What is a Pathway? Advantages of a Foundation Program for International Students

Pathway programs (also known as pre-university or transfer programs) are study pathways for international students who do not fully meet the direct entry requirements of universities abroad. This program helps you consolidate your academic knowledge, improve your English proficiency and familiarize yourself with learning methods in an international university environment.

Upon completion of this program, you will be transferred to your first or second year of university, depending on the pathway you choose. This is a popular choice for Vietnamese students when they want to get acquainted with a new learning environment before entering the official study program.

More than just a bridge to help you transition to your dream university, this program also plays an important role in preparing international students:

2.1. Ensuring admission conditions

The Pathway program helps you bridge the gap between the study program in Vietnam and the entry requirements of international universities (such as A-Levels or IB). After completing the course with satisfactory results, you can get straight into the first or even second year of a bachelor's program.

The curriculum also integrates intensive English courses (Academic English), helping you improve your listening, speaking, reading, writing skills and be more confident in communication. At the same time, you will be familiar with the academic language that is commonly used in lectures and research papers.

2.2. Equip core learning skills

In the Pathway program, you will be equipped with important undergraduate academic skills such as research skills, essay writing, presentation, and critical thinking — skills that are often underemphasized in the Vietnamese high school curriculum.

In addition, the Pathway helps you gradually adapt to the teaching methods, active thinking and highly interactive environment typical of the international environment, thereby becoming more confident when entering the main curriculum.

2.3. Flexible and diverse learning options

You can choose from a variety of pathway programs offered by top universities and colleges, tailored to your unique goals and orientation. Pathway programs give you a wide range of options between different levels of study (such as foundation years, diplomas or pre-master's courses), depending on your career goals and personal interests.

2.4. Save Time and Money

Pathway's first-year tuition is typically lower than undergraduate tuition, but the time it takes to complete the program is equivalent to that of a first-year straight course. This helps you save significantly both costs and learning time. In addition, the Pathway program usually lasts 3 semesters, but if you have good grades, it is completely possible to shorten the time and complete it earlier than expected.

Depending on your academic goals and level of study, international schools offer a variety of pathway programs to support international students at different levels of study. Here are the most popular programs:

The entry requirements for the Pathway program will be much lower than applying directly to a formal university program. You need to meet the following two basic criteria:

• Academic Requirements:

  Completion of high school or undergraduate program (for pre-master's programs). Grade point average (GPA) requirements typically range from 6.0 to 7.0 or higher, depending on the prestige of the university you want to transfer to.

• Language Requirements:

  IELTS requirements typically range from 5.0 – 5.5, depending on the level and major. If you are not yet satisfactory, you can take additional academic English courses before starting the main program.

Entry requirements will vary from country to country, from university to university, and even from discipline to discipline. To determine the most optimal pathway, in line with your own qualifications and goals, contact IDP for advice on choosing the right program, assistance with preparing your application and guidance on the entire application process.

The duration of the Pathway program usually lasts about 1 year, depending on the type of program, the entry level of the student and the regulations of each school. Some Pathways programs also have Accelerated Pathways Programs for students with good academic ability and English proficiency, helping to shorten the study time while ensuring the quality of university entrance. However, the learning intensity of these courses will be higher.

Pathway - A solid stepping stone for the international study abroad journey

The Pathway program not only helps you get acquainted with the global learning environment but also is a passport to open up opportunities to prestigious universities around the world. With a flexible study pathway, a reasonable time, and a high transfer rate, Pathway is a smart choice for those who want to start their study abroad journey confidently and effectively.

If you are looking for a pathway program that suits your academic orientation, contact IDP for a team of experts who are completely free of charge. With a team of experienced professionals and a global network of partners, IDP is ready to assist you:

• Comprehensive study abroad consulting:

  From choosing a school, choosing a major, preparing documents, registering for the IELTS test

  to applying for a visa and hunting for scholarships to study abroad. In addition, you can participate in study abroad seminars organized by IDP to meet and ask questions directly from school representatives and find out all information about schools and majors that attract human resources and bring high demand for immigration and job opportunities after graduation.

• Assistance with essential services for international students: IDP helps you find accommodation such as homestays, dormitories, or rentals that suit your budget and needs. In addition, you are also supported in purchasing insurance, applying for an international SIM card, and accessing banking services, making it easy to connect and manage your finances as soon as you arrive in a new country.

• Equip yourself with information before you go to study abroad: Equip yourself with all the knowledge and skills to confidently embark on your study abroad journey.

Book a consultation with IDP today!

Free study abroad consultation hotline: 19006955