Foundation Studies Programs

Our Foundation Studies Programs provide you with a pathway to follow your dreams of studying business, IT, engineering, medicine, nursing and much more at the University of Adelaide. If your qualifications need a boost, we are here for you!

Our Foundation Studies Programs are for international and domestic* students if you:

✔ Have completed the equivalent of Australian Year 11
✔ Just missed out on direct entry to the University of Adelaide
✔ Want to study at the University of Adelaide

*Domestic students can only enrol in our Foundation Studies Programs at the Adelaide Campus. We do not take domestic students in our Foundation Studies Programs at Melbourne campus.

Find out from our students the benefits of how our foundation programs will help you prepare for your future career.

 

Hear from Qutibah as he shares his story of moving to Australia and his experience of studying at the College so far

Program Benefits

 

  • For students studying in Adelaide, once you achieve your required progression score, you are guaranteed entry to your packaged degree, and, for most bachelor’s degrees, you won’t need to provide any further English language evidence.
  • For students studying in Melbourne, after completing your Foundation Studies Program, you will continue your pathway studies as a University of Adelaide College student undertaking a Degree Transfer Program.
  • We will ensure that you understand all the additional entry requirements for dentistry, oral health, medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology and veterinary science.
  • The programs are streamed, allowing you to choose subjects to suit your bachelor degree choice.
  • The University will issue you a packaged Confirmation of Enrolment for the entire duration of study at the College and the University.
  • You will be flexible in studying a standard (34 teaching weeks) or accelerated (31 teaching weeks) Foundation Studies Program. In addition to weekly class attendance, students are also expected to complete 20-25 hours per week of independent learning.

Program formats

Foundation Studies Standard

  • Intakes in March and August
  • Entry to a wide range of packaged degrees
  • Duration of 39 weeks

Foundation Studies Accelerated

  • Intakes in April and October
  • Ideal if you are an advanced student
  • Duration of 36 weeks

Program snapshot

Foundation Studies Standard Foundation Studies Standard Foundation Studies Accelerated Foundation Studies Accelerated
CRICOS course
codes ^^
041530A (Standard)041530A (Standard)041531M (Accelerated)041531M (Accelerated)
IntakesMarchAugustAprilOctober
Intake datesView our academic calendar for intake dates and other key dates
CampusAdelaide and MelbourneAdelaide and MelbourneAdelaideAdelaide and Melbourne
Study weeks39 weeks39 weeks36 weeks36 weeks
Weekly contact hours20 hours20 hoursFirst semester 25 hours, second semester 20 hoursFirst semester 25 hours, second semester 20 hours
Class structureFace-to-face
English entry requirementsIELTS 5.5 (all bands 5.0 or above) or equivalent, or completion of the College’s English Language Programs
Academic entry requirementsAustralian Year 11 or equivalent.
Domestic and international student entry requirements
Compulsory subjectsCritical Thinking

English for Academic Purposes
SubjectsOur College staff will assist you to select the subjects that meet your packaged degree requirements

Accounting
Australian Studies
Biology
Chemistry
Computing and Information Systems
Economics
General Mathematics
Mathematical Methods
Nutrition
Physics
Specialist Mathematics

Read more about our Foundation Studies subjects below:
FeesView domestic and international fees Click here
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^^ Our Foundation Studies Programs meet the requirements for Foundation Studies Programs registered on CRICOS for delivery in Australia to overseas students, providing academic preparation for seeking entry to first-year undergraduate study or its equivalent.’

Study Subjects

This subject has two aims. The first aim of this subject is to introduce students to the accounting literacy and problem-solving skills that are required by professionals to prepare and analyse financial reports and make appropriate decisions about the future of the business. The second aim is to adequately prepare students to successfully undertake first-year university level accounting studies.

Australian Studies aims to provide students with a socio-cultural analysis of a changing nation and its people. This subject brings together a wide range of topics from the humanities, education and social sciences to give students a broad perspective of Australian culture and society and the opportunity to investigate aspects of both in considerable detail.

Biology aims to provide students with an appreciation for the phenomenon of life at levels ranging from the interactions of molecules to the interactions of organisms within the biosphere. The subject provides students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of basic biological concepts: the structure and function of living things, their interdependence, and their place in the environment. The subject provides the student with a broad introduction to biological terminology and concepts. Biology also aims to provide the student with practical skills, especially microscopy, suitable for the study of living organisms and includes basic skills in understanding scientific communication and methodology.

