Foundation Studies, also known as pathways to undergraduate courses, are programs from universities aimed at preparing students for undergraduate degree. Foundation programs are generally divided into tri-mesters which provide an intensive and fast path to university. You can go to university in just one year after successfully completing this program.
This foundation program is intended for those who do not meet the university entry requirements. For example, the final grade or language skills does not meet the minimum grade required by the university. After completing this program well, students can be directly accepted for bachelor degree at the university.
Foundation courses are academically demanding courses that contain core academic modules and a choice of various academic routes, each carefully designed to focus on the academic areas most useful in your future study goals.
This route leads directly to a series of specialized degree courses in related disciplines. There is a Law Foundation Program that prepares you for law degrees, Business Foundation Programs for business degrees, Science foundation programs for science degrees and so on. You will only be focused on the course of your choice and do not need to study a course that is not related to it.
Foundation students attend lectures and tutorials in university style, and small classes with 15 to 20 students, so they benefit from more frequent contact with teachers. Small classes also make it easy for staff to carefully monitor each student’s development and provide input regularly throughout the year.
Why Foundation?
- To fulfill the entry requirements for undergraduate degree
This foundation program bridges the distance from high school with college, where students are asked to be more independent in class. In the foundation program, in addition to the pursuit of values, students will learn the skills needed to attend lectures well. For example, taking notes from the teacher’s explanation, finding data or articles needed to complete papers or assignments, adjusting to the campus environment and so on. In essence, the foundation program helps students to adjust to college life that is different from high school.
- Improve your English
Language, of course, is very important. To get maximum results, students must be able to understand what is conveyed by lecturers, do assignments, understand textbooks, prepare for examinations, interact with lecturers and students, as well as university staff, and so on. All is inseparable from communication that requires a good level of fluency in English.
- Train your confidence
With good preparation, students will certainly be more confident when starting their programs. Students will be more accustomed to hearing people around in English, and communicate in English.
Foundation Courses in Australia for International Students
Various institutions in Australia offer Foundation courses, including:
University of Canberra College
UC College is part of the University of Canberra. Students share the same campus and have access to all the same facilities, which provide an authentic and interesting introduction to the provision of university life. Programs offered by UC College include the UC English language program, UC Diploma, UC International Foundation Studies, and the Graduate Certificate in Academic Foundation (GCAF).
| Durasi | Intake | Course Fee | Requirement | |
| UC International Foundation Studies | 3 terms (12 months) | Feb & Jun | $23.760 | IELTS 5,5 & all bands 5,0 |
Eynesbury College
Eynesburry college offers pathways to The University of South Australia and The University of Adelaide.
| Foundation Studies Programs | Intake | 2020 fee | Requirements |
| Standard Foundation Studies | Jan, Feb, Apr, Jun, Oct | A$28,000 | Year 11 or equivalent, Overall 5.5 (minimum of 5.0 in individual band scores) |
| Extended Foundation Studies | A$35,800 | ||
| UniStart Semester 1 (offshore) PMERF | A$3,100 | ||
| UniStart Semester 2 (16 week program following completion of Semester 1 offshore) | A$14,000 |
University of Sydney
Taylors College offers the Foundation Program as a pathway to the University of Sydney. The program includes several fields of study:
- Science/Engineering & IT/Health
- Economics/Commerce
- Arts/media
- Music
- Visual Arts & Design
Foundation programs available are divided into 3 types, namely Standard with a duration of 40 weeks, extended duration of 59 weeks, and intensive 30 weeks.
| Fees | Start | Requirements | |
| Standard 40 weeks | $34.300 | Feb, Jul | High school year 2, 65% in 4 subjects IELTS 5,0, no band less than 5,0 |
| Extended 59 weeks | $44.350 | Feb, Aug | High school year 2, 70-75% in 4 subjects IELTS 5,5, no band less than 5,5 |
| Intensive 30 weeks | $34.400 | Apr, Okt | High school year 2, 80-85% in 4 subjects IELTS 6,0, no band less than 5,5 |
Bond University College
The Bond University College Foundation Program is a two semester (8 months) program that enables students to learn the core academic skills required for entry into undergraduate study here at Bond University.
