There are certain cases in higher education where international students do not meet the requirements for a certain course but are passionate about pursuing it. Under such circumstances, they pursue a one-year course before officially starting their UG degree.
These one-year preparatory programs are known as foundation courses. These courses add value to a student’s profile and help them get admission to their desired undergraduate courses.
This article will help you understand the concept of a foundation program, its perks, eligibility, top universities and courses, and others.
Table of Contents
- What is a foundation course?
- Top foundation courses abroad
- Your checklist to apply for a foundation program abroad
- Eligibility criteria to pursue foundation courses abroad
- Best universities to study foundation courses abroad
- Top universities for foundation courses abroad: An overview
- Opportunities for international students after pursuing foundation courses
- Frequently asked questions
- Can international students do foundation year?
- Which country is best for foundation courses?
- How many years is a foundation course?
- Is the foundation course worth it?
- Who is eligible for the foundation course?
- How many specialisations are there in the foundation course?
- What can I do after a foundation degree?
- What is the University of York's acceptance rate?
Time is running out! Secure your spot for the upcoming intake—apply today!
What is a foundation course?
- A foundation course is a preparatory program that adds value to an international student’s profile while they apply for an undergraduate course.
- The course serves as a groundwork for international students as they prepare for the main undergraduate courses.
- These courses fulfil the educational standards set by your desired UG programs. International students who are unable to meet the entry requirements bridge the gap with the help of foundation courses.
- The courses might also stretch for two to three years, depending on the mode of education (part-time).
- Students opt to pursue a foundation degree if their profile does not meet the UG entry requirements, to enhance their English proficiency skills, or to familiarise themselves with the study destination’s way of life and culture.
- Educational institutions offer the required facilities and resources to international students for a seamless academic experience.
- Some universities also assure admission to the respective undergraduate course if the student performs well during the foundation program.
The foundation courses usually last for a year and have two semesters.
Also read: 7 signs you should consider a foundation year
Not ready for direct admission? Discover foundation courses that prepare you for top universities!
Top foundation courses abroad
Several disciplines offer foundation courses for international students to bridge the gap between their profiles and the course program’s entry requirements. Here are the top study fields that offer foundation courses in the higher education sector.
- Business studies
- Science
- Computer science
- Art and humanities
- Media
- Design
- Law studies
- Medicine
- Management
- Nursing
- Accounting and finance
- Social science
- Pharmaceutical studies
Your checklist to apply for a foundation program abroad
The admission process for a foundation program follows a similar procedure as for other higher education degrees. While some steps might differ with the study destination and the university, here is the common procedure for international students to apply for a foundation course.
- Check if you fulfil the entry requirements for the chosen course and university. A foundation course comes into play mostly when your profile fails to fulfil certain criteria.
- Check and ensure you fulfil the eligibility requirement for the particular foundation course.
- Take admission tests, and get the necessary documents ready.
- Complete the application and send it before the deadline.
Documents required to apply for a foundation course abroad
- High school academic transcripts
- Passport
- Admission tests and English proficiency test scores
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Don't miss these proven Statement of Purpose (SOP) templates. Download now for free!
Eligibility criteria to pursue foundation courses abroad
Foundation programs come with various perks for international students. Educational institutions abroad have pre-determined requirements to deem a student’s profile eligible.
International students should remember the entry requirements vary with the study destinations, universities, and specific course programs. Here are the common eligibility requirements to pursue foundation courses.
- Age requirement: The student must be at least 17 years old to apply for a foundation program. The age limit can be 16 or 18 years in some cases.
- Educational qualification: The student should have completed high school with acceptable grades (varies according to different factors).
- English proficiency: The student should have a score within the required range in English language tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo.
English language requirements for foundation courses
Here are the English proficiency test requirements for international students to pursue a foundation year. Remember that the scores vary with every location and university, so make sure to check the specific university and course criteria before applying.
IELTS
Here are the IELTS minimum score requirements for foundation courses.
- US: Above 4.5 or 5.0
- UK: Above 4.5
- Canada: Over 5.0
- Ireland: Above 5.0
- Australia: Above 5.5
- New Zealand: Above 5.5
TOEFL
Here are the TOEFL minimum score requirements for foundation courses.
- US: Above 60
- UK: Above 75
- Canada: Above 69
- Ireland: Over 60
- Australia: Above 70
- New Zealand: Above 70
PTE
Here are the PTE minimum score requirements for foundation courses.
- US: 30-60
- UK: 36-50
- Canada: Over 46
- Ireland: Over 63
- Australia: Above 58
- New Zealand: Above 50
Duolingo
Here are the Duolingo minimum score requirements for foundation courses.
- US: Over 100
- UK: Above 95
- Canada: Around 115
- Ireland: Above 105
- Australia: Over 95
- New Zealand: Above 80
Also read: Studying undergrad abroad vs. studying postgrad abroad
Take the first step toward your degree abroad — explore foundation programs built for you!
