Start dates
Fall (Oct), Winter (Jan), Spring (April), Summer (July)
Program length
3 months
Credits
Nine
Program delivery
Online
Prepare for graduate studies
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 practice 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$2,400.03
Domestic tuition
All students taking the Graduate Foundation Program online will pay the domestic tuition rate.
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.
Refund Guarantee Program
International students who have been admitted to a master’s program at the University of Niagara Falls Canada with a condition requiring completion of the Graduate Foundation program prior to commencing their master’s level courses may enrol in the Graduate Foundation program online and are eligible for the Refund Guarantee Program.
International students who commence the Graduate Foundation program online from outside Canada for the Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025, and Spring 2025 Terms prior to securing a study permit and who are unsuccessful in obtaining a study permit within nine (9) months of the start of their online studies will be eligible for a full refund if they submit their student visa refusal letter within ten (10) working days of receipt. Study permit refusal due to submission of fraudulent documents will disqualify the student for the refund. The student must successfully complete the Graduate Foundation program to qualify for the refund. Course retakes within the program are permitted but the tuition for the course retake will not be refunded.
Tuition Fees for online study in the Graduate Foundation program will be charged at domestic student rates of $266.67 per credit for a total tuition fee of $2,400.03. Additional mandatory fees of $11.54 per credit will apply; however, Student Health Insurance fees do not apply for online studies.
The refund will exclude and be subject to:
- Tuition Refund Processing fee ($250)
- Non-refundable application fees
- A $45 wire fee or a $35 credit card refund fee, if applicable
Frequently asked questions
Will the modules for Graduate Foundation Program (GFP) online be asynchronous?
Yes, the modules will run asynchronously, allowing you to complete them at your 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, you can begin your 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?
You 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 you the opportunity of receiving ongoing feedback, improving retention, encouraging consistent effort, and encouraging participation.
How do I successfully transition to graduate studies?
You are required to take three undergraduate courses of three credits each, for a total of nine credits as a part of GFP. You are required to obtain a GPA of 3.0 to successfully complete the program and transition to your respective master’s program.
Will I 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?
You can choose to pay for your GFP studies first before paying your academic deposit, but it is recommended to pay the required deposit to ensure your space in the program.
Will I receive a full refund for the master’s program if I am unsuccessful in the GFP?
Yes, you will qualify for a refund of unused monies on your student account, subject to the terms and conditions of our refund policy.
If I fail the GFP, can I redo the unit I failed or must I retake the whole program?
The program consists of three individual courses. You are allowed to retake any course you 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 you are expected to review course content, participate in learning activities, and complete assignments on the learning management system weekly at your own pace. Additionally, there are scheduled office hours with faculty twice during the term where you can meet virtually to ask questions or seek clarifications. You can also book additional office hours by emailing faculty, if needed.
Will I receive a full refund if I am unsuccessful in obtaining a study permit?
If you commence the Graduate Foundation Program online from outside Canada for the Summer 2025, Fall 2024, Winter 2025, or Spring 2025 terms and are unsuccessful in obtaining a study permit within nine months of the start of your online studies, you will be eligible for a full refund through the refund guarantee program provided you meet these conditions: submit your student visa refusal letter within 10 business days of refusal receipt; ensure the study permit refusal is not due to the submission of fraudulent documents; successfully complete the Graduate Foundation Program online. Please note that while course retakes within the Graduate Foundation Program online are permitted, the tuition for any course retake will not be refunded.
Why choose UNF?
UNF is committed to innovative education and research for a digital world. This technology-centred approach puts you, the student, first. Learn from industry leaders and experienced faculty, gain experience through work-integrated learning components, and build a foundation that sets you on the path for success.
Contact your Student Advisor
Schedule an appointment with your dedicated Student Advisor at a time that’s convenient for you.
