5 Best Foundation Programs in New Zealand

5 Foundation courses are taught at 3 universities in New Zealand — most run 8 months. Courses from Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury and Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology come first, because those universities rank highest.

Subject

Level

University type

Location

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Universities 3 Programs 5 Scholarships 28

1Foundation

QS World #240 #4 in New Zealand Wellington, New Zealand

Foundation Studies Programme

Victoria University of Wellington — Foundation Studies helps international students who do not meet entry requirements prepare for undergraduate study at Victoria University of Wellington. The curriculum bu...

FoundationLevel

6-, 8/9- and 12-months (two, three, or four terms)Duration

Full TimeMode

four intakes per yearIntake

Education

View program → About the university

2Foundation

QS World #261 #5 in New Zealand Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

Certificate in Foundation Studies (CertFounStudies)

University of Canterbury — The University of Canterbury offers the Certificate in Foundation Studies to complete the equivalent of your final year in high school and pathway into a degree at UC. Th...

FoundationLevel

8 monthsDuration

Full TimeMode

JuneOctoberFebruaryIntake

Education

View program → About the university

3Foundation

QS World #261 #5 in New Zealand Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

Certificate in University Preparation (CUP)

University of Canterbury — The Certificate in University Preparation (CUP) at the University of Canterbury is a foundation programme for Aotearoa New Zealand citizens, or holders of a Residence Cla...

FoundationLevel

12 weeks full-time, up to 12 months part-timeDuration

Full TimeMode

February, July, or NovemberIntake

Education

View program → About the university

4Foundation

QS World #261 #5 in New Zealand Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

Summer Headstart (COP PREP)

University of Canterbury — The Summer Headstart (COP PREP) programme at the University of Canterbury is for students who have University Entrance (UE) and want a subject refresh and/or a confidence...

FoundationLevel

—Duration

Full TimeMode

—Intake

Education

View program → About the university

5Foundation

#9 in New Zealand New Zealand

Foundation Pathways

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology — The Foundation Pathways program at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) is designed for international students who wish to prepare for further academic studi...

FoundationLevel

1 yearDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Education

View program → About the university

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in New Zealand

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How these courses are ranked

2 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #240 (Victoria University of Wellington) to #261 (University of Canterbury); they are listed first, in that order. Below them, universities follow their research output: University of Canterbury is cited most (2,626,278 citations).

Inside the course list

The usual length is 8 months and 6-, 8/9- and 12-months (two, three, or four terms). 100% are full-time. Start dates lean to Spring (75% of courses with a stated intake) and Fall (50% of courses with a stated intake). University of Canterbury offers the widest choice, with 3 of these courses.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top universities for Foundation in New Zealand?

Victoria University of Wellington (QS World #240), University of Canterbury (QS World #261) and Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (#9 in New Zealand) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university for Foundation in New Zealand?

Of those with published fees, Victoria University of Wellington is the least expensive at about USD 23,000 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How long does a Foundation course take in New Zealand?

Most listed courses run 8 months, with 6-, 8/9- and 12-months (two, three, or four terms) the next most common.

When do Foundation courses start in New Zealand?

Spring is the main intake — 75% of courses with a stated start date begin then, and Fall is the second.

Which university has the most Foundation courses in New Zealand?

University of Canterbury, with 3, ahead of Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (1).

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