The Foundation Year
Cambridge’s bold and ambitious programme to address educational and social disadvantage
We believe that Cambridge should be accessible to all students who have the ability to succeed here
For some talented students, the disadvantage they experience prevents them from reaching their full potential. Some students who have had their education disrupted are unable to make a competitive application through Cambridge’s standard admissions process, in spite of their ability.
The Foundation Year is for students in this position. It is an entirely new route to undergraduate study, reaching and transforming the lives of highly capable students.
Since October 2022, we have welcomed a cohort of around 50 students per year to Cambridge to undertake the Foundation Year course, free of charge, and with all living costs covered. On successful completion of the course, Foundation Year students are awarded a nationally recognised Certificate of Higher Education. Through a multi-disciplinary curriculum and being part of a College community, our Foundation Year scholars enjoy the full Cambridge experience and are equipped for undergraduate study.
Scholars can progress to any subject in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The course provides a flexible approach, with a variety of modules, so that students can explore their academic interests before deciding which undergraduate course they wish to study.
To date, two-thirds of Foundation Year students have progressed to Cambridge, with 98% of students progressing to any university. The full impact of the programme will be seen in the decades to come, as students go beyond an undergraduate education and pursue their chosen paths.
An outstanding opportunity to have a far-reaching impact
Transforming scholars’ lives is a fundamental aim of the programme, made possible by providing the opportunity to benefit from a Cambridge education. But the transformation can go further than individuals, as scholars are empowered to have influence in the wider world, act as role models in their communities, and break down cycles of disadvantage. Cambridge will benefit from scholars becoming part of the community: the University will become even more excellent, inclusive, and reflective of wider society.
Help us transform the lives of talented individuals
From its very beginnings, the Foundation Year has been funded entirely through philanthropy.
An exceptionally generous founding gift from philanthropists Christina and Peter Dawson enabled the Foundation Year to launch.
We want to secure the future of the Foundation Year so that students who have faced insurmountable disadvantages can study at Cambridge for many years to come. We are seeking support from those who are passionate about enabling students who have not yet had the opportunity to realise their potential.
Next steps
You can make a gift online now to support the Foundation Year, Cambridge’s bold and ambitious programme to address educational and social disadvantage.
To learn more about the Foundation Year and to discuss your philanthropic objectives, please contact:
Make a gift now
Make a gift now to support Student Registry — Foundation Year Fund by credit or debit card, or set up a direct debit:
Or, find out about other ways to give.
