FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You may find the answer to a specific question you have about the Foundation Diploma and entry to Fisher College on this page. See frequently asked questions about:
• Foundation Diploma
• Your university degree
• Entry requirements
• English language level
• Fees
• Dates
• Applying
• Pre-arrival (insurance, visas, travel, etc)
• Contacting us
FOUNDATION DIPLOMA PROGRAM
Who is the course designed for?
The Foundation Diploma is an academic pathway for international students, leading to second (sophomore) year entry on an undergraduate degree. You must meet all Fisher College's requirements for admission, except the English language requirement. The Foundation Diploma will improve your language proficiency to the level necessary for a Fisher College degree, and allow you to earn the equivalent of first (Freshman) year academic credit.
How long is the Foundation Diploma?
This depends on your level of English on entry. It can be 2, 3 or 4 semesters.
What will I study on the Foundation Diploma?
As well as up to nine academic courses (3 credits each) transferable to first-year university coursework, you will have English language preparation (listening and speaking, reading and vocabulary, writing and grammar) courses, and develop academic study skills.
How many hours a week of English will I study?
In the 4-semester Foundation Diploma, you spend semester 1 studying English for Academic Purposes full-time (20 hours per week). Afterwards, you follow the 3-semester Foundation Diploma.
In the 3-semester Foundation Diploma, you study English language courses alongside university-level credit bearing courses. Time spent on English language is 15 hours per week in semester 1, 10 hours per week in semester 2, and five hours per week in your final semester.
In the 2-semester Foundation Diploma, you study English language in semester 1 for five hours per week alongside university-level courses. In semester 2, you take only credit bearing courses.
Which academic courses will I study and when?
Full details of the core academic courses and pathway-specific academic courses that you will study can be found on the curriculum page.
In the 4-semester Foundation Diploma, you do not study any academic courses in semester 1. You then follow the 3-semester Foundation Diploma curriculum.
In the 3-semester Foundation Diploma, your academic courses are introduced gradually: two in semester 1, three in the semester 2 and four in the semester 3.
In the 2-semester program Foundation Diploma, you study four academic credit-bearing courses in semester 1 and five in semester 2.
Where is the Foundation Diploma taught?
Foundation Diploma classes are taught in the International Study Center (ISC) on the Fisher College campus. You will study alongside American and other international students at Fisher.
Who runs the ISC?
The Foundation Diploma is run and operated by Study Group, global experts in university preparation and international education, in partnership with Fisher College.
Who teaches Foundation Diploma?
Academic credit-bearing courses are taught by university faculty. English preparation courses are taught by qualified TESOL teachers.
Can I use all the facilities on campus while at the ISC?
Yes! You will be a fully enrolled Fisher College student, and have full access to all campus facilities including borrowing rights at the library, entry to student clubs and organizations and the ability to apply for a job on campus.
YOUR UNIVERSITY DEGREE
What are the requirements for progression to a degree?
You can enter the second year (sophomore year) of a 4-year bachelor's degree or a 2-year associate's degree if you:
- successfully complete the 9 credit-bearing courses
- maintain a satisfactory average GPA according to your desired degree requirements.
Am I guaranteed progression to a degree at Fisher College?
Yes. When you are accepted to the International Study Center, you have the peace of mind of knowing that you have met the academic entry requirement for a Fisher College degree. You will receive an offer for a degree that is conditional upon your meeting the progression requirements of the Foundation Diploma. Your visa is issued for the entire duration of your studies.
Which degrees can I study at the university?
Fisher College offers 4-year bachelor's degree and 2-year associate's degree programs. See your choice of majors.
How long are undergraduate University degrees in the USA?
The USA operates a 4-year undergraduate degree system. Fisher College also offers a time-saving alternative known as the 2-year associate's degree. Your Foundation Diploma is the equivalent of the first year of an undergraduate degree program.
When do I have to choose the degree I want to study?
You must indicate your preferred degree when you apply for the Foundation Diploma. However, there will be opportunities to change your major once you have started studying at Fisher College.
How do I apply for a degree at Fisher College?
Your Foundation Diploma application form is also your Fisher College degree application.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
How do I qualify for the Foundation Diploma?
