Foundation programmes for international students

Our foundation programmes offer the best preparation for bachelors degree study to international and other students whose first language is not English.

Onshore foundation programmes

Foundation programmes in New Zealand are taught by University of Auckland Internationl College. Foundation study usually takes a year, although accelerated 8-month programmes are available to qualified students.

Offshore foundation programmes

International Study Centre (Beijing)

International students outside of New Zealand can study a pathway programme at a University of Auckland International Study Centre, managed by our partner NCUK.

The first University of Auckland International Study Centre based at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) launched in early 2021.

Why study a foundation programme?

Foundation or pathway programmes are designed to prepare students for University education, but also to develop skills in:

  • Critical and independent thinking
  • Computer use and research
  • Essential subject knowledge, for example in accounting, calculus, chemistry, computer science, design, economics, English, geography, physics and statistics

After completing your programme, you can gain guaranteed entry into University of Auckland undergraduate degree programmes, if you meet the following requirements:

  • The minimum overall foundation course average score for the relevant undergraduate degree programme
  • English language proficiency at a level equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) of at least 6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5. (Note that some programmes may require higher scores)
  • Meeting any additional programme entry requirements such as interviews, auditions or portfolios

For detailed information on the requirements for admission into undergraduate degree programmes, see Entry requirements.

Contact our partners

University of Auckland International College
345 Queen Street
Auckland 1141
New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 307 5399
Fax: +64 9 377 7125
Email: admissions@up.education
Website: www.internationalcollege.ac.nz