Program Overview
Foundation Year in Sciences
Programme Overview
The Foundation Year in Sciences is designed to equip students with all the skills required to succeed at the university level, and to be successful in any undergraduate programme in sciences.
Programme Details
- Programme duration: 1 year
- Delivery language: English
- Deadline to apply: 22 August 2025
Programme Description
During the Foundation Year, students will study Optics and Electrokinetic and will review mathematics studied in high school in detail, learn to run experiments, and how to report on them. Students will acquire basic knowledge of programming in the Computer Science course. The Methodology course will develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, and teach students how to manage their time. In the Active Science course, students will build on their knowledge and skills to manage a scientific project of their choice. They will also study a foreign language (French for non-French speakers).
The teaching methodology involves lectures and tutorials, laboratory sessions, projects, written technical reports and oral presentations.
Throughout the Foundation Year in Sciences, students will interact with the students from the Bachelor in Physics and be part of events organised by the Sciences and Engineering Department
At the end of the Foundation Year in Sciences, students will be prepared to enter any science-based undergraduate programme.
Admission Criteria
Admission to the programme is very selective; the following are minimal criteria to apply for admission into the Foundation Year:
- Ministry of Education curriculum:
- General stream/Art stream: minimum average of 80%.
- Advanced stream/Elite stream/Science stream: minimum average of 75%.
- Other high school systems: high school certificate equivalent to the UAE Ministry of Education high school with minimum average of 80% or equivalent
- Languages requirements
- Ministry of Education curriculum:
- Minimum score of 80% in English subject in High school
- For curriculums studied in English Language:
- No English requirement needed
- For other curriculums:
- Valid academic IELTS certificate with minimum overall band of 5.5 with a validity of 2 years or TOEFL score of 530, IBT TOEFL certificate with minimum score of 71, CBT TOEFL of 197 with a validity of 2 years or equivalent (can be applicable for national curriculum)
- Ministry of Education curriculum:
- Mathematics competencies
- High School grade in Mathematics at or above 80%
- SAT Mathematics with a score at or above 600
- Competencies in one other Science subject (Physics, Chemistry or Biology – including SVT)
- Subject taken in school with minimum 80% (or equivalent) in Grade 10, 11 or 12
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
- Programme tuition fees: 34,500 AED per semester (approximately US $ 9,400)
- Payment of fees: click here
- The fees presented for each program do not include administrative fees. Terms and conditions apply
Scholarships
- HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Scholarship for Emirati students
- Admitted Emirati nationals and children of Emirati mothers’ are awarded a full scholarship covering tuition and study related fees for their Bachelor Programmes (and Foundation year, if any)
- Academic Excellence Scholarships (for the 1 st semester of enrolment)
- 15% scholarship on tuition for the 1st semester of joining
- New joiners with excellent academic results in high school are eligible following the below criteria. Starting from the second semester, they can apply for the 25%-75% academic excellence scholarship scheme.
- Academic Excellence Scholarship (starting from the 2 nd semester of enrolment)
- 25%-75% Academic Excellence Scholarship
- Based on the academic results obtained during the previous semester at SUAD, students are eligible to the academic excellence scholarship granted semester by semester. The scholarship scheme is progressive (25% to 75% and the minimum average grade to be eligible is 12/20. A specific scholarship is available for the 2nd semester of the Foundation Year. For more information, please contact
- Other Scholarships
- 10% French Curriculum Schools Scholarship for the 1 st semester of enrolment
- Sponsored scholarships
- Preferential rate: 10% Family discount
Undergraduate Study Programmes
- Bachelor in Applied Foreign Languages
- Bachelor in Economics and Management
- Bachelor of Geography and Planning
- Bachelor in History: Concentration in International Relations
- Bachelor in History of Art and Archaeology
- Bachelor in Law
- Bachelor in Mathematics, Specialisation in Data Science for Artificial Intelligence
- Double Bachelor in Philosophy and Sociology
- Bachelor in Records Management and Archival Science
- Bachelor in Physics
- Foundation Year in Intensive French
- Foundation Year in Sciences
- Foundation Year in Records Management and Archival Science
- French Evening Classes
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Foundation Year in Sciences
The Foundation Year in Sciences at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is designed for students who want to excel at the university level in any science-based undergraduate program.
It equips students with the necessary skills by offering a review of high school mathematics, introducing laboratory experiments and reporting, teaching programming basics, and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills through the Methodology course.
The program also offers a unique opportunity for students to participate in the
Active Science course, which requires them to manage their own science project.
Outline:
The program spans one year and utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures and tutorials
- Laboratory sessions
- Projects
- Written technical reports
- Oral presentations The curriculum covers the following areas:
- Mathematics: High school mathematics are reviewed with an emphasis on concepts relevant to science and engineering.
- Optics and Electrokinetics: These are introductory courses that provide students with a foundation in these important fields.
- Computer Science: Students will acquire basic programming skills.
- Methodology: This course focuses on developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and time-management strategies.
- Active Science Project: Students will design and complete their own scientific research project, applying the knowledge and skills obtained in the program.
- Foreign Language: Non-French speaking students will also study French language proficiency as part of the program.
- Interacting with Bachelor in Physics students: This fosters collaboration and learning within the science community at SUAD.
Active Science Project:
This project may be a significant component of the assessment, requiring both written reports and oral presentations.