You must meet all the entry requirements for your chosen degree, except the standard Fisher College English language requirement of TOEFL 550 PBT/79 iBT.
What are the academic entry requirements for a Fisher College degree?
A minimum academic background of high school graduation with the equivalent of 2.5 GPA (Grade Point Average). Contact us to find out if your qualification is accepted.
How old do I have to be to apply to Fisher College?
You must be at least 17 years old on commencement of the Foundation Diploma.
Can international students apply to the Foundation Diploma?
Yes, the Foundation Diploma at Fisher College are designed for international students who need to improve their English before a degree. You must be a non-American citizen, ordinarily resident outside the USA.
Can US students apply?
Unfortunately we do not accept applications from US citizens.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEVEL
What level of English do I require to start the Foundation Diploma?
To begin the Foundation Diploma, you must have a minimum English level of the equivalent of TOEFL 30 iBT (internet-based test)/397 PBT (paper-based test) or IELTS 3.0. Your Foundation Diploma duration is shorter if you have higher language proficiency. See full details on English language entry requirements.
How can I find out my English Language level?
We will determine your level with the Study Group English test, both before and after you arrive at Fisher College. Contact us to request our English test.
Do I need to take a TOEFL or IELTS exam before applying to the Diploma?
No. An official TOEFL or IELTS score is not required. You can complete the Study Group English Language test instead. Contact us to request our English test.
What level of English language do I need for a Fisher College degree?
The equivalent English level of TOEFL 550 PBT/80 iBT.
FEES
What are the Foundation Diploma fees for Fisher College?
2010-11 tuition fees in US dollars (USD) are shown on the fees page. Tuition fees are likely to rise each academic year.
What are the University degree fees?
If you apply through Study Group, you will benefit from reduced degree tuition fees at Fisher College, after you complete the Foundation Diploma. Our discounted price is shown on the fees page.
Can I get a scholarship?
Unfortunately we do not offer scholarships for the Foundation Diploma. We encourage you to contact:
- the Financial Aid Office of Fisher College to inquire about the financial aid available to international students.
- your relevant government agency to inquire about international study scholarships or student loans.
- the US embassy in your home country.
What bank account should fees be paid into?
| Bank name: | Bank of America |
| Bank address: | 1185 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, USA |
| Account name: | Study Group |
| Account number: | 9417-201482 |
| ABA Routing number: | 0260-0959-3 |
| Swift code: | BOFAUS3N |
More information on payment of fees can be found in our Terms and Conditions.
When are the fees payable?
Once you accept your offer of a place, we require a deposit of $500 in order to release the immigration documents that you will need to apply for a visa. The remaining fees can either be paid in installments, according to our payment terms, or in full in advance. Payments are due:
- July 1st for the fall semester
- November 1st for the spring semester
- April 1st for the summer semester
How can fees be paid?
We recommend payment by electronic (wire) bank transfer, but we also accept payments by check or Bank Draft drawn in US dollars, or by the following credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express.
Can I split the payments into installments?
Yes. For a service fee of $500, you may enroll in an approved installment payment plan which allows you to pay a percentage of your total program fees over a period of time depending upon the length of your program. These payment plans are available:
- 2-semester study plan – 60% in semester 1; 40% in semester 2
- 3-semester study plan – 34% in semester 1; 33% in semester 2; 33% in semester 3
- 4-semester study plan – EAP (English for Academic Purposes) fees in semester 1; 34% in semester 2; 33% in semester 3; 33% in semester
Are there any extra charges?
- The service fee for the payment plans is $500.
- Payments made by credit card after the due date will be subject to a fee of 2% of the total program value unless you have paid for an optional payment plan.
- Students with balances due after 30 days are subject to a $500 late payment fee.
- A fee of $100 may be added to bookings when a post-arrival study plan change is requested.
Do I get a refund if I cancel my place?
If you do not meet visa entry requirements, a full refund will be given. A cancellation fee is charged if visa entry requirements have been met. For details see our Terms and Conditions.
DATES
When can I start the Foundation Diploma?
For maximum study plan flexibility, we accept new students onto the Foundation Diploma in January, May and September each year. See your study plan options.
