Oversea sudies Foundation Year query

[Bradsterr]

Hi I'm interested in knowing from Singaporeans that went to study abroad via the foundation year or know info about it to share their knowledge.

What are the success rates of you getting into the Uni that you did your foundation year ? I'm planning on getting into second tier Uk unis like Manchester, Durham, Bristol and sheffield. It is said that second tier Uni foundations are more accepting and will enrol you as long as you pass while first tier foundation such as UCL, kings college offer foundation year but in many cases reject their own foundation year students despite decent passing grades.
Was foundation year hard for you ? Was it worth it ?

Hope to get more info as I'm afraid of wasting time & money going there and getting rejected into my prefer Unis and force to go some lower tier Unis. Really need some clarification from people that know the foundation system or been through it. Thanks

 

[patryn33]

Not sure if find a lot of ppl who has gone thru this path

Again difficult really depends on individual. 6pts 5R1L capable ones who play too much and screw up As who woke up will be easy. As for those who did 20pts even after hard work may struggle. High success rate does mean you be in that norm.

Ask yourself how hard is O level? Ppl like TS below can make it in also felt hard
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/degree-programs-courses-70/learning-curve-degree-courses-5687802.html#post110290817

Most if not all foundation set some bar, as you said some bar really low. Yes you can go into uni qns is what kinda grades would you like to graduate? 2:2 from U.K. Uni in U.K. For Singaporean is unheard of in my social circle.

Ask those uni what is their bar, email them. Since u are spending 4yrs there it's not cheap
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/preparation-courses/international-foundation.aspx

Guys here would have give u some idea
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/degree-programs-courses-70/study-abroad-simge-5672744.html

 

[Sylvianaz]

Hi I'm interested in knowing from Singaporeans that went to study abroad via the foundation year or know info about it to share their knowledge.

What are the success rates of you getting into the Uni that you did your foundation year ? I'm planning on getting into second tier Uk unis like Manchester, Durham, Bristol and sheffield. It is said that second tier Uni foundations are more accepting and will enrol you as long as you pass while first tier foundation such as UCL, kings college offer foundation year but in many cases reject their own foundation year students despite decent passing grades.
Was foundation year hard for you ? Was it worth it ?

Hope to get more info as I'm afraid of wasting time & money going there and getting rejected into my prefer Unis and force to go some lower tier Unis. Really need some clarification from people that know the foundation system or been through it. Thanks

I did my foundation year under an Australian uni in Singapore. I don't know about UK foundation year programmes its best if you contact an agent to get the best details or visit university fairs and speak to the representatives.

For Australian U as long as you meet the graduate requirements you will pass on to year 1 of the related bachelors programme. In my case I had to pass everything and get a C and above for my chemistry module. I got all A's and headed straight into the bachelors programme. Some courses will require you to do a foundation (8 months)+ higher diploma (1 year) depending on your course of choice. Some just have a foundation diploma (5-8 months) which merge everything into one course and send you in. Some times you get exemptions sometimes you don't. You have to contact and agent sit down and discuss it. Most agencies are free for the counselling part for UK I think. Every course and uni is different.

On the part if it's worth it? For me it wasn't the best of decisions, because I want to transfer to a different uni and different course now and it's very difficult. You need to have your mind set on where you will spend your undergrad years. Another thing is, what are your qualifications? O/A/IB/Dip? If it's O's i suggest you think good and long about it before rushing off, because foundation year is no joke its equivalent to JC studies and a little more. (At least for science programmes it is) But if you're like me finished A's and didn't make the mark or any other pre-U qualification I would go ahead with it. Don't waste time. It will be worth it if you are dead set on what you want if not take your time to think about it.

I have a friend who did the same foundation as me but later realized this course wasn't for her and applied to another foundation at RMIT. Its really up to your mindset on what you want to do.

