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Knocking on the door of prestigious universities with university preparation programs in the UK | IDP Vietnam

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  • Published: 29 February 2024

If you are still not confident enough to enter the University gate, foundation courses in the UK are the most affordable choice for your future study path. With foundation courses, students are provided with the best foundational knowledge, experience, and skills to get straight into Universities in the UK and the world.

So what are the conditions for Foundation programs in the UK? What is the learning path? Let's answer your questions with IDP through the article below!

1. What is pre-university study in the UK?

The Foundation course is a program designed to help students gain a foundation in their upcoming major at the university level. Not only that, the lecture system also focuses on improving English proficiency and important study skills, such as presentation skills, teamwork, in-depth research skills, and lessons to learn about the host culture and people.

Foundation Year courses are usually 1-2 years long, for students who are or have completed high school and want to earn a Bachelor's degree in the UK. Once you complete the Foundation program, continuing your studies in university will be much easier.

2. Typical Pre-University Programs in the UK

2.1. International Foundation Year (IFY)

The International Foundation Year (IFY) lasts for 1 year, helping to equip students with basic knowledge before attending university. This program is for students who have completed grade 11 of Vietnamese high school (age 16.5 years and above).

In addition to knowledge of future majors, the course also focuses on developing English language and study skills before officially transferring to the University program. You will have the opportunity to experience the learning environment, get to know friends, and teachers, and have full access to the University's facilities

Entry conditions:

  • GPA of 6.0 or higher

  • IELTS UKVI from 5.0 - 5.5

2.2. International Year One (IY1)

International Year One is a preparatory program for the first year of university lasting for 1 year, for students who have completed grade 12 of high school in Vietnam (age 17 and over).

After completing this course with good grades, students will be transferred straight into their second year of university. This not only equips you with the basic knowledge before entering university but also saves you the cost and time of studying when you graduate 1 year earlier than other peers in Vietnam.

Entry conditions:

  • GPA of 6.0 or higher

  • IELTS UKVI from 5.5 - 6.0

2.3. Pre-sessional English Program

For those who do not meet the English entry requirements of the main courses (IFY, IY1, BA, Master), the English Foundation program not only focuses on developing Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing skills but also equips you with research skills to support your future major.

The length of the English course usually lasts from 4-6 weeks or even up to 12 months, depending on the student's insufficient entry English level as well as unsatisfactory component skill scores. You will be required to have an IELTS UKVI Academic certificate to take these courses.

3. Benefits of UK University Preparation

If students are not eligible to study at a British university, pre-university studies are the right choice to prepare the knowledge base for international students and bring many benefits such as:

  • Equipping international students with the necessary English skills

  • Helping international students gradually adapt to the new learning environment

  • Creating an environment for international students to practice their study skills during their pre-university studies

  • Increase the likelihood of success in completing a UK University course well

4. Schools and educational institutions with preparatory programs

4.1. INTO UK

INTO was founded in 2005 and is part of the INTO University Partnerships Group. This is an independent education group with close links with prestigious universities around the world to help students realize their dreams of studying abroad in the UK and other countries. INTO provides foundation courses for international students at the following levels: English, Pre-University, Bachelor's, Postgraduate, etc.

INTO's university partners have pre-university programs for international students:

  • The University of Manchester

  • Newcastle University

  • University of East Anglia

  • University of Exeter

Scholarships available at INTO:

Automatic Scholarship

Scholarship Application

INTO

Worth up to GBP 4,000

Worth up to 100% of tuition fees

4.2. Kaplan

Kaplan International Pathways is the world's leading prestigious international education organization with more than 500 headquarters located in 30 countries. Located right on campus and managed by the schools, the study program is also designed according to the standards of famous universities in the UK, equipping you with the skills to enter future transfer and university preparation programs.

Kaplan's University partners offer Foundation Year - Pathway programs:

  • The University of Nottingham

  • University of Birmingham

  • Nottingham Trent University

  • University of Glasgow

  • University of Liverpool

  • University of Westminster

Scholarships available at Kaplan for Pre-University programs:

Automatic Scholarship

Scholarship Application

Kaplan

Worth up to GBP 4,000

Worth up to 50% of tuition fees

4.3. OIEG (Oxford International Education Group)

Oxford International Group is the world's leading organization specializing in providing pre-university courses. The courses here provide a strong foundation in the English language and academics, helping students better integrate into the new environment at leading universities and partners of OIG.

Oxford International Education Group's University partners:

  • Bangor University

  • De Montfort University

  • University of Dundee

  • University of Greenwich

  • University of Bradford

Similar to other institutions, Oxford International Group always has many valuable scholarships for students with excellent academic achievements. In particular, OIEG currently has automatic scholarships of up to GBP 10,000 for students who apply for admission in 2023/2024.

4.4. On-campus UK (Cambridge Education Group)

Cambridge Education Group abbreviated as CEG, established in 1952, is one of the well-known international education groups that is widely recognized and a partner of nearly 100 leading universities in the UK.

Currently, Cambridge Education Group has schools that offer Pathway programs:

  • Aston University

  • University of Southampton

  • University of Sunderland

  • University of Hull

  • Queen Mary University of London

In addition to a diverse curriculum and excellent teaching quality, On-campus UK (Cambridge Education Group) also offers scholarships that support up to 30% of tuition fees when applying for the Foundation Year program.

4.5. Study Group

Study Group is a multinational education group specializing in providing courses for international students, from English to High School, Pre-University, University, and postgraduate programs through links with the world's leading prestigious universities.

Schools included in the Study Group:

  • Lancaster University

  • University of Sussex

  • University of Surrey

  • University of Lincoln

  • University of Leeds

  • University of Huddersfield

  • University of Strathclyde

  • Keele University

  • Liverpool John Moores University

  • Kingston University, London

  • Royal Holloway, University of London

  • University of Sheffield

  • Coventry University London

  • Durham University

Study Group also currently offers scholarships of up to GBP 5,000 for students who apply for the upcoming intake. For more details about scholarships as well as to know the secrets of hunting for scholarships from famous universities in the UK, contact IDP immediately for detailed advice.

Sign up for the Foundation program that's right for you!

To be ready to enter the university lecture hall, attending a foundation course in the UK to equip yourself with basic knowledge and environmental integration skills is also an option you should not ignore. Each Foundation Year program in the UK has its characteristics and is suitable for each student's level and goals. You can contact IDP to give you the direction that works best for you.

IDP always advises on choosing the right school and course, Tuition and Cost of Living Estimates, supports you prepare your application for admission to the school, and tracks progress until you receive a confirmation letter from the school.

Besides, IDP is ready to introduce scholarships to study in the UK for up to 100%for students who come to apply at IDP. You will be guided by experts on how to hunt for scholarships, practice interviews, and complete applications for a free UK student visa with a success rate of over 95%.

Contact IDP to start your UK study abroad consultation today!

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