Foundation Courses in Canada
Apply for Foundation Courses in Canada for the 2024 Intake!
A foundation course is a preparatory program that helps students develop their academic skills before progressing to higher education. These pre-degree courses are gaining popularity, and many international students opt for these courses before entering the actual program. Here’s everything you need to know about foundation courses in Canada.
Foundation courses in Canada for international students: An overview
| Course type | Full-time |
| Course duration | 3 months to 2 years |
| Foundation course in Canada requirements | A student with at least 12 years of education. |
| English proficiency | IELTS: 5.0-7.0 TOEFL: above 69 PTE: above 46 |
| Fees range | £3,409-£30,683 |
Why study foundation courses?
Foundation courses are structured to equip students with the knowledge to prepare them for the actual course program. You can choose a foundation course if you face any of the following.
- You do not have the required qualifications for the courses.
- You need to improve your English skills.
- You want a better understanding of the field of study.
- You had an education gap and are returning to pursue higher education.
Why study foundation courses in Canada?
- Canada is one of the most affordable countries for international students.
- Canadian institutions provide the best foundation courses for students and strive to enhance their skills before pursuing the full course.
- The country's colleges provide foundation courses for various subjects giving students plenty of choice.
Also read: Discovering the magic of studying in Canada: A guide for international students
Common subjects that offer foundation courses in Canada
- Psychology
- Computer science
- English
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Business studies
- Health sciences
- Communication
- Visual media
Best countries to study foundation courses abroad
Foundation course in Canada requirements
Universities in Canada provide some of the best foundation courses in the world to enhance your skills and improve your career. Before applying to any university, make sure you satisfy the eligibility criteria for your application. Here are some of the basic requirements for a foundation program in Canada.
Eligibility requirements for foundation courses in Canada
| Factor | Eligibility criteria |
| Educational qualification | An international student with at least 12 years of education in any subject. |
| English language requirements | IELTS: 5.0-7.0 TOEFL: above 69 PTE: above 46 |
| Visa | Canada student visa |
Note: The entry requirements vary with every university, so it is important to check with the educational institution before applying for the courses.
Also read: Assessing your skills: Understanding the exams required for studying in Canada
Student requirements for foundation courses in Canada
Once you meet the required eligibility criteria, Canadian educational institutions will request some documents for the application process. Make sure you have the documents below to proceed:
- Academic transcripts
- Work samples
- Application form
- Passport
- Statement of purpose
- Letter of recommendation (LOR)
- English language proficiency test scores
- Financial aid documents
- Admissions test results
Visa requirements for foundation courses in Canada
| Visa | Cost |
| Canada student visa | CAD $235 This includes the application fee of CAD $150 and the biometrics fee of CAD $85 |
Documents required for international students to apply for a visa in Canada:
- Your current passport
- A letter of acceptance from your course provider
- Proof of financial support
- Letter of explanation (explain your purpose and requirement for visa)
- Custodian declaration form (if the international student is under 18)
- Medical test results
Universities that offer foundation years in Canada
- Trent University
- Columbia College
- Crandall University
- Vancouver Film School
- University of Prince Edward Island
- Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology
Foundation courses in Canada fees
| Fees for Foundation program in Canada | Average fees |
| Minimum fees | £3,409 |
| Maximum fees | £30,683 |
Cost of living for international students while pursuing foundation courses in Canada
The average cost of living for an international student in Canada is around CAD $10,000-$15,000.
Also read: How much does it cost to study in Canada?
Scholarships for foundation courses in Canada for international students
Scholarships are financial aid provided to support international students pursuing higher education abroad. Edvoy has partnered with several educational institutions and provides scholarships for students planning to pursue foundation courses in Canada. They are:
- Academic scholarships
- Early Bird scholarships
Best foundation courses in Canada
The demand for foundation courses has grown significantly over the years, paving the way for several opportunities. Here are some of the best foundation courses in Canada for international students.
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine StreamUniversity of Prince Edward IslandCA$13,998
- UTP Stage II Pathway Computing Science (Simon Fraser University)NavitasCA$34,468
- UTP Stage I Pathway Computing Science (Simon Fraser University)NavitasCA$25,494
- UTP Stage I Business Management - Toronto Metropolitan UniversityNavitasCA$25,494
- UTP Stage II Business Management - Toronto Metropolitan UniversityNavitasCA$32,739
- UTP Stage II Business - ICM University of ManitobaNavitasCA$20,690
- UTP Stage II Pathway Business Administration (Simon Fraser University)NavitasCA$34,468
- UTP Stage I Pathway Business Administration (Simon Fraser University)NavitasCA$25,494
- UTP Stage II Pathway Engineering Science (Simon Fraser University)NavitasCA$34,468
- UTP Stage I Pathway Engineering Science (Simon Fraser University)NavitasCA$25,494
FAQ
| Fees for foundation courses in Canada | Average fees |
| Minimum fees | £3,409 |
| Maximum fees | £30,683 |
A foundation-level course is a preparatory program for students to develop their academic skills before progressing to a full degree. These pre-degree courses come with several perks for international students and are gaining popularity in recent years. Foundation courses last between three months to two years.
At Edvoy, we provide end-to-end support all through the study-abroad process: from shortlisting courses and submitting documents to university applications and visa interviews. Just sign up and add your details to get started with Edvoy. One of our experts will get in touch with you to understand your requirements and guide you with friendly advice all along the way. Talk to a counsellor now!
A foundation course is equal to two-thirds of a bachelor’s degree. It is important to note that these courses do not hold the same value as a normal degree.
You can work while pursuing a foundation course in Canada only after your study period starts. International students can work on and off campus for 20 hours a week. You are required to apply for a work permit if you want to start working before your period of study.
People choose to study foundation courses for various reasons.
- Students lack certain qualifications for their desired courses.
- International students who need to improve their English skills.
- People who want a better understanding of their interested field of study.
- Students with an education gap returning to pursue higher education.
Highlights
- Institutions offering the courses7
- Fee range (min-max)£3,409 - £30,683
