Foundation Year in Sciences
- About the programme
- Entry requirements
- Tuition fees & scholarships
- Career prospects
| • Programme duration : | 1 year |
| • Delivery language : | English |
| • Deadline to apply : | 22 August 2025 |
The Foundation Year in Sciences at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi serves as a bridge between high school education and world-class university academics. This English-taught program is designed to equip students with the essential skills needed to succeed at the university level and excel in any undergraduate science program.
The program establishes uniformity among students with diverse backgrounds by offering an intensive curriculum in Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science, incorporating hands-on applications in laboratory exploration and Data Science. It also develops critical thinking skills and introduces students to the research -focused education of their chosen programs.
The Methodology course will guide the students in their transition to University, teach them how to study in an efficient way, develop their problem-solving – abilities, and time management skills.
In the Active Science course, students will apply their knowledge and skills to manage a scientific project of their choice.. Finally, 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, with a certificate in Quantum Technologies and the Bachelor in Mathematics, Specialisation in Data Science for Artificial Intelligence., and be part of events organised by the Sciences and Engineering Department.
- 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) - Mathematics competencies
High School grade in Mathematics at or above 80%
or 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
Other Countries Education’s Systems
Conditions apply on other foreign curriculums according to the admission’s policy set by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. Please contact the Student Recruitment office by email: admissions@sorbonne.ae for more details.
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is committed to considering applications from all students regardless of their country of origin, income, gender, religion or physical condition.
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• Tuition fees: (Including admin. fees) |
AED 71,700 (approximately US$ 19,538) |
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• 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)
Current high school students may apply through NAPO, whereas the graduates of previous years can apply on the Apply Now page.
Academic Excellence Scholarships (for the 1st 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.
- Government schools: 90% in the advanced stream, or 95% in the general stream.
- American system: CGPA of 3.6 out of 4.0 or minimum average of 90%.
- British system: “A” grade or higher in three “AS-Level” subjects or “A” in the equivalent “A-Level” Subjects, plus “B” grade or higher in six O level subjects.
- SABIS: minimum average of 85%.
- International Baccalaureate: IB diploma with minimum score of 5 out of 7 in all courses – three of those subjects must be higher-level courses.
- French Baccalaureate: minimum average of 14 out of 20.
Academic Excellence Scholarship (starting from the 2nd 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 admissions@sorbonne.ae
Other Scholarships
10% French Curriculum Schools Scholarship for the 1st semester of enrolment
Students holding a French baccalaureate obtained in one of the GCC countries are eligible for a 10% discount for their first semester. Starting from the second semester, they can apply for the 25%-75% academic excellence scholarship scheme.
Sponsored scholarships
Total, Chalhoub and Ardian Foundation, offer specific scholarships based on academic excellence and/or financial circumstances to selected students.
The deadline for submitting an application is communicated by University email each semester to all enrolled students. Applications are submitted via the online application form. Incomplete and late applications will not be assessed.
Scholarships can’t be combined. For more information, please contact admissions@sorbonne.ae
Preferential rate: 10% Family discount
Students who have a first-degree relative currently enrolled in an undergraduate or a postgraduate programme are eligible for a 10% discount.
*Conditions apply
The Foundation Year in Sciences provides students with the opportunity to study the Bachelor in Physics, with a certificate in Quantum Technologies and Bachelor in Mathematics, Specialisation in Data Science for Artificial Intelligence at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.
Additionally, the comprehensive foundation in mathematics and physics provided by the Foundation Year in Sciences, along with the advanced methodological skills acquired, will not only make students eligible for application to a wide range of science-based bachelor’s degrees but also prepare them for success in their future academic pursuits. The program’s rigorous curriculum and practical training will help students develop a deep understanding of scientific principles, critical thinking abilities, and effective study habits, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of university-level education and excel in their chosen scientific disciplines