What is the Foundation Studies Program?

Foundation studies in Australia and the UK are pre-university preparatory programs that prepares students to progress to most universities and programs of their choices. This pathway is recommended for higher school leavers who has completed their GCE O Level, IGCSE or equivalent and are looking to save time by doing a 1 year foundation studies program instead of spending 2 years in a Junior College doing the A Level or 3 years in a polytechnic doing a Diploma. A Level, IB and Diploma graduates who do not meet the requirements for direct entry into a university may also apply to the foundation studies program.

What are the Requirements for Foundation Studies?

The minimum entry requirements for foundation studies in Australia and the UK is the completion of the GCE O Level, IGCSE or equivalent and a pass in the GCE O Level English. If the English requirements are not met, students will have to take the IELTS and/or attend pre-sessional English courses before the foundation program.

What is the Duration of Foundation Studies?

The duration for most foundation studies in Australia and the UK is generally 1 academic year. Some foundation programs in the UK can be as short as 6 months. A-level students who do not meet the requirements for Australian universities may also complete fast track foundation programs in 6 months.

What Can I study in Foundation Studies?

Students can study a wide range of programs programs like Business, Law, Engineering, Sciences, Social Sciences, Computer Science and many more. Contact us to find out more.

Can I Progress to Medicine or Dentistry after the Foundation Studies?

Medical schools in Australia and the UK are highly competitive and places are limited. Thus, progression from foundation studies to degree programs with quota is not guaranteed.

Australia
As most universities in Australia only offer medical programs in the graduate level, students can do a foundation program and progress to an undergraduate program like biomedical sciences before applying for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.

United Kingdom
A-Level is preferred for MBBS programs in the UK. We do not recommend students to take the foundation studies to progress to the MBBS program. We recommend students to do their A-Level in the UK if they are applying for the MBBS program.

Is Progression to the University and Program Guaranteed?

Progression to most programs and universities is guaranteed if you meet the requirements of the published grades require for progression with the exception of quota programs.

What Universities can I apply to after my Foundation Studies?

Australia
All Group of 8 universities and most universities have their own foundation programs.

United Kingdom
Most Russell Group and Modern Universities have their own foundation programs.

When Can I Apply for Foundation Studies?

We encourage students to apply with their O Level preliminary or forecast results.

What is the Minimum Age for Foundation Studies?

Australia
Most foundation programs in Australia would require students to be aged 16 or over by the start of the academic year. f you will be under the age of 18 at the start of the course, you would require caregiver arrangements. Some student accommodation can act as caregivers. The other option is to stay with a caregiver or commonly known as homestay.

United Kingdom
Most foundation programs in the UK would require students to be aged 16 or over by the start of the academic year. If you will be under the age of 18 at the start of the course, you will be able to apply for on-campus accommodation. However if you would prefer to live with a local relative or designated guardian, this is possible, by prior agreement.

How Much Time Can I Save After My O Level, IGCSE or Equivalent if I Study Overseas?

O Level -> Junior College in Singapore [2 Years] -> Bachelor Degree in Singapore and Australia (Honours) [4 Years] = 6 Years
O Level -> Polytechnic in Singapore [3 Years] -> Bachelor Degree i(with Advanced Standing) in Singapore (Honours) [3-4 Years] = 6 - 7 Years
O Level -> Polytechnic in Singapore [3 Years] -> Bachelor Degree (with Advanced Standing) in Australia and UK (Honours) [2-3 Years] = 5 - 6 Years
O Level -> Foundation in the UK [1 Year] -> Bachelor Degree in the UK (Honours) [3 Years] = 4 Years
O Level -> Foundation in Australia [1 Year] -> Bachelor Degree in Australia [4 Years] = 5 Years
O Level -> Bachelor Degree from most US Universities [4 Years] = 4 Years
O Level -> Associate Degree at Community Colleges in the US [2 Years] -> Bachelor Degree at US Universities [2-3 Years] = 4 - 5 Years

Are There Foundation Programs to US Universities?

There are no foundation programs to US universities. Top US universities would require A Level, IB or equivalent. Most US universities accept the O-Level into the undergraduate programs. There are pathways to transferring to top US universities. Students in Community Colleges in California often aim to transfer to schools like UC Berkeley and UCLA while students in Community Colleges in Washington often aim to transfer to the University of Washington. Another popular pathway is to the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

What is the Estimated Tuition Fee for the Foundation Studies Program?

Australia
AUD 24,000 to AUD 45,500

United Kingdom
GBP 14,000 to GBP 24,000