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2-Semester Pathway - International Foundation Year in Health, Medical and Life Sciences - Continue to Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Biological Sciences

Foundation or pathway, Sciences. Cardiff University International Study Centre, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.

Level
Foundation or pathway
Field
Sciences
School
Cardiff University International Study Centre
Location
Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
Tuition (first year)
21,900 GBP
Application fee
Free
Earliest intake
Nov 2026
Living costs (school estimate)
13,347 GBP a year
School type
Public
DLI number
10007814

Program overview

2-Semester Pathway - International Foundation Year in Health, Medical and Life Sciences - Continue to Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Biological Sciences is a foundation or pathway program in sciences at Cardiff University International Study Centre, a public institution in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, founded in 1883.

First-year tuition is listed at 21,900 GBP and the application fee at Free. The earliest intake currently open is Nov 2026.

Applications to Cardiff University International Study Centre typically receive a decision in 2 days and 2 hours, based on recent applications.

Cost of the first year

Plan for about 35,247 GBP for the first year before travel, insurance and visa fees. UKVI sets a monthly maintenance amount that differs for London and the rest of the UK, plus the tuition fee for the first year, up to a cap. You must also pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Amounts are updated by the UK government, so read the money section of the official guidance before you apply.

Figures are as listed in October 2026. Schools revise tuition every year, so confirm the current amount with the school before you pay a deposit.

ItemAmount (GBP)
Tuition, first year21,900 GBP
Living costs, first year (school estimate)13,347 GBP
Application fee (one time)Free
Estimated first-year total35,247 GBP

How the tuition compares in the United Kingdom

Our directory lists 2,957 foundation or pathway programs in sciences at 74 schools in the United Kingdom. Their median first-year tuition is 23,250 GBP, and the middle half cost between 19,250 GBP and 25,520 GBP.

At 21,900 GBP, 2-Semester Pathway - International Foundation Year in Health, Medical and Life Sciences - Continue to Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Biological Sciences is 6% below the median, in the middle of the range. The full range runs from 7,000 GBP to 42,020 GBP.

Lower-cost foundation or pathway options in sciences

If budget matters, these foundation or pathway programs in sciences have some of the lowest listed first-year tuition in the United Kingdom.

ProgramSchoolTuition (1st year)
Pre-Master's Pathway in Health Sciences - Continue to Master of Science - Forensic ScienceAnglia Ruskin University College - Cambridge, Cambridge7,000 GBP
Pre-Master's in Science and Engineering - Continue to Master of Science - Environmental Geology and ContaminationInternational College Portsmouth (ICP), Portsmouth7,900 GBP
One Term Pathway - International Incorporated Masters (IIM) - Continue to Master of Science - Developmental PsychologyInternational College Dundee, Dundee11,195 GBP
Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Biology (with Foundation Year)University of Chester - Gateway House, Chester, Chester11,250 GBP
Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Bioveterinary Science (with Foundation Year)University of Chester - Exton Park (Parkgate Road) Campus, Chester, Chester11,250 GBP
International Foundation Programme - Applied Science (6 months)Northumbria University Pathway College - Newcastle, London11,250 GBP

Plan for the Nov 2026 intake

Working back from a Nov 2026 start, this is a realistic plan. Popular programs can fill early, so the earlier end of each window is safer. September or October is the main intake for most courses, with a January or February intake for some. Visa applications can be made within a set window before the course start date.

ByStep
January 2026Shortlist programs, check entry requirements and book your English test.
March 2026Prepare your statement of purpose, references and transcripts, then apply.
May 2026Receive offers, compare total costs and accept one.
July 2026Pay the deposit, gather funds evidence and apply for the student visa.
October 2026Book travel and accommodation once the visa is approved.

Entry requirements and documents

Cardiff University International Study Centre sets the exact entry requirements for 2-Semester Pathway - International Foundation Year in Health, Medical and Life Sciences - Continue to Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Biological Sciences. For a foundation or pathway, applicants usually need the following.

Universities accept a range of tests and some accept alternative evidence. For the visa itself you may need an approved English test result or confirmation from the sponsor. Check what your sponsor will accept before booking a test.

  • Class 10 and 12 marksheets, or your most recent qualification.
  • A short personal statement.
  • English test results at the level the pathway sets.
  • A valid passport.
  • English test results, unless the school waives them.

Student visa: Student visa (Student route)

Students from India need a Student visa (Student route) to study in the United Kingdom. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) decides the application.

The UK Student visa is sponsored by a licensed university or college through a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The route is points based and document heavy: funds, English language and sponsor details must all match the rules in force on the day you apply.

  • Apply to a licensed student sponsor. Undergraduate applications go through UCAS; most postgraduate applications go directly to the university.
  • Accept an offer, meet any conditions and pay any deposit requested. Ask for the CAS once you are eligible for it.
  • Prepare proof of funds held for the required period, your passport, the CAS details, English evidence and a tuberculosis test certificate where required for your country.
  • Check whether your subject needs ATAS clearance, then apply online and pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

After you graduate

Eligible graduates may apply for the Graduate route, which allows time in the UK to work or look for work. The length of stay and conditions have been under review, so use the current GOV.UK page and not older figures.

Scholarships at Cardiff University International Study Centre

Check the eligibility rules for each scholarship before you apply. Some are applied automatically, others need a separate application.

  • International Study Centre Progression Scholarship: £2,000 - £3,000 GBP
  • Undergraduate International Excellence Scholarship: Up to £10,000 GBP

How to apply with Study Spectra

  • Send us your marksheets, English test result (or test plan) and budget.
  • We check your profile against 2-Semester Pathway - International Foundation Year in Health, Medical and Life Sciences - Continue to Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Biological Sciences and suggest alternatives if it is a stretch.
  • We prepare your statement of purpose and documents, and submit the application.
  • When the offer arrives, we help with the deposit, funds evidence and the student visa file.

Questions students ask

How much is the tuition for 2-Semester Pathway - International Foundation Year in Health, Medical and Life Sciences - Continue to Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Biological Sciences?

First-year tuition is listed at 21,900 GBP. Living costs are extra; Cardiff University International Study Centre estimates 13,347 GBP a year. Confirm the current fee with the school.

What is the application fee?

This program lists no application fee.

When is the next intake?

The earliest intake currently open is Nov 2026. Start your application about eight months before that.

Is 2-Semester Pathway - International Foundation Year in Health, Medical and Life Sciences - Continue to Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Biological Sciences a degree?

It is listed as a foundation or pathway. Check with the school what qualification it awards and whether it leads to further study or work rights.

Which visa do I need to study in the United Kingdom?

You need a Student visa (Student route), decided by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Apply after you accept an offer and can show the required funds.

Can Study Spectra help me apply?

Yes. We check your profile, prepare your documents and submit your application to Cardiff University International Study Centre, then help with the visa. The first call is free.

More at Cardiff University International Study Centre

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