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 on behalf of the University of Auckland by Taylors College and UP International 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.

Taylors College Auckland Remote Learning Centre (Shanghai)

We offer the University of Auckland Foundation Studies Certificate in partnership with Study Group and Shanghai Institute of Technology (SIT), a highly reputable, state-run university in China.

You as a student will have the benefit of virtual classes and activities with leading academic staff, as well as a full on-campus experience with SIT.

Connect and interact with other University of Auckland Foundation Studies Certificate students through on-campus group work and assignments, and receive all the support and extracurricular opportunities you would get studying in New Zealand. You will have access to all SIT facilities, activities and social events.

With face-to-face interactive engagement with classmates, as well as course orientation support and additional local English language support (e.g. conversation clubs), you will have all the support you need to achieve excellent learning outcomes.

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

For more information, contact:

Taylors College
75 Karangahape Road
Auckland
New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 306 2600
Email: FoundStCert@auckland.ac.nz
Website: taylorsauckland.ac.nz

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