Foundation Program

Academic Year

September - July

130

Ranked Institutions

218

Listed Institutions

Currency

Canadian Dollar

Foundation Program in Canada

Looking for the best Canadian universities to upgrade your academic skills with a foundation year? Contact JnS Education to get access to the most professional educational consultancy services with guaranteed admission.

What is a Foundation Year in Canada?

A foundation year is referred to as a “preparatory program” or a pathway program in Canada, It helps students get admission to their desired Canadian universities. Students who fail to get admission to an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Canada opt for a foundation year to prepare for the next intake. International students often take admission in a foundation year if they face any of the below issues.

Academic gap
For postgraduate and undergraduate students, a foundation year helps to cover their academic gaps. It equips students with the academic skills needed to get admission to Canada for their bachelor’s degree. Students who have a low percentage in the previous degree use it as a bridge to get admission to Canadian universities.

Subject-specific preparation
Students get admission in the foundation year to get more knowledge about the specific program. Generally, students from the subjects background of Economics, Humanities, Business, and Engineering go for foundation year.

English Proficiency
Foundation year offers many English language courses for international students. Students get admission to foundation programs to improve their English skills and meet the degree criteria for admission.

More program choices
Students also get admission in the foundation year to increase their program choices for the next degree. They enroll in different courses during the foundation year and get the knowledge and skills needed for a specific degree.

Students looking for admission to a master’s degree program also choose a foundation year to overcome their language proficiency or academic skill shortcomings, which is called Pre-Master’s. The duration of a foundation year varies from 3 months to 2 years, depending upon the selected course, and for part-time students, it may take longer.

Foundation Year vs. Top-Up

Students often get confused with these two terms, but they are entirely different.

A top-up year is typically an additional year of study taken by students who have already completed a lower-level qualification (e.g., a diploma or associate’s degree). It allows them to “top up” their education to a higher-level qualification, usually a bachelor’s degree. The focus is on specific advanced coursework related to the chosen field of study.

A foundation year serves as a preparation period, allowing students to enhance their language or subject-specific abilities in order to secure admission to their preferred university. The focus is on specific academic skills or language proficiency.

How to Apply for Foundation Courses in Canada?

The following are the steps to apply for the foundation year:

Search the college/university that is offering a foundation year in Canada

Go to its website and fill out the application form

Attach all the documents required with the application form

Click submit

All educational institutes usually allow an online application process. You have to make sure you carefully follow all the given steps while applying for admission.

And, if you are not confident about applying by yourself, you can seek assistance from an educational consultant. At JnS Education, we are the study abroad experts that assure your admission to Canada.

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In-demand Foundation Year Courses in Canada for Pakistani Students

Canadian universities offer top courses in every field for the foundation year that help enhance your skills and improve your career. The following are the most in-demand courses selected by Pakistani students:

If you want to secure admission in any one of the mentioned courses? Contact us to get this job done by our education consultants and get a chance to study abroad!

Requirements of Foundation Year in Canada for Pakistani Students

To get admission in the foundation year, you have certain requirements that must be fulfilled. You must meet the eligibility criteria to get admission to the foundation program. Here is a list of essential documentation needed:

Universities that Offer Foundation Year in Canada for Pakistani Students

Here is a list of selected universities according to affordability and quality educational standards that offer foundation year:

University of Alberta

Dalhousie University

University of Calgary

University Laval

University of Manitoba

McMaster University

McGill University

University of Ottawa

University of Montreal

Queen’s University

University of Saskatchewan

University of Waterloo

University of Toronto

Western University

Cost of Foundation Year for Pakistani Students

The average cost of a foundation year for an international student is CAD 10,000 to CAD 15,000 annually. However, this may vary depending on the tuition fee offered by universities. Foundation year can be done in colleges. Some factors that affect the cost of the foundation year are:

Living Cost in Canada for Pakistani Students

The cost of living in Canada for Pakistani students is approximately CAD 10,000 to $20,000 a year. At the same time, the cost of living in Canada depends on many factors like accommodation, distance to college or university, and food.

Scholarships Available for Foundation Year

Students can get scholarships in the foundation year, depending upon their performance. There are two types of scholarships available for international students that are:

Work Hours Allowed During Foundation Year for Pakistani Students

According to Canadian government laws, foundation year students are allowed to work if they are enrolled in a 6-month long program. Then, they are permitted to work for 20 hours per week during their academic session. Students are not restricted in their ability to work full-time during sessional or scheduled breaks. During a complete academic break, they can work full-time.

Dream, Explore, Study Abroad

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a foundation year better than a degree program?

A foundation year is different from a degree program. It is a pathway program to get admission to a desired university where you can pursue your degree.

Does Canada have a foundation year?

Yes, Canada has a foundation year, which is a transition course of 6 months to 2 years to help students improve their skills and get admission to their desired universities.