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International Foundation Year - FAQs

PROGRAM PORTFOLIO

What is the International Foundation Year?

The International Foundation Year is a pre-university preparatory program delivered to eligible students willing to enroll at Constructor University and needing leading orientation, additional preparation or qualification before starting to study at an undergraduate level.

It provides high school graduates with tailored academic and personal support for their individual development and prepares them for the challenges of university-level study. In addition to building their academic knowledge and skills, the program also boosts their confidence and provides them with essential lifelong soft, professional, and personal skills.

What does the International Foundation Year at Constructor University offer?

The International Foundation Year’s portfolio is available on this webpage.

How long does the International Foundation Year last?

The Foundation Year is a one-year program lasting 2 semesters. It starts once a year at the end of August.

When do semesters start and end?

The fall semesters begin in September and end in December. Spring semesters begin in January and end in April.

In what language is the International Foundation Year taught?

The International Foundation Year and all its classes are entirely taught in English.

PROGRAM FEATURES

How is the International Foundation Year structured?

The International Foundation Year offers students two pathways, depending on their academic and personal development goals:
- The Qualification Pathway: For students who already know what degree program they would like to study and want to focus mainly on that study field.
- The Orientation Pathway: For students who would like to explore a variety of subjects in order to get an insight to make the right undergraduate study program choice.

What are the subject areas offered in the International Foundation Year?

The International Foundation Year offers students three (3) subject areas to choose from: Natural & Life Sciences, Math / Computer Science / Engineering, and Social Science. These subject areas will provide students with a route into a degree at Constructor University.

What kind of classes compose the program?

The International Foundation Year curriculum is organized in two (2) types of classes:
- Core modules: they include English and Academic Literacy, Mathematics, Coding and Computer Thinking, and Personal Development. These classes are mandatory for all students and designed to enhance the students’ academic and personal skills.
- Subject tracks: three (3) subject tracks are offered to students over the two (2) semesters. They are: Natural & Life Sciences, Math / Computer Science / Engineering, and Social Science. They aim at supporting students in the building of a foundation of knowledge that gives a head start on the academic skills needed in that subject.

Do you offer personal development classes?

Yes, a personal development course is part of the International Foundation Year mandatory core courses.

The program is designed specifically to assist students with the transition from high school to university. As such, it focuses on increasing the self-competence and social skills of the International Foundation Year students in a community characterized by diversity. It is also developed and based on International Foundation Year students specific needs to flourish within Constructor University environment.

Topics covered in the course include: critical thinking, team conflicts and solutions, public speaking, effective decision making, presentation skills, non-verbal communication and body language, etc. By attending this course, students will develop the following competencies: self-awareness, self-management, relationships’ skills, social awareness, responsible decision making and critical thinking.

What are the class sizes in the International Foundation Year?

Our class sizes are small – typically a maximum of 20 students – so professors can monitor the progress of individual students closely. The number of places on our International Foundation Year is limited so that we can provide each student with as much individual support and guidance as possible.

ACCOMODATION AND CAMPUS LIFE

Does Constructor University offer accommodation on campus?

Yes, all our International Foundation Year students live on Constructor University’s campus for the duration of the International Foundation Year. This is part of what makes studying at Constructor University unique: giving you an immersive educational experience.

Read more about our housing solutions.

Can I live off campus?

No, living on campus is compulsory for all International Foundation Year students.

What do accommodations look like on campus?

International Foundation Year students live with all Constructor University’s students in one of Constructor University’s four (4) residential colleges. Each of it has its own dining room, recreational lounge, study areas, cooking facilities, and common and group meeting rooms.

Students have their own private bedroom, and a bathroom which they share with one other student of the same gender.

More information about residential colleges and accommodations on campus can be found on this webpage.

How much is the fee for room and board?

The fee for room and board is €8,000 for the duration of the International Foundation Year. This includes a single bedroom, a shared bathroom for two (1) students, standard Internet and utility costs, plus three (3) meals a day.

Are the rooms gender mixed?

No, all apartments on campus are same gender.

