University preparation abroad

Graduating from foreign high schools often requires international students to undertake university or college preparation programs to meet the demands of foreign educational systems. For many, the ideal starting point is enrolling in specialized university preparation schools abroad. Such educational institutions provide the foreign students the opportunity to improve language skills and obtain in-depth academic knowledge, guaranteeing effective pre-university preparation for successful enrolment. University preparation educational programs abroad, such as Foundation or Pathway programs, which students pass after 11th grade, are divided in two types:

• General Programs: These courses allow students to obtain knowledge in various academic disciplines. So, they can make informed choices about their future specialization, based on knowledge obtained.

• Specialized Programs: Such courses are designed for students who already decide on a bachelor's program. Completion of this program provides effective academic preparation focused on a specific sphere of study.

International Foundation Programs

International Foundation programs are an excellent choice for students in the following situations:

• Their secondary school certificates do not align with the academic standards of their chosen university's country.

• They are interested in obtaining a master's degree in an academic field, which differs from their bachelor's degree.

• They want to improve their language skills and to deepen their knowledge in disciplines, which are required for their desired bachelor's program.

While both Foundation and Pathway programs aim to effectively prepare students for university studies, they have distinct features.

Academic Pathway Programs

Academic Pathway programs are designed for those students, who are intended to enroll in Canadian, American, New Zealand, or Australian universities. This University Preparation Program (UPP) stipulates intensive linguistic and academic preparation. The academic segment covers fundamental subjects, albeit with variations in the number of academic hours dedicated to each subject. In addition, Academic Pathway programs provide students with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in core disciplines. So, taking this course guarantees the achievement of required proficiency level for enrolment in a university and studying on a bachelor's degree program abroad.

Pay attention that taking Academic Pathway courses is compulsory for students from Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. The duration of these programs usually lasts from 6 to 12 months. The foreign students choose this program due to fast-tracking pre-university academic preparation.

If you decide on obtaining education abroad, pre-university preparation is an important step toward a successful academic journey. Choosing one of these specialized programs, which are offered by ranking universities, guarantees effective academic and language preparation of foreign students.

Modern high school programs allow foreign students to obtain higher education on an equal terms with the citizens of the chosen country for studying. The level of their academic and language preparation is recognized as sufficient. As a result, the foreign students are exempt from the need to complete specialized courses, such as Foundation or Pathway programs. So, studying abroad after the 11th grade becomes a more achievable goal.

The reasonable question arises, which university preparation programs (UPPs) are the best option for international students? Below there are six variants to consider:

• A-level (Advanced Level):

  • Recognized worldwide by universities.

  • Offered by most British high schools and private colleges in EU countries.

  • Consists of four in-depth subjects, selected by the student based on their future university direction.

  • Requires two years of study with a minimum academic load of 36 hours per week.

  • Designed for students aged 16 and above.

  • It is necessary to have an English level no lower than 5.5 - 6.0 in IELTS.

• International Baccalaureate (IB):

  • Effective preparation for specific specialties.

  • A wide choice of disciplines. The course stipulates the Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) modules, ensuring development of creative, physical, and social skills.

  • After taking the course, the graduates successfully enroll worldwide, in particular in English-speaking EU, US, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian universities.

  • American universities often admit IB graduates directly into the second year.

  • Available for foreign students aged 16 and above with English proficiency starting at IELTS 4.5.

  • It has the status of one of the most popular programs abroad for foreign students who graduated from  the 11th grade.

• BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council):

  • A UK university-level program with a practical approach.

  • BTEC certificates are recognized in 100 countries.

  • Presented in three levels, equivalent to GCSE, A-level, and initial higher education.

  • Ideal for students seeking practical skills while studying abroad after the 11th grade.

• High School diploma:

  • Aligns with the academic requirements of the US educational system.

  • Offers a wide range of subjects, including compulsory sports.

  • Encourages active participation in group and school social life.

  • Distinguishing feature: Freedom to choose subjects.

