Foundation Courses in Canada for International Students 2025

Canada offers an unique opportunity through its foundation courses, for international students looking to embark on a rewarding academic journey. These preparatory programmes are designed to connect the line between your previous education and a demandable Canadian university degree.

By enrolling in a foundation course in Canada, you'll gain a solid academic base, further polish your English language skills, and immerse yourself in the Canadian academic curriculum. Additionally, gaining the chance to indulge yourself in a diverse and multicultural environment, make lifelong friends and receive invaluable cultural experiences.

Foundation Programme Objectives

Prepare English Skills

The basics of a foundation programme are to develop a student’s English skills. This prepares an individual to tackle future courses that need advanced English expertise, as most study areas are in English.

The programme is tailored to improve reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in academic English so that a student does not find it difficult to understand lectures or study materials.

Subject-Specific Guidance

Foundation courses provide subject-specific academic guidance providing the student with a basic idea of what they are going to study at the university level in their preferred study area. For example, a student intending to pursue a Law degree or a Bachelor at law (LLB) shall get basic knowledge in Law and Government & politics in their foundation year.

This helps the student gain advanced knowledge on what subject area they are going to study and gives a headstart in Hons studies. Thus subjects like mathematics, science, or social studies are being taught in the foundation year, depending on the student's intended major.

Improve Study Skills and Time Management

Foundation courses also help students adjust to the academic environment in the U.S. This kind of programme is made to aid in preparing students for starting higher education, including how to properly value time, manage coursework, take notes, do workshops and engage in discussions.

Improve Cultural Adaptability

Helping international students adapt to living and studying in Canada is another service of the foundation programme. Slowly you will be given ideas physically and mentally about how cultures of different States operate with programmes that may include orientation sessions, short research and social activities, to help you better integrate into the Canadian. lifestyle both socially and mentally.

Institutions in Canada offering Foundation Programmes

Here are some popular institutions offering foundation courses to international students in Canada:

1. University of Alberta

• Programme Name: Alberta Foundation Year
• Starting intake: September
• Duration: 1 year (full-time)
• Study Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• Tuition Fees: around CAD 31,090 per year (increases every year)
• Entry requirements: Minimum Admission Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 with an average of 3.3 or better in Higher Secondary and at least 6.5 on the IELTS Academic.

2. University of British Columbia (UBC)

• Programme Name: English Foundation Program, Engineering Foundation Year
• Starting intake: September
• Duration: 1 academic year (8-12 months)
• Study Location: Kelowna, British Columbia
• Tuition Fees: CAD 15,000 to 30,000 per year
• Entry requirements: Higher Degree Certificate or Equivalent qualification and English proficiency (IELTS minimum 6 on all bands)

3. University of Toronto

• Programme Name: International Foundation Program (IFP)
• Starting intake: September & January (Limited)
• Duration: 8 months or 1 academic year (Full-time)
• Study Location: Toronto, Canada Tuition Fees: $49,828 per year
• Entry requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and IELTS or TOEFL

4. University of Saskatchewan

• Programme Name: Foundation Program (Language Centre)
• Starting intake: January, May, July & September
• Duration: 1 to 2 years (Full-time or Part-time)
• Study Location: Saskatchewan, Canada
• Tuition Fees: starting from $12,000 per year Entry requirements: Non-native English speakers must submit an English Proficiency degree. The minimum acceptable score is TOEFL 80 (iBT), IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 115.

5. University of Regina

• Programme Name: Certificate in Foundations
• Starting intake: September
• Duration: 1 year
• Study Location: Regina, Canada
• Tuition Fees: To be announced for the next upcoming intake
• Entry requirements: Higher Degree Certificate or Equivalent qualification and English proficiency (IELTS minimum 6 on all bands)

6. University of Waterloo

• Programme Name: Foundation Term
• Starting intake: Fall Intake (September)
• Duration: 8 months (2 terms) or 1 academic year (full-time study)
• Study Location: Waterloo, Canada
• Tuition Fees: CAD 57,000 to 73,000 per 2 semesters (yearly)
• Entry requirements: Certificate of Higher Secondary Studies or O-Levels and English proficiency certification

7. McMaster University

• Programme Name: Foundation for Undergraduate
• Starting intake: Starting from September and January (limited allocation)
• Duration: 1 year (Full-time)
• Study Location: Ontario, Canada
• Tuition Fees: Starting from CAD 53,050 per annum
• Entry requirements: A minimum Admission Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 with an average of 3.3 or better in Higher Secondary and at least 6 on the IELTS Academic.