Examinations:
Traditional exams are likely to be used for some courses (e.g., Math, Optics, Electrokinetics).
Laboratory sessions:
Active participation and performance in laboratory activities are likely part of the assessment.
Continuous assessment:
Regular assignments, quizzes, and other activities could be used throughout the year.
Teaching:
The program employs a diverse group of highly qualified instructors, including:
- Experienced science professors: These individuals provide expertise in their fields and guide students through lectures, tutorials, and labs.
- Visiting professors: Renowned experts from various scientific disciplines might be invited for guest lectures or specialized courses.
- Teaching assistants: These graduate students or post-doctoral researchers can provide additional support and guidance to students in smaller groups. The program is tailored towards active learning and hands-on experience, encouraging students to take ownership of their own learning and engage actively with the provided resources.
Careers:
The Foundation Year in Sciences prepares students for various science-based Bachelor's programs at SUAD and other universities. This potentially opens doors to diverse career paths, such as:
Research:
Further studies towards a Master's or Ph.D. degree might lead to careers in research and development within universities, government agencies or private companies.
Education:
Graduates can also pursue careers in education, becoming science teachers at various levels, including secondary schools or universities.
Technology:
The program provides a strong foundation for entering the tech industry, pursuing careers in areas like software development, data analysis, or AI-related fields relevant to their chosen science specialization.
Healthcare:
Medical and pharmaceutical fields require individuals with strong science backgrounds. This program can be a stepping stone to further specialized studies and careers in these areas.
Other:
- The program is highly competitive, with a minimum average of 85% required for admission.
Summary:
• Programme tuition fees: AED 71,700 (approximately US$ 19,538) • Payment of fees: click here
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
Overview:
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is a prestigious institution of higher education located in the United Arab Emirates. It is a branch campus of the renowned Sorbonne University in Paris, France, and offers a comprehensive range of academic programs in humanities, law, sciences, and engineering. The university is committed to providing a high-quality education that is rooted in the French academic tradition while also being relevant to the needs of the UAE and the wider region.
Services Offered:
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi offers a variety of services to its students, including:
Undergraduate and postgraduate study:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.Continuing education:
The university provides executive education programs for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.Research:
The university has a strong research focus and offers opportunities for students to engage in research projects.Student support services:
The university provides a range of student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and student housing.Campus facilities:
The university has modern campus facilities, including a library, sports facilities, and student common areas.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi provides a vibrant and multicultural campus experience for its students. The university is home to students from over 90 countries, creating a diverse and enriching learning environment. Students can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and student organizations. The university also organizes events and activities throughout the year to foster a sense of community among its students.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Prestigious French academic tradition:
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi offers a high-quality education that is rooted in the French academic tradition, known for its rigor and excellence.Global network:
The university is part of a global network of Sorbonne institutions, providing students with opportunities for international exchange and collaboration.Modern campus facilities:
The university has modern campus facilities, including a library, sports facilities, and student common areas.Multicultural environment:
The university is home to students from over 90 countries, creating a diverse and enriching learning environment.Strong research focus:
The university has a strong research focus and offers opportunities for students to engage in research projects.Academic Programs:
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi offers a wide range of academic programs in humanities, law, sciences, and engineering. Some of the key academic departments include:
- Applied Foreign Languages (LEA)
- Archaeology and History of Art
- French as a Foreign Language (FLE)
- French Studies
- Geography and Planning
- History
- Law, Economics and Management
- Philosophy and Sociology
- Sciences and Engineering
- Sports
Other:
Entry Requirements:
High School Requirements:
- Minimum average: 80% for General stream, 75% for Advanced stream/Elite stream/Science stream or equivalent.
- Recent EmSAT-English: Minimum score of 1250 with a validity of 18 months.
- OR: Valid Academic-IELTS 5.5 with a validity of 2 years.
- OR: Valid TOEFL-IBT 71 with a validity of 2 years.
- Recent EmSAT-Mathematics: Score at or above 1500.
- OR: High School in Mathematics at or above 80% and an admission test for Foundation year Sciences administered by the University.
- Recent EmSat Physics: Score at or above 900.
- OR: Physics subject in school with minimum 80% average (or equivalent) and admission test for foundation year administered by the university.
French Baccalaureate Requirements:
- Minimum average: 12 out of 20.
- Recent EmSAT-English: Minimum score of 1250.
- OR: Valid Academic-IELTS 5.5.
- OR: Valid TOEFL-IBT 71.
- Minimum score of 12 out of 20 in the specialty “Mathématiques Spéciales” and/or the specialty “Mathématiques expertes”.
- OR: Recent EmSAT-Mathematics with a score at or above 1700.
- OR: Admission test for L1 administered by the University.
- Physics subject in school with minimum average 12 out of 20.
- OR: Recent EmSat Physics with score at or above 900.
- OR: Admission test for L1 administered by the university.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
The program is taught in English. applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. This can be done through:
- Recent EmSAT-English: Minimum score of 1250 with a validity of 18 months.
- OR: Valid Academic-IELTS 5.5 with a validity of 2 years.
- OR: Valid TOEFL-IBT 71 with a validity of 2 years.
- Admission to the program is very selective.
- Applicants might be placed on a waiting list.
- Other foreign curriculums may be considered according to the admission policy set by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.
