Frequently asked questions

The University of Sussex International Study Centre offers a range of pathway programmes, including both undergraduate and postgraduate.

International Foundation Year

The International Foundation Year is a one-year undergraduate programme. It is designed to boost your English language and academic skills to the required level for entry to the first year of your degree at the University of Sussex.

International Year One

The International Year One prepares students for entry into the second year of an undergraduate degree. Equivalent to the first year of your degree at the University of Sussex, this programme enables you to complete your undergraduate degree in the three standard years. During your time at the International Study Centre, you will improve your academic and English language skills in a supportive environment.

Pre-Masters

The Pre-Masters programme prepares you for your chosen postgraduate degree at the University of Sussex. You will study subject content as well as English, so that you can begin your degree programme with confidence.

English language courses

Our English language courses are ideal if you need to improve your English language to reach the required level for your programme at the International Study Centre. Available for students wishing to study the International Foundation Year, International Year One, and Pre-Masters Programme, these intensive programmes will boost your English language in under one semester. 

You will need to meet certain English language and academic entry requirements to study at the University of Sussex International Study Centre.

If you need to improve your English language level prior to studying a pathway programme with us, you can enrol on one of our English language courses.

You will benefit from early exposure to university-style teaching. Our programmes will introduce you to the type of tuition and learning formats that you will experience when you progress onto your degree. This includes a tailor-made curriculum delivered through a mixture of tutorials, seminar-style classes and large group lectures.

We offer a free online preparation course, Prepare for Success, to help you gain a head-start before you start your academic programme.

View tuition fees here. In addition to these tuition fees, you should also consider the costs associated with living in Brighton, such as accommodation and other living costs.

You can view any accommodation fees here. These will vary depending on the length of your stay and which accommodation option you choose.

There are a range of accommodation options you can choose from at the University of Sussex. We work with Student Roost, a student accommodation provider in the UK.

You can also arrange your own private accommodation, but you must live within an hour’s commute of the International Study Centre.

If you request accommodation when you apply for the International Study Centre, the Central Student Support team will contact you with the latest information on available accommodation and fees.

The 3-week Enhanced Induction programme is designed to help you settle into your new home in the UK before commencing your main pathway programme in January. The Enhanced Induction focuses on three key areas that will help you succeed on your academic programme: language, life and learning skills.

Find out more about what to expect here.

There are no additional tuition fees to pay. However, there will be additional costs to consider, as expected with being in the UK for a longer period including living costs and accommodation. You can request accommodation on your application form, our Central Student Support Team will contact you directly about the options available.

No, this will be available face-to-face only. You must be in the UK ready to start the Enhanced Induction on the first day of the semester.

You will need a Student visa to study in the UK. Find out more information on the visa process.

First, you need to apply for a programme at the University of Sussex International Study Centre. When you receive an offer of a place, you should accept it by paying your deposit and Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) payment. Once you receive your CAS, you can then start the visa application process online.

You can apply for a UK visa up to three months before the start date of your programme. Make sure to start your application early, so there is enough time for it to be processed before you need to travel to the UK.