Are the rooms on campus furnished? What should I bring?

Each single room is equipped with a bed including a mattress, blanket and pillow, a desk and a chair, a wardrobe and a cupboard.

Other items – such as bedding, pillow covers, towels, hair dryer, office chair, carpet, mirror, etc. – are not furnished but can be bought in Germany and sometimes even on campus from other students.

Is the campus safe?

Yes, Constructor University’s campus is safe. We have a 24/7 security team on campus (porters) and Resident Mentors in the colleges. There is also always a Resident Associate on duty at night.

What does Constructor University offer to students during leisure time?

Constructor University not only offers an excellent academic education but also many opportunities for students outside the classroom. The various student-driven social and cultural activities encompass events throughout the year. Student clubs range from arts to sports and community groups. More information about campus life can be found on this webpage.

What student welfare support is available to students?

Constructor takes student welfare very seriously. Each college has its own Resident Mentor whom students can approach with welfare concerns. The Resident Mentors are professionals who live on campus and are strongly committed to ensure the health and interpersonal, academic, and social well-being of our undergraduate community.
Other services we offer students include psychological counselling, cross-cultural and life coaching, mediation, support groups, workshops, awareness campaigns and much more. All are free and confidential.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Who can apply to the International Foundation Year?

You can apply to the International Foundation Year at Constructor University in two (2) different ways:
- As a direct applicant: if you are a student and you wish to apply independently.
- As an agent: if you are an educational agent and you would like to apply for a student.

I am a student, where should I submit my application to the International Foundation Year?

As a student, you can directly apply to the International Foundation Year on your own. Please, use this link to create your application on our online application platform.

Before starting your application, please take a moment to read through our application information’s webpage.

Where can I find information about the application process?

Information on the application process to the International Foundation Year can be found on this webpage.

In case you have specific questions that are not answered on the website, you can also contact Constructor University’s International Foundation Year team by email at foundationyear@constructor.university.

Is the application process different if I am an international applicant?

No, the application process is the same for all students. However, there are different application deadlines depending on the visa requirements.

For more information on the application process and the deadlines, please visit this webpage.

Is the application process different if I am a German applicant?

No, the application process is the same for all students. However, there are different application deadlines depending on the visa requirements.

For more information on the application process and the deadlines, please visit this webpage.

Is there an application fee?

No, Constructor University does not charge any application fee.

As a student, you can directly with no charge start your application to the International Foundation Year using this link. Afterwards, you can fill out the online application form.

What is the application deadline?

Constructor University has a rolling admission process for the International Foundation Year.

You can apply until:
- June, 30th if you need a visa to study in Germany
- August, 1st if you do not need a visa to study in Germany

In what language should my application and its document be?

Your application and all its attached documents must be in English or German. If it is not the case, you should provide an official translation into English or German. The translated documents should bear a seal affixed by the translator stating that the translation is a true copy of the (original) document.

I will graduate from high school after the application deadline has passed. Can I apply regardless?

Yes, you can apply before receiving your high school certificate/diploma. We will evaluate your application based on all the grades available to date (usually the last two (2) to three (3) years of high school). If you are made an offer of admission, this will be conditional on your achieving final grades which reflect those shown on the transcripts you submit to us as part of your application.

How will my application be assessed?

Our admissions team apply a holistic approach when reviewing applications.

We do not have grade or score minimums (except for the English language proficiency exams). Nevertheless, the higher the grade or score, the better one's chances of admission. Every accepted student is expected to have performed very well academically and on all university entrance exams before matriculating at Constructor University.

However, grade reports are only one part of the application. We definitely look at students' test scores, recommendation letter, essays and extra-curricular activities before making a final decision on any application file.

When will I be informed about the outcome of my application?

When a decision has been made on your application, an update will appear on your account on our online application system. You will also receive an email informing you that the admission’s decision is now available.

This would usually be within two (2) to three (3) weeks of receipt of your completed application.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

What are the application requirements?

