Preparatory
Graduate
Foundation
Program Online
Applicants seeking admission to graduate programs at UNF who fall slightly below the entry requirements for their program of choice may be eligible for the Graduate Foundation Program online.
This provides them a pathway to improve their grades and prepare for successful admission to a master’s program at UNF. It also gives them an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the academic environment and expectations at UNF, allowing them to smoothly transition into the master’s program of their choice upon successful completion of the Graduate Foundation Program online.
Start dates
Fall (Oct)
Winter (Jan)
Spring (April)
Summer (July)
Program length
3 months
Credits
Nine
Delivery
Online
Quick find
Quick find
Why study online?
It’s your education, tailor it to suit your life
- No travel needed, study from anywhere
- Enhance your online collaboration and communication skills
- Support at every step from faculty and staff
Coursework will take place online, through UNF’s learning management system using the same content and course materials as the on-campus program.
Get ahead in your academic journey without hitting the pause button on life.
UNF online advantage
The Graduate Foundation Program online prepares you for graduate studies and provides a pathway for you to further your education.
Flexible by design
Study while working full-time. Choose flexible hours to fit around your personal or professional commitments.
Learn from the best, anywhere
Get mentored by world-class faculty and access top-notch resources and support – all from the comfort of your home.
Boost your budget
Study from anywhere, so relocation is not necessary. Save on housing, transportation, parking, and no need to buy textbooks.
Graduate Foundation Program Online explained
| Delivery modes |
| This is a fully online program. You can complete your coursework from anywhere. |
| Schedule |
| There will be no scheduled classes. Asynchronous learning means you can study at your own pace. All course materials will be made available at the start of term, except for exams and quizzes. |
| Timeline |
| Weeks 1-10: You will be able to access your course content online and complete tasks throughout this period. Weeks 11-12: You will need to complete any review activities, as well as final exams and/or final projects. |
| Participation |
| While components vary depending on the individual course, you can expect to use discussion forums and group chat platforms, participate in videoconferences, as well as utilize project management tools. There will be group assignments in addition to individual assignments. |
| Course content |
| Each course will have a syllabus as well as additional course materials that will be made available at the start of the term, except for exams and quizzes. |
Courses
The Graduate Foundation Program online is a one-semester program during which students will take three undergraduate courses, choosing from a list of courses that are being offered that term. Some courses are mandatory, others can be chosen based on availability.
Digital Business Fundamentals
Business is one of the fundamental units of society. Students will study the management and operation of business, including the principles, concepts, ideas, and tools used by managers. The emphasis will be on management in the digital world of high technology. Students will explore the intersection of technology and business, gaining insights into how digital innovations are transforming traditional business models and practices. They will also examine typical business functions and the role of managers in production, marketing, human resources, accounting and finance in a digital Canadian context including a consideration of Canadian business law and ethics. This course will give students a foundational understanding of key concepts such as e-commerce, the impact of technology on business models, ethics in the digital age, and futuristic emerging technologies. (Three credits)
Business Statistics
Students will learn statistical concepts, methods and procedures used in business, including descriptive statistics–graphics and numerical presentations, data analysis, data generation, probability theory, sampling, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students will use statistical software applications throughout the course. Required for entry to Master of Data Analytics. (Three credits)
International Business
In a digitized environment, Canadian business professionals must have a sound understanding of the global business environment. Students will develop a broad understanding of the global marketplace and the essential elements of international business. Students will learn the principles and practise of international business and factors impacting business operation and management in the rapidly changing global business environment. Students will examine basic international trading blocs, trade patterns, trade rules, international trade treaties and the foreign exchange market. Through case studies, students will explore the impacts of culture and the economic, legal and ethical systems on international business. (Three credits)
Leadership and Management
Students will gain an understanding of the difference between leadership and management. They will examine effective business leadership models across the workplace. By comparing effective and ineffective leadership, they will derive leadership styles, strengths, and attitudes; Individually, students will conduct an inventory of their own leadership styles, strengths and areas needing development. Students will apply leadership theories, models, and practices in authentic scenarios. As well, they will utilize planning strategies to lead others to achieve common goals, and apply leadership strategies to develop, motivate, engage, and lead effective teams. In preparation for entry into the business world, students will examine best practices in starting in a new supervisory role in the workplace. (Three credits)
Admissions
Academic information
Applicants must meet the following minimum conditions for admission:
Bachelor’s degree – Completion of a recognized undergraduate degree equivalent to the four-year honours degree standard with a minimum 2.67 GPA and meet the English Language Proficiency requirements.
Application process
Applicants seeking admission to graduate programs at UNF who do not meet the entrance requirements for that program will be notified if they are eligible to proceed in the Graduate Foundation Program online. Applicants cannot apply directly to the GFP.
Tuition information
Choosing to pursue a university education is a big commitment that impacts every aspect of your life – including your finances. Our fees are determined by the total cost of individual credits per academic year. All fees are listed in Canadian dollars and these rates are subject to change.
Domestic tuition
$2,400.03
All students taking the Graduate Foundation Program online will pay the domestic tuition rate.
Graduate Foundation FAQs
Will the modules for Graduate Foundation Program (GFP) online be asynchronous?
Yes, the modules will run asynchronously, allowing students to complete them at their own pace within the given time frame.
What is the timeline for progression into a master’s program?
After successful completion of the GFP online, students can begin their master’s program. We aim to issue unconditional offers immediately after grades are received from the academic areas at the end of the term.
What are the assessment methods for the GFP?
Students are assessed using variety of methods such as case studies, projects, reports, presentations, discussions, quizzes, exams etc. The assessments are spread out throughout the term to give students the opportunity of ongoing feedback, improving retention, encouraging consistent effort, and encouraging participation.
How does a student successfully transition to graduate studies?
Students are required to take three undergraduate courses of three credits each, for a total of nine credits as a part of GFP. They are required to obtain a GPA of 3.0 to successfully complete the program and transition to their respective master’s program.
Will students receive a certificate upon completion of the GFP?
Since the GFP is not an accredited program, it does not provide a formal credential upon completion, nor is it noted on the transcript as a completed program—only the individual courses completed are listed.
What is the payment plan and timeline for the GFP?
Students can choose to pay for their GFP studies first before paying their academic deposit, but it is recommended to pay the required deposit to ensure their space in the program.
Will students receive a full refund for the master’s program if they are unsuccessful in the GFP?
Yes, students will qualify for a refund of unused monies on their student account, subject to the terms and conditions of our refund policy.
If a student fails the GFP, can they redo the unit they failed or must they retake the whole program?
The program consists of three individual courses. Students are allowed to retake any course they did not successfully complete, up to four times, in accordance with academic policies. However, according to the tuition refund guarantee terms and conditions, while course retakes are permitted, the tuition for the retaken course will not be refunded.
What are the timelines for the online program?
The GFP online is asynchronous, meaning students are expected to review course content, participate in learning activities, and complete assignments on the learning management system (LMS) weekly at their own pace. Additionally, there are scheduled office hours with faculty twice during the term (in Weeks 4 and 8) where students can meet virtually to ask questions or seek clarifications. Links for these sessions will be available on the LMS during those weeks. Students can also book additional office hours by emailing faculty, if needed.
Contact your Student Advisor
Schedule an appointment with your dedicated Student Advisor at a time that’s convenient for you to receive more information about:
- UNF programs
- Available scholarships
- The application process
This institution has been granted a consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities to offer this program for a five-year term starting October 14, 2022. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (e.g., acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies or other educational institutions.)