Foundation Program

Strengthen Your Foundations for University Studies in English

The University of New York in Prague (UNYP) teaches entirely in English, so all students must have strong English skills to succeed in their degree programs and participate effectively in classes.

The Foundation Program helps students improve their English to qualify for degree programs. Credits from ESL Level 2 can count towards a UNYP bachelor’s degree.

Admission
Bachelor’s degree applicants scoring between 49 and 69 out of 120 on UNYP’s English test (or an equivalent score on other approved tests) and meeting other admission criteria may enter the Foundation Program conditionally.

Placement
Placement in the Foundation Program is based on results from TOEFL, UNYP’s English test, or other approved tests. Students are assigned to one of three levels based on their scores.

Foundation Program Options

ESL Level 1

• Length: 1 semester
• Weekly hours: 15 (6 grammar, 6 reading/writing, 3 listening)
• Weekly external work: 45 hours
• Access to university courses: None
• Grade: Pass/Fail based on final exam results

ESL Level 2

• Length: 1 semester
• Weekly hours: 9 (3 grammar, 3 reading/writing, 3 listening)
• Weekly external work: 27 hours
• Limited university course access: 3-4 semester credits (1 course from the list below):
  • Introduction to University Studies (1 credit / 2 ECTS)
  • Computers and Applications (2 credits / 4 ECTS)
• Progression: Full admission to a bachelor’s program if scoring 72+ on the final exam
• Grade: Pass/Fail based on final exam results

Progression Chart

The scores listed are approximate, and additional diagnostic tests are required for accurate placement.

All students must write an entrance essay to determine if extra writing support, such as English Composition Skills, is needed.

The listed examinations are not exhaustive. Other results may be considered with approval from the Director of Academic Writing, the Registrar, and the Rector.

Foundation Program students must get approval from the Foundation Program Advisor or the Rector before retaking UNYP’s institutional English language test with Admissions. The ESL 1 and 2 courses may be combined based on enrollment numbers.

During the regular final exam period, Foundation Program instructors or Admissions will administer UNYP’s institutional English test and/or the official TOEFL. The Registrar’s Office will use these results to pre-register (or adjust pre-registrations) for the next semester.

If a student completes the Foundation Program but is not ready for Composition I, they will be placed in English Composition Skills. Pre-Composition students can access UNYP degree programs, but English Composition Skills does not count toward degree credit.

Students who do not advance after two semesters or fail to qualify as full-time, degree-seeking students after three semesters will be dismissed from UNYP.

The UNYP attendance policy applies to the Foundation Program. Students exceeding the maximum unexcused absences in any part of the program will fail the course, receive an “F” from the Registrar, and be removed from the program for that semester. They may re-enroll in the same level the following semester.