Progressing from the International Foundation Programme (IFP) to an undergraduate course

When you can apply for your new visa 

If applying in the UK

  • apply for a new visa before your current one expires 
  • you must show proof that you have submitted your visa application to pass your Right to Study check to complete registration 
  • you can start your new course before receiving the visa decision. 

If you are applying overseas

You must be back in the UK by 14 September 2026. A visa application can take a month or longer to be processed.  

You will be able to apply for a new Student visa for your undergraduate course once: 

Get your new CAS 

Before we can issue your CAS, you must provide: 

  • Passport copy: if you have updated your passport since joining the IFP, send a copy of the new one to the email address from the list for admission and CAS queries  
  • Under-18 parent/guardian declaration form (if applicable): if you will be under 18 when you submit your new visa application, your parents must complete this parent/guardian declaration form. 
  • ATAS: students who need an ATAS certificate (if your offer letter says you need one). A copy of ATAS certificate will be automatically sent to the University once it is issued.  

You do not need to send your IFP results. The Admissions team will receive them directly from your School or College.  

Contact us about your offer and CAS 

Where you can apply from 

Where you can apply from will depend on your IFP visa type and expiry date. Students who studied the IFP on Visitor visa must apply overseas. The advice for those with a Student visa is below.  

IFP programmes finishing in April, May and June 2026 

You must return to your home country before your IFP visa expires and apply from overseas. Your IFP Student visa is not long enough to apply for the next visa without leaving the UK. Visit our Apply from outside the UK webpage for steps you will need to take.  

IFP programmes finishing in July and August 2026 

If your visa expires in September 2026 or later and you have successfully completed the IFP course, you can usually apply inside the UK. Visit our Apply for a Student visa from inside the UK page for steps you will need to take. You may also apply overseas if you prefer and have enough time.  

Financial requirement 

You may not need to meet the financial requirement if 

  • you are apply inside the UK; 
  • you have lived in the UK for at least 12 months on the date of application; 
  • you have not spent more than 3 months in total outside the UK in that time.  

If you do not meet all of these criteria, you must meet the financial requirement before you apply. See the Money required page for more information and contact Student Visa Advisers ahead of time if you have questions.