The University of Sheffield International College, run with Study Group, prepares international students for degrees at the University of Sheffield, a Russell Group university. Students take an International Foundation Year, International Year One or Pre-Masters. Pass at the required grades and you progress to a Sheffield degree. Class sizes are smaller than on a first-year university course, with extra English support.
Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Official website: usic.sheffield.ac.uk
The University of Sheffield (Russell Group)
Study Group
Foundation, Year One and Pre-Masters
£19,000 – £26,000
International students, foundation, Year One and Pre-Masters
£11,000 – £14,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on usic.sheffield.ac.uk before you apply.
International Foundation Year in Engineering
FoundationDuration
9 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.0
International Foundation Year in Business
FoundationDuration
9 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.0
International Year One in Business
DiplomaDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5
Pre-Masters in Business and Social Sciences
Pre-MastersDuration
6 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5
Guaranteed progression to Sheffield degrees for students who hit the grades.
Smaller classes with English support.
Access to university facilities from day one.
Most students progress to University of Sheffield degrees in engineering, business, science and social sciences.
Sheffield graduates can apply for the UK Graduate visa.
Engineering students benefit from the university's advanced manufacturing links in South Yorkshire.
Undergrad
Main intake
Postgrad
Main intake
Undergrad
Selected pathways
Postgrad
Selected pathways
Sheffield is built on seven hills on the edge of the Peak District, with the Supertram, the Winter Garden and a big independent music scene.
Rent is among the lowest of any large UK student city. Peak District walking and climbing are a short bus ride away.
CAS from The University of Sheffield
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
English test at B2 level or above
TB test certificate, if required
Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Valid passport with blank pages
The college accepts applications on a rolling basis. Apply at least three months before your start date so the CAS and visa can be processed.
Most pathways start in September and January. Some Pre-Masters programmes have extra start dates.
A UK Student visa, sponsored by The University of Sheffield. Once you hold a CAS, apply online, show funds held for 28 days, and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. Most decisions come back within three weeks from outside the UK.
Engineering and business foundation years, International Year One and the Pre-Masters are the popular routes. Foundation entry needs completed secondary school and about IELTS 5.0; Pre-Masters needs a bachelor's degree and around IELTS 5.5.
Study Group and the college offer some merit scholarships for pathway students. Check the college's scholarships page for current awards.
