★Internationally Accredited — IGCSE · Cambridge · IB · Edexcel · CBC
◆Expert Tutors — Hand-picked, degree-qualified, exam specialists
●Mshauri AI Tutor — 24/7 personalised learning support
◆Serving 2,000+ Students across 12+ Countries
★Flexible Learning — Home visits, learning centre, or 100% online
●University Placement — 200+ partner universities worldwide
◆From $8/hour tuition · $38 application fee · First lesson within 48 hours
★Proven Results — 94% A*/A pass rate at IGCSE and A-Level
★Internationally Accredited — IGCSE · Cambridge · IB · Edexcel · CBC
◆Expert Tutors — Hand-picked, degree-qualified, exam specialists
●Mshauri AI Tutor — 24/7 personalised learning support
◆Serving 2,000+ Students across 12+ Countries
★Flexible Learning — Home visits, learning centre, or 100% online
●University Placement — 200+ partner universities worldwide
◆From $8/hour tuition · $38 application fee · First lesson within 48 hours
★Proven Results — 94% A*/A pass rate at IGCSE and A-Level
International University Foundation Programme

IUFP — your bridge to international universities

A one-year academic foundation programme designed to prepare Kenyan and African secondary school graduates for direct entry to top universities in the UK, Australia, Canada and the US. IUFP bridges the gap between KCSE/national qualifications and international university entry requirements.

About IUFP

What is the International University Foundation Programme?

The International University Foundation Programme (IUFP) is a structured one-year academic pathway that bridges the gap between Kenyan/African secondary school qualifications (KCSE, WASSCE) and direct entry requirements for international universities. It builds the academic skills, subject knowledge and English proficiency required for degree-level study abroad.

IUFP is particularly valuable for students whose KCSE grades don't quite meet direct international university entry requirements, students switching from a non-standard curriculum to UK/US/Australian university systems, or students wanting an additional year of academic maturity before starting their degree.

Programme streams

Choose your foundation stream

Business & Economics

Subjects: Mathematics, Economics, Business Studies, Accounting, Academic English
Leads to: Business, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Management degrees

Science & Engineering

Subjects: Advanced Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Academic English
Leads to: Engineering, Computer Science, Sciences, Architecture degrees

Health Sciences

Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Academic English
Leads to: Pre-med, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, Nursing degrees

Humanities & Social Sciences

Subjects: English, History, Geography, Psychology, Academic Writing
Leads to: Law, International Relations, Psychology, Liberal Arts degrees
Who IUFP is for

Is IUFP right for you?

KCSE C+ to B grade students seeking pathway to top international universities
Students whose grades don't quite meet direct UK/Australia/Canada entry
Gap year students wanting structured academic preparation before university
Students switching from CBC/8-4-4 to international university systems
Students needing IELTS/TOEFL preparation alongside academic upgrading
Younger students (16-17) wanting an additional year of maturity before degree start
FAQs

IUFP questions, answered

What is IUFP exactly?
IUFP (International University Foundation Programme) is a one-year academic preparation programme designed to bridge the gap between secondary school qualifications and international university entry requirements. Students study a stream-specific subject mix plus Academic English and study skills.
How is IUFP different from A-Level or IB?
A-Level and IB are full 2-year secondary school qualifications. IUFP is a focused 1-year university-preparation programme — typically taken after KCSE or equivalent national qualification, before starting university. IUFP is faster and university-targeted; A-Level/IB are broader secondary qualifications.
Which universities accept IUFP?
IUFP completion typically supports applications to UK universities (mid-tier to upper-mid-tier), Australian universities, Canadian universities and some US universities. Top universities (Russell Group, Ivy League) typically still prefer A-Level or IB. IUFP's strength is broadening access for students whose secondary grades don't meet direct entry.
What's the IUFP duration and schedule?
IUFP is typically 9-12 months of intensive academic study. Full-time, structured timetable similar to university. Delivered online live or in-centre depending on student location and preference.
How much does IUFP cost?
Programme costs vary based on stream, delivery mode and intensity. Book an assessment to receive personalised pricing recommendations and timeline planning. Smartious offers competitive rates compared to in-country foundation programmes at international universities.
Can I combine IUFP with IELTS/TOEFL preparation?
Yes — Academic English is built into all IUFP streams. Students typically reach IELTS 6.5+ level by programme end. Additional dedicated IELTS preparation is available via our Test Prep programme if needed.
What happens after IUFP?
After successful IUFP completion, students apply directly to international universities for degree entry. Smartious Study Abroad team provides full university application support — free of charge — including university selection, application essays, scholarship applications and visa guidance.
Is IUFP suitable for medicine pathway?
For top-tier medicine programmes (UK, Ireland, Australia), A-Level or IB Diploma is typically preferred. IUFP can support medicine pathway for mid-tier programmes in countries like Hungary, Bulgaria, or some Caribbean schools. We advise based on your specific medicine destination preferences.

Start your IUFP pathway