  • Available to students aged 14 to 18 with a minimum English level equivalent to TOEFL 103 CBT or IELTS 4.5.

  • Duration: 6 trimesters.

• Advanced Placement (AP) Course:

  • Allows high school students to study at the university level.

  • Efficiently prepares students for university admission while reducing study time and costs.

  • High AP test scores may grant students certain bonuses at their university.

  • Operates in Canada and the United States, recognized by affiliated universities worldwide.

  • Admission requirements are similar to those for the High School Diploma.

• National Certificates:

  • These certificates grant access to universities without additional exams.

  • Issued upon completion of high school programs, with each country having its own name and features for these certificates.

  • Students focus on priority subjects in their graduating classes, aligning with their planned university studies.

It is necessary to carefully consider the choice of the university preparation program abroad, as it  is an important step toward a successful academic journey. These courses provide international students with a profound academic base for higher education and future career opportunities.

Valentina Nikitina

Senior Marketing and Recruitment Manager at Kaplan Pathways with a focus on students from Russia and the CIS.

What are the most popular specialties among students now?

It's still a business, but it's catching up with degrees in engineering and IT. STEM is considered the best choice not only for education in the United States, but also for gaining as much as 3 years of professional experience in the country where you want to stay in the future. The pandemic has sparked a surge of interest in biological and chemical fields — many students want to be at the forefront of science in the event of a new pandemic.

Deciding on enrolment on Bachelor's and Master's programs abroad, the foreign students are provided with the opportunity to get high-quality education in captivating academic and practical fields. European and American universities offer a multitude of advantages for students. First and foremost, studying abroad provides invaluable exposure to international environments, fostering personal growth, meaningful interactions, and professional internships. Also, students receive diplomas recognized all over the world, which are highly respected in most countries of the world.

However, obtaining higher education abroad is associated with high costs. Nevertheless, the high tuition fee may be considered as an investment in top-notch education abroad, as graduates obtain great future career opportunities.

Below there is information about the tuition fees at some of the leading countries, which are most popular among international students:

• England: Tuition fee varies from £15,000 to £30,000 per year.

• America: the cost of studying fluctuates from $20,000 to $35,000 per year.

• Europe: Tuition fees vary from €3,000 to €25,000 per year.

To take a right choice of the university abroad, take into account the following advices:

• Early Planning: It is recommended to start searching potential universities and countries in advance, having enough time to consider their admission requirements for students of the 10th or 11th grade.

• Campus Visits: A visit to one or more university campuses allows you to assess whether they comply with your preferences, expectations and requirements.

• Language Preparation: When you have decided on the country of study, it is recommended to intensively learn the language, which is spoken by local citizens. English is the predominant or secondary language in most cases.

• Language Proficiency: Obtain language proficiency certificates in advance and commence test preparation early, with the duration depending on your initial language proficiency level.

• Academic and Linguistic Achievement: Elevate your academic and language skills to meet the entry requirements of your chosen university.

• Recommendation Letters: Request multiple recommendation letters from your teachers, ensuring they present you favorably from both academic and character perspectives.

• Document Preparation: Initiate the document collection process for university admission at least six months before your intended start date, as it involves several months of document transfer and communication with the admission office.

Moreover, when choosing a country to study in, consider the following factors:

• Personal Preference: Reflect on your desires and objectives, whether it's solely education or includes the prospect of building a career and residing in the country.

• Budget: Thoroughly assess  your financial opportunities, taking into account tuition fees, cost of living, and daily expenses.The United States and the United Kingdom are popular among foreign students for their high quality of education and prestige; such countries as New Zealand offer more affordable options of studying.

• Field of Study: Research countries that specialize in your desired field of study. For example, England excels in jurisprudence, while design and fashion thrive throughout the UK. The USA offers comprehensive programs in politics and economics, while Australia and Switzerland are renowned for journalism and prestigious medical degrees.

