Foundation is a specialized educational program that prepares international students for successful study at universities abroad.

The program is designed to provide students with the necessary academic and linguistic foundation to succeed in undergraduate programs at universities abroad.

In some countries (USA, Canada, Australia, Europe) the length of the school cycle is 12 years. In Germany and Austria, the secondary school cycle is 13 years. The last two years of school (11th — 12th grade) are intended to prepare students for higher education. That is why Russian school certificates are often not recognized as equivalent to foreign high school diplomas.

The Foundation Program (sometimes called Preparatory Courses) helps you complete an additional year of study required for admission to a foreign university. The program is available at all major universities and courses last from 6 months to 1 year.

The program also offers an opportunity to improve your communication skills and strengthen your knowledge of a foreign language.

In some cases, successfully completing a University Foundation Program guarantees international students a place in an undergraduate program at the same university, as well as exempting them from taking international exams.

Foundation helps international students improve their language skills, which are important for academic success and for communicating. As part of the program, students receive support from university faculty and staff to help them adjust to their new environment.

Many universities have partnerships with Foundation programs. Students who successfully complete the program are given priority admission to an undergraduate program.

Some foundation programs can shorten the length of an undergraduate program, allowing students to reach their career goals more quickly.