For a complete application to the program, you need to submit:
- The online application form: which includes two (2) short motivation questions that need to be answered directly into the form.
- Your high school transcripts of the last 2-3 years: scanned copies should be uploaded in the online application system. If your transcripts are not in English or German, please note that they must be officially translated in one of those two (2) languages. The official translation but bear a seal stating that it is a true copy of the academic record.
- Your high school diploma/certificate: if you already graduated from high school, a scanned copy of your high school diploma/certificate should be uploaded in the online application system. If you are still in high school, upload a scanned copy of your predicted final grades. Same requirements apply as for the high school transcripts.
- A proof of English proficiency with minimum scores of:
⇒ 65 on the TOEFL iBT, or
⇒ 5.5 on the IELTS (UK), or
⇒ 46 on the Pearson PTE Academic or the Cambridge Certificate (FCE)
⇒ 90 on the Duolingo English test
If English is your native language or if you had English as a language of instruction for a minimum of 6 years, the test requirements may be waived.
- A letter of recommendation (optional/upon request): to be uploaded in the online application system by the recommender or sent visa e-mail by the recommender to foundationyear@constructor.university. Only letters provided by teachers, faculty members, high school counsellors or from school officials are accepted. Recommendations should be written or officially translated into English or German.

For more information about the applications process and its requirements, please visit this webpage.

Am I eligible to the International Foundation Year?

If you obtained or will obtain a high school diploma or local equivalent and possess English language skills equivalent to the B1 level of the European Framework, you may apply to the International Foundation Year.

Understand that we cannot accept O-Levels, IGCSE or AS-Levels as entrance qualifications.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact foundationyear@constructor.university.

Am I eligible to the International Foundation Year with only O-Levels or IGCSE?

Understand that we cannot accept O-Levels, IGCSE or AS-Levels as entrance qualifications.

All International Foundation Year applicants must own high school diploma or local equivalent prior to the start of the program. This certificate or diploma, if obtained in another country, must be recognized as a higher education entrance qualification in Germany.

I do not have my high school certificate yet; can I still apply?

Yes, you can apply before receiving your high school certificate/diploma. We will evaluate your application based on all the grades available to date (usually the last 2 – 3 years of high school). If you are made an offer of admission, this will be conditional on your achieving final grades which reflect those shown on the transcripts you submit to us as part of your application.

In my home country, we are evaluated by leaving exams rather than term report cards, quarterly or yearly evaluations for all classes. May I simply submit the leaving exam grade like my A-Levels, Abitur or International Baccalaureate?

We understand that while secondary schools in some countries provide regular evaluations and that university acceptance is often partially dependent upon the accumulation of satisfactory grades (like in the United States), other countries like the United Kingdom, Germany or France focus on school leaving examinations for university admission.

The more information you can provide us with regard to your grades, the better your chances of obtaining an offer of admission to Constructor University.

In the case of application files coming from countries (or educational systems) requiring leaving exams, we will continue to follow the American admission approach - evaluating grade reports, intermediate exams and predicted grades.

The decision by our admission committee is regarded as conditional, reliant upon the final leaving exam report that is submitted to our office preceding matriculation. Naturally, if there is a large discrepancy between your last 2 -3 years’ worth of grades, and your final exam/school leaving grades, Constructor University will have to reconsider your case for matriculation.

If you are concerned about your test results after you have already indicated your intent to join Constructor University, and would like to avoid any disappointments upon matriculation, then we suggest that you contact the admission’s office as soon as you receive your final results.

Do I need to sit for SAT or ACT for admission to the International Foundation Year?

No, the College Board’s Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the ACT Assessment Test are not required to apply to the International Foundation Year.

What are the minimum grades requirements?

We do not have grade or score minimums (except for the English language proficiency exams). Nevertheless, the higher the grade or score, the better one's chances of admission.

Every accepted student is expected to have performed very well academically and on all university entrance exams before matriculating at Constructor University.

However, grade reports are only one part of the application. We definitely look at students' test scores, recommendation letters, essays and extra-curricular activities before making a final decision on any application file.

What should the letter of motivation include?

