Programme Overview

Academic Level

Certificate/Foundation,

Awarded by

University of London, UK

Programme type

Full-time, 1 year

Campus location

SIM Campus

Application Dates

Applications are open till 2 Feb 2025 (Local and Intl)

Estimated Fees
(incl. GST)*

S$19,315 to S$20,970

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* All fees inclusive of current 9% GST (exclude textbooks / course materials, SIM application fee, preparatory / bridging course fee, and other fees). Refer to GST Notes under Fees Tab for more information.

Programme Outline

Awarded and Developed by University of London, UK.

Entry point to degree programmes

The International Foundation Programme (IFP) is designed to help students prepare for undergraduate studies. Locally, it is an alternative for those who do not wish to do the A levels or a polytechnic diploma. The IFP enrols candidates who have completed GCE ‘O’ level or its equivalent. This programme help candidates better understand their interests before they decide on an undergraduate degree.

This programme will equip students with the skills and knowledge required for undergraduate study with a structured academic focus. Modules such as Economics, Accounting and Statistics help to develop a strong academic foundation for students entering university to pursue business. Social Psychology allows students to discover their passion for history, law, social science and management.

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Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the IFP, you will be able to:

Apply statistical and mathematical techniques appropriately
Assess research practices and compare theoretical positions and contributors
Apply theoretical perspectives and course input to real-life situations and challenges

Further Studies & Career Prospects

Upon completion of the IFP, students can enrol to any LSE or Goldsmiths-led degree programme with SIM-University of London. The programme also fulfils entry requirements for many undergraduate degrees in the UK, US and other countries.*

While most IFP graduates continue on at SIM, 15% have gone overseas to study at LSE, Kings College London, University of Leeds, Durham University, University of Edinburgh, University of Melbourne, and University of Auckland. It is worth mentioning that SIM graduates have also pursued LLB studies at Birmingham, Bristol and Nottingham in the UK.

*Each application is reviewed by the universities based on individual merits and the outcomes may vary depending on the programme requirements and pre-requisite subjects.
Students should check directly with the university on the specific admission criteria for individual programmes.

Hear from our students

University of London Programmes at SIM: A Gateway to Global Leadership

Why is University of London (UOL) the leading choice of learning institution for future global leaders? We caught up with Oliver Trumble, Associate Director of London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), on the benefits for students who choose UOL for their education.

Read story

Why study at SIM x University of London

SIM is the leading private education institution in Singapore.

Excellent value with lower tuition costs in SIM.

IFP graduates are able to apply to the wide range of undergraduate degrees offered through SIM and the University of London.

Since 2015, SIM has maintained an excellent track record of IFP graduates who have gained admission to Russell Group Universities in the UK.

Learn more about the University of London

Intake Dates

2025 June intake

PROGRAMME DURATION

June 2025 to July 2026

APPLICATION PERIOD

Applications are open till 2 Feb 2025 (Local and Intl).

Early submission of eApplication is strongly recommended.

Candidature period:
Although the University allows IFP students a registration period of up to 3 years, students only need a year to complete the foundation programme.

Curriculum

Structure

Classes are conducted 2-4 hours and 5 days a week.
Blended lectures, group discussions, workshops and online study.
Classes are taught by local faculty, supplemented with intensive workshops, tutorials and discussion group.
View a list of lecturers (PDF 57.6 KB)

Average teacher-student ratio: 1:12
Minimum class size to commence 20 students. Students will be informed within 30 days after the application period.

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Assessment & Attendance

Each module is assessed through continuous compulsory assessment, such as class tests, group/individual assignment and annual examinations.
At the end of the programme, candidates must sit for an exam on all the modules.
Students who marginally fail (30-39 marks) for only 1 paper, may be invited to take the supplementary paper. However, the final decision lies with UOL.

Key dates:
- University exams: April 2025
- Results released: June 2025
- Resit exams: July 2025
- Resit results released: Aug 2025

All students must achieve 90% attendance in any month, and for the overall academic year. Students who failed will not be permitted to register for the university examinations.

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Requirements to Graduate

Students must pass all 4 modules
International Foundation Certificate classification:
- 40% – 59%: Pass
- 60% – 69%: Merit
- 70% – 100%: Distinction

Modules

Compulsory modules:

Mathematics and Statistics

This is the foundation course on which subsequent, more specialised quantitative courses in Mathematics and Statistics are based. The course offers an overview of key mathematical methods and statistical concepts frequently applied to economics, management, finance and related areas.

Economics

The course offers an overview of key economic concepts and their applications to everyday situations and current economic affairs using modelling techniques.