• University Rankings: Investigate the rankings of educational institutions using respected sources such as Times World Ranking, ARWU academic ratings, and The Times and The Guardian's ratings for British universities. For specialized fields, look for organizations that rank institutions accordingly.

Taking into account these guidelines, you can make informed decisions, enrolling in ranking universities abroad and obtaining great career opportunities.

The optimal time to apply is a year and a half before you start your university studies. This gives you enough time to decide on the programs you are interested in, select the right universities, plan your admission strategy, prepare your application package, create an impressive profile, take language exams, and don't miss application deadlines.

In most cases, students after 11 years of education need to enroll in preparation programs to cover the difference in education. The preparation program is not a waste of time, it is aimed at adapting students to the new educational environment and at preparing them for a smooth transition to bachelor's degree programs, so that when a student enters the first year, he/she already has basic knowledge of his/her future specialty.

Indeed, it is now impossible to pass most international exams in Russia, you have to enroll in test centers in other countries. A number of universities meet students and simplify the admission process by offering to take the Duoliongo online test, or by conducting their own internal testing.

A motivation letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself, talk about your motivations, experiences and goals, and explain why you are a suitable candidate for the university and program for which you are applying. Highlight key events, accomplishments, challenges, and skills that have influenced your academic and personal development. Explain what motivated you to pursue this field, how it aligns with your interests and values, and how you envision your future in this field. Thoroughly research the university and the program. Discuss specific aspects that attract you to the institution, such as faculty expertise, unique resources, research opportunities, or alignment with your career goals. Demonstrate why you believe the university is ideal for your academic and personal growth.

Begin by listing your personal information, education, work experience, research, internships, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, skills and accomplishments. Highlight experiences and skills that are relevant to the program or field for which you are applying. Highlight academic achievements, research participation, relevant coursework and projects that demonstrate your experience and suitability for the program.

Admission to the world's top universities is highly competitive, and there are no guarantees for admission. However, by focusing on academic excellence, developing a comprehensive profile, seeking research opportunities, and developing attractive application materials, you can significantly increase your chances of admission. Take initiative, stay organized, and start preparing early to give yourself the best opportunity for success. Top-ranked universities place significant emphasis on academic excellence. Maintain good academic standing throughout your high school or undergraduate studies. Complete challenging coursework, strive for high grades, and actively pursue your studies. Standardized Tests: Learn the standardized tests required for admission, such as the SAT, ACT, or GRE, depending on your level of study. Familiarize yourself with the test format, content, and scoring. Develop a study plan and consider taking preparatory courses or using study resources to maximize your academic performance.

On the one hand, the first year of university in your country is equivalent to another year of education and then in some cases it will not be necessary to undergo training programs. On the other hand, there is a high probability that it will not be possible to make a transfer between universities and you will have to enter the first year again in a foreign university. In addition, in most cases, in the first year of Russian universities, many irrelevant and unnecessary disciplines are taught, which are not related to the specialty and do not provide basic knowledge of the future specialty.

Define your goals and priorities: think about what you want to achieve through your study abroad experience - whether you are looking for a specific academic program, research opportunities, cultural immersion, career prospects, or personal growth. Look for universities that offer academic programs and courses that match your interests and career goals. Consider the curriculum, faculty experience, research opportunities, and reputation of the programs you are interested in. Check university rankings and reputation to assess the quality of education and research outcomes. Look for rankings relevant to your field of study, as they can provide more targeted information.

Those who graduate from schools with international systems will be able to integrate into the university environment much more quickly, as they have been working purposefully on their future specialty all through high school. Students after international education programs will not have to undergo training programs, in some cases they will not need to take language exams. Graduates of such schools will be admitted on an equal footing with local students and, consequently, will be able to get a few lines higher on the lists of applicants.

Universities provide a wide range of support services to international students to ensure a smooth transition, academic success, and overall well-being. These include orientation and orientation programs, international student advising, academic advising, English language support, peer mentoring programs, cultural integration support, accommodation assistance, career services, social and recreational activities.

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