University preparation abroad
This content was developed with active participation of Steve Smith.
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:
- https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/what-you-should-know-about-studying-abroad-after-school
- https://www.wikihow.com/Study-Abroad.
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CIC has more top universities in the partnership program than any other schoolCanadaToronto, OntarioCurrently watching: 8from 43785.00 $CAD / yearApply with documents
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In 2023, in University Foundation Programme 50% of students achieved an A*- AUnited KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 10from 56955.00 £ / yearApply with documents
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from 25740.00 £ / yearApply with documents
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Awarding body of University of the Arts London and Trinity College LondonUnited KingdomCambridgeCurrently watching: 8from 14490.00 £ / semesterApply with documents
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In 2023 - near 74% of A Level students achieved A*- C gradesUnited Kingdomnear LondonCurrently watching: 9Apply with documents
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#15 out of 439 National UniversitiesUSALos Angeles, CaliforniaCurrently watching: 9from 39600.00 $ / yearApply with documents
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#6 out of 240 US and international art and design collegesUSANew YorkCurrently watching: 10Apply with documents
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#40 in the worldUnited KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 6from 15000.00 £ / yearApply with documents
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In 2023 - 57% of A Level students achieved A*-BUnited KingdomManchesterCurrently watching: 6from 35580.00 £ / yearApply with documents
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from 20495.00 £ / yearApply with documents
Alternative destinations
Education information
Nowadays, particularly every student dreams about studying abroad. To enter a prestigious university abroad, foreign students need to get university preparation courses. European and American educational systems provide 12-year school curriculum. Applicants who are interested in studying abroad, can start university preparation in England, UK, USA, Switzerland, etc. Today, many schools and colleges provide university preparation courses online, so every student get an opportunity to prepare for admission anywhere in the world.
University Preparation Courses Abroad
Graduating from foreign high schools often requires international students to undertake university or college preparation programs to meet the demands of foreign educational systems. For many, the ideal starting point is enrolling in specialized university preparation schools abroad. Such educational institutions provide the foreign students the opportunity to improve language skills and obtain in-depth academic knowledge, guaranteeing effective pre-university preparation for successful enrolment. University preparation educational programs abroad, such as Foundation or Pathway programs, which students pass after 11th grade, are divided in two types:
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General Programs: These courses allow students to obtain knowledge in various academic disciplines. So, they can make informed choices about their future specialization, based on knowledge obtained.
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Specialized Programs: Such courses are designed for students who already decide on a bachelor's program. Completion of this program provides effective academic preparation focused on a specific sphere of study.
International Foundation Programs
International Foundation programs are an excellent choice for students in the following situations:
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Their secondary school certificates do not align with the academic standards of their chosen university's country.
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They are interested in obtaining a master's degree in an academic field, which differs from their bachelor's degree.
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They want to improve their language skills and to deepen their knowledge in disciplines, which are required for their desired bachelor's program.
While both Foundation and Pathway programs aim to effectively prepare students for university studies, they have distinct features.
Academic Pathway Programs
Academic Pathway programs are designed for those students, who are intended to enroll in Canadian, American, New Zealand, or Australian universities. This University Preparation Program (UPP) stipulates intensive linguistic and academic preparation. The academic segment covers fundamental subjects, albeit with variations in the number of academic hours dedicated to each subject. In addition, Academic Pathway programs provide students with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in core disciplines. So, taking this course guarantees the achievement of required proficiency level for enrolment in a university and studying on a bachelor's degree program abroad.
Pay attention that taking Academic Pathway courses is compulsory for students from Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. The duration of these programs usually lasts from 6 to 12 months. The foreign students choose this program due to fast-tracking pre-university academic preparation.
If you decide on obtaining education abroad, pre-university preparation is an important step toward a successful academic journey. Choosing one of these specialized programs, which are offered by ranking universities, guarantees effective academic and language preparation of foreign students.