8. University of Winnipeg

• Programme Name: ICM Foundation Program
• Starting intake: January, May and September
• Duration: 8 months (two Terms) or 1-year term (full-time)
• Study Location: Winnipeg, Canada
• Tuition Fees: The tuition fees for the current academic year start from CAD 20,378 for two terms
• Entry requirements: Higher Secondary Certificate with a B (50%) average in 4 academic subjects and an English proficiency certificate

9. Western University

• Programme Name: Foundation Program, English Language Programs
• Starting intake: September, January, and May
• Duration: 1 year
• Study Location: London, Ontario, Canada
• Tuition Fees: CAD 47,434 to 63,385 per year
• Entry requirements: Certificate of Higher Secondary Studies or O-Levels and English proficiency certification

10. Carleton University

• Programme Name: Pathy Foundation Fellowship
• Starting intake: January and September
• Duration: 12 months or 1 year (full-time study)
• Study Location: Ottawa, Canada
• Tuition Fees: To be announced for the upcoming Intake year
• Entry requirements: Transcript of Higher Secondary Studies or O-Levels and English proficiency certification

11. University of Calgary

• Programme Name: The International Foundations Program (IFP)
• Starting intake: September & January
• Duration: 1 year
• Study Location: Calgary, Canada
• Tuition Fees: $27,650 to $46,700 per year term
• Entry requirements: Higher Secondary Degree Certificate or, or GCSEs and IELTS overall 6.5 or equivalent English proficiency degree. The minimum required scores can vary depending on the subject area

12. University of Guelph

• Programme Name: University Teaching Foundations
• Starting intake: January & September
• Duration: 1 year
• Study Location: Guelph, Ontario, Canada
• Tuition Fees: CAD 34,698 to CAD 51,565 per annum
• Entry requirements: A high school certificate or diploma or equivalent and Proof of English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS minimum 6). Also, Financial documents to demonstrate the ability to cover tuition and living expenses

13. Queen's University

• Programme Name: Foundations of Entrepreneurship
• Starting intake: September
• Duration: 1 year or 2 years
• Study Location: Ontario, Canada
• Tuition Fees: Approximately $12,000 per year
• Entry requirements: Secondary School Certificate or O-Levels. Non-native English speakers must submit a minimum score of IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in all subskills) or equivalent

14. Dalhousie University

• Programme Name: Foundation year program
• Starting intake: September and January
• Duration: 1 year (Full-time) Study Location: Halifax, Canada
• Tuition Fees: Ranges from CAD 20,000 to CAD 30,000 annually
• Entry requirements: Academic qualifications equivalent to Canadian high school graduation standards and English proficiency demonstrated through IELTS, TOEFL, or other recognized assessments (minimum requirements depend on the program) for internationals.

15. University of New Brunswick

• Programme Name: Foundation Studies
• Starting intake: January, May, and September
• Duration: ( months or 1 year (full-time)
• Study Location: Fredericton, Canada
• Tuition Fees: $8,000 to $17,000 per year
• Entry requirements: IELTS – 6.5 and national high school certificate or GCSEs or equivalent

16. Toronto Metropolitan University

• Programme Name: Foundation (UTP Stage I)
• Starting intake: January, May and September
• Duration: 2 terms or 1 year of full-time study
• Study Location: University campus, Toronto, Canada
• Tuition Fees: Approximately CAD $26,769 per annum
• Entry requirements: IELTS 5.5 with no band lower than 5.0 and Higher Secondary Certificate with an average of 50% average in 4 academic subjects.

17. York University

• Programme Name: IEP Foundations Program (also offered through partner institutions)
• Starting intake: September
• Duration: 9 to 16 months
• Study Location: Toronto Canada
• Tuition Fees: starting from CAD $38,688 per year (including book fees)
• Entry requirements: High school diploma or equivalent degree and English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS) and all academic transcripts

Private study centres

There are many certified private teaching institutions and colleges in Canada, that provide foundation preparation and are in partnership with universities all over the country. Here are some study centres in Canada that offer foundation programmes for international students.