Hope this helped

 

[Bradsterr]

I did my foundation year under an Australian uni in Singapore. I don't know about UK foundation year programmes its best if you contact an agent to get the best details or visit university fairs and speak to the representatives.

For Australian U as long as you meet the graduate requirements you will pass on to year 1 of the related bachelors programme. In my case I had to pass everything and get a C and above for my chemistry module. I got all A's and headed straight into the bachelors programme. Some courses will require you to do a foundation (8 months)+ higher diploma (1 year) depending on your course of choice. Some just have a foundation diploma (5-8 months) which merge everything into one course and send you in. Some times you get exemptions sometimes you don't. You have to contact and agent sit down and discuss it. Most agencies are free for the counselling part for UK I think. Every course and uni is different.

On the part if it's worth it? For me it wasn't the best of decisions, because I want to transfer to a different uni and different course now and it's very difficult. You need to have your mind set on where you will spend your undergrad years. Another thing is, what are your qualifications? O/A/IB/Dip? If it's O's i suggest you think good and long about it before rushing off, because foundation year is no joke its equivalent to JC studies and a little more. (At least for science programmes it is) But if you're like me finished A's and didn't make the mark or any other pre-U qualification I would go ahead with it. Don't waste time. It will be worth it if you are dead set on what you want if not take your time to think about it.

I have a friend who did the same foundation as me but later realized this course wasn't for her and applied to another foundation at RMIT. Its really up to your mindset on what you want to do.

Hope this helped

I have a diploma and likewise did not manage to meet local U standards and have to do a foundation abroad. Seems like its near A levels equivalent which could be tough but manageable if I'm set on it. Mix reviews as some forums say foundation is more like Os then As and as long as you pass, you progress. Not sure if its as simple as that.
UK would still be my preferred destination though instead of Aussie, hope to hear more

 

[patryn33]

I met ppl doing nottingham foundation in malaysia, a pass is all it need back then to move on. But many suffer in their 1st year in uni. the bar in malaysia may be very different from UK.

with the number of international students reducing, the lost of income affects the Uni Econ. setting low bars gives u the illusion of getting into the uni program. graduating with a 2.2 or 3 is a disgrace by SG standards.

 

[bubblegumcartel]

Why UK though? The teaching quality in UK in some of the famous universities are quite terrible. All the lecturers care about is the research and journals they published...

Tbh, the education system these UK unis used are all very dated. There's a new teaching excellence framework ranking launched by the UK govt to rank schools in terms of teaching standards and you'd find a lot of well known universities in the UK rank lowly...

Unless you have family ties in the UK, I'd say look elsewhere. Especially if money is a concern (I've read some of your posts and it does look like money is somewhat of a concern).

If you are attending any unis with lower prestige in Singapore than the London unis, it's not worth it. This includes the good unis like Bath, Nottingham and even Durham. Singapore employers is not really familiar with these schools.

I have a diploma and likewise did not manage to meet local U standards and have to do a foundation abroad. Seems like its near A levels equivalent which could be tough but manageable if I'm set on it. Mix reviews as some forums say foundation is more like Os then As and as long as you pass, you progress. Not sure if its as simple as that.
UK would still be my preferred destination though instead of Aussie, hope to hear more

 

[Kyoji83]

I would like to add on from bubblegumcartel.

Bradsterr, if you get a Foundation Year & come back to Singapore to study in PEIs for Bath, Nottingham, Durham & etc, PEI may not recognized your Foundation Year.

This is how PEIs earn money by asking people to study their Private Diploma.

Why UK though? The teaching quality in UK in some of the famous universities are quite terrible. All the lecturers care about is the research and journals they published...

Tbh, the education system these UK unis used are all very dated. There's a new teaching excellence framework ranking launched by the UK govt to rank schools in terms of teaching standards and you'd find a lot of well known universities in the UK rank lowly...

Unless you have family ties in the UK, I'd say look elsewhere. Especially if money is a concern (I've read some of your posts and it does look like money is somewhat of a concern).