Choosing the Right University Preparation Program Abroad: A Guide for International Students
Modern high school programs allow foreign students to obtain higher education on an equal terms with the citizens of the chosen country for studying. The level of their academic and language preparation is recognized as sufficient. As a result, the foreign students are exempt from the need to complete specialized courses, such as Foundation or Pathway programs. So, studying abroad after the 11th grade becomes a more achievable goal.
The reasonable question arises, which university preparation programs (UPPs) are the best option for international students? Below there are six variants to consider:
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A-level (Advanced Level):
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Recognized worldwide by universities.
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Offered by most British high schools and private colleges in EU countries.
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Consists of four in-depth subjects, selected by the student based on their future university direction.
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Requires two years of study with a minimum academic load of 36 hours per week.
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Designed for students aged 16 and above.
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It is necessary to have an English level no lower than 5.5 - 6.0 in IELTS.
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- International Baccalaureate (IB):
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Effective preparation for specific specialties.
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A wide choice of disciplines. The course stipulates the Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) modules, ensuring development of creative, physical, and social skills.
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After taking the course, the graduates successfully enroll worldwide, in particular in English-speaking EU, US, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian universities.
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American universities often admit IB graduates directly into the second year.
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Available for foreign students aged 16 and above with English proficiency starting at IELTS 4.5.
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It has the status of one of the most popular programs abroad for foreign students who graduated from the 11th grade.
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- BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council):
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A UK university-level program with a practical approach.
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BTEC certificates are recognized in 100 countries.
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Presented in three levels, equivalent to GCSE, A-level, and initial higher education.
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Ideal for students seeking practical skills while studying abroad after the 11th grade.
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Aligns with the academic requirements of the US educational system.
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Offers a wide range of subjects, including compulsory sports.
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Encourages active participation in group and school social life.
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Distinguishing feature: Freedom to choose subjects.
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Available to students aged 14 to 18 with a minimum English level equivalent to TOEFL 103 CBT or IELTS 4.5.
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Duration: 6 trimesters.
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Advanced Placement (AP) Course:
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Allows high school students to study at the university level.
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Efficiently prepares students for university admission while reducing study time and costs.
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High AP test scores may grant students certain bonuses at their university.
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Operates in Canada and the United States, recognized by affiliated universities worldwide.
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Admission requirements are similar to those for the High School Diploma.
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National Certificates:
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These certificates grant access to universities without additional exams.
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Issued upon completion of high school programs, with each country having its own name and features for these certificates.
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Students focus on priority subjects in their graduating classes, aligning with their planned university studies.
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It is necessary to carefully consider the choice of the university preparation program abroad, as it is an important step toward a successful academic journey. These courses provide international students with a profound academic base for higher education and future career opportunities.
What are the most popular specialties among students now?
It's still a business, but it's catching up with degrees in engineering and IT. STEM is considered the best choice not only for education in the United States, but also for gaining as much as 3 years of professional experience in the country where you want to stay in the future. The pandemic has sparked a surge of interest in biological and chemical fields — many students want to be at the forefront of science in the event of a new pandemic.
Benefits to get higher education for International Students
Deciding on enrolment on Bachelor's and Master's programs abroad, the foreign students are provided with the opportunity to get high-quality education in captivating academic and practical fields. European and American universities offer a multitude of advantages for students. First and foremost, studying abroad provides invaluable exposure to international environments, fostering personal growth, meaningful interactions, and professional internships. Also, students receive diplomas recognized all over the world, which are highly respected in most countries of the world.
However, obtaining higher education abroad is associated with high costs. Nevertheless, the high tuition fee may be considered as an investment in top-notch education abroad, as graduates obtain great future career opportunities.
Below there is information about the tuition fees at some of the leading countries, which are most popular among international students:
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England: Tuition fee varies from £15,000 to £30,000 per year.
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America: the cost of studying fluctuates from $20,000 to $35,000 per year.
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Europe: Tuition fees vary from €3,000 to €25,000 per year.
To take a right choice of the university abroad, take into account the following advices:
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Early Planning: It is recommended to start searching potential universities and countries in advance, having enough time to consider their admission requirements for students of the 10th or 11th grade.
