Online Foundation Program in Business

A Flexible Online Business Foundation Program for Students Preparing for a Bachelor’s Degree

The Online Foundation Program in Business with Academic English is a one-year pre-undergraduate program for students who want to strengthen Academic English, academic study skills, business communication, economics, digital tools, and core business knowledge before beginning a Bachelor’s degree.

Through GBSB Global’s online learning environment, students can access course materials, recorded lectures, digital tools, faculty guidance, and peer interaction while preparing for progression into English-taught undergraduate business studies. It is a strategic route for students who need flexibility without losing structure, academic support, or international connection.

Key Information

Why study the Foundation Program online?

The Online Foundation Program gives students the opportunity to begin their academic preparation from home while staying connected to an international business school environment. It is designed for students who need a flexible pathway but still want structured academic progression toward undergraduate studies.

Learning online at GBSB Global gives students access to digital materials, recorded content, academic guidance, and communication with professors and classmates. Students can build confidence in English, business, digital tools, and academic study methods before moving into Bachelor’s-level learning.

For families, the online route can be a practical first step: students can begin preparing for international higher education while managing location, timing, travel, visa, or personal constraints.

• Study from anywhere while preparing for English-taught undergraduate business studies.
• Access course materials, recorded lectures, and digital learning tools online.
• Strengthen Academic English, business communication, economics, and digital skills.
• Interact with professors and international peers through GBSB Global’s online learning environment.
• Follow a flexible pathway designed to support progression into a Bachelor’s degree.

Main Features of the Online Foundation Program

The Online Foundation Program in Business with Academic English is designed to help students build the academic, linguistic, and business foundations needed to progress into undergraduate studies with confidence. Through a balanced combination of English preparation, business fundamentals, and international learning experience, students develop the skills and mindset required for success in an English-taught Bachelor’s degree.

Who is the Online Foundation Program Designed for?

This program is designed for students who want stronger academic preparation, greater confidence, and a clear pathway toward a Bachelor’s degree in business education. It should be presented as a strategic route into international higher education, not as a second-best option.

• Recent secondary school graduates who want to study business in an international learning environment without leaving their home or their country.
• International students preparing for English-taught undergraduate studies in Europe.
• Students who want to strengthen Academic English and business communication before beginning a Bachelor’s degree.
• Students who want a first structured introduction to business, economics, digital tools, and business in society.
• Students seeking a smoother, smarter transition from secondary education into higher education.

What Students Study

The Online Foundation Program in Business with Academic Englis is organized as a flexible pre-undergraduate pathway. Students may complete the full 60 ECTS program or, where available, follow a 30 ECTS route depending on their academic background, English level, and progression goals.

Term 1: Academic English and Business Communication

Students begin by strengthening their English language skills for academic and business contexts. This term focuses on reading, writing, grammar, English for academic business studies, and business English.

• Reading, Writing and Grammar – 6 ECTS
• English for Academic Business Studies – 8 ECTS
• Business English – 6 ECTS

Term 2: Business Communication and Economics

Students continue developing communication skills while gaining an introduction to economics. This term supports the transition from language preparation to business-focused academic learning.

• Business Communication Skills – 10 ECTS
• Introduction to Economics – 10 ECTS

Term 3: Core Business Foundations

Students are introduced to essential business concepts, digital tools for business studies, and the relationship between business and society. This final term helps students prepare for the expectations of undergraduate business education.

• Introduction to Business – 8 ECTS
• Using IT for Business Studies – 6 ECTS
• Business and Society – 6 ECTS

Foundation Program Exit Awards

The Online Foundation Program offers up to three possible exit awards, depending on the number of ECTS credits completed and the academic route available at the selected location.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are organized by study location and format so students and families can compare the available options and choose the learning environment that best supports their academic plans.

Program fees do not include textbooks, learning materials, or personal living costs. For detailed guidance on tuition, payment options, scholarships, or admissions, students and parents are encouraged to contact the GBSB Global Admissions Team.

Admissions Information

To apply for the Online Foundation Program in Business with Academic English, students must meet academic and English-language requirements and complete the GBSB Global admissions process.

Academic qualification requirements

• Secondary school leaving certificate or diploma.
• BTEC: MPP.
• GCSE/IGCSE O Levels: three subject exams with grades A, B, C, or D; A Levels: one or two subject exams with grades A, B, C, or D.
• IB first year or IB Certificate.
• A combination of A-Level, BTEC, and other accepted qualifications totaling 48 UCAS Tariff points in the UK system.

English-language requirements

• TOEFL: minimum score of 97 computer-based, 32 internet-based, or 450 paper-based.
• IELTS: minimum score of 4.5.
• Cambridge ESOL: minimum score C.
• English as the language of instruction during previous studies in the formal education system.
• Internal English level testing at GBSB Global.

Application steps

1. Contact the Admissions Office by filling out the online application or speaking with an admissions representative.
2. Complete an admissions interview with a GBSB Global admissions officer.
3. Submit the materials required for the program.
4. Enroll and confirm your place.

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Students’ Stories

What is the Online Foundation Program?

It is a pre-undergraduate business foundation program designed to help students strengthen Academic English, business knowledge, and study skills before progressing into English-taught Bachelor’s studies.

Is the Online Foundation Program taught in English?

Yes. The program is taught in English and focuses strongly on Academic English and business communication.

Can I study the Online Foundation Program from anywhere?

Yes. Students can access the online learning environment from anywhere, provided they have a reliable internet connection and can follow academic requirements.

How many credits does the Online Foundation Program offer?

Students may complete the full 60 ECTS pathway or, where suitable, a 30 ECTS route.

What can I study after completing the program?

The natural next step is progression into undergraduate business studies, including GBSB Global Bachelor’s programs in business, management, and digital innovation. Students who successfully complete the Foundation Program in Business with Academic English at GBSB Global and progress directly onto one of our undergraduate programs are eligible for a 10% discount on the first year of their Bachelor’s degree. This progression benefit is designed to support students who choose GBSB Global as the starting point for their international business education — from Foundation to Bachelor’s, with a clear academic pathway and continued institutional support.

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