Foundation Year
All of our undergraduate degrees are offered with the option of a Foundation Year.
The Foundation Year is designed to provide students with the academic knowledge, English language competencies, and study skills needed to progress into degree-level studies.
There are two Foundation Year options:
- Business Foundation leading to:
- BSc Business Management
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Foundation leading to one of:
- BEng Civil Engineering
- BSc Computer Sciences
- BSc Exploration Geology
Entry requirements
To enter the Foundation Year, leading to a three-year undergraduate degree programme you will need:
- to successfully complete the ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education with an overall average of 4 or above from the grade 11 transcript, to include a grade of 4 or above in mathematics.
- a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (with no component below 5.5) or an equivalent proof of English proficiency such as TOEFL or the Cardiff University English Language Test.
Alternative qualifications at this level will also be considered.
Tution fees
| Fee | Programme start date | |
|---|---|---|
| Fee for Kazakhstani students | US$16,000 per year | September 2026 |
| Fee for international students | US$18,000 per year | September 2026 |
Cardiff University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in subsequent years of the course.
Academic content
All Foundation Year students will complete the core modules listed below. Specialised academic modules will be offered based on your selected degree pathway.
Core modules
- Academic skills
- History of Kazakhstan
- Introduction to Philosophy
An English for Academic Purposes module will be required for students with an IELTS score below 6.5 overall (or equivalent):
- English for Academic Purposes
Specialised modules for the Business Foundation:
- Key Topics in Social Sciences
- Social Research Methods
- Understanding the Economy and Business Context
- Understanding Organisations
Specialised modules for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Foundation:
- Data Science and Statistics
- Mathematical Foundations
- Scientific Thinking
For students progressing to the BSc Computer Sciences or BEng Civil Engineering degree programmes:
- Mathematical Modelling and Applications
For students progressing to the BSc Exploration Geology programme:
- Exploring Planet Earth
How to apply
Applying for your chosen programme is simple: click on your chosen degree pathway and complete the application form.
- BSc Business Management including Foundation Year
- BEng Civil Engineering including Foundation Year
- BSc Computer Sciences including Foundation Year
- BSc Exploration Geology including Foundation Year
Our Admissions Team is available to help if you have any questions. Contact us on: admissionskz@cardiff.edu.kz if you need help with your application.