If you are attending any unis with lower prestige in Singapore than the London unis, it's not worth it. This includes the good unis like Bath, Nottingham and even Durham. Singapore employers is not really familiar with these schools.

 

[tuxguy]

https://www.gstudyabroad.com/blog/2016/12/30/after-n-levels/

According to the above, it's possible to go for uni foundation year after N level. My question is, is there any difference if finish O level then go for foundation year?

also, it be be better to get NS out of the way by serving 2-year NS first then go for foundation year then finish uni?

Hope someone can share experience. Thanks

 

[lycans]

Hi I'm interested in knowing from Singaporeans that went to study abroad via the foundation year or know info about it to share their knowledge.

What are the success rates of you getting into the Uni that you did your foundation year ? I'm planning on getting into second tier Uk unis like Manchester, Durham, Bristol and sheffield. It is said that second tier Uni foundations are more accepting and will enrol you as long as you pass while first tier foundation such as UCL, kings college offer foundation year but in many cases reject their own foundation year students despite decent passing grades.
Was foundation year hard for you ? Was it worth it ?

Hope to get more info as I'm afraid of wasting time & money going there and getting rejected into my prefer Unis and force to go some lower tier Unis. Really need some clarification from people that know the foundation system or been through it. Thanks

Hi

I did my foundation year with IES in Brisbane. One year course and I got into UQ vet science. I did the triple science course because I wanted to do vet science. The stuff taught is pretty much O level stuff with some advanced mathematics and physics and chemistry but still doable.

I think its worth it as I got what I wanted but take note you need to be driven to succeed. There were some Singaporean kids that did it and fail badly and end up not being able to enter uni or had to extend their foundation year. So you get what you give...

 

[nyvrem]

https://www.gstudyabroad.com/blog/2016/12/30/after-n-levels/

According to the above, it's possible to go for uni foundation year after N level. My question is, is there any difference if finish O level then go for foundation year?

also, it be be better to get NS out of the way by serving 2-year NS first then go for foundation year then finish uni?

Hope someone can share experience. Thanks

which country do you want to go? you want the fastest route?

finish N levels, go NS. while in NS, take up an associates degree online to transfer into a 4 year university in the US once you ORD.

California community colleges work well, they offer transfers into the Cal State Uni system, or if your GPA is high enough, can transfer into a University of California school, and finish your last 2 years on campus.

more importantly, community colleges in US are open admission. they accept anyone.

https://cvc.edu/adt/

assuming you don't lag behind, and manage to get a 9-5 vocation in NS, you would be able to graduate by 20 with a degree. maybe 21 if you give some leeway.

16 - finish N levels

16 ~ 18 serving NS, concurrently doing an associates degree online

18 ~ 21 transfer into a university in the US to finish your last 2 years of a degree program.

 

[patryn33]

https://www.gstudyabroad.com/blog/2016/12/30/after-n-levels/

According to the above, it's possible to go for uni foundation year after N level. My question is, is there any difference if finish O level then go for foundation year?

also, it be be better to get NS out of the way by serving 2-year NS first then go for foundation year then finish uni?

Hope someone can share experience. Thanks

is cost a concern? please review below process esp if u are above 16.5yrs old
https://www.cmpb.gov.sg/web/portal/cmpb/home/before-ns/pre-enlistment-process/exit-permit-and-bond

The bond amount is S$75,000 or an amount equivalent to 50% of the combined annual gross income of both your parents for the preceding year, whichever is higher.

it is possible to go foundation and move on to Uni don't have to do O levels. but possible also depends on which program/country.

such program N level wouldn't fly.
https://london.ac.uk/courses/international-foundation-programme#entry-requirements
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/english-language/study/ifp/requirements.html
https://www.monashcollege.edu.au/courses/foundation-year/entry-requirements

OZ perhaps depending on program
http://www.taylorsperth.edu.au/how-to-apply/entry-requirements
https://www.taylorssydney.edu.au/how-to-apply/entry-requirements

