St Elizabeth Academy Introduces Direct International University Entry Programme.
St Elizabeth Academy has introduced a new initiative aimed at providing students with direct access to international universities.
The one-year International University Foundation Programme (IUFP) will enable students to gain admission into institutions in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, Malta, and Turkey. The enrollment for its inaugural cohort is currently underway.
Ann Wanjiku Munene, the Director of St Elizabeth Academy, Karen, stated that the programme would commence this month.
She explained that IUFP is a full-time, pre-degree course designed to offer students a fast-track alternative for entry into the first year of degree programmes in various countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, Mauritius, and Dubai.
Foundation programmes, a concept inspired by the UK education system, serve as preparatory courses designed to bridge the gap between students’ existing qualifications and the level required for entry into Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programmes abroad.
Often referred to as preparation courses or pathway programmes, these foundation degrees help students align their academic credentials with the education system of their chosen study destination, making them eligible for university admission.
Wanjiku explained that although foundation programmes do not award students an academic degree upon completion, they ensure a qualification level that permits entry into higher education.
Structure and Curriculum
The foundation course is generally divided into three phases, each comprising a set number of modules. These modules are categorized into minor subjects, which are more generic, and major subjects, which focus on the student’s prospective career path.
Typically, students begin their foundation studies in September and complete them in time to start their Bachelor’s or Master’s programme the following October. The programme at St Elizabeth Academy will have two intakes annually, one in January and another in September.
The founder of the academy, who has also established branches in Mombasa and is planning one in Nyahururu, emphasized the programme’s significance for students aspiring to study abroad but lacking the necessary qualifications.
She noted that selecting the right foundation programme ensures that students receive targeted academic preparation, increasing their chances of successful university admission.
Students typically enroll in the IUFP after completing their KCSE or IGCSE exams, at a stage where they would otherwise be expected to attend Forms Five and Six.
This alternative pathway exempts students from the additional two years of high school, allowing them to complete the foundation programme within a year before proceeding to university abroad.
A key benefit of the IUFP is the enhancement of English-speaking skills to meet university admission requirements. Additionally, the programme helps students acclimate to the cultural differences they may encounter when studying overseas.
It also provides them with essential knowledge on the paperwork and formal procedures necessary for studying and living abroad.
Students with a minimum of a C grade or British curriculum Year 11 qualification are eligible to apply. Core subjects in the programme include Academic English, Study Skills, and IT Skills. Elective courses encompass Accounting, Business Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Economics, Government and Politics, Law, Mathematics, and Physics.
Fees and Accessibility
Day scholars will be required to pay Ksh 70,000, while boarders will incur a fee of Ksh 90,000. Wanjiku highlighted the advantages of the programme, including the opportunity for students to access a UK pre-degree foundation course within their home country.
She pointed out that the programme serves as a fast-track alternative to the British A-Level system.
She also noted that students benefit from personal growth and maturity before relocating abroad for higher studies.
Criticizing the existing university admission criteria, Wanjiku remarked that many high school graduates struggle with course selection, leading to placements in degree programmes misaligned with their interests and skills.
She observed that this situation forces students to endure years of study in disciplines that may not match their career aspirations, often leading to the acquisition of skills with limited demand in the job market.
She pointed out that a significant number of students end up enrolling in courses they had not initially selected. Many only realize the mismatch between their qualifications and job market demands after graduation, exacerbating the already high unemployment rate.
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Wanjiku, an economist-turned-educator and a University of Kent graduate, warned of the economic consequences of poor career alignment. She stressed the importance of implementing remedial measures to guide students in making informed career choices.
According to a 2020 report from the Kenya Bureau of Statistics, youth aged between 20 and 29 accounted for 33.4% of the employability rate. This demographic comprises university students and recent graduates. Wanjiku underscored the need for structured academic pathways to reduce unemployment and align education with market demands.
St Elizabeth Academy Introduces Direct International University Entry Programme.
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