University Foundation Programme

Who is it for? Our UFP is designed specifically for students entering their final year of high school, as well as those who wish to repeat their final year of school. The UFP has previously helped ambitious students who did not achieve the required grades or who were unlikely to attain the grades needed for QS World Top 100 universities.

What makes Chantemerle’s UFP so unique? The programme is delivered by expert tutors from Imperial Education London. The programme offers flexible start dates in September, January, or during the summer term and can be delivered entirely online or in person at Chantemerle boarding school in Switzerland . It can be followed alongside a student’s current high school studies (such as A Levels or IB), meaning no gap year is required and students can save valuable time in their academic journey. 

Structured over three semesters with around five hours of study per week during the school year, it integrates easily with students’ academic commitments. A wide range of subjects is available, from core disciplines to specialised fields, with guidance to support university choices. Depending on requirements, students may also need supporting qualifications such as school grades and English tests (IELTS or TOEFL).

Comparing the alternatives? When comparing alternatives to the UFP for students who have not achieved, or are unlikely to achieve, the required grades, there are generally three options : The first is to accept lower grades and attend a lower-ranked university, which is often not an ideal outcome for students or parents. The second is to repeat the final year of high school, which can be costly and does not guarantee improved results, potentially leading to a loss of one academic year. The third option is to follow a foundation course at university, which is also expensive and does not always ensure successful progression, potentially extending the study period by one year or more.