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.
What is a Foundation course?
If you have finished 12 years of schooling and wish to go to the UK to enrol on an undergraduate degree, you will need to do a recognised foundation programme. This is a one-year course that prepares you for studying in a UK bachelor’s degree programme.
A foundation course is for students who have done their high school exams, have completed their IGCSEs / AS levels, or an equivalent level of examination but are not qualified to go directly to a UK university. In this way, the foundation course is a link between such qualifications and university entrance. Besides training you to cope with academic study at a higher education level in the UK, extra English language tuition will be provided for those that require it and students will learn about the culture and way of life in the UK so that it is easier to adapt on arrival/entry to the university.
Foundation Course Requirements
A minimum IELTS score of 4.5 is required for 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
If you need to improve your English, IELTS preparation courses are available for all levels and abilities at our London Language Centre. Sign up for a free IELTS practice test and improve your reading, writing, speaking and listening.
