Foundation courses prepare international students 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.
Certain foundation providers have partnerships with universities and can guarantee progression to that institution if the student achieves high enough grades. Many programmes will see the student based on campus, benefitting from full university status with complete access to libraries, equipment and sporting facilities.
Do I Need to Study 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 take your first degree in Ireland, you will need to study a foundation course at an Irish university or college. It is a one-year preparation course for international students who need additional English language and academic preparation for entry onto an Irish university undergraduate course.
Foundation programmes are for school leavers who have studied a non-Irish curriculum but wish to pursue a degree at an Irish university. The foundation course acts as a bridge between your current qualifications and Irish university undergraduate entry requirements and is designed to plug academic gaps, improve your English and familiarise you with Irish life and culture in preparation for university.
Foundation Course Requirements in Ireland
A minimum IELTS score of 4.5 is required for international students wishing to study a foundation, with no single element less than 4.0. If you have no formal English qualifications, you may need to attend an English language course or college prior to starting your foundation course. Documents and entry requirements needed 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
Where Can I Study a Foundation Course in Ireland?
- Dublin City University
- Maynooth University
- Trinity College Dublin
- TU Dublin
- University College Cork
- University College Dublin
- University of Galway
- University of Limerick
Study a Foundation Course
If you wish to learn more about studying a foundation course for entry to an Irish university, arrange your free consultation with StudyIn today.