8 FAQs about Foundation Programs

There are already 1,000 foundation programs around the world, and their growth is because of the rise of international student mobility. Educational systems around the world differ so much that it is nearly impossible to ensure that a student from India and one from France following the same bachelor or master program have the same knowledge background, are familiar with the same concepts, have similar language proficiency, have an understanding of academic requirements, similar learning styles and academic conduct etc. That is why universities have started looking at ways to narrow the gap and to ensure that students have a higher chance, even if their previous education wasn’t on par with that of their fellow colleagues.

Here are some of the questions which are asked by most frequently by students all around the world about foundation courses.

1. What is a foundation program?

A foundation program prepares students for undergraduate study. They have four main modules: academic content, English language preparation, cultural adaptation and study skills.

2. What are the entry requirements?

International applicants must show proof of academic credentials, usually in the form of a high school or board passing certificate, or completion of a number of years’ education. Along with that you also need to show proof of English language ability, usually in the form of an English language exam like IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge English.

3. What are the English language requirements?

Most Indian students would not meet undergraduate requirements in other countries without some form of English language preparation. Most foundation programs require a minimum IELTS score of 5–5.5, whereas undergraduate programs taught in universities require a much higher score of 6–7.

4. What academic disciplines do students study?

Two disciplines accounting for over half of all programs-

• Business and Economics (32% of all programs)
• Engineering and Technology (21%)

5. What qualifications do students get?

There is no formal qualification on completion of a foundation program. In most cases, foundation program providers form partnerships with universities that allow students progression to an undergraduate degree.

6. How much do programs cost?

The highest annual fees are in native English-speaking regions, including North America ($22,000), the UK ($18,000) and Australia ($16,900), which are roughly double the annual fees in Asia ($8,430) and Europe ($9,206).

7. Where are these programs located?

Over 90% of programs are provided in English-speaking regions, with almost two-thirds of programs in the UK, 16% in Oceania and 12% in North America.

8. Who provides these programs?

Most programs are provided by universities or by corporate provider–university partnerships. The five biggest corporate providers – Cambridge Education Group, INTO University Partnerships, Kaplan International Colleges, Navitas and Study Group – provide almost half of the programs worldwide.

Source: Study Portals