Canada not really foundation but some Uni transfer program requirements U have to investigate
https://www.columbiacollege.ca/admissions/requirements

nyvrem provided the US option we don't know how well are you coping in N levels. if you performing poorly and hope a different system can change and do 180.. not too such if possible. if U are doing extremely well now which is possible then no issue. with over 2500 uni and colleges, not hard to find a easy one. But then how useful is degree back home?
ie
unclear admission req. which college accepts assoc? Rice/UT Austin?
https://www.hccs.edu/online/


CE offer Broward college "dip" program similar to Assoc degree but min is O level, NOT N level
https://www.ace.edu.sg/programs/business-administration/dba.php

 

[nyvrem]

just add onto Oz, open U Oz offers online pathway programs into some Universities in Oz. no real hard and fast admission requirement.

https://www.open.edu.au/study-online/preparatory-subjects/oua-pathways

now it only depends if you can cope with 'Uni level' studies or not.

 

[tuxguy]

which country do you want to go? you want the fastest route?

finish N levels, go NS. while in NS, take up an associates degree online to transfer into a 4 year university in the US once you ORD.

California community colleges work well, they offer transfers into the Cal State Uni system, or if your GPA is high enough, can transfer into a University of California school, and finish your last 2 years on campus.

more importantly, community colleges in US are open admission. they accept anyone.

https://cvc.edu/adt/

assuming you don't lag behind, and manage to get a 9-5 vocation in NS, you would be able to graduate by 20 with a degree. maybe 21 if you give some leeway.

16 - finish N levels

16 ~ 18 serving NS, concurrently doing an associates degree online

18 ~ 21 transfer into a university in the US to finish your last 2 years of a degree program.

Thanks for the info Actually researching for my son, still have some years to go, planning ahead.

Wow, didn't know associate degree can take online, that's definitely a cost saver. But time wise and mentality/discipline wise, think not so easy even with 9-5 vocation. I was from 9-5 vocation myself, brain seem to be in hibernate mode when doing NS lol

Yes, planning for US and California is definitely a consideration

 

[tuxguy]

is cost a concern? please review below process esp if u are above 16.5yrs old
https://www.cmpb.gov.sg/web/portal/cmpb/home/before-ns/pre-enlistment-process/exit-permit-and-bond


it is possible to go foundation and move on to Uni don't have to do O levels. but possible also depends on which program/country.

such program N level wouldn't fly.
https://london.ac.uk/courses/international-foundation-programme#entry-requirements
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/english-language/study/ifp/requirements.html
https://www.monashcollege.edu.au/courses/foundation-year/entry-requirements

OZ perhaps depending on program
http://www.taylorsperth.edu.au/how-to-apply/entry-requirements
https://www.taylorssydney.edu.au/how-to-apply/entry-requirements

Canada not really foundation but some Uni transfer program requirements U have to investigate
https://www.columbiacollege.ca/admissions/requirements

nyvrem provided the US option we don't know how well are you coping in N levels. if you performing poorly and hope a different system can change and do 180.. not too such if possible. if U are doing extremely well now which is possible then no issue. with over 2500 uni and colleges, not hard to find a easy one. But then how useful is degree back home?
ie
unclear admission req. which college accepts assoc? Rice/UT Austin?
https://www.hccs.edu/online/


CE offer Broward college "dip" program similar to Assoc degree but min is O level, NOT N level
https://www.ace.edu.sg/programs/business-administration/dba.php

Thanks for the info

My son still has a couple of years before N level, researching ahead. Currently looking at US community colleges and so far, looks like a good and viable option.

As for bond for NS, heard from somewhere don't need to pay cash upfront (It is provided in the form of a Banker's Guarantee as stated in the link you provided). But current thinking is after N or O levels, get NS over and done with.