Your letter of motivation should explain to us why you choose to apply to the International Foundation Year at Constructor University and what aspects of the program most interest you. We are also interested in knowing more about your background knowledge, your research and study interests, and your future career plans.

You should thereby demonstrate why you are a suitable candidate for the International Foundation Year Program and why attending the International Foundation Year is the right choice for you, your studies and/or career paths.

What is expected in the motivation statement?

The motivation statement is directly included in our online application form. We expect you to explain to us why you would like to join the International Foundation Year at Constructor University and how it will benefit you and your academic and professional goals.

This short essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic. It helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. Tell us who you are, and not what you think we want to read!

Can I send additional information?

Yes, certainly. Applicants can send in a summary of their work in PDF form via email (this ranges from photos of art work, award certificates and other relevant information). If you are sending us several additional documents, please be so kind to also summarize your distinctions in a list form. Please also be aware that supplementary documents should not be larger than 2.500 KB.

Feel free to contact us at foundationyear@constructor.university if you have any questions.

SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS

What is a school or university transcript?

A transcript is an official list of the courses (or classes) you have taken and the grades you have earned in those courses during your academic career.

What if my school records are in a language other than German or English?

All academic records must be translated into English or German with a seal affixed by the translator stating that the translation is a true copy of the (original) academic record.

How many years of grade reports must I submit?

We require grade reports from your last two (2) to three (3) years of high school. We are aware of the grading systems for many countries, and evaluate accordingly.

In the case of applicants coming from the German school system, we understand that the final Abitur grade report is only given around June of the year in which you may plan to enter university. While we request that all students arriving at Constructor University for Fall Semester must provide proof of their final secondary school transcript before matriculating, students will still have to send us a record of their academic achievements (transcripts).

Our admissions committee will consider all the grades that we receive and if a student is accepted, then we will issue a conditional offer of admission which is contingent on receiving a final school leaving exam grade or certificate. If the final grades differ drastically from the grade reports compiled from the preceding two (2) to three (3) years, then we may have to reconsider the ultimate matriculation of the student.

All incoming students must provide certified documents of their final school leaving exams or certificates.

Should I provide any additional information about my school or university, like a school profile?

An updated copy of a high school profile is always appreciated by the admission committee, and this is often provided by the guidance counselor or school official. Any information we can obtain to learn more about the academic preparation offered at your school is always helpful, especially considering the global range of schools for which our admission team is responsible.

STANTARDIZED TESTING (SAT/ACT)

Do I need to sit for SAT or ACT for admission to the International Foundation Year?

The International Foundation Year will provide a preparatory course for the TestAS and admissions test for JUB, granting you admission to the university when you pass them.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Do I need to speak German to attend the International Foundation Year?

No, you do not need to speak German to study in the International Foundation Year at Constructor University. The International Foundation Year and all its courses are entirely taught in English.

Who must submit an English proficiency test score?

The following policy generally applies; all applicants who:
- are native English speakers OR
- have been instructed exclusively in English for a minimum of 6 years OR
- have scored 580 or higher on the SAT Critical Reading section (for SATs taken before March 2016) OR
- have scored 600 or higher on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section (for SATs taken after March 2016) OR
- have scored 25 or higher on the ACT Writing section

may qualify for an English-language proficiency test waiver.

If you meet any of the above conditions, please contact the office of admissions via admission@constructor.university or +49-421-200-4200 to check whether you qualify for a waiver.

Applicants that do not meet the above conditions will need to provide English proficiency test scores.

I am a native English speaker; do I have to submit English proficiency test results?

No. If you have grown up in an environment in which you use standard English as your primary language, and where English is considered a national language, then you will be exempted from additional testing. We nevertheless always pay attention to English grades and score reports and should we have reason to question your language skills, you may be requested to provide additional proof of your ability to carry out university-level academic work in English.

What document should I submit to prove my English proficiency?

Please submit an official document issued by TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, Pearson PTE Academic or Duolingo.

What is Constructor University’s TOEFL code?

