International academic qualifications

The University recognises a wide range of international qualifications and equivalencies. If you are studying outside the UK the grading system and level of qualification in your country may not be the same as in the UK.

If you are unsure whether your qualification meets our entry requirements, you can find out more information on our Entry requirements pages, by clicking on the country or region in which you have studied.

Alternatively, you can contact the ECCITS (formerly NARIC) or the Admissions Office for further guidance about your qualifications' suitability for entry to our programmes, providing as much detail as possible.

The University recognises this qualification and our programme listings give full details of the grades and subjects required. Our offers are usually based on having achieved or achieving an overall IB Diploma grade or three individual Higher Level subjects at specified grades, and they could also include achieving specific grades in specific subjects. 

Applicants taking the International Baccalaureate Career-related programme will be consider where this includes three individual Higher Level certificates or where applicants are undertaking two IB Higher Level certificates and a BTEC Diploma.

Any A-Level subject requirements would need to be met with the HL IB certificates.

IB Middle Years will be accepted in lieu of GCSE subjects where required. IB Middle Years grade 5 in lieu of GCSE Grade B/5 and IB Middle Years grade 4 in lieu of GCSE grade C/4.

Changes to IB Mathematics:

In development for first teaching in September 2019, and first examination May 2021 are the following Within the IB students can take one of the following two new Maths subjects:

• Mathematics: Analysis and approaches HL and SL - Analytic methods with an emphasis on calculus – appropriate for pure mathematicians, and those with an interest in analytic methods. Current calculus option content will form part of the HL course.
• Mathematics: Applications and interpretation HL and SL - Applications and interpretation with an emphasis on statistics and use of technology during assessment – appropriate for social scientists, economists, those with an interest in the applications of mathematics and how technology can support this. SL will be appropriate for students who would previously have taken Mathematical Studies SL. Current HL content from the statistics and discrete options will form part of the HL course.

What does that mean for Exeter?

• For programmes within our Faulty of Environment, Science and Economy or Faculty of Health and Life Sciences where a ‘Science’ subject is listed as a requirement, either of these Mathematics subjects will be considered as an acceptable science subject.
• For programmes within our Business School which have a ‘Maths’ subject requirement, either of these Mathematics subjects are acceptable.
• For programmes within our Engineering and Computer Science departments which have a ‘Maths’ subject requirement, either of these Mathematics subjects are acceptable. Where a ‘Science’ subject is listed as a requirement, either of these Mathematics subjects will be acceptable.
• For programmes within our Departments of Mathematics and Statistics or Physics and Astronomy departments which have a ‘Maths’ subject requirement, ONLY Analysis and approaches will acceptable. Where a ‘Science’ subject is listed as a requirement, either of these Mathematics subjects will be acceptable.

INTO University of Exeter offers Foundation and International Year One programmes for international students who do not meet the academic and/or English language requirement for direct entry to the University. These programmes are designed to develop the academic study skills and high levels of English language competence necessary for undergraduate study at the University of Exeter.

The INTO University of Exeter Centre is based on the University’s Streatham Campus, where teaching is delivered by highly qualified teachers with many years of teaching experience, in an inspiring learning environment. Successful students are guaranteed a place on an appropriate degree programme at the University.

NCUK foundation pathway programmes

The University of Exeter is a proud University Partner of NCUK. NCUK is a consortium of leading universities dedicated to helping international students access and succeed at university. Since 1987, NCUK has helped over 30,000 international students gain access to university.

NCUK offers foundation pathway programmes which are taught and quality assured by its global network of more than 50 Study Centres around the world. All NCUK qualifications include a unique language and study skills preparation module, English for Academic Purposes (EAP). This module will equip you with the skills you need to succeed in your studies at a UK university.

NCUK also has a dedicated University Admissions and Placement Services team, who will support you at all stages throughout your university application process.

To find out more information about NCUK and how they can help you progress to the University of Exeter, please visit the NCUK website and NCUK EAP requirements for masters courses. 

Foundation programme requirements for 2023 entry

Please select your subject of interest below to view acceptable foundation programmes:

• Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
  (Accounting, Computer Science, Data Science, Ecology and Conservation, Economics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Marine Science, Management, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, Renewable Energy)
• Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
  (Arab and Islamic Studies, Archaelogy, Art History, Classical and Ancient History, Communications, Drama, English and Creative Writing, Film Studies, Flexible Combined Honours, History, Law, Liberal Arts, Modern Languages, Politics and International Relations, Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology, Theology)
• Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
  (Biosciences, Exercise and Sport Sciences, Medical Imaging, Medical Science (Including Neuroscience), Nutrition, Nursing, Psychology, Sport and Exercise Medical Sciences)