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Campus Visits: A visit to one or more university campuses allows you to assess whether they comply with your preferences, expectations and requirements.
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Language Preparation: When you have decided on the country of study, it is recommended to intensively learn the language, which is spoken by local citizens. English is the predominant or secondary language in most cases.
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Language Proficiency: Obtain language proficiency certificates in advance and commence test preparation early, with the duration depending on your initial language proficiency level.
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Academic and Linguistic Achievement: Elevate your academic and language skills to meet the entry requirements of your chosen university.
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Recommendation Letters: Request multiple recommendation letters from your teachers, ensuring they present you favorably from both academic and character perspectives.
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Document Preparation: Initiate the document collection process for university admission at least six months before your intended start date, as it involves several months of document transfer and communication with the admission office.
Moreover, when choosing a country to study in, consider the following factors:
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Personal Preference: Reflect on your desires and objectives, whether it's solely education or includes the prospect of building a career and residing in the country.
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Budget: Thoroughly assess your financial opportunities, taking into account tuition fees, cost of living, and daily expenses.The United States and the United Kingdom are popular among foreign students for their high quality of education and prestige; such countries as New Zealand offer more affordable options of studying.
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Field of Study: Research countries that specialize in your desired field of study. For example, England excels in jurisprudence, while design and fashion thrive throughout the UK. The USA offers comprehensive programs in politics and economics, while Australia and Switzerland are renowned for journalism and prestigious medical degrees.
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University Rankings: Investigate the rankings of educational institutions using respected sources such as Times World Ranking, ARWU academic ratings, and The Times and The Guardian's ratings for British universities. For specialized fields, look for organizations that rank institutions accordingly.
Taking into account these guidelines, you can make informed decisions, enrolling in ranking universities abroad and obtaining great career opportunities.
When do I need to apply for training?
Is it possible to enter immediately after 11th grade?
There is no possibility to take ielts/toefl now, what are the alternatives?
How to write a motivation letter?
What is a resume and how to make one if you have no work experience?
How to prepare for admission to the top-ranked universities?
Does it make sense to finish the 1st year of university in the Russian Federation and only then go abroad?
How to decide on a university?
What are the advantages for those who complete secondary education in the international system?
What support services does the university provide to international students, such as orientation programs and academic advising?
Foundation - General statistics
Country | Min cost | Max cost | Accommodation per year |
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UK | 15,000 USD | 35,000 USD | ~ 14,750 USD |
Ireland | 12,000 USD | 30,000 USD | ~ 12,000 USD |
USA | 25,000 USD | 45,000 USD | ~ 14,500 USD |
Canada | 15,000 USD | 35,000 USD | ~ 12,000 USD |
Australia | 15,000 USD | 25,000 USD | ~ 13,500 USD |
Germany | 2000 USD | 25,000 USD | ~ 10,400 USD |
Learning programs-summary information
Name | Meaning | Equivalent | Min. age | Duration, years |
Next stage | Cost |
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GCSE | General certificate of secondary education | secondary education (non-accomplished) | 14 | 1–2 | A-Levels | 15,000 USD+ |
A-Levels | Advanced level | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
BTEC | Business and Technology Education Board | secondary special education | 14 | 2–3 | University/ work | 15,000 USD+ |
Oxbridge Preparation | Preparing for Oxford and Cambridge | secondary education (accomplished) | 17 | 1 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
International Baccalaureate | International baccalaureate | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 18,000 USD+ |
Foundation/ Pathway Year | Preparatory year | admission to the 1st year of university | 17 | 1 | University | 14,000 USD+ |
NCUK | The Northern consortium | 2 year university | 17,5 | 1 | 2 year University of NCUK | 13,000 USD+ |
Special Preparation (Medics/Math/Business) | Specialized training | - | 14 | optional | optional | 4,000 USD+ |
Academic English | Academic English | Language school | 8 + | 6–12 months | School or University | 8,000 USD+ |
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