Coming to study from Iraq

The University of Southampton has an active Iraqi student community. 

Learn more about the requirements you'll need to study with us, plus access other resources for students from Iraq.

Entry qualification equivalencies for Iraqi students

Find out the Iraqi equivalents to the grades and academic qualifications required to study with us in the UK. These will depend on what level of study you're applying for.
 

You will also need to meet English language requirements and have your student visa in place.

If you want to take an undergraduate course with us but do not yet have the qualifications needed to apply, we may offer a foundation course that will enable you to qualify and secure a place. 

The Iraqi equivalents for their entry requirements will depend on which of these one-year intensive introductions you apply for.  

Foundation year for engineering, maths or physics

The Foundation year for engineering, maths or physics prepares you to take up one of 19 undergraduate degrees in engineering, maths or physics.

To apply for it you need:

  • a Certificate of Preparatory Education or Secondary School Certificate
  • with an overall average of 85%
  • and at least 85% in maths and physics

Science Foundation Year

The Science Foundation Year prepares you to take many of our science undergraduate degrees.

To apply for it you need:

  • a Certificate of Preparatory Education or Secondary School Certificate
  • with an overall average of 85%
  • and at least 85% in maths and physics

Please note, the Science Foundation Year does not progress to an undergraduate degree in Medicine.

OnCampus undergraduate foundation programmes

The OnCampus undergraduate foundation programmes prepare international students for degrees in:

  • Art and design
  • Business, economics, finance and management
  • Humanities and social sciences
  • Engineering and physical sciences
  • Life sciences


They include English language study and will secure you a place on your chosen degree if you complete the foundation programme successfully.

To apply for one of these foundation programmes you need:

  • a Certificate of Preparatory Education or Secondary School Certificate
  • with an overall average of 85% 

Most of our undergraduate degrees take 3 years to complete full time and award a bachelor’s degree in the field you study.

To study with us at the undergraduate level, you need one of the following:

  • a Certificate of Preparatory Education or Secondary School Certificate and successful completion of a recognised foundation programme
  • successful completion of at least one year of university study in Iraq

Alternatively, you can apply with either of the following, with a minimum grade or score dependent on the course you're applying for:

  • UK A levels with grades from BBB to A*AA
  • an International Baccalaureate (IB) score of between 28 and 38 points

See your course page for the exact requirements you'll need to meet.
 

The OnCampus pre-master's programmes prepare international students for studying at the master’s degree level. They take place over 2 semesters and focus on improving English language, study and research skills.

If you have a UK 2:2 degree equivalent but need a 2:1, successfully completing a programme will secure you a place on your chosen degree.

To apply for a pre-master's programme, you need:

  • English language skills from 5.0 IELTS or equivalent (with no single element less than 5.0)

Our postgraduate taught degrees involve more advanced study and usually take 1 year, depending on the course. Degrees awarded include master’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas and certificates.

To apply, you need a 4 year bachelor's degree awarded by a prestigious university.

Depending on which course you apply for, your minimum grade requirement will be a:

  • first class UK degree equivalent, with a grade of 80%
  • UK 2:1 degree equivalent, with a grade of 75%
  • UK 2:2 degree equivalent, with a grade of 65%

See your course page for the exact requirement.

To study for a PhD or research degree with us, you need all of the following:

  • anundergraduate honours degree with at least a 2:1
  • a master's degree with merit
  • a strong research proposal

Qualifying degrees must have been awarded by a recognised university. 

Other resources for Iraqi students

Get in touch

Talk to our team

We're here 9am to 5pm UK time to answer any questions you have, including about equivalencies for your course requirements.

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