Guidance for students studying a Foundation Year
This article contains information about what a Foundation Year is and the amount of Tuition Fee Loan available for the type of Foundation Year you're studying.
Applies to England
What is a Foundation Year?
A Foundation Year is an additional year added to the start of an undergraduate course.
Foundation Years are designed to give students the additional skills and knowledge needed to progress further in their undergraduate course. It must be passed before a student can continue to the next year of their course.
Tuition Fee Loan entitlement for a Foundation Year
Depending on the type of Foundation Year you’re studying, the amount of Tuition Fee Loan you’ll be charged and be eligible for varies.
Studying in England
If you’re studying an eligible Foundation Year in a classroom-based subject, like business, social science or humanities, you can get a Tuition Fee Loan of up to £5,760. Find out more about what classroom-based subjects qualify.
If you’re studying an eligible Foundation Year in science, engineering, subjects allied to medicine and creative and performing arts, you can get a Tuition Fee Loan of up to £9,535.
If you’re still unsure about how much tuition fee you’ll be charged on your Foundation Year, you should check with your university or college.
Studying in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales
If you’re studying a Foundation Year at a university or college in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan of up to £5,760.
If you’re studying a Foundation Year in a classroom-based subject at a university or college in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales, they may still charge up to £9,535 and you may be required to self-fund the difference.
If you’re unsure about how much you’ll be charged, you can check with your university or college to confirm.