Admission abroad


to the Foundation

The dream of studying abroad seems closer than ever... but then a major barrier emerges: admission to a foreign university often requires a high school diploma. And you only have 11 grades. What to do? Apply to the Foundation Program!

What is


the Foundation

In many English-speaking countries, CIS school graduates cannot simply enroll. The difficulty lies in the different lengths of school programs: in English-speaking countries, schooling lasts 12 years, while in the CIS, it’s one year shorter.

To compensate for this difference, international students must either complete one year of a bachelor’s degree at a university in their home country or take preparatory programs for study abroad.

A foundation or pre-bachelor’s program includes:

  • Academic preparation: learning the fundamentals of the student’s chosen academic subjects, with an emphasis on English.
  • Skills development: improving academic writing, reading, research, presentation, and discussion.
  • University preparation: familiarization with the university environment, the educational system, and research and writing requirements.

A foundation program for study abroad also allows students to familiarize themselves with the curriculum of their future major and the university itself, improve their skills and English proficiency, and adapt to life in a new country.

In which countries is the Foundation present

Foundation programs are available at many universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, the US, and several other countries. The choice depends on your target university, desired major, academic requirements, and your personal priorities—whether it’s location, language of instruction, course length, or teaching style.

It’s important to choose not just a program, but one that will serve as a springboard to your future university. We’ll help you make this choice consciously and intelligently.

Who is the Foundation


suitable for

Foundation programmes for studying abroad are suitable for those who:

Enters university after 11th grade with the requirement to complete 12 grades
Seeking to improve English or learn the local language before undergraduate study
Wants to move, live and adapt in the country before entering the bachelor's program
Plans to take an academic gap year to prepare for university abroad
I haven't fully decided on the program and want to understand which direction to move in
Looking for an opportunity to increase chances of admission to top universities abroad

The Foundation Program is a real chance to begin studying abroad immediately after high school, even if you only have 11 years of schooling. This program compensates for the missing year, helps you improve your English or master the local language, adapt to the education system, and confidently enter a bachelor’s degree program.

The entry threshold is lower than for direct admission, and successful completion of the program gives you priority admission.

What you need to know about admission


on the Foundation

There are different types of Foundation programs, varying in duration, intensity, and focus. The program you choose should be based on the university’s requirements and the program you plan to apply to.

In addition to choosing a program, you need to prepare a documentation package, including a motivation essay and letters of recommendation, and submit an online application.

This process is difficult to complete alone, so SelfStartGlobal experts provide support throughout the Foundation program application process:

  • Choosing a program.
  • Preparing your documentation.
  • Preparing your online application.
  • Submitting your application within the deadline.

The result: you receive fully prepared documentation that meets the university’s and program’s requirements, along with support at every stage and expert advice on admissions.

Tariffs

Admission toFoundation Studies Abroad
€1250
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FAQ

What language level is required to successfully study at the Foundation? Плюсик

Admission to the Foundation Programme typically requires an IELTS score of 5.0-6.5 or a TOEFL score of 56-78. Requirements vary depending on the university.



Is it possible to complete the Foundation programme at one university and then enroll in a Bachelor's programme at another? Плюсик

It all depends on the university and its requirements. Some require a Foundation Degree to be admitted to a bachelor’s program, while others don’t care where you completed the preparatory program.

Which is better: a bachelor's year in your home country or a foundation year abroad? Плюсик

The Foundation Year offers students important advantages: during their studies, they can adapt to a new environment and culture, improve their English, and confidently prepare for further undergraduate studies abroad.

Whether to spend a year at university or on the Foundation Year is entirely up to the student. Most importantly, the Foundation Year helps students take the first steps toward successful academic and personal integration.

