What is a Foundation course?
If you are an international student finishing your high school exams, have completed less than 13 years of education and would like to study for your first degree in the UK, you will need to do a foundation course at a UK university or college. A foundation is a one-year preparation course, especially designed for international students.
Normally it is for school-leavers who have studied a non-British curriculum but wish to pursue a degree at a UK university. The foundation course acts as a bridge between your current qualifications and UK university undergraduate entry requirements and is designed to plug academic gaps, improve your English and familiarise you with UK life and culture in preparation for university.
Foundation courses available
Foundation courses can prepare you for a variety of subjects such as: Business, Finance & Management; Computing; Law; Art and Design; Engineering; Social Science; Medicine; Science and Pharmacy; Media; and Humanities.
Some foundation providers have partnerships with specific universities and can guarantee progression to them if the student achieves high enough grades. On some programs the student is actually based on campus and enjoys full university status with complete access to libraries and sporting facilities.
Foundation course requirements
A minimum IELTS score of 4.5 is required for international students wishing to study a foundation, with most universities requiring a minimum 5.5 to start undergraduate degrees.
If you need to improve your English, visit our dedicated IELTS Language Centre today. Sign up for a free practice test so we can pinpoint where you need to improve. Documents required to enter a foundation program are:
- Minimum IELTS score of 4.5 or equivalent
- Higher Secondary School Certificate
- Higher Secondary Transcripts
- Reference Letter from your high school teacher
- Personal Statement
- Scanned copy of Passport and Visa
- Completed Application Form
Where can I study a Foundation course?
- King’s College London
- Queen Mary, University of London
- SOAS, University of London
- University College London
How SI-UK can help with your application
If you wish to learn more about Foundation courses in the UK, get in touch to arrange your free consultation with our application experts today. For any further questions, email [email protected].