TOEFL scores can be sent directly to the institutions the student has specifically designated. Constructor University’s code number is 9024.

THE RECOMMENDATION LETTER (optional/upon request)

Who can write me a letter of recommendation?

Recommendations should be provided from either professors, or others who are able to comment on your educational and professional goals and potential (no friends or relatives please). Please note that we only accept recommendation letters from high school counsellors, school officials and school teachers.

In some high schools, high school counselors (also known as guidance counsellors, university advisors, career counselors) help students research their college/university options.

If you are attending a high school that does not have a guidance counselor, as is often the case in countries like Germany, then you should ask a school teacher or school official (principal, headmaster) to write a recommendation for you.

I have been out of school and my teachers or school officials are not able to write a recommendation letter for me. What can I do?

All applicants must include a recommendation letter from an official educational institution. If the period of time that you have been away from school has been so substantial that such recommendations are not possible, then we suggest that you consider taking some additional classes at a local university or college where you can be properly evaluated by a professor/faculty member. This will improve your chances of being admitted to Constructor University.

In what language should my recommendation letter be?

We accept recommendations written in English or German only. If a recommendation letter is in another language, it will need to be officially translated. The translated document should bear a seal affixed by the translator stating that the translation is a true copy of the (original) document.

What does it mean for a document to be certified?

When a document is certified it means that a school or organization official has approved it. Certification often comes in the form of a fresh seal or stamp and/or signature. The contact information of the certifier must also be included in the document. We do not accept photocopies of certified documents! Stamps and signatures must be original. Additionally, certified documents must be sent directly from the school or organization.

How long should my recommendation letter be?

An average letter of recommendation ranges between half a page to a full page. A three (3) to four (4) sentence recommendation is too short, as this letter is an assessment of the applicant’s academic and personal strengths.

How many recommendation letters can I submit?

Officially, you only need to submit one recommendation letter with your application. However, you are also welcome to submit more recommendation letters in support of your application.

Should recommendation letters be completed online or offline?

Your recommender has three options to submit a letter of recommendation:
- Electronically through our online application system
- Via email
- On paper via snail mail

We prefer all recommendations to be completed online via our Online Application Platform, where you will need to add your recommender’s contact details and email address. Once the recommendation provider information is saved, an email will be sent to the online recommendation provider with instructions on how to proceed with the online recommendation.

Recommenders who wish to submit their letter via email should email it directly to foundationyear@constructor.university using an official school/university email domain. We will not accept documents sent from Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo etc. email addresses.

Recommenders who wish to send their letter of reference directly to us via snail mail should use the following address:

Constructor University Bremen
Office of Admission - Foundation Year Program
Campus Ring 1
28759 Bremen
Germany

Whether they will be submitting electronically, via email or on paper, you must input the names and contact information of your provider(s) on the Online Application Platform by using the 'Recommendation Provider List' button.

FEES, INVOICES & PAYMENT

Is there an application fee?

No, Constructor University does not charge any application fee.

As a student, you can directly with no charge start your application to the International Foundation Year using this link. Afterwards, you can fill out the online application form.

Why do I have to pay an enrolment deposit of 500€?

The enrolment deposit secures your spot in the International Foundation Year at Constructor University.

Is the enrolment deposit refundable?

The enrolment deposit is not refundable should you choose not to attend the International Foundation Year.

If you enroll at Constructor University, the enrolment deposit may be deducted from one of your invoices. If you do not deduct it from your first invoice, you may do so at a later time. The money will stay on your student account until you do so and does not get lost.

How much is the fee for the International Foundation Year?

Tuition for the International Foundation Year, is currently set at 12 000€.

Besides the tuition fee, International Foundation Year students also pay 8 000€ for full room and board for the duration of the program. This includes a single bedroom, a shared bathroom for two students, standard Internet and utility costs, plus three meals a day.

Additional benefits, such as a semester ticket for local transportation, SAT test preparation and registration and our advising and counselling services are also included in the fees.

Are scholarships and/or financial aids available for International Foundation Year students?

