Entry requirements
Find out if you have the required English language level and academic qualifications to apply for the International Foundation Programme for Dentistry.
On this page
- English language requirements
- Academic requirements by country
- Students from America
- Students from the UK
- Other university education
- Under 18s
We are looking for students who will be successful on the International Foundation Programme. We also want you to do well on your undergraduate degree. To make sure you will be well suited, we look at your English language skills and high school grades.
If you have any questions about the entry requirements, contact us on fohs-ifp@bristol.ac.uk.
English language requirements
You must have a valid overall IELTS band score of 7.0, with no individual component band score below 6.5. You must have achieved this score within two years of the start date of the programme. We do not accept the IELTS Life Skills test.
A valid IELTS Academic test certificate will:
- have a UKVI reference number
- be awarded from an approved test centre
Academic requirements
Below you can see academic entry requirements for the International Foundation Programme for Dentistry, listed alphabetically by country. You can filter the table by your country, or search by academic requirement (subject).
| Country |
Academic requirement |
Grade requirement* |
|---|---|---|
| Albania | Secondary School Leaving Certificate | 85% overall and 85% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Algeria | Successful completion of the Baccalauréat de l'Enseignement Secondaire | An overall average of 14 including 14 in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Argentina | successful completion of high school/ Bachillerato Especializado, Titulo de Bachiller or Bachillerato | Average grades of 7/10 with at least 7/10 in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Armenia | Successful completion of the Certificate of Unified Examination provided along with the Certificate of (Complete) Secondary General Education (Atestat mijnakarg (lriv) yndhanur krtutyan) | Overall average of 14 including 14 in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Azerbaijan | Successful completion of Certificate of Complete Secondary Education (Orta təhsil haqqında attestat) | Overall average grade 4.5 including 4 in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Bahrain | Successful completion of Shahadat Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama | Minimum grade average of 85% overall and 85% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Bangladesh | Successful completion of Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSC) | Overall average of 3.8/5, grade average of 75% with a minimum of 75% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Belarus | Successful completion of the General Certificate of (Complete) Secondary Education |
Minimum Attestat score of 7/10 overall, with 7/10 in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Brazil | Success completion of Certificado de Conclusão de Ensino Médio (Certificado de Ensino Médio) | Overall average of 8/10 in your final year including 8/10 in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) if pass mark is 5/10. |
| Chile | Completion of Senior High School (Licencia de Educacion/Ensenanza Media) | Overall average of muy bueno (6 or 7), including a minimum score of 6 in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| China | Senior Secondary School Certificate - 12 years of high school including 3 at senior high school | Overall average of 80% in your final three years of High School including 80% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Colombia | Successful completion of High School (Titulo de Bachillerato)/ Bachiller Académico/ Título de Bachiller Académico | Average grades of 3.8/5 or B or 75/100, including 75% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Costa Rica | Successful completion of the Titulo de Bachiller (Academic Stream) |
Overall average of 80% including 80% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Ecuador | Successful completion of the Titulo de Bachiller de la Republica del Ecuador | Average grades 80% or 16/20 with 16 in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Egypt | Successful completion of the Certificate of General Secondary Educatio / Thanaweya A’ama | Grade average of 85% and 85% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Gambia | Successful completion of SSCE (WASSCE) | Grade B3 in 5 subjects, including B3 in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Georgia | Successful completion of the სრული ზოგადი განათლების ატესტატი (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) - Sashualo Ganatlebis Atestas |
Average 1 on 1-4 scale / A or 'Excellent’ in Chemistry and any other scientific subject). You must also have no subjects below 2 on 1-4 scale /B or 'good' |
| Ghana | Successful completion of SSCE (WASSCE) | Grade B3 in 5 subjects, including B3 in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Guinea | Successful completion of the Baccalauréat Unique / Baccalauréat 2ème partie | Overal average of 16 with 16 in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics |
| Indonesia | Surat Tanda Tamat Belajar Sekolah Menengah Atas (STTB SMA) - Upper Secondary Certificate of Completion | Approximately 75 points including 7+ in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics and Mathematics). |
| Iran | Successful completion of Diplom-Metevaseth/Nameh Dabirestan High School Diploma (Certificate of Completion of Secondary Education) - گواهينامه پايان تحصيلات دوره متوسطه | Overall average of 16 including 16 in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Iraq | Successful completion of the Secondary School Certificate (شهادة الدراسة الاعدادية ) (or Baccalaureate Examination Certificate in the Kurdistan region) | Average grade of 85% and 85% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Japan | Completion of Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate - Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho |
|
| Jordan | Certificate of General Secondary Education (Tawjihi) ( شهادة الدراسة الثانوية العامة ) | Overall 85% and 85% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Kazakhstan | Successful completion of Certificate of Completed Secondary Education (Oрта білім туралы аттестат) | Overall average grade 4.5 out of 5.0 with 4.0 out of 5.0 in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Kenya | KCSE minimum of 5 subjects | Overall grade of B with a B in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Korea | Successful completion of High School Diploma | A grade average of 70% or 3.5 or B+ (Mi/Wu) |
| Kuwait | Successful completion of the General Secondary Education Certificate (Shahadat Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama) - شهادة الدراسة الثانوية العامة | A grade average of 85% with 85% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics |
| Lebanon | Successful completion of the General Secondary Certificate/ Lebanese Baccalauréat Libanais - Successful completion of the General Secondary Certificate/ Lebanese Baccalauréat Libanais - شهادة الثانوية العامة | A grade average of 85% with 85% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Libya | Successful completion of the Secondary Education Certificate / Thanawiya - شهادة الدراسة الثانوية العامة | A grade average of 80% with 80% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Malaysia | Successful completion of the SPM or UEC |