As for usefulness of degree, am hoping son go out and explore what the world has to offer. For SG, once you have overseas experience, coming back is just abt timing, connections and networks

 

[tuxguy]

Hi

I did my foundation year with IES in Brisbane. One year course and I got into UQ vet science. I did the triple science course because I wanted to do vet science. The stuff taught is pretty much O level stuff with some advanced mathematics and physics and chemistry but still doable.

I think its worth it as I got what I wanted but take note you need to be driven to succeed. There were some Singaporean kids that did it and fail badly and end up not being able to enter uni or had to extend their foundation year. So you get what you give...

Nice insight! Thanks
Upz for more insights.

 

[tuxguy]

Found a few of these education consultancies, thinking after i do my homework till some time June next year then check them out and talk to them for more advice/queries

but for true insights, still think this place is the best

https://www.gstudyabroad.com/aboutus/
http://augstudy.com/singapore/
https://www.idp.com/singapore/

 

[nyvrem]

Found a few of these education consultancies, thinking after i do my homework till some time June next year then check them out and talk to them for more advice/queries

but for true insights, still think this place is the best

https://www.gstudyabroad.com/aboutus/
http://augstudy.com/singapore/
https://www.idp.com/singapore/

bare in mind w/e they say, they also will try their best to push u to their 'preferred colleges'. best is still go google yourself, research then ask here if really need be.

but also be realistic of your child's ability ba. i can share with you community colleges that have transfer agreements with cornell university, but just to be considered, you still need a very high GPA in community college. but no point to sic if you're kid really is not that calibre.

i went through CC myself before moving onto a proper university in the US. it's not easy, just 'different' because alot of your classmates come from 'low SES' backgrounds so education is not the first thing on their minds. and the people in the classes tend to be older (think early/mid 20s). so when your son goes over, his mentality also must change to adapt, or else he will struggle.

 

[patryn33]

Found a few of these education consultancies, thinking after i do my homework till some time June next year then check them out and talk to them for more advice/queries

but for true insights, still think this place is the best

https://www.gstudyabroad.com/aboutus/
http://augstudy.com/singapore/
https://www.idp.com/singapore/

it will be hard to find consultants who have been to this route for advice esp with North America. even with ACE they do not necessary provide good advice for USA.

can't really provide true insight if that will apply to your kid.

another pt to consider even if U don't have to pay up front, u must have the cash on hand. if you kid has a few yrs to go, what is the $$ you had in mind to pay? 500k? cost increase is ~5%. today footshills is ~us$29k not much, UC Irvine at ~us$45k. say 5yrs down the road say enroll 5yrs later cost ~us$216K depending on major. if kid choose to go USC then closer to US$300k.
https://foothill.edu/international/prospective/tuitionandfees.html
http://catalogue.uci.edu/informatio...uitionandfees/#Undergradstudenttuitionandfees

if you kid want to change path and work in overseas, you will lose the bond. U will be on the hook if u choose not to return, he cannot even denounce citizenship. even after payment of bond does it mean he can return to SG to visit without NS obligation? My understanding is one is still obligated which sucks. your choice of finishing NS makes the most sense. I have come across some ppl in NS who had finish they Biz degree with Schulich thru CC route and return, he didn't like it.

If he is guarantee to return no issue there, but it is really to foresee the future.

For SG, once you have overseas experience, coming back is just abt timing, connections and networks

today return after degree from USA is not JUST about timing, connections and networks. Its more about no choice, no way to secure VISA but has to return. H1B1 is tricky, anyway few years to go who know how this VISA thingy will change.

depending on your kid's major, connections and networks may just not be in SG.

 

[FadedBoy]

I went for a foundation programme for Australian uni. Easy pathway to reputable uni.

 

[nyvrem]

wah foothill damn ex sia.

cheapskate hint - check out community colleges in NV and ND.

dirt cheap for intentional students.

cheapskate hint - check out Minot State University and Midwestern State University.

dirt cheap for intentional students.