The University Foundation Programme at VNUK is designed to be truly distinctive! We believe that English is just a stepping stone toward achieving higher goals. Equally important are students’ ability to use the language effectively and their understanding of social knowledge. We aim to build each student’s worldview through activities that develop soft skills, flexible thinking, and creative freedom.
Named the Foundation Programme, this course integrates Academic English, soft skills, and introductory major-specific subjects right in the first year. Let’s explore everything you need to know about this program!
What is the University Foundation Programme (Foundation)?
The Foundation Programme at VNUK is designed to train recent high school graduates to become students with strong learning abilities and professional skills, ready to thrive in the digital era.
With a student-centered education approach, VNUK helps young learners discover themselves and acquire essential skills for successful self-directed learning. The Foundation Programme serves as a launchpad for first-year students, allowing them to enjoy exciting experiences while orienting themselves for a meaningful four-year university journey. It also acts as a bridge, helping students overcome initial challenges and confidently step into an international-standard academic program.
>>Learn more here: Overview of the Foundation Programme
Image 1: A Foundation class taught by international lecturers
Key Advantages of the University Foundation Programme at VNUK
1. Rapidly level up with Academic English classes
In the Foundation Programme, students will attend three English for Academic Purposes courses (EAP 1, 2, 3), each lasting 10 weeks. These courses equip students with specialized English knowledge and skills, building a solid foundation to confidently pursue a 100% English-taught program from Year 2.
Moreover, the teaching team consists of experienced and passionate lecturers who have completed Master’s programs in English language instruction from prestigious universities worldwide. This ensures highly effective teaching and learning for all first-year students at VNUK.
Image 2: Students honing language skills in Foundation classes
2. Enhancing social awareness and self-understanding
At VNUK, the school emphasizes the personal development of each student to uncover true talents and guide them toward turning their potential into future professional achievements.
This is the purpose of the Personal Development Planning (PDP) module. PDP not only helps Gen Z students identify their strengths and weaknesses, but also enables each individual to set learning goals and career development plans.
This transformation significantly improves learning and skill-building throughout the following years, helping students establish a clear personal growth roadmap and enhance their sense of contribution to the community.
Image 3: PDP class students at the Danang Social Protection Center
3. “Level-up” critical and creative thinking
Frequent presentations, discussions, and exchanges among students and with teachers during the first year help students develop creativity and critical thinking skills.
Students gain multi-dimensional perspectives on issues, refine their ability to analyze and question, and from there, easily generate and explore ideas for various problems.
Image 4: VNUK students confidently sharing in class
4. Mastering soft skills
In the Foundation Programme at VNUK, students have the opportunity to learn from experienced lecturers who have worked in multinational environments across various fields through the “Soft Skills” module. In this module, students will develop:
Communication skills
Academic skills
Job-seeking and career skills
Information technology application skills
Teamwork skills
5. Equipping lifelong learning skills
By the end of the first year at VNUK, students are inspired to be self-directed learners and become more adaptable. They gain confidence entering their specialized programs and participating in university activities. Many also begin to leverage their strengths and reflect on experiences from multiple perspectives. This year serves as a foundational year, fostering enthusiasm for learning and the spirit of lifelong self-education for newcomers entering a new academic environment.
A special feature of this year is hands-on experiential activities. Students learn through a combination of theory and engaging practical activities, making knowledge acquisition easier and more effective without the pressure or boredom of traditional classrooms.
Explore some Foundation Programme experiential activities:
Image 5: Global Culture Festival – VNUK’s Annual International Cultural Day
In the Foundation Programme, what truly challenges Gen Z students isn’t the stack of deadlines, but how to fully experience the diverse, enriching activities – a launchpad that prepares them to step confidently into VNUK’s international undergraduate programs.
6. Building foundational knowledge for future specialized studies
During the Foundation year, students are introduced to basic courses from various majors, such as Introduction to Marketing or Introduction to Java. This provides them with the essential knowledge and confidence to smoothly transition into their specialized programs in the following years.
Portraits of VNUK-ers after completing the Foundation Programme
“After completing several Foundation courses at VNUK, I feel my English skills are strengthened, I understand myself better, and I’ve improved my academic skills, like essay writing, citations, soft skills, email writing, presentations, and debates. I’m very grateful to the Foundation faculty – Mr. Duc, Mr. Alex, Mr. Bence, Ms. Skylar, Ms. Trang, Ms. Phuong – who helped transform me from a shy high school student into a more confident university student.”
Nguyen Ngoc Minh Tam – K22 DBM
“The Foundation year was very meaningful throughout my studies at VNUK because the courses helped me improve in many aspects, from English proficiency to basic computer skills. It laid a solid foundation for me to excel in my specialized subjects. I also feel very lucky to have such dedicated and caring teachers who guided me successfully through my first year.”
Tran Nguyen Gia Hieu – K22 IBM
“The Foundation Programme at VNUK helped me learn and develop skills that were never emphasized in high school, like teamwork and presentations. Each course taught me something new:
Personal Development Planning: Planning effectively, handling issues in teamwork
English for Academic Purposes: Academic essay writing, proper citation, advanced English skills
Communication Skills: Effective communication, empathy, professional behavior
Applied Computer Skills: Basic Word, Excel, PowerPoint skills
These courses shaped me into a more capable and confident student.”*
Tran Thi Kim Thoa – K22 IBM
VNUK always provides the conditions for students to learn, experience, and develop themselves to become outstanding students and future talents. With determination and effort, VNUK will support students fully in becoming better versions of themselves every day.
Gen Z 2K5, if you want to be part of VNUK’s vibrant, multicultural environment, register now for guidance and admission here: https://vnuk.udn.vn/xet-tuyen/