Other services

MentoringA personal mentor at every stage of preparation. A clear plan, oversight of every step, and predictable results.
Full supportA turnkey international application process: a customized strategy, document preparation, and visa support—all in one service, guaranteeing you admission to a university abroad.
Personal brand in a year
Selection of activities for Personal brand
Universal supportAccelerated preparation for admission: save money and time without compromising results.
Consultation with an expertAn in-depth 60-minute consultation: we'll discuss your admissions chances, financing options, develop a personalized strategy, and answer all your questions.
Consultation with a career guidance specialistWe'll help you identify your strengths and inclinations, choose the right field of study, and build a successful career.
Getting a student visa from the USAWe'll help you obtain a student visa without stress or errors, and we'll also assist you if your application is rejected.
Selection of universities and scholarshipsWe'll create a list of universities and programs that are right for you—with a realistic chance of admission and scholarships.
Admission to Foundation Programme AbroadWe'll help you enroll in the Foundation Program, a program that allows you to transfer to a bachelor's degree abroad without losing a year. We'll select suitable options, prepare your documents, and develop a strategy.
Preparation of documentationStrong documents make a strong candidate. We'll help you prepare your application package based on both formal and informal university requirements.
Get a consultation

Popular universities

Paduana


University

Italy
One of the oldest universities in Europe with strong traditions in science, medicine, and the humanities. Attractive due to its combination of academic quality, affordable tuition, and student life in Italy
Bachelor's degree: from €2,000 to €4,500 per yearMaster's degree: from 3,000€ to 6,000€ per yearDoctoral studies: from 1,500 to 3,000 € per year
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Maastricht University
Netherlands
A modern university in the Netherlands, known for its innovative Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach. Popular among international students, especially in business, economics, law, and healthcare
Bachelor's degree: from €9,000 to €15,000 per yearMaster's degree: from €10,000 to €18,000 per yearDoctorate: free or about €2,500 per year
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University of Florida
USA
A large public research university in the United States with a high academic ranking. Offers a wide range of programs, strong STEM fields, and more affordable tuition compared to private universities
Bachelor's degree: from $55,000 per yearMaster's degree: $15,000 - $40,000 per yearDoctoral studies: $10,000-$30,000 per year
Read more →
Johns Hopkins University
USA
A leading U.S. research university and a global leader in medicine, biotechnology, and international relations. Distinguished by a strong focus on research, practice, and interdisciplinary studies
Bachelor's degree: $63,340 per yearMaster's degree: $65,956 per yearDoctoral studies: about $65,000 per year
Read more →
Princeton University
USA
One of the most prestigious universities in the United States, part of the Ivy League. Strong in natural sciences, engineering, economics, and the humanities. Known for a high level of academic support and generous scholarships
Bachelor's degree: about $60,000 per yearMaster's degree: average $58,000 per yearDoctoral studies: free*
Read more →
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Countries

Austria
<span style="font-weight: 400">High-quality education with low tuition costs. Attractive for its stable system, strong academic traditions, and high quality of life</span>
Read more ➜
Belgium
<span style="font-weight: 400">European education in the heart of the EU. Suitable for studying business, politics, and international relations, with affordable programs and a multicultural environment</span>
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Canada
<span style="font-weight: 400">High-quality education with strong support for international students. Attractive for its safe environment and career and immigration prospects</span>
Read more ➜
France
France leads non-English-speaking countries in terms of the number of international students. French universities are renowned for their high academic standards, and degrees are valued worldwide, opening up broad career prospects. Scholarships are available, and the combination of European-quality education and a rich cultural environment makes France particularly attractive to prospective students.
Read more ➜
Germany
<span style="font-weight: 400">One of the most popular study destinations in Europe. Free or low-cost education, strong technical and engineering fields, and high demand for graduates</span>
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Italy
<span style="font-weight: 400">A combination of academic tradition and affordable education. Particularly in demand for studies in design, architecture, business, and the humanities</span>
Read more ➜
Netherlands
<span style="font-weight: 400">One of the leaders in English-taught programs in Europe. Practice-oriented education, high graduate employability, and a comfortable environment for international students</span>
Read more ➜
Portugal
Portugal combines a rich history, picturesque landscapes, and a high standard of living, making it increasingly popular among international students. Local universities offer high-quality and affordable education, and close cooperation with the UK opens up opportunities for dual degrees. Studying in Portugal offers European standards at a reasonable cost and a comfortable environment for living and studying.
Read more ➜
Spain
<span style="font-weight: 400">Education in a friendly European student environment. Promising English-taught programs and strong fields in business, tourism, and design</span>
Read more ➜
Switzerland
<span style="font-weight: 400">A country of prestigious education and high standards. Especially strong in business, finance, hospitality management, and international relations</span>
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UAE
<span style="font-weight: 400">Modern education in an international environment. Campuses of leading global universities, English-taught programs, and a strong focus on careers and business</span>
Read more ➜
United Kingdom
<span style="font-weight: 400">Classical education with global recognition. Shorter study periods, strong humanities and business programs, and a highly valued diploma</span>
Read more ➜
USA
A US education offers prestige and limitless opportunities. American degrees are highly valued worldwide, and graduates from leading universities are eagerly sought after by international companies. US universities consistently occupy top positions in global rankings. Studying here opens the door to a global career and a unique student experience.
Read more ➜
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Admission Stories

