Ready to start your adventure abroad but still have trouble meeting the university entry requirements for a subject you’re passionate about? Don’t worry! We have the perfect solution that will get you on the right track! The right foundation degree, a pre-Bachelor’s or pre-Master’s may be the perfect solution you’re looking for.
University pathway programmes usually take 9 months to complete (6 months if opting for intensive track) and are designed to cover diverse learning needs of international students. If you’re not sure what a foundation degree is, read more here.
Here are a few universities we recommend for pre-Bachelor's degrees:
- London South Bank University, the UK
- Lund University, Sweden
- University of Canberra, Australia
Here are a few universities we recommend for pre-Master's degrees:
- San Francisco State University, the US
- University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- University of Southampton, the UK
To attend a degree abroad, here are 3 problems that can be solved by enrolling in a pre-Bachelor’s/Master’s or a foundation degree:
1. Enrolling in a study programme from a different academic system
A lot of students realise that getting in a university may not be as simple as they had initially imagined. Sometimes, even if you have A-level grades in addition to school and work experience, the academic system of the country where you want to study may not match the one in your home country. The most common issues apply to:
- students coming from a non-EU/non-EEA country who want to study in Europe
- students coming from outside the USA or Canada who want to study in North America
- students coming from outside Australia who want to study at a university in this country
If you fall in one of these cases, your academic results might not be fully accepted by the university because your home academic system doesn’t match the one in your chosen study destination.
Universities abroad deal with these academic system differences by offering students one-year foundation courses, which align them to the local education system.
By choosing a pre-Bachelor’s or pre-Master’s course, the transition to a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme in the local academic system is a lot easier. This way you will also avoid the cultural gap and confusion caused by the different teaching methodology.
2. Enrolling when your English level doesn’t meet the standards
International universities require minimum English language scores to ensure that candidates will be able to participate in classes, understand the course content, and complete their assignments.
Language preparation is an important part of any foundation degree, and most universities pride themselves on the quality of their English courses. You can advance your language skills in addition to your academic skills, through conversation classes, projects with peer interaction, or social activities.
You can also look for English exam language preparation courses in an English language school abroad. You can find a lot of options in the UK, USA, Australia, and many other countries all around Europe. There’s plenty of IELTS, C1 Advanced, or TOEFL exam language training courses you can pick from.
3. Enrolling when your grades don’t meet the entry requirements
Many students worry that their grades are too low to get into a good Bachelor’s or Master’s degree abroad. A lot ask if there is any way they can improve their graduation scores, GPA score, etc.
Indeed, there are enough higher education institutions that require A-level grades, which aren’t met by all international students.
Universities can be flexible with their programme entry requirements if you can prove you have skills or experience that compensate for lower grades. A few ways of convincing the university that you have what it takes to attend a programme include:
- consider work experience in the field you plan to pursue, such as a six-month internship
- volunteering work is also a good plus, especially if done in your (academic) area
- a perfectly written motivation letter may prove your maturity level and commitment
- short-course certificates
However, another effective way of bridging the gap between course requirements and your current academic level is taking a university preparation programme. Universities offer foundation training that covers the basic academic knowledge, ensuring you have what you need to enrol in a degree from that university.
Some universities offer foundation studies integrated with undergraduate degrees at the same university (i.e. you study for 4 years, instead of 3). This way, you can start the Bachelor’s degree right after completing the introductory foundation year.
Make sure you choose a pre-university course matching the subject you wish to pursue for your higher degree studies. There’s a lot to pick from like pre-law degrees, pre-medicine courses, pre-MBAs, pre-registration nursing, as well as foundations in engineering, social science, or education.
Foundation degree completion rates are high, and teachers do everything they can to keep you on track.
Build a foundation for your future
Foundation courses and pre-Bachelors/pre-Masters don’t guarantee you’ll get accepted to a specific university — for example, Ivy League colleges and the best international universities have very high standards — but they do increase your chances. You should do your research and pick a study course that realistically fits your level, interests, and goals.
With a foundation degree, you get the same educational benefits as any regular degree student: advanced academic skills, better English speaking, access to an international student community, top libraries and IT facilities, and much more. Break academic borders with an international foundation year that will open the way to pursue your ambitious career goals!