Foundation in Business
About Foundation in Business
Begin your journey toward a business-related degree with NCUK’s ‘International Foundation Year’ Foundation in Business.
This one-year programme prepares you for Year 1 entry at leading universities abroad.
You’ll study a combination of academic modules and academic English, designed to strengthen your subject knowledge, improve your language skills, and develop the study skills needed for success at university.
Entry Requirements
Age Requirement
17 and above
Academic Requirements
Completion of Tawjihiyya or Thanawiyya Al’Aaama (High School Certificate) with a minimum of 80% in the final year with 80% in Maths, or average of 75% over last two years with 75% in Maths
English Language Requirements
IELTS 5.5 (with a minimum of 5.0 in all subskills) or equivalent
Note: This information is subject to change and application decisions may vary based on individual circumstances.
Modules You Will Study
Each student studies three core modules designed to prepare for business-related degrees
English language Module
The English language module you study will depend on your level in English when you start the programme you choose.
Skills-based Module
This module is designed to help you develop practical capabilities per your programme’s requirements and apply what you learn in real world contexts.
Global Studies
This module is designed to help you develop a broad, international‑perspective understanding of global issues, politics, social structures and how these link to academic skills required in higher education.
Business Studies
This module is designed to help you develop the foundational knowledge, skills and mindset needed for undergraduate business and management degree programmes.
Integrated Maths
This module is designed to equip you with the mathematical skills and reasoning required for academic success across disciplines, including business, science, and data‑driven fields.
Progression Fields
Business Management
Learn how organizations operate and develop leadership skills to manage people, processes, and resources.
Finance
Gain strong analytical skills in financial planning, investment, and corporate finance to succeed .
Accounting
Understand financial reporting, auditing, and taxation to support sound business decision-making.
Marketing
Explore consumer behavior and digital marketing strategies to create impactful campaigns.
Entrepreneurship
Develop innovative thinking and practical skills to start, manage, and grow your own business ventures.
Economics
Study global markets, economic policies, and decision-making models that influence businesses worldwide.
Business Law
Learn about legal frameworks, contracts, and corporate governance essential for business operations.
International Business
Prepare for careers in global trade and multinational companies with a focus on cross-cultural management.
Business Analytics
Master data-driven techniques to analyze trends, improve decision-making, drive business performance.
Key Information
- Start your International Foundation Programme in Al Khobar, then progress seamlessly to your chosen degree abroad.
- Access a wide network of recognized universities with multiple degree options across business and related fields.
- Study in a supportive and modern learning environment with contemporary facilities.
- Receive tailored guidance from our team of experts throughout your university application process.
- Benefit from years of proven success in preparing international students for top universities abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply click here and to find out more information click here
For guaranteed entry at an NCUK University Partner you must meet the following requirements:
96 NCUK points on the subject modules; and the grade requirement for English for Academic Purposes (EAP), English for Academic Purposes for Proficient Users (EAPPU) or Research and Communication Skills (RSC) set out below.
If you achieve between 72 and 88 points with a grade A-C for EAP, NCUK may be able to place you on to a limited number of degree programmes.
- EAP/EAPPU: All students must achieve a minimum of overall grade C with no less than grade D in each EAP skills component (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking). Even if grades are adequate in subject modules, without an EAP grade D in all components we cannot guarantee a place at an NCUK University.
- RCS: Students must achieve between grade A-D. If you achieve below grade D for one or more of your EAP skills components , you will need to take and pass an additional language test to be offered entry to a degree programme. If you miss the requirements for your chosen degree programme you may have the option to undertake a pre-sessional English programme at an NCUK University Partner. Entry to these programmes requires students to take an additional English test such as IELTS.
Age Requirement
17 and above
Academic Requirements
- Completion of local high school (For Saudi Students: Completion of Tawjihiyya or Thanawiyya Al’Aaama (Secondary School Certificate) with a minimum of 80% in the final year with 80% in Maths, or average of 75% over last two years with 75% in Maths)
- Completion of IGCSE/O Levels/GCSE’s with 4 modules at grade 4 or above (normally to include English and Maths)
Note: For entry to study in the UK, students will need to complete a UKVI IELTS test for visa purposes.
English language requirements:
To be accepted onto the International Foundation Year, applicants must meet the minimum entry criteria shown below:
Students must be able to show English language ability at IELTS 5.5 level or equivalent prior to entry. If your qualification isn’t shown above, you can view our full list of country-specific entry requirements by clicking here.
Note: The information is subject to change and application decisions may vary based on individual circumstances.
If you don’t have IELTS, you can view our full list of country-specific entry requirements by click here.
The Foundation Year costs 60,000 SAR in total, but you can get discounts by choosing the following payment options click here.
We do not have on-campus accommodation. However, we have a dedicated team to support students who require accommodation; please contact:
70+ NCUK University Partners in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and more recognize the International Foundation Year. Universities outside of our network may also recognize the International Foundation Year, however, we cannot guarantee that you would successfully progress to a non-NCUK University Partner. Click here to view the list of NCUK University Partners that accept the International Foundation Year.
Yes, we welcome international students. To find out more information click here.
However, we have a dedicated team to support international students, please contact: