Guide
A foundation course enables students to gain access to university degree programme. It is a preparatory course for university-level study and builds academic foundations to start undergraduate and postgraduate degree education.
It is designed for international students who need additional English language support and academic preparation for degree level study. The course bridges the gap between your current qualifications and UK university undergraduate and postgraduate degree academic entry requirements.
Foundation courses are ideal for International students who do not have required level of qualifications or have lower grades to meet academic entry requirements of UK university degree programme. To undertake a foundation course in the UK as an international student, you must have IELTS for UKVI or other UKVI SELT.
Types of foundation courses taken by International Studentsinclude:
Academic level
Level 3 to Level 8
Qualification type
Foundation course
Study mode
Full-time, part-time or on-line
Duration
4 months to 12 months
Intakes
Throughout the year*
Scholarship
Yes*
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Most popular Foundation courses taken by International Student include:
Course type | Course duration |
---|---|
Stand-alone foundation course | 4 -12 months |
Foundation course with Undergraduate degree | 4 years |
Foundation course with postgraduate degree | 1.5 to 2 years |
Tuition fees for Foundation courses could be anything from £5,000 to £15,000 or more depending on course duration and course providers.
Tuition fees guide for Foundation course
Duration | Tuition fees (GBP) |
---|---|
4 to 6 months | £5,000 to £10,000 |
6 to 9 months | £10,000 to £15,000 |
9 to 12 months | £13,000 to £20,000 |
Bachelor degree, Postgraduate degree course and Professional course
Designed specifically for international studentsFoundation courses in the UK offer a range of proven and practical benefits for international students including
Check your admission eligibility for a foundation course in the UK
A International Year One is equivalent to the first year of a UK undergraduate degree (or second year undergraduate degree at Scottish universities). It will prepare you for second year-entry to your chosen university degree programme (third year if you are studying at a Scottish university).
It is offered for 3 terms (one-year) – you will typically study 3-4 subjects, depending on the pathway chosen or the intended progression degree, as well as English Language.
The International Year One is suitable for international students who have studied A levels, International Baccalaureate, a recognised Foundation programme or an international equivalent.
To undertake an International Foundation Year course in the UK, you must have a UKVI SELT.
A The International Foundation Year is a course of academic subjects, study skills and English language training designed specifically to provide international students with a pathway to undergraduate degree at UK universities.
To undertake anInternational Foundation Year course in the UK, you must have a UKVI SELT.
A A Graduate Diploma in the UK is a pre-master's course. It will prepare you for a master's degree in the UK. You’ll learn about postgraduate study, covering areas such as research skills, English language skills, group work and effective time management. You’ll also benefit from guidance on personal and academic development.
To undertake a Graduate Diploma foundation course in the UK, you must have a UKVI SELT.
A An Extended Masters course is an integration of pre-masters & a direct master’s course – it provides a bridging route for students who don't meet the initial entry requirements for a subject-specific Master's degree. Universities issue combined (joint) CAS for Extended Master’s course.
A Pre-Master's course prepares students for a master's degree in specific subject areas for target master’s course. Following successful completion of the Pre-Master's at the required grades, you will be able to progress onto your master's course. Unlike, Extended Master’s, it is a stand-alone course. To undertake a pre-master’s course in the UK, you must have a UKVI SELT.
A If you pass your foundation course successfully with the required grades for your pathway degree for your chosen university, maintain minimum attendance requirements that is to say meet progression requirements, foundation course providers guarantee that you can progress onto your degree course.
A Yes, you can work in the UK on your student visa for foundation course if you are sponsored by a provider that has track record of compliance. You can up to 10 hours a week in term time if you are studying for a qualification below degree level and full time outside term time (for study at all levels).
You are not allowed to work if your student sponsordoes not have the words "track record" in the Status column of the register of Student sponsors, and is listed as
If you are not sure about your admission needs and want to consult us before making your decision, get in touch with our student counsellors –
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