Foundation in New Zealand

The Foundation program is a bridging pathway that helps students who may not meet the direct admission requirements for an undergraduate degree in New Zealand. The foundation pathway provides the necessary academic skills, subject knowledge, and English language proficiency required to progress to a Bachelor’s degree at most New Zealand university.

The Foundation year typically lasts 12 months in duration. However, many pathway providers also offer 8 month accelerated foundation program.

Admission requirements to apply for UK foundation

Admission requirement for Foundation Year in the New Zealand is generally simple, students need to have:

Minimum 5 O-Level / IGCSE subjects with C and above
High school 12th pass with minimum 60% and above or an equivalent qualification.
English proficiency certificate, usually PTE or IELTS (minimum 5.5 with no element less than 5.0 or 46 overall in PTE)

Tuition Fees for a Foundation Year

The tuition fees for a Foundation program vary depending on the university or pathway provider, but the average fee ranges between NZD 26,000 to NZD 28,000 per year. However, many pathway providers offer significant discounts on total fees, particularly for students with strong high school grades, brings the total fee down to between NZD 21,000 to NZD 23,000 per year.

Additionally, most foundation providers offer nationality-based scholarships, making it more affordable for international students.

Types of Foundation Courses

Foundation in Business, Computing and Science: Prepares students for Business, Computer science and Science degrees
Foundation in Science and Engineering: Focuses on Physics, Mathematics, and related subjects for Engineering, Technology, and Science degrees.

When choosing a Foundation course, students must ensure that the selected pathway program offers guaranteed progression to their intended undergraduate degree.

Foundation Pathway Providers in New Zealand

Foundation providers in New Zealand offer pathway programs in partnership with top universities. Most of these programs are held on the university’s main campus, giving students access to the same libraries, computer rooms, and club facilities as regular undergraduate students.

Kaplan International Pathways: Partners with Massey University

Navitas: Offers pathways to universities such as University of Waikato and university of Canterbury

Students are guaranteed progression to these universities upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, provided they achieve the required grades.

Foundation admission intakes

February/March: Main intake with the widest range of programs.
July and October

Documents required for New Zealand student visa

To apply for a student visa to study foundation course in New Zealand, following documents are required:

Offer of Acceptance: An unconditional offer of acceptance from an institution

Proof of Tuition Payment: Evidence that student has paid the tuition fees for the first year of study.

Statement of Purpose: This is the most important document immigration officer reads to understand student’s intention to study in New Zealand

Passport Copy: A copy of valid passport

Proof of Maintenance Funds: Showing at least NZ$20,000 (first year) to cover living expenses in a bank statement, along with proof of where these funds have come from.

Visa Application Fee Receipt: Evidence of payment for the student visa application fee.

Medical or Police Certificates: Depending on student’s country of residence, a medical certificate, chest x-ray, or a police clearance certificate may be required.

Applying for a Foundation Year in year 2025

Students from Middle East countries can apply for Foundation year through approved education agents. Many students choose to apply through approved agents to get expert guidance through the application process, ensuring all documents are complete and deadlines are met.

JnS Education is an approved agent for most NZ foundation providers in Kuwait, Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar, and Riyadh. We help students apply and secure multiple offers within a week duration. Contact us, and our experienced counsellors will guide you through the entire admissions process.