Hong Kong Secondary S.5/6 > Foundation > Bachelor’s Degree Year 1
Most UK universities offer foundation courses to assist international students in transitioning to university-level studies. These courses are suitable for students in Form 5 and Form 6 and typically have a duration of 6 to 12 months. UK foundation courses are specifically designed for international students and closely resemble the learning patterns of university programs.
Form 5 students can apply based on their Form 5 examination results. If Form 6 students do not meet the direct entry requirements of universities or have not studied the elective subjects required for their desired university programs, they can choose to pursue a foundation course. The university foundation course is a popular choice for progression to higher education in the UK. Upon successful completion of the course and meeting the internal grade requirements, students can directly enter the first year of their linked university programs.
Hong Kong Secondary S.6 > International Year 1 > Bachelor’s Degree Year 2
The International Year 1 program in the UK is similar to the first year of university and is specifically designed for international students. It is suitable for Form 6 students and has a duration of one year. This program serves as another pathway to transition into university and can be considered as a conditional offer from UK universities. Upon successful completion of the program and meeting the specified requirements, students can progress to the second year of their linked bachelor’s degree program at the partner university. This means that students can obtain a UK university degree within two additional years of study. The International Year 1 program is particularly beneficial for Form 6 students who have completed their secondary education but have not met the entry requirements for direct admission to university.
The selection of courses for the International Year 1 program is relatively limited, with a focus mainly on business studies. Some programs may also offer subjects such as psychology, international relations, and engineering. In addition to studying the content of their chosen university discipline, students are also required to take English language and study skills courses. The advantage of this program is that its entry requirements are generally lower than direct entry to UK universities, and it provides a seamless transition to the second year of university studies. It is a popular choice among many international students seeking to pursue their studies at renowned UK universities.
Hong Kong Secondary S.6 > Bachelor’s Degree > Master’s Degree
Students are required to apply for undergraduate programs at UK universities through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). UCAS accepts applications starting from September each year, with the first and second application deadlines in January and June of the following year, respectively.
Universities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland generally offer three-year degree programs, while universities in Scotland offer four-year programs. However, certain professional disciplines such as medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary science may have longer programs ranging from four to six years.