Foundation
Connect
Duration
6 months
2025 intakes
14 July, 29 September
The programme is marketed as Foundation Connect and the programme name is registered as an “Intensive General English Course” at NZQA.
Programme overview
Delivered by UP Education, Foundation Connect provides a comprehensive, English-rich curriculum to prepare students for the Certificate in Foundation Studies (Level 3). This six-month extension programme allows students to develop their English skills, confidence and apply these English skills in an academic setting. Foundation Connect includes engagement in Mathematics and academic courses to give students a broader foundation for future learning.
Who is this programme for?
Students who do not yet meet the English language requirements for direct entry into Foundation Studies will benefit from this six-month extension programme. Those who successfully complete Foundation Connect and meet the minimum criteria are guaranteed entry into the AUT Certificate in Foundation Studies. The programme also helps students adjust to the cultural and academic environment in New Zealand, ensuring a smoother transition to university life.
Visas and offers
Foundation Connect students apply for their visa through UP International College New Zealand. Upon completion, they receive a firm offer for the standard-length Certificate in Foundation Studies from AUT, with a visa issued by the university.
Students also have the option of receiving a pathway visa that covers all three courses:
- Foundation Connect
- The AUT Certificate in Foundation Studies
- AUT undergraduate degree
Foundation
Connect graduate
“During the Foundation Connect programme, I solidified my existing knowledge and gained insights into things that were unclear or unknown to me. This course provided an invaluable period to familiarise myself with exam formats, study methods, and time management.”
Eui Kyun from South Korea
Foundation Connect graduate
Course structure
Through engaging lessons and materials, students develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They explore current topics, participate in discussions and presentations, read a range of texts, and learn to write for different purposes. The programme also builds academic vocabulary and focuses on improving grammar through targeted strategies.
Subjects
There are two compulsory subjects (English and English for Mathematics) and two academic subjects per term. These academic subjects will be used to prepare students for their future academic studies and contextualise their academic English usage.
- English: 11 hours per week
- English for Mathematics: 3 hours per week and 1 Flexible Learning Activity (FLA)
- Academic subjects: 3 live lessons and 1 FLA – students do four academic subjects with two in the first term and two in the second term
The academic subjects available are usually: Business; Science; Humanities (Geography) and Media
Each Term:
- English: 9 live lessons per week
- Maths: 3 live lessons and 1 FLA per week
- 2 Academic subjects: 3 live lessons – 1 FLA
Sample timetable
Fees
- Tuition fee: NZ$17,650
- Resource fee: NZ$1,320
- Enrolment fee: NZ$500*
- Medical & Travel insurance (6 months): NZ$474**
Intake dates
There are four intakes per year.
- 28 January, 2025
- 22 April, 2025
- 14 July, 2025
- 29 Septemper, 2025
All intakes will be available on campus.
Assessments
Foundation Connect will have a combination of internal assessments and exams with a minimum of 40% of the assessment weightings being exams.
*Note that when students progress onto the Auckland University of Technology Certificate in Foundation Studies, they will not need to pay this again.
**International students must have comprehensive medical and travel insurance while in New Zealand. Enrolled international students will be charged Allianz’s Studentsafe Inbound Learners insurance premium when enrolment is completed. The final cost of insurance will depend on the length of requested insurance cover period.
Entry requirements
To enrol in Foundation Connect, students must meet the minimum English language and academic entry requirements.
You must be at least 15 years old.
English language requirements
Must have an IELTS (Academic) score of 4.5 with no band lower than 4.0, or an equivalent score.
You can also take the UP English Language Test (UPELT) as an accepted alternative.
Academic requirements
Students must have an academic background equivalent to one of the qualifications listed below to meet the entry requirements for Foundation Connect.
- New Zealand (NCEA): 35 credits at level 1 with no fewer than 10 credits in each of 3 subjects including maths.
- China: Senior secondary year 1 (70%)
- South Korea: High school certificate year 1 (70%)
It is important that students who join this programme can understand basic instructions and participate in class in English. Students entering this programme will be streamed into different class groups at the beginning of each term to ensure that students are in the most appropriate group for their language levels.
Progression requirements
To accept your conditional offer for the Auckland University of Technology Certificate in Foundation Studies, you must meet the minimum progression requirement of a 50% pass in all subjects.
Some important notes:
In exceptional circumstances where a student exhibits outstanding work ethic and academic results, we may consider entrance into a fast-track programme. This decision is based on what is best academically for the student and will be at the discretion of the academic staff.
If a student needs to re-sit one or more subjects to meet the minimum progression grades this may be possible. As suitable extension study plan will be recommended on an individual basis by the academic team.
If a student fails a Foundation Connect course more than twice, they cannot be re-enrolled.
