To begin with, one can consider a Foundation Program as the platform that helps build learning skills, makes students aware of the approaches in preparation for higher education, and equips them with the skills and attributes required for degree-level study. For students pursuing the British curriculum, the Foundation Program is the alternative for their high schools or A levels. The program helps them focus on the core subjects with no additional subjects for the university degree. For example, if a student wants to do an engineering degree the Foundation Program will strongly focus on teaching him subjects that support his engineering goals, thus improving his knowledge of the intended subject for his actual degree. Through a typical Foundation Program, a student has the option to choose from a range of universities for entering the first year of bachelor’s education.
The typical subjects covered under STEM-related Foundation Programs range from Astronomy, Genetics, Geological and Earth Sciences, Architectural Drafting, Military Technologies, Quality Control and Safety Technologies, Surveying Technology, Industrial Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Actuarial Science, to Management Information Systems and many more. These are thus professionally oriented and lead students to some of the much sought-after bachelor's or master’s degrees.
The duration of the STEM Foundation Programs is generally between three months to a year. The method of instruction includes group teaching, individual mentoring, projects, and assessments to make sure the student is progressing well in the program. Experienced faculty help the students navigate the delicate path of becoming eligible towards seeking a successful admission to the university and course of their choice at the end of the Foundation year. These courses have multiple entry points and batches start typically in the months of January, March, July, and August. The course fee for STEM Foundation Programs ranges from 50,000 to 90,000 AED.