What is a Medical Foundation Program?

Foundation courses at medical schools are designed to prepare you for medical education. Some courses are designed for students who do not fulfil the admission criteria for a medical school and want to study medicine while some are designed for students who do not succeed in achieving the minimum marks required for medicine program. Foundation programs typically don't award students an academic degree upon completion but guarantee a certain level of qualification that allows them to follow a higher education degree such as a bachelor’s or master’s program.

How to plan for your Medical Foundation degree?

Ideally, students should plan it one year before or while they are studying in the last year of their high school. The sessions usually start in September, but it may vary from university to university. Students should plan their preparation accordingly. Once they get admission into their desired medical foundation program, they should try and make the most of it and secure a minimum of 75% in overall with 70% or above in Chemistry and Biology to be eligible to progress to further stages of Medicine program.

Who can benefit from the Medical Foundation Program?

If you missed the minimum marks threshold for admission into the top Medical Universities, you could definitely benefit from the medical foundation program. This program will ensure a direct progression to your chosen course at your desired university. This is a fantastic route for international students who have completed their high school in relevant subjects and then want to progress through the International Foundation Program.

Top Universities for Medical Foundation Programs

1. UCLAN Medical Foundation Program

For the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) the program has been recognized as meeting the academic requirements for application to their MBBS (Medicine) Program. This does not exempt applicants from any stage of the MBBS at UCLAN admissions process. Please contact our admission counsellors for further information and specific entry requirements.

The Medicine Foundation Program comprises the following strands, Biology, Chemistry, Advanced Mathematics and Physics, and IELTS. The Program is only suitable for students who have undertaken at least one-year equivalent of a high school already (e.g. 12th grade, IB or A-Level). Students MUST be at least 17 years old at the start of the academic year to qualify for the Program. The Program can offer an alternative route for students who have not achieved their potential in the science subjects in high-school

2. ASTON, UK

For Aston Medical School (part of Aston University) students achieving a score of 75% overall with 70% or above in Chemistry and Biology can progress to further stages of the application process to the medical school. Students will apply through UCAS and will also have to take the UKCAT and gain IELTS of 7.5. Entry requirements for ASTON, UK Medical foundation program, is IELTS 5.0 to 6.5, Medicine Pathway or equivalent, Age- over 17 years, Academic Qualification 5 GCSE passes at grade C or their equivalent.

3. Medical University of Lodz, Poland

During the Preparatory Course the university offers, Classes and laboratory in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Basic Life Support, Classes in Medical English, Classes in Polish, Classes in Anatomy, Introduction to academic professionalism, social competencies and learning skills. Admission requirements: High school diploma/secondary school leaving certificate qualifying for admission to a university, Extended level of knowledge in 2 of the following subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, and the grades required should be above average.

4. University of Malta, Malta

If you are an international student and have not followed an educational system comparable to the one in Malta, then you need to complete a Foundation Course that will prepare you for admission to the desired undergraduate course at the University of Malta. If you decide on the Medical, Dental and Health Sciences stream you will study Human Biology, Biochemistry, and Anatomy including Cell Biology and Genetics.

5. MAHSA University, Malaysia

MAHSA University Foundation in Science Program (FIS) is specially designed for SPM and O-Level school leavers to provide them with a mechanism to enter Medical or other Health Sciences degree course programs in 1 year. This program aims to provide students with a broad exposure to the core science subjects of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics using curricula that are equivalent to the STPM/A-Level standard.

Upon completion of the program, candidates can get direct entry to the various degree programs in MAHSA University like Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Imaging or Radiography, Environmental Health and Nursing.

What If you didn’t get admission into your desired university after completing the Medical Foundation Program?

The medical foundation program ensures progression to your chosen college after completing the foundation degree. However, if for some reason you’re not able to get admission to a university of your choice, you have many other options to choose from, like your career.

Career options other than Medicine after a Medical Foundation Program

Biotechnology

Biomedical Sciences

Bachelor of Pharmacy

Bachelor of Science

How can we help you select the right Medical Foundation Program?

GoToUniversity understands the dilemma that you face after missing the marks needed to get into the college of your choice. We have the perfect solution for this kind of situation. GoToUniversity has tie-ups with many medical colleges across the United Kingdom and Europe who run the Medical Foundation Program. When you choose us as your admission consultant, you get a comprehensive package that includes a FREE counselling session and an expert counsellor who will be there to guide and assist you at every step of the way till the 1st day of the start of your program.