Foundation courses are programmes designed for Non-British students needing extra help with English or any other subject in order to apply for an undergraduate course to study in the UK. It can therefore be considered an alternative pathway to start higher education in the UK.
Who should take up a Foundation Course in the UK:
What does Foundation Courses in the UK offer:
As an Indonesian student, these foundation courses will prepare you for university curriculum offered in the United Kingdom. Additionally, it will make your transition from Indonesia to the UK a smooth process.
What are Foundation courses in the UK?
Foundation courses are especially designed for international students coming to study in the United Kingdom (UK) with less than 13 years of school education, limited English proficiency or wanting extra help before starting their undergraduate studies in the country.
As per many UK universities, Indonesia is on the list of countries needing a foundation course before starting a bachelor's degree in the UK. Here is a brief comparison of the school year in the UK and Indonesia:|
Schooling Details |
United Kingdom |
Indonesia |
|
Academic Year |
September to July |
July to June |
|
Number of Terms |
3 terms (Autumn, Spring, Summer) |
2 semesters (Odd and Even) |
|
Term/Semester Months |
Autumn: Sept–Dec Spring: Jan–Apr Summer: Apr–July |
Odd: July–Dec Even: Jan–June |
|
School Entry Age |
4–5 years (Reception) |
6–7 years (Grade 1) |
|
Final Year of School |
Year 13 (age 17–18, A-levels) |
Grade 12 (age 17–18, National Exam/UN) |
Source: University of Manchester
Indonesian school systems are different from the schooling in the United Kingdom, and a foundation course bridges this gap. Here is a list of reasons why Indonesians need a foundation course in the UK:
As per the British Council the foundation courses in the UK are pathway courses for international students to start their undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the UK. Based on the academic and language needs of the students the foundation courses are mainly of three types:
1. Academic Pathway Courses: These include options like AS and A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), and other undergraduate-level study. They are ideal for students aiming to get into university, start an apprenticeship, or head straight into a job. If you don't quite meet the academic or English language requirements for your desired university, these pathway programmes can help you build the skills and qualifications needed to get there.
2. Applied General or Technical Pathway Courses: This category includes national vocational qualifications and a range of business and technical programmes. These courses can open doors to higher apprenticeships, further education at college or university, or direct employment in your chosen field.
3. Occupational or Professional Pathway Courses: Often completed through apprenticeships or on-the-job training programmes, these courses are designed to build practical skills for specific roles. They can lead to higher-level apprenticeships, full-time jobs, or career progression through promotion.
Almost all UK universities hold a foundation programme focusing on the development and preparation of international students for the higher education journey in the UK. Here is a list of popular universities offering the best foundation courses in the United Kingdom:
|
University |
QS Ranking 2025 |
Duration |
Tuition Fees (GBP) |
|
University of Manchester |
#34 |
9-12 months |
£18,000 - £22,000 |
|
University of Bristol |
#54 |
9-12 months |
£17,000 - £21,000 |
|
University of Leeds |
#82 |
9-12 months |
£16,000 - £20,000 |
|
University of Birmingham |
#80 |
9-12 months |
£17,500 - £21,500 |
|
Durham University |
#89 |
9-12 months |
£18,000 - £22,000 |
|
University of Sheffield |
#105 |
9-12 months |
£16,500 - £20,500 |
|
Lancaster University |
#141 |
9-12 months |
£15,000 - £19,000 |
|
University of York |
#184 |
9-12 months |
£16,000 - £20,000 |
|
University of Exeter |
#169 |
9-12 months |
£17,000 - £21,000 |
|
University of Aberdeen |
#236 |
9-12 months |
£14,000 - £18,000 |
|
University of East Anglia |
#295 |
9-12 months |
£15,500 - £19,500 |
|
University of Surrey |
#305 |
9-12 months |
£15,000 - £19,000 |
|
University of Sussex |
#246 |
9-12 months |
£15,500 - £19,500 |
|
University of Leicester |
#272 |
9-12 months |
£14,500 - £18,500 |
|
University of Kent |
#375 |
9-12 months |
£14,000 - £18,000 |
Source: Fee structure has been sourced from official university websites
Most education courses require you to apply directly to your chosen institution. Application forms can usually be found on their website, where they set their own entry requirements. However, here are the general guidelines for admission eligibility in foundation courses in the UK:
Source: University of Sussex page
As an Indonesian student, all applications for foundation courses happen online on the desired university website.
The UK government has got a new tuition fees structure for all the foundation courses depending on the subject area, classroom-based and full-time or part-time courses. Here is an overview table of the tuition fees for the foundation courses in the United Kingdom.
|
Subject Area |
Maximum Tuition Fee (GBP) |
Tuition Fee in IDR |
|
Classroom-based subjects (e.g., Business, Social Sciences, Humanities) |
£5,760 |
IDR 127,229,645 |
|
Non-classroom-based subjects (e.g., Science, Engineering, Medical, Creative Arts) |
£9,535 |
IDR 210,613,657 |
Source: GOV.UK.
Note: It is important to know that university fees may vary depending on their own circumstances. | GBP 1 = IDR 22,088
There are numerous scholarships available for Indonesian students looking to apply for foundation courses in the UK. These scholarships are mostly university-sponsored and may cover full or partial tuition fees, sponsor maintenance costs and rarely cover travel costs too.
Here are some of the most popular university-specific scholarships for Indonesians to study the Foundation Course in the UK:
|
Scholarship Name |
Provider |
Award Value |
|
Foundation Programme Progression Scholarship |
University of Kent |
£3,750 (cash payment) |
|
Foundation Degree Scholarship |
University of Westminster |
£1,800 per year |
|
UAL Foundation and Pre-degree International Scholarship |
University of the Arts London (UAL) |
£7,000 tuition fee waiver |
|
Undergraduate Preparatory Certificate Scholarships |
University College London (UCL) |
Full fee waiver |
|
Scholarships for International Students |
University of Sheffield International College |
Up to £5,000 for foundation year |
Source: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding
Related Blog: Scholarships to Study in the UK
Apprenticeships are the first step after foundation courses in the UK that get students into jobs. These apprenticeships depend on the subject of your course, like management, healthcare, administration jobs and many more like this.
Students who are below 19 years of age get paid GBP 7.50 per hour on apprenticeship, and students above 19 years of age get paid the national minimum wage, which is GBP 10 (ages 19-20) and GBP 12.25 (21 and above). You can find these apprenticeships and internship opportunities on the university career support group GOV.UK page. Also, you can apply through job portals.
As an Indonesian student, a foundation course is the right step forward when aiming to study in the UK. It will not only help in your academic journey but will also help you find jobs, understand the lifestyle, and get familiar with British culture and people. We know this may seem a bit overwhelming, but you can speak to an AECC expert and get to know more about the admissions process in foundation courses in the UK.
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