International Foundation Year Programme

Message from the Director

Dr. Michelle Chan, Director of IFYP
The International Foundation Year Programme (IFYP) aims to provide our students with an all-rounded education and a decent learning experience. This is a two-term foundation programme specifically designed for international students who are interested in consolidating their knowledge and preparing themselves for further education. The programme will build students’ foundation in the areas of business studies, data analysis, psychology, social science and languages.

Besides academic intelligence, this programme will also support our students in understanding themselves and their potential. We believe joining IFYP will be a good opportunity for students to move beyond their comfort zones. Students will engage in new challenges, learn new things, and meet new people. We hope that students can prove themselves, move forward, and more importantly, embrace their lives and realize great goals.

The International Foundation Year Programme (IFYP) is designed to equip students from different countries with the skills and knowledge to study undergraduate courses at HKSYU. Students will learn about basic business administration, data analysis and applications, psychology, and sociology. By studying our language enhancement courses, students will also improve their language skills in English and Chinese. 

  

HKSYU was established in 1971 and holds the distinction of being the first private university in Hong Kong. It is ranked as 342 in the QS Asia University Rankings in 2025, making it the highest-ranked private and self-funded institution in Hong Kong. 

HKSYU offers academic studies, accommodations, scholarships, student societies, and an education pathway for IFYP students. After fulfilling the graduation requirements of IFYP, students can continue their bachelor’s degree at HKSYU. 

The Faculty of Social Sciences includes Applied Data Science, Counselling and Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work.

The Faculty of Commerce includes Business Administration, Corporate Governance, Digital Marketing, Economics & Finance, Law & Business, Professional Accounting, HR Management, Financial Technology, and Economics.

The Faculty of Arts include Chinese Language and Literature, English Language and Literature, History, and Journalism and Communication.


Learning Experience in HKSYU

Wai Htet Htet Oo (2024/25 IFYP student)
The IFYP Programme is an excellent course that provides a strong foundation in key business concepts. The lessons are engaging, well-structured, and easy to follow, making it perfect for students from all backgrounds. The supportive tutors and interactive activities helped me build confidence in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. I particularly enjoyed the real-life case studies and group projects, which gave me a better understanding of how businesses operate in the real world. This course has truly inspired me to pursue a business-related degree in the future. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in exploring the world of business.

Hassan Muhammad (2024/25 IFYP student)
The programme combined practical and theoretical learning effectively, preparing me well for my bachelor’s degree. The supportive teachers and collaborative environment greatly enhanced my studies. Field trips added valuable real-world insights, making the experience engaging and comprehensive. Overall, IFYP provided an excellent foundation for my academic journey, and I highly recommend it to future students.

Husnain Muhammad (2024/25 IFYP student)

I really enjoyed this programme. The subjects were interesting, and I learned a lot. The teachers were helpful and made the classes engaging. The material was useful, but some lessons could be more interactive. Overall, it was a great experience, and I feel like I got important knowledge and skills. Thanks for the opportunity—I would recommend this programme to others!