EF University Foundation Program

Program overview

EF University Foundation Program is a 2-, 3- or 4-term program of study (approx. 6, 9 or 11 months) that helps international students fulfill language and academic requirements for university entrance abroad. Intended for high school graduates, this program bridges the gap between a student’s previous education and what is expected of them at a university abroad. This preparation year of secondary school studies is mandatory for students seeking higher education in the United Kingdom and highly recommended for students who wish to study in Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, France, or Germany. In Germany, the EF University Foundation Program focuses on preparing high school graduates for university entrance exams.

Gain the skills to succeed

Our EF University Foundation Program prepares you thoroughly for the challenges of higher education. You’ll learn essential study skills such as essay writing, critical thinking and independent research, as well as academic terminology. Depending on your choice of country and subject, EF offers a range of academic specialisms which ethats you to access almost any bachelor's degree program.

Perfect your language skills

EF University Foundation Program will give you the training you need to meet university enrollment requirements. To qualify for most bachelor’s degree programs in English-speaking countries, students generally need an IELTS score of at least 6.0 or a TOEFL score of 550 PBT/ 213 CBT/ 81 IBT or above. For students whose language abilities are not yet strong enough, an additional program of study, the EF Language Preparation Program, may be necessary to help establish a strong foundation of fluency to meet the enrollment requirements of any EF University Preparation Abroad program.

Guaranteed university placement

With our placement guarantee, you secure a spot at one of over 250 partner universities in the UK, Ireland, US, Canada, Australia, Germany, or France upon completing your studies. You will have dedicated University Application Workshops with trained teachers designed to help you navigate the process of choosing and applying to a degree program. Furthermore, your University Pathways Advisors will be on hand to give you one-to-one assistance and advice, organize visits to universities, and ensure you meet critical deadlines to maximize your chances of acceptance to the best possible university.

As part of our placement guarantee, you can also benefit from specific partnerships, such as with Colorado State University (CSU). Completing the EF University Foundation Program ensures direct entry into a CSU bachelor's degree program, offering a streamlined path to higher education success.