MoEYS Accredited • Foundation Studies

Step Confidently Into Higher Education: Foundation Year Program at UP

Bridge high school graduation with Cambodia’s premier health science and technology bachelor degrees. Master foundational sciences, professional English, and modern research methods in world-class simulation labs.

Download Curriculum Guide

The Gateway to Excellence

Empowering Your Transition to
University-Level Success

The Foundation Year programme at University of Puthisastra is designed to prepare new students for progression in their chosen bachelor’s degree. After completing the Foundation Year, students will have the foundational knowledge, soft skills, and academic attitudes needed to succeed in their studies and professional careers.

There are currently 4 Foundation Year (FY) streams offered at UP:

Stream 01

1. Health Sciences FY

Prepares students to study:

Medical Doctor in General Medicine (MD) Doctor of Dentistry (DD) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BSM)
Stream 02

2. Information Technology FY

Prepares students to study the Bachelors of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) with two majors:

Database & Programming Networking & System Administration

More information about this programme can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology's webpage

Stream 03

3. Science & Research FY

Prepares students to pursue their studies in Cambodia’s only Bachelor in Science Research (BSR).

Cambodia’s Only Bachelor in Science Research (BSR)

More information about this programme can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology's webpage

Stream 04

4. English Business FY

Prepares students to study the new Bachelor of Arts in English, Business and Entrepreneurship at UP.

New Degree · BA in English, Business & Entrepreneurship

More information about this programme can be found on the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Languages's webpage

Explore Pathway Modules

Structured Progression

Academic Curriculum & Degree Pathways

Select your intended degree track to view foundational coursework across Semester 1 and Semester 2. All courses are fully credit-transferable into Year 2 upon completion.

Target Degree Pathway

Health Science Majors & Bachelor Of Science Research

All students in Foundation Year majoring in Medicine, Dentistry, Midwifery, and Science Research will take the following courses:

Sem 1: 19 Credits Sem 2: 21 Credits Total: 40 Credits

Semester 1

19 Credits
  • 01
    Academic Skills Development
    2 cr
  • 02
    Computer Applications
    2 cr
  • 03
    Core English I
    3 cr
  • 04
    English Composition: Fundamentals of Writing
    3 cr
  • 05
    Khmer History and Culture
    2 cr
  • 06
    English Intensive I*
    1 cr
  • 07
    Biology
    2 cr
  • 08
    Biochemistry
    2 cr
  • 09
    Fundamental Chemistry
    2 cr
Total Credits per Semester: 19 Credits

Semester 2

21 Credits
  • 01
    First Aid
    2 cr
  • 02
    Mathematics
    2 cr
  • 03
    Core English II
    3 cr
  • 04
    English Composition: Informative Writing
    3 cr
  • 05
    Introduction to Research Methodology
    2 cr
  • 06
    English Intensive II*
    1 cr
  • 07
    Anatomy
    3 cr
  • 08
    Embryology
    2 cr
  • 09
    English Medical Terminology
    3 cr
Total Credits per Semester: 21 Credits
* Students sit an English placement test at the beginning of the year, which may exempt them from English Intensive I and II.

The Puthisastra Advantage

Why Start Your Degree With UP Foundation Year?

Experience world-class faculty, accredited laboratories, and holistic student support from the very first day on campus.

Advanced Hospital & Lab Facilities

Learn in fully equipped molecular biology, pharmaceutical chemistry, and dental simulation labs on campus.

40+ Specialized Science Labs

International Faculty & Mentors

Learn directly from foreign specialists and Cambodian scholars backed by free one-on-one study support in our Learning Lounge.

Free Peer Tutoring & Advising

Seamless Credit Transition

100% of Foundation Year credits transfer smoothly into Year 2 of your selected Bachelor or Doctoral degree at UP.

Direct Pathway to Year 2

4-Year English Tuition Support

Intensive CEFR-tiered English courses prepare you for bilingual coursework, scientific reading, and global research.

No Extra Tuition Fees

Team Members

Academic Leadership

Meet the academic leadership guiding foundational pathways, learning lounges, and student readiness across all university faculties.

Asst. Prof. SORN Virak
Acting Director

Asst. Prof. SORN Virak

Acting Director of Foundation Year

BSc. in Biology · MSc. in Biochemical Technology

Overseeing foundational academic pathways for all incoming undergraduate students across health sciences, research, digital technology, and business tracks. Focused on rigorous preparation, academic attitudes, and scientific inquiry.

(+855) 85 727 298 svirak@puthisastra.edu.kh

Step-by-Step Enrollment

Entry Requirements & Application Flow

Students who wish to apply to UP must complete the following:

Health Science Disciplines

Health Sciences:

Applicable for: Medicine (MD), Pharmacy, Dentistry (DDS), Nursing, and Midwifery.

  • High School diploma Recognized National BacII certificate (Grade A–E) or provisional graduation certification issued by MoEYS.
  • Pass the National Entrance Examination (NEE) in Biology, Chemistry, and Maths Mandatory national examination score meeting the Ministry of Health threshold for degree track qualification.
  • UP Health Check – TB Test Comprehensive tuberculosis screening and health clearance conducted at UP Clinic prior to laboratory exposure.
  • English Placement Test Diagnostic CEFR language assessment to determine appropriate academic English cohort placement.
Intake: 2026–2027 Academic Year Apply for Health Sciences
Science, Tech & Humanities

Science Research, English Business, Information Technology:

Applicable for: Bachelor of Science Research, English for Employability & Business, and BSIT (Software / Networking / Data Science).

  • High School diploma Recognized National BacII certificate (Grade A–E) or equivalent international secondary school credential.
  • Pass the Non-Health Science Entrance Examination University entrance aptitude evaluation testing fundamental logical reasoning, general science, and math skills.
  • English Placement Test Placement assessment evaluating academic reading, writing, and conversational fluency for university coursework.
Intake: 2026–2027 Academic Year Apply for Tech & Science
Apply for Foundation Year Admissions Desk: 023 990 160

Take the First Step Today

Ready to Begin Your Medical or
Tech Career at UP?

Our admissions counselors are available Monday to Saturday to guide you through major track selection, scholarship opportunities, and document submission.

Call Admissions

Mon–Sat: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

023 990 160 / 089 990 160

Telegram Channel

Instant chat with counseling team

t.me/UP_Admissions

Email Inquiry

Official Admissions Desk

info@puthisastra.edu.kh

Campus Visit

Phnom Penh Center Campus

No. 55, St. 180, Boeung Raing, Phnom Penh