Pre-bachelor

Foundation Programme

The Foundation Programme is for motivated international students who want to do a bachelor’s programme at Maastricht University but still need to meet the admission requirements. The Foundation Programme will provide you with intensive training in academic skills, courses relevant to your chosen bachelor’s programme, and English language skills (depending on your level).

Outside of the classroom, the Foundation Programme offers support and organises events that will help you make new friends and adjust to life in the Netherlands. The yearlong training provides you with a unique international classroom experience specially designed for a bachelor’s at Maastricht University, the most international university in the Netherlands.

Study information events

Foreign students laughing together

Curious about the Foundation Programme and studying in Maastricht? Join Our live information session and get the info you need before our early application deadline.

Register for a Foundation Programme information session

We no longer train for a bachelor in International Business, however do not forget to explore our other Business programmes: Economics and Business Economics, and Business Analytics as a potential option for your future bachelor’s.

The Foundation Programme

Preparation for studying and living abroad

The switch from high school to university education can be challenging - especially when you are planning to study abroad. To give yourself the best chance of succeeding in your study, you should prepare properly for this challenge. In the Foundation Programme, you will be able to familiarise yourself with a new culture and adjust to a new style of learning. The intensive education and training that you will receive during this programme will make you eligible for your chosen bachelor’s programme. It will help you be able to ‘hit the ground running’ and get the most out of your university education.

The one-year, full-time Foundation Programme consists of four parts:
Content courses
Academic skills training
English language training
Beyond the classroom

  • I believe all the experiences I have had here has made me a lot more prepared for success than anyone who will join the bachelor immediately after high school
    Vivienne (Nigeria), Foundation Programme
  • The Foundation Programme has given me the freedom to really take my time to adjust to a new life away from home.
    Sina (Saudi-Arabia), Foundation Programme
  • The Foundation Programme was a very fruitful experience and helped me a lot managing my study and student life
    Hakeem (Yemen), Foundation Programme
  • Studying in an international classroom is my ideal environment.
    Zijian (China), Foundation Programme