs at this stage.

Application checklist

What to prepare before applying

  • Passport
  • Education certificate / transcript
  • Grades
  • Proof of English
  • Preferred field
  • Preferred countries and budget

If you have studied at university, prepare your academic transcript and course descriptions so STARS can assess eligibility for IY1 or IY2.

Students preparing application documents
FAQ

Key questions from students, parents and agents

Everything you need to know about IFY and university admission

A university classroom session
International Foundation YearYour path to an international university starts here

Yes. This pathway is specifically designed for progression to Year 1 of an undergraduate programme.