| Fees | Start | Requirements | |
| Bond University College Foundation Program | $14,720 per semester | Jan, May, Sep | IELTS: 5.5 (no band less than 5.0) equivalent to Australian Year 11 |
Deakin College
Deakin College is a direct entry path to Deakin University, providing Deakin student experiences that support a successful transition to further study at the University by offering innovative teaching and learning programs, positive student experiences, and digital engagement learning technologies.
| Program | Fee | Duration | Intake |
| Foundation Program |
A$25,350 (Standard) A$29,900 (Extended) | 8 months (Standard 12 months (Extended) | Mar, Jun, Okt |
University of New South Wales
Foundation studies are offered across four major disciplines, each with two specialisation streams:
- Commerce/Business: Commerce and Commerce/Actuarial
- Science/Engineering: Physical Sciences and Life Sciences
- Arts/Humanities: International Studies and Arts/Social Sciences
- Design: Fine Arts and Design & Built Environment
| Duration | Fees | Start | Requirements | |
| Extended program | 15 months | AUD$45,800 | Feb, Jun, Sep | IELTS 5.0 Writing 5.0 n(other sub-scores 4.5) |
| Standard Plus program | 12 months | AUD$39,500 | Feb, Jun, Sep | IELTS 5.5, with a minimum 5.0 in all bands |
| Standard program | 9 months | AUD$33,850 | Nov, Apr, Jul | IELTS of 6.0 (or equivalent) with a 5.0 in all bands |
| Transition program | 4 months | AUD$22,800 | Apr, Jul, Des | IELTS 6.0, with a 5.5 in Writing, and 5.0 or above in other sub-bands |
Queensland University of Technology International College
QUT International College is a QUT entry point that offers English, Foundation, Diploma and University Certificate programs in Tertiary Preparation for Undergraduate Studies. Here are the details,
| Program | Intake | Duration | Fee | Requirements |
| Extended Foundation | Feb | 1 year | $25,125 | IELTS 5,5 & 5 in all bands |
| Foundation Intensive Program | Feb, Jun, Oct | 4 months | $10,050 | IELTS 6 & 5 in all bands |
| Standard Foundation Program | Feb, Jun, Oct | 8 months | $20,100 | IELTS 5,5 & 5 in all bands |
Murdoch Institute of Technology
MIT is pathway to Murdoch University, bridges the gap from school to university.
| Program | Duration | Fee | Requirements |
| Foundation studies | 2 Trimesters | $22,320 | International equivalent to completion of Year 11 requirements IELTS: 5.5 average (no band less than 5.0) |
University of Tasmania International Pathway College
UTAS International Pathway College provides Foundation, International First Year Diplomas and Pre Masters courses as pathways to the University of Tasmania.
| Program | Program length | Start date | End date | 2020 Fees (AUD) |
| Fast-track | 1 semester | 24 February 2020 | 23 June 2020 | 18,000 |
| Fast-track | 1 semester | 13 July 2020 | 10 November 2020 | 18,000 |
| Fast-track | 1 semester | 2 November 2020 | 12 February 2021 | 18,000 |
| Standard | 2 semesters | 28 October 2019 | 23 June 2020 | 19,900 (2019fee) |
| Standard | 2 semesters | 24 February 2020 | 10 November 2020 | 20,800 |
| Standard | 2 semesters | 13 July 2020 | 12 February 2021 | 20,800 |
| Standard | 2 semesters | 2 November 2020 | 22 June 2021 | 20,800 |
| Extended | 3 semesters | 24 February 2020 | 12 February 2021 | 27,700 |
| Extended | 3 semesters | 13 July 2020 | 22 June 2021 | 27,700 |
| Extended | 3 semesters | 2 November 2020 | 9 November 2021 | 27,700 |
Registration Requirements:
- Minimum 17 years old
- Australia High School Year 11 or equivalent
- English:
| Program | Overall IELTS score required | No bands less than |
| Fast-track | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Standard | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| Extended | 5.0 | 5.0 |
The University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne accepts a large number of foundation studies programs as entry pathways to undergraduate courses. Trinity College Foundation Studies (TCFS) has helped students make a successful transition from school in their home country to the University of Melbourne for over 20 years.