No, we do not offer any scholarship or financial aid for the International Foundation Year.

However, students would be eligible to apply for financial support for their undergraduate studies once they have successfully completed the International Foundation Year.

More information about the financing options for undergraduate students at Constructor University can be found on this webpage.

Is there a different fee structure for German applicants?

No, Constructor University charges flat fees for all student regardless of origin.

What other costs should I consider when applying to the International Foundation Year?

Other living expenses in Germany usually include: health insurance, residence permit registration (100 Euro), Giro-Konto, Mobile phone costs.

Students will be informed about all these costs during the orientation period.

When is the payment deadline?

In general, the fee for the International Foundation Year is due in advance and by the 1st of August. Should you receive your invoice after this payment deadline, the invoice is due immediately/upon receipt.

How do I make a payment?

You can learn more about the options you have to make a payment on this webpage.

I need a yearly invoice in order to receive the financial support letter for my visa appointment. What do I do?

Please send an e-mail to Student Financial Services at sfs@constructor.university and let them know that you require a yearly invoice. By default, we send invoices for one semester only. Therefore, yearly invoices have to be requested.

VISA PROCESS

Do I require a visa to start studying at Constructor University?

In order to find out whether you require a visa and what the procedure to apply for it is, please check our Visa Information System.

How do I obtain a student visa for Germany?

After being admitted and having secured your place in the International Foundation Year by transferring the enrolment deposit and sending back the enrolment acceptance form, you should check our Visa Information System about the visa application process in your home country.

If you require a visa, your admission documents will contain a confirmation letter (Zulassungsbescheid) that can be used to apply for a visa at the German embassy in your country of residence.

Do I need a blocked account?

The German Embassy may require you to provide a proof of funding. In this case, you have three possibilities:

- To pay in full the program fees and receive a letter from us to serve as proof of sufficient funding. Please send the proof of payment to sfs@constructor.university and allow ten (10) working days for the letter to be issued. 10 working days after the transfer (and once we have verified the payment) a Letter of Financial Support will be generated onto your VIP Page, under "Documents". The letter explains that all fees are paid and all study and living expenses are covered by the university. This is our preferred option. It will save you the fees for the blocked account and two international transfers.

- To open a blocked account. Constructor University cooperates with X-patrio (https://www.jacobs.x-patrio.com) to offer easy and online package of free travel insurance for the visa application, a TK public health insurance and blocked account at a competitive price. The blocked account with X-patrio takes only three (3) to five (5) days to open, setting the account is free of charge and the process is completely digital. According to SchengenVisaInfo.com, alternative providers of blocked accounts are Deutsche Bank (4-6 weeks) or Fintiba (https://www.fintiba.com, 3-5 days).

- To have a person (family member, relative), who resides in Germany do a formal obligation for you (Verpflichtungserklärung).

Please note that the decision regarding which documents are accepted as a proof of sufficient funding always rests with the embassy.

If you have more questions on this topic, please contact Student Financial Services at sfs@constructor.university.

Do I need a German health insurance?

You must have a valid health insurance in order to live and study in Germany. We strongly recommend the German public health insurance as it covers you in all cases and emergencies, regardless of the treatment costs, be it in inpatient or outpatient treatment and is not limited in time.

If you would like to subscribe to a German public health insurance, you can do this via our partner insurances Techniker Krankenkasse or AOK.

You can find more information about health insurance on this webpage.

How long does it take to obtain a visa?

If you have prepared all required documents, the process can take from 10 to 12 weeks, depending on availability of appointments in each embassy.

Can I work while studying?

Yes, students are allowed to work up to twenty (20) hours per week during the semester and full-time during vacation time. Non-EU students hold a work-permit that allows them to work up to one hundred twenty (120) full days or two hundred forty (240) half-days per year.

At Constructor University, you will find a wide range of job opportunities for Student Assistants or Teaching Assistants including: research assistance, conference preparation, interviews, data analysis, literature review, assistance with the organization and management of events, administrative support, technical services support, conducting experiments, working in labs, or assistance with book processing and interlibrary loans.