UNIVERSITY PREPARATION COURSES

Getting into a university abroad straight after school is a tall order. Different education systems, the language barrier, an unfamiliar exam format and admission essays. This is exactly where preparation courses come in. In 6–12 months they help you boost your language and core subjects, and get used to the academic culture of another country.

What else makes preparation programmes useful? They offer a gentle start: the student is already living on campus or with a family, learning to write academic papers, give presentations, work in the library and meet tight deadlines. By the time they enrol on the main programme, they feel more confident than any applicant who has come in «off the street».

The main types of preparation courses

• One-year preparation programmes (the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia) — for senior students after Year 10–11. They include academic English and 3–4 core subjects (business, engineering, medicine, IT and others). They guarantee admission to partner universities.

• Academic transition programmes (the USA, Canada) — a hybrid of a preparation course and the first year of a Bachelor's. The student studies on the university campus and, on successful completion, moves into the second year.

• Studienkolleg in Germany, Austria and Switzerland — for those applying to German-language universities. They end with an exam that is equivalent to the local school-leaving certificate. They are compulsory if your school certificate is not recognised as complete.

• Master's preparation — for those who want to go on to a Master's but lack the language or academic credits. It lasts 1–2 semesters.

At state Studienkolleg in Germany tuition is often free, but there is a competitive entry and German at a B1–B2 level is required.

Forms of accommodation during preparation courses

• Host family — a separate room or living with a family with meals. Good language practice and immersion in the culture. Popular in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the USA.
   
• Residence / dormitory — a room on or near campus. Full board or self-catering. The most convenient option for focusing on your studies.

What is usually included in the price of a preparation programme

• Academic language study for your studies

• Core subjects in your chosen field (mathematics, economics, physics, biology, etc.)

• Study materials and access to electronic libraries

• Advice on choosing a university and help with submitting applications

• Preparation for language entrance exams (universities' internal tests)

• A certificate of completion (accepted by partner universities)