Program Overview

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (International Foundation)

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificate (UPC) is UCL's International Foundation Year, designed to support students in accessing higher education.

Bowman Scholarships

The Bowman Scholarships provide two students with a full fee waiver to the Undergraduate Preparatory Certificate (UPC). The scheme aims to give underrepresented groups living in the UK the opportunity to enter university, especially those whose studies have been interrupted due to their immigration status. Applicants must demonstrate that they do not have the qualifications to enter higher education directly, nor have the financial means to fund an undergraduate preparation course themselves.

Telles Scholarships

The Telles Scholarships, in collaboration with the Telles Foundation, provide two students with a full fee waiver, living costs, and additional support to undertake either the Undergraduate Preparatory Certificate (UPC) and Electronic and Electrical Engineering BEng. The scheme aims to remove the financial barriers that might prohibit talented Brazilian students from undertaking their studies at UCL. Applicants must demonstrate that they do not have the qualifications to enter higher education directly, nor have the financial means to fund an undergraduate preparation course themselves, and be able to demonstrate an enthusiasm for Electronic and Electrical Engineering with a desire to study it at the undergraduate level.

Other Sources of Funding

• Students can talk to their department about any programme or subject-specific funding that may be available.
  • Some students choose to apply for personal loans provided by private finance companies.
• Online aggregators contain information on a variety of external schemes.
• The Turn2Us Grants Search database contains information on over 3,000 charitable funds offering welfare and educational grants, as well as other support and services.
• The charity Churches Together in Britain and Ireland has a hardship fund for international students from developing countries who are facing financial hardship in the final stages of their course.
• Lists of charitable grants and awards are kept in the following directories:
  • Charities Digest: Selected charities & voluntary organisations
  • Directory of Grant Making Trusts
  • Grants Register 2025
  • Guide to Educational Grants
  • Guide to Grants for Individuals in Need