Program Overview

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International Foundation Programme for Dentistry

2026 entry

Course summary

The International Foundation Programme (IFP) for Dentistry is a one-year programme designed for overseas students (non-UK students) wishing to enter dental (BDS) degree programmes in the UK, including at the University of Bristol.

It provides an alternative pathway for students who require additional study to gain the appropriate level of qualification and the skills and aptitudes required to be considered for entry to dental degrees at universities in the UK. Successful completion of the IFP guarantees an interview for the highly regarded BDS programme at Bristol.

The one-year programme will prepare you for future undergraduate studies by broadening your core knowledge in chemistry and biomedical sciences and by providing experiential learning in a healthcare environment. It provides ample opportunities for personal and professional development and for excelling in subject-specific written and spoken English.

Teaching and assessment methods are designed to help you transition to university-level study and become familiar with the types of learning and assessments typically employed on dentistry undergraduate degrees in the UK. The programme is taught by highly qualified academic staff at Bristol and you will receive full access to University facilities.

Progression to degree courses

You are not guaranteed to progress directly to the BDS Dentistry course at Bristol. However, successful completion will guarantee you a place in the dentistry selection interview process.

As your place in the interview is guaranteed, you are not required to apply through UCAS for the BDS Dentistry course at Bristol. However, you will still need to meet the standard undergraduate entry criteria.

If you miss the BDS Dentistry requirements, we may offer you a place on a Life Sciences degree. You will also be free to apply for dental degrees at other universities.

Overview

Typical offer

• Go to entry requirements for the full entry criteria and contextual offer eligibility.

Programme duration

• 1 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course

Application method

• Apply direct to the University

Location

• Clifton campus

Fees

• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Fees quoted are for 2025 entry only. Fees for 2026 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2025.

Course structure

The programme consists of four mandatory level three units:

• Foundations of Chemistry
• Foundations in Biomedical Sciences
• Personal and Professional Development for Aspiring Clinicians
• English Language and Academic Skills for Aspiring Clinicians (International).

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

International qualifications

The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Qualifications

You must have graduated from year 12 of your high school in your own country with a good grade point average (GPA), including strong grades in the sciences, one of which must be Chemistry. Find out more about entry requirements for your country.

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for International Foundation Programme for Dentistry can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Applicants must also meet these requirements

GCSE profile requirements

• Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.

English language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • English language requirements for this course are to be confirmed.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels

Related courses

See a list of all International Foundation Programme degrees at Bristol, and find more information about the course, assessment and career prospects.

• International Foundation Programme (Arts and Humanities)
• International Foundation Programme (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
• International Foundation Programme (Social Sciences and Law)