Foundation Studies
About the Program
Most students will begin their journey at National University on the Foundation Program. The dedicated faculty team at our purpose-built Airport Heights Campus welcomes students and gives them the best possible preparation for their degree programs. On entering Foundation, students take a placement test to ensure that they start their studies at the appropriate level. Students passing Foundation Level 2 will have a minimum English language level equivalent to IELTS Band 5.
Available modes of study: full time, part time, and special part time.
| Level |
Students |
Semester Starts |
Duration |
| Foundation 1 |
All Foundation students |
September and |
18 weeks |
| Foundation 2 |
February |
18 weeks |
| Foundation 3 |
Medicine and Pharmacy students only |
June |
8 weeks |
Why study this program?
The Foundation Program gives students the best possible start to their academic career in higher education and introduces them to university life. This includes a range of theoretical and practical aspects across the components and a range of extra-curricular activities including sports and clubs.
What will you study?
The comprehensive Foundation Program covers three key areas: Computing Skills, Mathematics, and English Language and Study Skills. All components are assessed through coursework and exams. Details of each component are as follows:
| Component |
Hours per week |
Syllabus |
| English & Study skills |
16 |
Reading, writing, vocabulary, listening, speaking, and study skills (including cooperative learning, time-management, and self-study strategies) |
| Mathematics |
7 |
Algebraic and fractional expressions, linear equations, geometry, polynomials, trigonometry, functions and graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions, statistics and probability. |
| Computing |
3 |
Computer fundamentals, file management, internet and email, Word processing, presentations, and spreadsheets. |
| Biology (for Medical students only) |
Foundation 3 only |
Anatomy and physiology, blood and body defenses, systems; skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive. |
Fee Structure
| School of Foundation 2019/20 |
| Program |
Duration of program |
Fee per credit hour (OMR) |
Approx. credits per semester |
| Total Years |
Total Semesters |
Local Students |
Inter. Students |
| Foundation for Engineering |
1 |
2 |
140 |
160 |
15 |
| Foundation for IT |
1 |
2 |
140 |
165 |
12.5 |
| Foundation for Medicine & Health Sciences and Foundation for Pharmacy |
1 |
2 |
140 |
165 |
15 +
(5 summer) |
|