What are the Fisher College semester dates?
| Semester | Start date | End date |
| Fall 2010 | September 7 | December 21 |
| Spring 2011 | January 18 | May 10 |
| Summer 2011 | May 15 | August 19 |
| Fall 2011 | September 6 | December 20 |
Go to Fisher College's full academic calendar.
When can I begin studying my Fisher College degree?
You move into full-time degree program study at the start of the Fall (September) or Spring (January) semester following successful completion of your Foundation Diploma.
APPLYING
How do I apply to Fisher College?
You should apply for the Foundation Diploma, and your degree, through the International Study Center. You can start your application in two ways:
- Download the application form, complete it electronically, and fax or email it back to us.
- Contact our Student Enrollment Advisors using the online form to ask a question first.
What happens after I submit my application?
You will be required to submit copies of all relevant academic transcripts and certificates of English language qualifications. Read more about the next steps in the admissions process.
Who will help me with my application?
One of our team of expert International Student Advisors will support you with your application and with the visa process right up until you arrive at the College. Read more in the Contacting us FAQs.
When will I receive the documentation required for visa application?
If your application is successful, we will offer you a place at the College. To accept your place, you must sent us a $500 deposit. Once we have received your deposit payment we will send you an I-20 document. You will need to submit this with your visa application.
How long does it take to apply to university?
The ISC application process is faster than applying directly to Fisher College. If your application is successful, we can issue an offer in around 4 weeks once we have all your relevant documentation.
What is the deadline for applications?
There is no deadline - we offer rolling admissions. However, we do recommend that you apply as early as possible for the Foundation Diploma, and at least ten weeks before it starts, because the visa application process may cause delays to your admission.
PRE-ARRIVAL
Is there an insurance policy offered to international students?
A Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan ( 
, 191kB) is provided through Fisher College, and is compulsory for ISC students. Massachusetts State Law requires that all full-time students have health insurance. The Fisher College comprehensive Student Health Plan exceeds the minimum standards required by the state.
- For Foundation Diploma students, see the cost of the insurance policy.
- For undergraduate Study Group students, the insurance policy is included in your degree program fee.
Do I need a visa to study in the US?
That depends on your nationality or country of residence. See our visas page for more information. Visas will be issued for the entire duration of your studies at Fisher College.
Can I work while I am a student in the US?
You are legally allowed to work in positions on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during University semesters, and up to 40 hours per week during vacation breaks.
How do I get to Fisher College?
Full details of how to travel to the College are on the Directions page.
Will I be collected from the airport?
Yes, if you book and pay for a transfer during the booking process. This means that a taxi will pick you up on arrival from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and take you to your accommodation on Fisher College's campus. Get the cost of the airport pickup.
When should I arrive at the University?
You should aim to arrive at the College in time for international student orientation. The exact dates for the next intake are given on the key facts page.
What will happen when I arrive in the US?
Specific pre-arrival information will be provided once we receive your flight details and due fees. You will receive expert care and support from International Study Center staff on campus. Download the September 2010 pre-arrival documentation (, 105kB).
CONTACTING US
How do I find out more about the Foundation Diploma or Fisher College?
If you have a question and cannot find the answer on this website, please contact us. We will be pleased to help you with any questions you have.
How can I contact Fisher College's International Study Center?
You can contact us using the online inquiry form, by telephone, by fax or by post. Details are on the How to Contact us page.
Who will answer my questions?
The Foundation Diploma is run by Study Group. Our team of expert Student Enrollment Advisors will assist you with any questions you have, and will help and support you through the application process, until you arrive at the College.
What if my English isn't very good?
To make it as easy as possible for you, our Advisers speak a variety of languages and understand several more. Do not worry if your English is not very good - we are experienced in communicating with non-native English speakers, and we will do our best to understand you.
How can I get in contact with current students at Dean College?
Fisher College International Study Center has an active student group on Facebook. Join the student group to connect with international students and ask about their experience with the program and campus. Get your questions about student life answered by those who know it best - the students!
I am trying to use your inquiry form but it does not work.
Apologies! We try to avoid errors on our inquiry form but sometimes they can occur. You can contact us by email instead on iscusa@studygroup.com.