1. Columbia College (Vancouver, British Columbia)
2. Trent University (Peterborough, Ontario)
3. Vancouver Film School (Vancouver, British Columbia)
4. Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology (Barrie, Ontario)
5. University of Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown, Prince Edward Islands)
6. MacEwan University (Edmonton, Alberta)
7. Simon Fraser University (Burnaby, British Columbia)
8. Durham University International Study Centre (Various locations)
9. EduCanada (Various locations)
10. Crandall University (Moncton, New Brunswick)

Navitas

In partnership with Fraser International College (FIC), University of Manitoba, Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Lethbridge, Sae Institute, & Wilfrid Laurier International College.

Website Link: Navitas Canada

Kaplan International Pathways

In partnership with University of Victoria and University of Alberta

Website Link: Kaplan Pathways in Canada

Above mentioned foundation providers are trained to provide appropriate materials and meet the needs of international students. It's always recommended to check the official websites of the universities you're interested in for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Tips on choosing the right study track

Do extensive research

There is nothing more effective than doing research about the university you want to study at. Look for programmes that match your interest and Choose a study area that you find most interesting. Do not enrol in a subject that does not fascinate you.

When choosing a Foundation programme it is recommended that you also take into consideration other factors like study location, duration of course, scholarship or discount options, campus facilities and university reputation.

Consult with Education Agents

Education agents are linked with well-reputed universities and can provide valuable guidance and assistance in choosing the right foundation course and application process. If you are not sure about deciding which foundation is appropriate for you, having a discussion session with a reputed education agent or consultant can give you idea about potential courses offered by different teaching institutions.

Meet Language Proficiency

Make sure you meet the English language requirements for your desired foundation study. All the foundation programme offered in Canada requires you to have at least a minimum standard of English language skill to get entry into any Canadian academic institutions.

You can fulfil this English requirement by scoring an appropriate band score in IELTS, or you can provide an equivalent English proficiency certificate such as Pearson, Duolingo etc.

Financial aspects

As an international student, it is highly recommended to consider the costs of tuition, accommodation, living expenses and the reputation of the education provider when planning your studies in Canada.

Different cities cost differently and the job opportunities are more in big cities than in small towns. Some areas have wider career opportunities, with a variety of job options.

On the other hand, a university may offer great academics and scholarships but are expensive to study on-campus. So, as an International Student, you must consider these factors when deciding the perfect education institution that matches your needs.

By these factors and following these tips, you can find the best foundation programmeresearching to suit your academic goals and aspirations. In short, Canada is a remarkable option for choosing your career journey, offering numerous foundation programmes for you to choose from and preparing yourself as a competent scholar for pursuing undergraduate degrees.

FAQs

Q. Why do you need to study foundation courses?

Ans: There are many reasons to undertake a foundation course. This course provides a foundation year of study to prepare an individual for University admission. If your previous qualifications don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree programme, a foundation degree can provide the necessary credentials. Also, if there is a study gap, students who lost valuable study years due to unforeseeable events can choose a foundation study programme to kickstart their student life again.

Q. Can you get direct entry to the second year of the bachelor’s programme after completing your foundation course?

Ans. Generally, a foundation year prepares you to become eligible for entry into University Hons programme. This programme is similar to passing A-levels or Higher Secondary Certificates.

But nowadays, many university provides pathway programmes similar to pre-university foundations and it is possible to gain direct entry to the second year of a bachelor's program after completing a foundation course, if you meet the entry requirements for the second year, depending on the university and the specific programme.

Q. What is the tuition fee of the Foundation Programme in Canada?

Ans. Typically, the cost of a foundation course in the USA can range anywhere from $12,000 to $73,000 per year. Some universities only mention Tuition fees and do not include other miscellaneous costs such as Book costs, additional service costs etc. However, it's important to note that this is just an estimate, and actual costs increase every year.

Q. Can you work while studying foundation courses in Canada?

Ans. You can work part-time while studying a foundation course in Canada. As of November 8, 2024, international students are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without needing a separate work permit.

However, you must meet certain conditions, such as being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and having a valid study permit.