Social Psychology

This course provides an introduction to Social Psychology as a social scientific discipline, its areas of interest, theory and methodologies. Students will learn to consider key ways in which social psychological knowledge can be applied to real-life contexts. It provides tools that support students in critical thinking and argumentation.

Accounting and Finance

The course provides a foundation introduction to the purposes and functions of accounting and finance, as well as to develop the key concepts and techniques to fulfil these functions for business financial decision-making.

In addition to the core curriculum from UOL, SIM will provide students with additional compulsory classes in English Language skills. These classes are complimentary and will help students to improve their fluency and develop greater accuracy in both their written and spoken language.

The purpose of the English classes is to extend their vocabulary to include more specialised English related to their course of study. These classes will also prepare students for the Academic IELTS examination.

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Admission Criteria

Accepted Entry Qualifications

Candidates must be age 17 or older before 31 Dec in the year of registration
Passed four separate subjects at GCSE / O level (grades A*-C / 9-4), or the equivalent

Equivalent International Qualifications

Other qualifications (subjects must be taught in English) will be assessed based on its equivalence to GCE ‘O’ level examinations.

For information on international qualifications, refer to SIM’s International Student Prospectus.

English Language Requirements

Proof of competence in English acceptable to the University of London such as minimum Grade C6 and above in the GCE ‘O’ level English Language examinations or its equivalent*

*A proficiency test awarded within the last three years:
- IELTS with an overall score of at least 5.5 (no band under 5.0); or
- TOEFL iBT – Test of English as a Foreign Language overall score of 75 or above with at least 18 in both Reading and Writing Skills sub-test and at least 16 in both Speaking and Listening sub-test; or
- Pearson Test of English: score 46 or above, with at least 46 in both Reading and Writing elements; or
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English; or
SIM English Placement Test (EPT) at Advanced Level 1 or better

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Fees & Financial Aid

All fees inclusive of current 9% GST (exclude textbooks / course materials).

GST Notes:

Fees published are inclusive of current GST of 9%. The parts of fees not invoiced, not paid and where services are not rendered in year 2023 are subject to the new GST rates effective on 1 Jan 2024. Refer to IRAS website here for more details.
For invoice generated in 2023 for services to be rendered in 2024, if payment is collected by 2023, 8% GST will apply.
For invoice generated in 2023, if the payment is received in 2024 and service is rendered in 2024, 9% GST will apply. Credit note against original invoice and a new invoice bearing 9% GST will be issued.
For invoice generated in 2023 and service is rendered in 2023, if payment is collected in 2024 (i.e. late payment), 8% still applies.

View all payment modes

Programme Fees

Additional fees apply for those who repeat/resit the coursework/exam and also for those who extend their registration with the University.

Estimated Overall Programme Fee: S$19,315

Payable to SIM
SIM programme fee for 4 modules: S$13,603.20

Payable to University of London (UOL)
UOL registration fee: £1,470.41
UOL programme fee, includes first examination attempt (4 modules): £1,364.68
Exam Admin Fee + Inspera (4 modules): S$892.49

* This is an estimated amount as UOL fees are subject to exchange rate fluctuation, Singapore taxation and yearly increase by the institution.

Estimated Overall Programme Fee: S$20,970

Payable to SIM
SIM programme fee for 4 modules: S$15,260

Payable to University of London (UOL)
UOL registration fee: £1,470.41
UOL programme fee, includes first examination attempt (4 modules): £1,364.68
Exam Admin Fee + Inspera (4 modules): S$892.49

* This is an estimated amount as UOL fees are subject to exchange rate fluctuation, Singapore taxation and yearly increase by the institution.

Mandatory Fees

All fees inclusive of prevailing GST.

International Student Induction Fee

A one-time fee payable by new full-time international students. This fee covers pre-arrival and arrival support, including activities to enhance the international student learning experience.

As applicable, payable with the programme fee's first instalment.

S$436.00

Application Fee

Payable for each application form that is submitted. Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. The fee will be refunded fully only if the intake does not commence. Unpaid applications will not be processed.

Local applicants: S$109.00
International applicants: S$545.00 (not inclusive of Student’s Pass application)

Scholarships & Bursaries

SIM GE Bursary

The SIM GE Bursary aims to provide financial assistance to needy students studying at SIM GE. It offers monetary assistance of up to $2,000 and is tenable for one year of study.

Learn more

SIM GE Bursary

Upcoming Events

Events

Future Beyond Os, As and Poly 2025

View More Events

International Foundation Programme

Programme Overview

Academic Level

Awarded by

Programme type

Campus location

Application Dates

Estimated Fees
(incl. GST)*