You can choose:
- Agriculture
- Arts
- Biomedicine
- Commerce
- Design
- Music
- Oral Health
- Science
Monash College
Foundation Year subject options
- Accounting
- Advanced Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Economics
- English (compulsory)
- Fundamental Mathematics
- Global Studies
- Contemporary Issues (available Sem 1, 2018)
- Information and Communication Technology
- Mathematics
- Music
- Physics
| Course format | 2020 Fees* | Requirements |
| Standard | A$29,000 | IELTS 5.5, Writing 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 |
| Intensive | A$29,000 | IELTS 6.0 – no band less than 5.5 |
| Extended | A$41,500 | IELTS 5.0 – no band less than 5.0 |
Macquarie University
If you have completed at least a Year 11 equivalent qualification and need additional academic support or further English skills to enter the first year of your undergraduate degree, these programs are for you. In the Standard Foundation and Intensive programs you have the freedom to explore your interests across a range of areas.
| Program | Intake | Duration | Fee | Requirements |
| Standard Foundation Program | Feb, Jul, Oct | 4 terms | $24,960 | 17 years of age Year 11 or equivalent IELTS of 5.5 overall with minimum 5.0 in each band |
| Intensive Program | Feb, Apr, Oct | 2 terms | $16,500 | 17 years of age IELTS of 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each band |
La Trobe College
Pathway programs includes a range of specialised foundation courses and diplomas that lead to more than 100 degrees at La Trobe University. Here is Foundation studies in La Trobe college:
- Foundation Studies for Business and Humanities
- Foundation Studies for Health and Life Sciences
- Foundation Studies for Engineering and Computer Science
| Program | Intake | Duration | Fee | Requirements |
| Foundation Studies | Feb, Jun, Oct | 2 trimesters | A$22,900 | Year 11 or equivalent IELTS 5.5 (no band score below 5.0) |
Australian Catholic University
The Foundation Studies Program provides a pathway to ACU undergraduate degrees, for international students who wish to study at university but do not have a recognised Year 12 qualification.
| Program | Intake | Duration | Fee | Requirements |
| Foundation Studies | Mar | 35 weeks | $19980.00 | Year 11 or equivalent IELTS overall band score of 5.5 with no individual band less than 5 |
Victoria University
Victorias University’s (VU) International Foundations program is designed for international students. Comparable in standard to an Australian Year 12, the program prepares students for tertiary studies at Victoria University.
The course offers a guaranteed pathway towards first year undergraduate degrees and HE diploma, provided students meet the requirements of the agreed pathway.
| Program | Intake | Duration | Fee | Requirements |
| Foundation Studies | Jun, Oct | 26 weeks | $10,600 per semester | Year 11 or equivalent IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 |
The University of Western Australia
The University of Western Australia Foundation Programs (UWAFP) meet the requirements for Foundation Programs which have been registered on CRICOS for delivery in Australia to overseas students providing an academic preparation for seeking entry to first year undergraduate study or its equivalent.
| Program | Intake | Duration | Fee | Requirements |
| Foundation Studies | Jan, Jul | 40 (Standard), 30 (Advanced) or 60 (Extended) | $24,550 | Standard: IELTS 5.5 (No band less than 5.0) Advanced: IELTS 5.5 (No band less than 5.5) Extended: IELTS 5.0 (No band less than 5.0) |
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