Поступил на магистратуру по финансам в Brandeis University и Washington University in St. Louis (США). Финансирование — $80 000.
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Поступила в Siena Heights University (США) на Theater and Music с полной стипендией на весь период обучения.
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She entered graduate school at Kent State University and Ohio University. At Ohio University, she won a Graduate Teaching Assistantship with full funding of $37,774, covering tuition, insurance, and living expenses.

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Поступил в NYU Abu Dhabi (≈4% приёма) со стипендией $217 000. Также поступил в Lynn University и Drexel University.
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Got accepted to NYU Abu Dhabi on the first try (acceptance rate 4%) with a scholarship of $217,000. Also received offers from Lynn and Drexel University.

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Student Reviews

КамиллаЕвропаEnrolled in one of the best applied arts schools in France - LISAA. Bachelor's degree, graphic design.
Review by Camilla
KseniaUSA

«I am currently in 11th grade at a school in Kyiv, but I have already been admitted to a U.S. bachelor’s program and received a 100% scholarship»

Feedback from Ksenia
RuslanUAEWhen I started, I knew absolutely nothing about studying abroad: deadlines, documents — nothing at all.
Review by Ruslan
ElinaUSA

«I liked that the company focuses on developing a personal brand, as this is important for admission to the USA»

Elina's video review
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«Now a new best life is beginning, full of victories and adventures. This is absolute happiness, and I wish it to everyone»

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«Try, work and trust! Don’t be afraid to trust, I trusted the SelfStartGlobal team and haven’t regretted it for a minute»

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«If you are in doubt about where to go, worried that it won’t work out, then what are you waiting for? Come for a consultation with an expert»

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Сабрина Германия

«We started preparing a year in advance, and this was not enough. To have a good profile, you need to spend several years being active»

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СофьяСША

«I liked that we had constant contact with Ksenia (curator). I needed clear deadlines - I myself would start to grab onto everything at once»

Video review from Sofia
СергейСША
To enter American universities in my specialty, good grades (which, by the way, I didn’t have) are not enough; achievements are also needed. Lisa and other curators helped complete the profile.
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EgorUSA

«There are many companies on the market that help with studying abroad, but no one does it as comprehensively as SelfStart»

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Алина США

«It took me a while to realize I'd been accepted. It was an unforgettable experience, one I wish everyone who dreams of studying abroad could experience»

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«Among all the companies in the admissions market, SelfStartGlobal places an emphasis on distinguishing students from other candidates»

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НатальяСША

«At first, the university refused me a scholarship, but my supervisor helped me write a letter, after which I received a 100% scholarship»

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«When I started, I knew absolutely nothing about applying abroad: no deadlines, no documents, nothing!»

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Камола США

«There were many questions during the process, but they helped me in everything, supported me and convinced me that I was on the right path. I think this is the most important thing»

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Дарья США

«I got into a top university thanks to the way I presented myself in my motivation essay, CV, and letters of recommendation»

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