The Foundation Studies program is a general education program for all students at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, building their capacity for university study. All first-year students undertake general and specialized courses in subjects from all the faculties at RUPP, as well as courses in library use and academic research. In addition to these general courses, students undertake some study relevant to their majors.

Students who successfully fulfill all course requirements and pass all subjects are awarded a Certificate of Foundation Year and promoted to the second year. In case of failure, students are offered a supplementary examination. Students who fail one or more subjects at the supplementary examination must repeat the Foundation Studies program. Examination results are announced approximately 20 days after the examination date.

The Department of Foundation Studies has implemented policies to ensure its offerings reach the high standards set by the Accreditation Committee of Cambodia. The department promotes student learning by offering a program that follows up-to-date teaching and learning methodologies and responds to the needs of students in all subject areas. These high standards enhance RUPP's reputation as an institute that builds Cambodia's human resources by offering quality education.

It is the objective of the Department of Foundation Studies to provide general knowledge, quality specialized education, and basic ethical principles for all first-year students.

During their Foundation Year, students gain a general education in the sciences, social sciences and humanities, modern technology, and research skills to a standard recognized by the Accreditation Committee of Cambodia. This solid foundation of knowledge enables students to continue their studies toward a Bachelor's Degree.

The Foundation Year program also allows students to become familiar with the procedures and discipline necessary for tertiary study, essential skills before they begin studying for their major subjects.

Students who obtain their Certificate of Foundation Year at RUPP can choose to transfer to other universities within Cambodia that recognize the program.

• Core Subjects:
  Students study a combination of subjects outside their major area, including sciences, humanities, social sciences, and foreign languages.
• Major Course:
  Students also complete an elective stream relevant to their degree.

The Foundation Year course was developed as a result of an edict issued by the Government of Cambodia to create an accredited, quality-assured system of general education within the Cambodian higher education sector.

In accordance with this edict, the Department of Foundation Studies at RUPP was established as an independent faculty responsible for the education of all first-year students in 2005. The department is fully recognized by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.

Short-term strategic goals include:

• Accepting a number of students appropriate to available teaching materials and faculty members
• Equipping students with general and specialized knowledge for Bachelor-level study
• Maintaining and promoting enthusiastic lecturers
• Continuing development and delivery of a strong Foundation Year curriculum
• Adding two more computer laboratories to improve IT skills

Admission to all degrees at RUPP is administered by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport based on High School Certificate results.

Applicants to the Department of Media and Communications or the Institute of Foreign Languages must also sit a separate entrance examination.

Faculty of Science and Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

• Attendance: 10%
• Research: 10%
• Review Test: 20%
• End-of-semester exam: 60%

Institute of Foreign Languages

• Homework & participation: 5%
• Review Test: 30%
• Research: 15%

End-of-semester exam: 50%