Graduate Foundation Course

The Graduate Foundation Course (GFC) provides students from a non-business background a smooth transition into the business environment. It is designed by UOWD and approved by the Commission for Academic Accreditation for the UAE Ministry of Education - Higher Education Affairs.

The GFC is intended for applicants who qualify for General, Probationary or Mature Entry admission but have not completed an undergraduate degree in business, or have not successfully completed the following subjects as part of their degree program:

• Accountancy
• Finance
• Marketing
• Statistics
• Operations Management

Each Graduate Foundation subject has 16 contact hours - 8 hours of lectures and 8 hours of tutorials. During the program, you will be exposed to operational and basic conceptual discussions on different disciplines, which will prepare you for further study at UOWD.
 
If you are required to undertake Graduate Foundation subjects you will need to successfully complete each of the applicable subjects in order to meet the entry criteria for your chosen graduate degree program.

GFC Challenge Tests

If you have prior experience in Operations Management, Statistics, Marketing, Finance or Accounting, Challenge Tests can be taken prior to the first semester of study to allow you to gain exemption from certain GFCs. A mark of 50% or above will entitle you to an exception from that GFC.

Each Challenge Tests cost AED 400 to sit. To register for a Challenge Test, please contact your Admissions Officer.

Practice test material is available here.

GFC Challenge Test Timetable

To enrol on the Graduate Foundation Course you will need to complete the following steps in order:

1.  Attend UOWD (during business hours, between 8.30am and 6.00pm) with your offer letter on or before your first GFC class;
2.  If your offer contains any conditions e,g. provision of certified documents or satisfying the English language requirements, these must be cleared prior to enrolment;
3.  Pay your appropriate GFC fees (AED 2000 per subject) to the Cashier’s office;
4.  Bring your receipt and offer letter to the Registrar’s department. Your student ID photo will be taken and you will be enrolled in your subjects according to your offer letter.

Once you have completed these steps, you will be able to attend class.

You are reminded that you will be required to have your student ID card with you when sitting exams. This is to be presented to the invigilator on the test day.

GFC Frequently Asked Questions

How is it decided which GFC subjects I will need to take?

Each program has defined admission criteria and for some postgraduate degrees you will need a foundation in certain business disciplines. If you meet the GPA requirements for admission to your program but have not successfully completed the five GFC subjects (detailed above) as part of your undergraduate degree, you will need to take the relevant subject(s) before commencing your postgraduate studies. These requirements will be detailed in your offer letter.

How much will it cost?

Fees for the GFC are AED 2000 per subject.
 

How many classes should I attend?

Each subject consists of 8 hours of lectures and 8 hours of tutorials – a total of 16 contact hours. Generally, classes are held over a period of 4 sessions. In addition to in-class contact hours, you will be required to complete tasks assigned by your lecturer, complete the reading material, and prepare for exams.
 

Are exams held for the GFC?

Exams are held at the end of each subject. As subjects are offered up to 3 times prior to the commencement of each semester, if you are not successful in your first attempt, you are able to re-sit the exam provided it is not the last exam offered.
 

What is the pass mark for GFC subjects?

To successfully complete a GFC subject, you must obtain a minimum of 50% in the final exam.
 

Can I join the university and do the GFC subjects in the next semester?

No, you are not permitted to join the University until you have successfully completed the required GFC subjects and met any other conditions as outlined in your offer letter.
 

Where is the GFC timetable available?

The GFC timetable is sent to you along with the offer letter. It is also available online.
 

How will I know my GFC results?

The results will be posted on SOLS and you can access the results directly there.
 

When I pass, what should I do next?

The Admissions Office will remove your GFC “condition” and issue you with a new offer letter. You can then join the University, provided you have met all other conditions.
 

Do I have to carry Student ID at the University while on the GFC?

You will be issued with a student ID card which you must have with you at all times during the classes and in the exam hall. You will be asked to present your ID card prior to entering the exam room. If you do not have your ID card with you, you will not be able to sit the exam.
 

Who will be my point of contact for academic and administrative clarifications?

Your Lecturer will be your contact point for all academic clarifications. Please send him/her an email before visiting their offices. The lecturer’s email addresses can be located in the academic staff directory. Please send any admission-related or administrative enquiries to info@uowdubai.ac.ae