For Bangladeshi students, Studying in the UK can be an exciting opportunity, and opting for a Foundation Course can significantly increase their chances of gaining admission to their desired academic program.
In other words, Foundation Courses help prepare you for the degree program you have applied to at a UK university by filling the gap or deficiency in your academic knowledge and/or English language proficiency (a must to study in the UK). Foundation courses are quite popular among international students traveling to the UK and are highly opted for before starting the main study program at the applied university.
Many international students, including those from Bangladesh, opt for Foundation Courses at UK institutes. The primary reason is that a Foundation Course is designed to assist students who aspire to Study in the UK from Bangladesh to be prepared to pursue an undergraduate degree in the UK. This implies that through a brief one-year Foundation Course, you can easily catch up on the qualifications and skills required for your desired undergraduate program in the UK. Additionally, these courses enable students to refine their English language proficiency and other academic skill sets.
Here are some of the most popular reasons why Foundation Courses in the UK can be highly beneficial for Bangladeshi students:
A Foundation Course helps you get acquainted with the university style of learning.
It is mainly designed keeping in mind the needs and interests of international students and the challenges they will likely face during the process.
Foundation courses are the best way to fill the gap in your English language proficiency, a mandate for admission into all UK colleges and universities.
Foundation courses in the UK for international students are ideal for those who have completed less than 13 years of formal schooling in their respective countries and have applied for a degree in the UK. UK courses have a specific set of academic requirements which need to be satisfied by all students applying from different parts of the world. Enrolling in a short-term Foundation Course offered by a UK university can help you bridge the gap between your current qualifications and the prerequisites for your desired program. These courses typically span from 1-4 years.
The cost of studying a Foundation Program in the UK for Bangladeshi students varies depending on the university, the location, and the duration of the course. On average, the tuition fees for Foundation Course fees in the UK are approximately GBP 6,000 per year. However, it's important to note that these costs do not include additional expenses such as accommodation, transportation, and textbooks. It's always recommended to research and compare the costs of different universities and courses before making a decision. Additionally, many universities offer scholarships and financial aid for international students, so it's worth checking if you're eligible for any of these opportunities.
Like all UG and PG courses pursued in the UK, application to a Foundation Course also requires certain standard criteria to be satisfied. Some of the commonly accepted Foundation Courses in the UK requirements are:
Official academic transcripts of completion of Higher Secondary Education
Valid passport for travel to the UK from Bangladesh
Copy of approved visa for travel
IELTS score of a minimum of 4.5
Certificate of Higher Secondary School Diploma
Letter of Recommendation shared by a school teacher from a high school
Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies or CAS from a licensed college or university in the UK that you have applied for
Proof of funds to support stay in the UK
Valid passport
Report of Tuberculosis screening (if needed)
Recent passport-sized photographs
Health insurance for travel
Proficiency in the English language as required for studying in the UK
Several leading colleges and universities in the UK offer Foundation Courses to international students to help them prepare well for the next level of their education there. You can pursue a Foundation Course in a UK university from any of the places listed below. These universities are QS-ranked globally:
University | QS World Ranking 2023 | Next Intake for International Students |
University of Glasgow | 81 | Sep |
Queen Mary University of London | 125 | Sep |
University College London | 8 | Sep |
The University of Sheffield | 96 | Sep |
University of Manchester | 28 | Sep |
University of Leeds | 86 | Sep |
King's College London | 37 | Sep |
University of Southampton | 78 | Sep |
University of Bristol | 61 | Sep |
Durham University | 92 | Sep |
Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2023
Foundation Courses in the UK are designed to provide a strong academic base for international students who aspire to pursue higher education in the country. These courses can pave the way for students to pursue a Bachelor's or a Postgraduate program in their chosen field. Additionally, students who have completed their Foundation Course can also opt for employment opportunities related to their field of study or continue their education through a higher degree program.
How much IELTS score is needed to study Foundation in the UK from Bangladesh?
For Bangladeshi students enrolling in Foundation Courses in the UK, a minimum score of 4.5 is required in all the skills of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Which city in the UK is best for Bangladeshi students to study Foundation Courses?
Nearly all cities in the country offer Bangladeshi students excellent academic standards in Foundation Courses. Nevertheless, London, which is home to the esteemed University College London (UCL), is considered one of the most desirable destinations for Bangladeshi students pursuing Foundation Courses in the UK.
The minimum standard requirements for Bangladeshi students applying for a Foundation Course in the UK include the following:
Proof of English proficiency by submitting a minimum score of 4.5 in IELTS
Certificate of Higher Secondary Education
Proof of funds
Valid passport and student visa
Can Bangladeshi students apply for a PR in the UK after completing the Foundation Courses?
Upon completion of their studiesents, international students in the UK are eligible to apply for a Tier-2 visa. This facilitates a permanent work permit in the UK with a total validity of 5 years and 14 days. Once this period is completed, the student can apply for a PR in the country.
What qualifications do Bangladeshi students require for Foundation Courses in the UK?
Students from Bangladesh must possess a Higher Secondary certificate and the minimum required English language proficiency to apply for a Foundation Course in the UK.
What scholarships are available to Bangladeshi students to study Foundation Courses in the UK?
Universities in the UK provide scholarship options to students from Bangladesh who wish to pursue their studies in the UK. Some of the scholarship options available include:
Kingston University International Scholarships
University of Birmingham International Scholarships
University College London Scholarships
Bristol University International Scholarships
Gates Cambridge Scholarships for International Students
Can Bangladeshi students work part-time while pursuing a Foundation Course in the UK?
Yes, however, they are authorised to work only for up to 10 hours a week if they are pursuing a Foundation Course in the UK.
Do Bangladeshi students need to have A-levels to be eligible for a Foundation Course in the UK?
Most universities have no specific set of acceptance criteria for Foundation Courses, as with UG or PG degree programs. Therefore, it is best to check with the university you apply to concerning its A-level requirement for the student to pursue a Foundation Course.
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