basisår

Basisår, literally “foundation year” in several Nordic languages, is a one-year preparatory program offered by some universities and university colleges to help applicants obtain the qualifications required for admission to bachelor's degree programs. The program is designed for students who do not meet standard entry requirements or who need to strengthen specific prerequisites, such as mathematics, sciences, languages, or general academic literacy.

Structure and content vary by institution and field of study, but most basisår programs include a set of compulsory courses in core subjects, language and communication skills, study techniques, and academic writing, along with some field-specific modules. The year typically spans two semesters and results in an eligibility assessment or credit transfer toward the chosen bachelor program. The credit value and progression rules differ, with some programs guaranteeing admission to partner bachelor programs if the student passes required courses and grades.

Admission is usually open to applicants who have completed secondary education but lack necessary prerequisites; some programs require an entrance test, interview, or language proficiency assessment. Basisår is commonly offered in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, and is sometimes referred to as a foundation year or bridging year. It serves as a pathway to higher education, aiming to widen access and improve student success rates by preparing students for the demands of university study.