Related articles
Best universities to study foundation courses abroad
| University | Country | QS World University Rankings 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| King’s College London | United Kingdom | 40 |
| University of Otago | New Zealand | 206 |
| Northeastern University | United States | 375 |
| University of Southern Queensland | Australia | 410 |
| Dublin City University | Ireland | 436 |
| Coventry University | United Kingdom | 571 |
| University of Manitoba | Canada | 671-680 |
| Victoria University | Australia | 711-720 |
| Kent State University | United States | 1001-1200 |
| University of Regina | Canada | 1001-1200 |
Data updated as of May 2024 | Source: QS
Country wise foundation courses
- Foundation courses in UK
- Foundation courses in USA
- Foundation courses in Canada
- Foundation courses in Ireland
- Foundation courses in New Zealand
Top universities for foundation courses abroad: An overview
University of Otago
QS World University Rankings 2024 - 206
Acceptance rate - 70%
Average fees - USD $17,280 onwards
The University of Otago is home to various foundation programs in different fields of study like health sciences, business studies, arts and humanities, and science courses.
The university’s foundation studies certificate serves as a great pathway program for international students. The courses bridge the gap between your profile and the university’s eligibility criteria to pursue an undergraduate degree.
Foundation courses available
Northeastern University
QS World University Rankings 2024 - 375
Acceptance rate - 7%
Average annual fees - Around USD $19,780
Northeastern University’s rigorous foundation curriculum helps students build a strong base in their core subjects before beginning their higher education. The university, in some cases, also admits top-performing international students to their undergraduate programs.
The university’s faculty and advisors guide students every step of the way to embark on a successful academic path.
Foundation courses available
- Foundation in Professional Speaking
- Foundation in Principles of Management
- Foundation in Biology
University of Southern Queensland
QS World University Rankings 2024 - 410
Acceptance rate - 70%
Average annual fees - Around USD $10,414
The University of Southern Queensland’s pathway programs set up the perfect academic platform for international students to choose and enrol in their desired undergraduate program.
The university has a number of multidisciplinary foundation courses under its belt, that come with facilities and resources on par with the higher education courses.
Foundation courses available
Dublin City University
QS World University Rankings 2024 - 436
Acceptance rate - 42%
Average annual fees - From USD $13,763
Dublin City University offers full-time one-year (two semesters) foundation programs to satisfy their desired UG program requirements and/or improve their English language skills.
The university understands international student needs and provides foundation courses in science, engineering, business, and humanities stream. These courses specialise in guiding students through the foundation of the specific field of study before starting their undergraduate program.
Foundation courses available
- International Foundation Year Business Stream
- International Foundation Year Programme Humanities Stream
Kent State University
QS World University Rankings 2024 - 1001-1200
Acceptance rate - 88%
Kent State University’s foundation program boasts of offering widely comprehensive and resourceful courses.
From digital media to arts, there are different specialisations available and international students easily attain the required academic level to pursue their undergraduate degrees.
Foundation courses available
- Foundation in 2D Composition
- Foundation in 3D Composition
- Foundation in Digital Media
Also read: Top 10 career courses
University of Regina
QS World University Rankings 2024 - 1001-1200
Acceptance rate - 68%
Average annual fees - Around USD $18,325
The foundation certificate courses at the University of Regina offer various facilities and resources for international students to excel in the basics of their desired field of study before starting their undergraduate degree.
The university has various foundation programs in nursing, science, and other fields of education.
Foundation courses available
Start strong with a foundation course - your path to international universities begins here!
Opportunities for international students after pursuing foundation courses
A foundation degree paves the way for international students to satisfy the entry requirements to pursue their desired undergraduate degree. The courses would also help them improve their English language skills to pursue higher education in an English-speaking country.
Foundation courses come in different specialisations, helping students gain basic knowledge and understanding in various fields of study. Here are the fields of study international students can pursue their UG degrees.
- Business studies
- Arts and humanities
- Paramedics
- Medical studies
- Education
- Computer science
- Information technology
In addition to pursuing undergraduate courses, students can also pursue entry-level jobs available across different sectors in the global market.
Time is running out! Secure your spot for the upcoming intake—apply today!
Frequently asked questions
Can international students do foundation year?
Yes, international students pursue foundation courses to bridge the gap between them and the entry requirements for their desired undergraduate degree. Students also pursue this course to enhance their English skills to study in an English-speaking country.
Which country is best for foundation courses?
Here are the top study destinations for international students to pursue a foundation course.
How many years is a foundation course?
The duration for a foundation course is 1-year as the program usually has two semesters. The courses might also extend for 2-3 years, depending on the mode of the degree.
Is the foundation course worth it?
Foundation courses give students the basic knowledge and understanding of the field of study they prefer to begin their academic journey with. These courses are worth pursuing as they boost your profile when you apply for an undergraduate program.
Who is eligible for the foundation course?
The eligibility criteria vary with every study destination and university, but here are the common requirements for international students to pursue a foundation degree.
- An international student who had completed high school with acceptable grades. The grade requirements vary with every university.
- Scores within the pre-determined range in English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo.
How many specialisations are there in the foundation course?
Here are the top specialisations in foundation courses.
- Paramedics
- Medical studies
- Business studies
- Biochemistry
- Arts and humanities
- Computer science
- Information technology
What can I do after a foundation degree?
International students can apply for their desired undergraduate programs after completing their foundation degree. Also, there are entry-level job opportunities in different sectors for foundation degree graduates.
What is the University of York's acceptance rate?
The University of York's acceptance rate is around 78.9%. This makes it a competitive university.
Time is running out! Secure your spot for the upcoming intake—apply today!
