The University of Auckland
Certificate in Foundation Studies

The University of Auckland Certificate in Foundation Studies transitions international students into an undergraduate degree programme of choice at New Zealand’s top university.

Programme delivered by UP International College

Your steps to an undergraduate degree programme:

Relearn the content subjects you need for your degree programme, in English
Upskill in academic English
- Understand lectures clearly
- Write stronger essays
- Read written content more effectively
- Take useful notes
- Improve pronunciation and confidence when speaking/presenting
Develop critical thinking skills
Learn independent study skills

01.

University Pathways

Students who successfully complete the University of Auckland Certificate in Foundation Studies to prescribed standards are guaranteed entry into an appropriate University of Auckland undergraduate degree.

The University of Auckland Certificate in Foundation Studies is accredited by Universities New Zealand and is recognised for entry to all New Zealand universities.

Two offers of place from the start

Students who enrol in the University of Auckland Certificate in Foundation Studies receive two offers of place: a letter of offer for the Foundation Studies programme, and a conditional offer of admission for the University of Auckland. A confirmed offer of admission is issued once you meet the standards required for the degree programme, as well as other entry requirements.

Academic excellence – the key to success

UP International College recruits top specialists in each field of study for best possible results. Programmes are tailored to individual student needs and abilities, and classes are delivered by dedicated professional educators. Teaching is a mix of lectures, tutorials and self-study periods, with 24–27 hours of contact teaching each week, and another 20 hours per week of self-study. Each student is assigned a tutor for counselling, support and guidance.

Scholarships

The top student completing the University of Auckland Certificate in Foundation Studies each semester receives a NZ$5,000 scholarship towards tuition fees in the first year of their undergraduate degree at the University of Auckland.

02.

Intakes and Fees

Applying for a programme is simple. Applications can be made in person at our UP International College city campus, online, or by completing a printout of the application form and emailing or posting it to us.

The University of Auckland Certificate in Foundation Studies takes 6 to 18 months (two to six terms) to complete, depending on the student’s academic background and level of English.

Duration	English Level	Start Dates	Cost
6 months (2 terms)	IELTS 6.0 (a minimum of 5.5 in all bands) – or agreed equivalent	28 January, 15 July	NZD19,000
8/9 months (3 terms)	IELTS 5.5 (a minimum of 5.0 in all bands)	28 April, 2 October	NZD29,500
12 months (4 terms)	IELTS 5.0 (a minimum of 4.5 in all bands)	28 January, 15 July	NZD29,500
18 months (6 terms)	IELTS 4.5 (a minimum of 4.0 in all bands)	28 January, 15 July	NZD44,250

Course Accelerated
Duration	6 months (2 terms)
English Level	IELTS 6.0 (a minimum of 5.5 in all bands) – or agreed equivalent
Start Dates	28 January, 15 July
Cost	NZD19,000

Course Fast-track
Duration	8/9 months (3 terms)
English Level	IELTS 6.5 (a minimum of 5.0 in all bands) – or agreed equivalent
Start Dates	28 April, 2 October
Cost	NZD29,500

Course Standard
Duration	12 months (4 terms)
English Level	IELTS 5 (a minimum of 4.5 in all bands)
Start Dates	28 January, 15 July
Cost	NZD29,500

Course Extended
Duration	18 months (6 terms)
English Level	IELTS 4.5 (a minimum of 4.0 in all bands)
Start Dates	28 January, 15 July
Cost	NZD44,250

Other fees

A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 15 percent is inclusive where applicable.
The New Zealand Government Education Export Levy of 0.50 percent is calculated on tuition and course-related costs for international students

Additional Fees
Resource materials	NZD800 per year (NZD1,200 for Extended)
Foundation Studies examination fees	NZD350
Examination resit fee	NZD50
IELTS examination fee (for degrees requiring IELTS)	NZD385

Fees and documents

Once we have received your application, we may ask for more information or documentation. When we have everything we need we send you a letter of offer and schedule of fees. Once you accept your offer and pay the fees, we issue you with a receipt and send a confirmation letter.

Visa and travel essentials

Once you receive your confirmation letter, you can apply for a visa and arrange insurance. Let us know your arrival details so we can welcome you at the airport and arrange an airport transfer, if required. We can also organise your accommodation, if needed.

03.

Entry to university

Your steps to an undergraduate degree programme at the University of Auckland

Two offers of place from the start

Enrol in a Foundation Studies programme and receive:

An offer of place for the Foundation Studies programme
A conditional offer of place for an undergraduate degree course at the University of Auckland (successfully complete the Foundation Studies programme and receive a confirmed offer)

To enter a University of Auckland undergraduate degree programme:

Score more than 40% in a minimum of four academic subjects in Foundation Studies
Achieve a B grade or higher in English for Academic Purposes (or IELTS Level 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands)

Other universities accept UP International College Foundation Studies students too

All New Zealand universities accept successful completion of the University of Auckland Certificate in Foundation Studies as meeting university entrance requirements.

Over 10,000 students have successfully transitioned to university through our Foundation Studies programmes delivered on behalf of the universities. Most students continue to the university offering the Foundation Studies programme, but others undertake an undergraduate degree overseas. While no formal agreement exists, Foundation Studies students have been accepted at

Australia

North America

California State University East Bay
City University of New York
National Autonomous University of México
Northern Arizona University
Oregon State University
Ryerson University
University of British Columbia
University of Hawaii

Europe

HIALS (Aalesund University College, Norway)
University of Amsterdam
University of Birmingham
University of Maastricht (the Netherlands)
University of Manchester
University of Nottingham (UK campus)

Asia

Maranatha Christian University
Nanyang Technological University
RMIT International University Vietnam
Singapore Management University
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
University of Nottingham (Ningbo campus)

Other

Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahad University

04.

