An outlook on the Foundation Programs in the UK

Posted date: 26 Feb 2021

Recently, the number of students entering foundation programs in the UK has tripled as they provide a great bridge for students between high school and university. However, as the range of providers grows and the number of course options rises, it would certainly help prospective students to clarify where these courses sit within the UK education system. Entry to foundation programs in the UK can begin at the age of 16+, as many students assume that before a foundation program can begin, they need to complete high school in their home countries. This then leads to explaining the benefits of foundation programs in terms of cost savings. A foundation program can make excellent financial sense for students considering paying international university fees for three or four years, post 18, as it potentially saves school fees for one year.

Compared to such stand-alone foundation programs, there is a reasonably simple difference between programs delivering a bundle of foundation and degree programs, encouraging the student to focus on the institution at which they choose to prepare for their degree after or after their foundation course has been completed. Both options have obvious advantages and disadvantages, but this is an important difference for customers trying to understand the market. Some students new to the UK, for instance, may not want to commit up front to potentially four or five years in the same city in the UK, while others may value this continuity.

Also, under the bundle approach, changing the subject path can be more difficult, so this approach may better suit a student who is very clear on the subject of study at degree level. In terms of study options, some stand-alone foundation courses offer massive flexibility, which will definitely suit students who are more undecided about the degree they want to study and where. This flexibility also enables students not only to cast the net broadly in terms of university options in the UK, but also to look at university options outside the UK. The universities are looking to meet the needs of students who may be reticent to travel in terms of the value of the location by considering offering their foundation course as an on-going online option with a short residential college period included in the delivery.

One thing is clear: make sure what kind of program will suit you before approaching any foundation provider or universities. It should not be too difficult as they will provide each potential student with a tailor-made prospectus. All important variables, including academic and English competency, personal trust, certainty of location and degree subject level, should be taken into account in the initial assessment itself. And once you have all the information then it's smooth sailing from there. A bright future awaits you, make the decision to study abroad and open yourself to new opportunities and experiences today!

Posted By

GSP Admin