An A in 5 relevant subjects including Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) or UEC 80% overall |
| Mexico | Successful completion of the Título Académico de Bachiller / Diploma de Bachiller / Bachillerato General/High School Certificate | Average overall grade of 8 or 80% and 8 or 80% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Morrocco | Successful completion of the Diplôme du Baccalauréat - شهادة البكالوريا |
Overall average of 14 out of 20 (bien), including 14 out 20 in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Myanmar | Successful completion of the Basic Education High School Examination / Matriculation Examination | Overall average of 75%, including 75% (distinction) in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Nepal | Successful completion of Higher School Certificate | A Distinction (75%), including 75% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Nigeria | Successful completion of the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE) or Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) | Minimum of 5 subjects at grade B, including B in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Oman | Successful completion of Thanawiya Amma | A grade average of 85% with 85% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Pakistan | Completion of High School leaving Certificate (after 12 years of education) | Average grade of 75% with 75% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Palestine | Successful completion of the Shahadat Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama to Grade 12 | Overall average of 80%, including 80% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Panama | Completion of High School Certificate | Overall minimum of 4/5 |
| Peru | Successful completion of High School | Average grades of 16/20 |
| Philippines | High School Diploma (after yr 12) |
B Grade average or 85% overall with 85% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Qatar | Successful completion of Thanawaya Aa’ama Qatari | Grade average of 85% with 85% 85% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Russia | Successful completion of Attestat o (Polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) | Grade average of 85% with 85% 85% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Saudi Arabia | Successful completion of Thanawiya Amma/Tawjihiya | Grade average of 85% with 85% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Syria | Successful completion of Al Shahada Al Thanawiya | Grade average of 85% with 85% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Taiwan | Successful completion of Senior High School Leaving Certificate | Grade average of 80% with 80% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Tajikistan | Successful completion of the Certificate of Completed Secondary Education | Overall average of 4.5 including 4 in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Thailand | School Leaving Certificate. Mathayom 6 (M6) | Overall credits of 69 out of 81 or 85% or B grade average or GPA 3.3, including 85% or B in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Turkey | Successful completion of the Lise Diplomasi (High School Diploma) | 70% overall with 70% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Turkmenistan | Successful completion of the Certificate of Complete Secondary Education - Şahadatnama orta blim hakynda |
Overall average of 4.5 including 4 in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| UAE | Successful completion of Thanawiyah Amma or Tawjihiya | Grade average of 85% with 85% in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Ukraine | Atestat pro Povnu Zagal'nu Seredniu Osvitu (Ukrainian High School Leaving Certificate) | Minimum grade of 10/12, and a minimum of 10/12 in Chemistry, and other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Uzbekistan | Diploma of Specialised Secondary Education | Overall grade of 85% |
| Venezuela | Successful completion of High School Certificate | Average grades of 16/20 |
| Vietnam | Successful completion of Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Phổ Thông Trung Học (Upper Secondary School School Graduation Diploma) | A final year average of 8, including 8 in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
| Zambia | Successful completion of Zambian High School Certificate | An average 1-2 with distinctions (grades 1-2) in Chemistry and any other scientific subject (Biology, Physics, Mathematics) |
*Minimum required grades for scientific subjects including chemistry must have been achieved in Grade 12 (or equivalent) or in the final year of the academic qualification.
We cannot list every country. If your country is not listed in the table above, but you think you have strong grades, contact us on fohs-ifp@bristol.ac.uk
USA education or educated using an American curriculum
If you have been educated in a high school system based on the American curriculum, please visit our USA requirements to see if you are eligible for direct entry onto an undergraduate degree.
A-levels or the International Baccalaureate
If you have A-levels or the International Baccalaureate, you should apply directly to BDS Dentistry and not this International Foundation Programme.
If you have taken International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS) level, you should have achieved a minimum grade A in chemistry and a minimum grade A in one other scientific subject (Biology, Physics or Mathematics) to meet the academic entry requirement for the International Foundation Programme for Dentistry.
Students from the UK
The International Foundation Programme is only open to Overseas students. This does not include Home students. If you are a Home student you may be eligible to apply directly for a Dentistry course or for our Gateway to Dentistry course.
Other university education
If you have already enrolled on or graduated from a university course, including foundation courses, you are not able to apply to the International Foundation Programme for Dentistry
Under 18s
Please be aware that the minimum age for this programme is 17. This is because students who will be in their first year of the undergraduate dental programme at the University of Bristol must be at least 18 years of age by the 1st of October in their year of entry in order to undertake clinical learning, as students must be able to have legal capacity to be bound by the rules of confidentiality of the NHS partners. We will assess each under-18 applicant individually. This is to make sure you are suited to an adult learning environment.
If you are under 18 when registering as a student of the University, you need to complete a form signed by a parent/guardian as a condition of registration. This provides confirmation that the parent/guardian understands the University’s responsibilities and gives details of an emergency contact in the UK.
You will also need a guardian in the UK. The guardian should be someone who we can contact in an emergency, to help resolve problems – for example, if your parents do not speak English. The guardian should be able to take responsibility if for any reason you leave the University. If your parents do not know anyone who can act as a guardian, they can try the Association for Education and Guardianship of International Students. Your parents will remain responsible for your welfare while you are staying in the UK. We'd also recommend you live in a University residence.