Subjects

Subjects required for the Foundation Studies Standard (12-month) programme
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

four subjects from the list below:

Accounting

Introduction to Accounting – Financial Statements, Double Entry, Basic Concepts
Cost-volume-profit Analysis
Decision-making
Spreadsheets, using Microsoft Excel
Cash Budgeting
Analysis and Interpretation
Companies
Accounting Concepts for a Reporting Entity
Cashflow Statements
Job Costing

Art History

The Renaissance
- Naturalism and Science in Fifteenth-century Italian Painting
- The High Renaissance – The Influence of Antiquity
- Gesture, Expression and the Portrayal of Narrative
- Portraiture – Characterisation of the Individual
Modern Art – Towards Abstraction
- The Development of Cubism
- Paths to Abstraction
Aspects of Modern New Zealand Art
- Paths to Abstraction

Biology

Chemistry

Atomic Structure
Chemical Bonding
Reduction and Oxidation
Electrochemical Cells
Enthalpy Change
Chemical Equilibrium
Acids, Bases and Alkalis
Dissolving and Precipitation
Organic Compounds – Nomenclature, Structure, Isomerism, Reactions and Polymers

Economics

Basic Economic Concepts
Theory of Demand
Production, Resources, Costs and Cost Curves
Theory of Supply
Elasticities of Demand and Supply
Market Model and Allocative Efficiency
Theory of the Firm and Types of Competition in the Market
Market Failure and Government Intervention
Circular Flow of Income and Expenditure
GDP and the Business Cycle
Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply Model
Balance of Payments and Exchange Rate
Monetary and Fiscal Policies to Close Recessionary and Inflationary Gaps

Geography

Geographic Skills using Topographical Maps
Tourism Development in Rotorua
Plate Tectonic Movement in New Zealand
Development

Physics

English (for Academic Purposes)

Academic writing, speaking, reading, listening, research skills, syntax and academic vocabulary. Core course material is supplemented with electronic materials such as media-related reading exercises and communication activities that improve grammar and listening skills.

Students who achieve a minimum of a B grade in EAP meet the literacy requirements for entry to the University of Auckland. They will not need an IELTS pass (minimum 6.0) for courses in Commerce (Business), Science, Arts, Law, Architecture, Music, Technology and others. Those wanting to study Engineering, Health Science and Education will still need to take IELTS, however after completing EAP they will be well equipped with the language skills needed for most ELT examinations.

Academic writing, reading, speaking and listening
Academic vocabulary
Research skills
Syntax
Collaboration and fluency in oral academic discussions
Mastery of a significant proportion of the Academic Vocabulary List for universities
Conforming written English skills to university academic requirements
Development of strategies for understanding and note taking of written and spoken academic texts
Using citations and references in the APA Style
Practising critical thinking and independent study skills that are essential for successful university studies
Undertaking independent research

Design

Graphic Design Methodologies including Logo and Poster Design
Language of Design
Design Manipulation of Image and Text
Research and Enquiry of Design History and Designers
Self-directed Production of Design Portfolio
Creative Thinking and Development of Ideas
Editing and Decision-making
Layout and Presentation

Photography

Statistics

Mathematics

Many mathematics students study both Statistics and Calculus. If you have to choose only one, Statistics is a course required for most first-year programmes at universities. This includes degrees in Accounting, Business, Health Science, Mathematics and Computer Science. If you want to study Engineering, Advanced Economics, Physics or Mathematics, you need to choose Calculus. It is important that you look at a particular programme that you intend to study at university and plan your subject choices carefully. Check the prerequisites for your degree of choice.

Mathematics with Statistics

This course prepares students for careers in the biological and social sciences, medicine, commerce and administration. The topics include:

Linear programming
Numerical methods for finding approximate solutions
Sampling
Data display (representing data as graphs and interpreting graphs)
Expectation Algebra
Selections and Arrangements
Distributions (Binomial Distribution, Poisson Distribution, Normal Distribution)
Bivariate Data
Confidence Intervals
Time Series

Mathematics with Calculus

This course prepares students for careers in the Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics. The topics include:

Art History*, Painting*, Music*

* subject to sufficient enrolments.

05.

Location & Facilities

The University of Auckland Certificate of Foundation Studies is delivered at UP International College at 345 Queen Street in Auckland Central.

From the UP International College campus it’s just a short stroll to popular spots like Albert Park, the museum, Aotea Centre and the Town Hall. Lunchtime concerts in Aotea Square, street parades and access to New Zealand’s leading art galleries means there is always something new and exciting for students to see.

The campus is equipped with excellent facilities, including modern air-conditioned classrooms, specialist subject and computer rooms, and a student information centre, and all students have access to free Wi-Fi.

The University of Auckland
Certificate in Foundation Studies

University Pathways

Two offers of place from the start

Academic excellence – the key to success

Scholarships

Intakes and Fees

Other fees

Fees and documents

Visa and travel essentials

Entry to university

Two offers of place from the start

To enter a University of Auckland undergraduate degree programme:

Subjects

Location & Facilities

New Zealand

Australia

University of Tasmania

Charles Darwin University

Student Life

UP

Contact us

Location

AUCKLAND

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