Chemistry is the study of matter and energy, involving a consideration of the composition of substances, their preparation and their effects on one another. This course familiarises students with a wide range of chemicals and processes – both organic and inorganic, with particular emphasis being given to those involved in everyday living, in biological systems and in the activities of industry.

The subject is designed to take students from many backgrounds and language settings and give them the skills necessary to successfully use and manage information technology in their academic studies at an Australian university. To this end students are exposed to a range of topics similar to those studied at Year 12 level as well as developing their subject-specific English literacy skills to the required level.

This subject is designed to take students from many backgrounds and language settings and give them the skills necessary to successfully study a range of subjects at an Australian university. Critical thinking specifically addresses learning areas to assist students who have had little exposure to western style education and whose first language is not English. To this end, students are taught concepts and methodologies that promote the development of independent analytical thinking skills via lecture listening, note taking and interactive tutorial style classes.

The aim of the Specialist Mathematics subject is to prepare students for higher university mathematics, such as that required in engineering degrees. It would also be advantageous for students entering degree programs with an emphasis on mathematical skills such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Finance, Design Studies and some Science courses, such as Chemistry and Physics that have a substantial mathematical content. This subject satisfies the mathematics prerequisite requirements of the University of Adelaide Bachelor of Engineering degree programs.

This subject has two aims. The first aim is to introduce students to the economic literacy skills that are required by professionals, especially those in business, management and commerce, by providing students with opportunities to develop an understanding of the key microeconomic principles, theories, models and laws. The second aim is to adequately prepare students to successfully undertake first-year university level introductory microeconomics subjects.

English for Academic Purposes provides an opportunity for students to explore, respond to, analyse and produce a range of academic and non-academic texts. Text is understood to be any meaningful written, spoken, visual or multimodal message. Through reading, viewing, writing, listening, speaking, and using information and communication technologies (ICT), the course develops students’ confidence and competence in using the English language; their understanding of how different text-types are constructed for particular academic purposes and audiences; and their competence in key academic literacies.

The course takes an integrated skills approach to language learning, using authentic texts, and with an emphasis on reflection and collaborative learning. Assessment tasks model a range of academic practices and are staged so that students can use feedback to gradually build key academic skills, always with an overarching focus on academic integrity.

In Semester 1, students consolidate and develop their knowledge of grammar and lexis through exploring texts related to an overall theme of ‘sustainability’, allowing them to develop ethical and intercultural understanding through the lens of global literacy. In Semester 2, the focus shifts to critical literacy. Students develop research skills; the ability to ask critical questions about the texts which they encounter; and the skills and confidence necessary to participate in academic argument, and to express their own views with clarity and accuracy, whilst also valuing and respecting different perspectives.

The aim of the General Mathematics course is to prepare students for tertiary study in a variety of areas where an ability to critically analyse information and work with data is inherent. Students with tertiary pathways into areas such as Health, Science, Psychology and Commerce would benefit from studying this course.

Mathematical Methods introduces the students to calculus and statistics and then develops an increasingly complex and sophisticated understanding of these topics. By using functions and their derivatives and integrals, and by mathematically modelling physical processes, students develop an understanding of the physical world through a knowledge of relationships involving rates of change. Students use statistics to describe and analyse phenomena that involve uncertainty and variation.

Mathematical Methods provides the foundation for further study in mathematics, economics, computer sciences, and the sciences. It prepares students for courses and careers that may involve the use of statistics, such as health or social sciences. When studied together with Specialist Mathematics, this subject can be a pathway to engineering, physical science, and laser physics.

Good nutrition is vital to a healthy and active lifestyle. Students are presented with current scientific data on the importance of nutrients and exercise for the body as well as social and environmental issues that are related to good health. Students will apply their knowledge gained to design and perform investigations that link ideas between food and health. From the knowledge gained, students will be able to evaluate and modify their own diet and lifestyle.

Students will examine fad diets and learn to critically analyse the effectiveness of these on their health. Students will investigate different methods of food production, labelling and marketing and consider how these ways can influence the health of the individual and community. Students will investigate environmental issues surrounding food and research ideas to improve food security and sustainability for future generations.

Learning about and working in physics gives people an understanding of the processes that direct the universe and the world, so that they may appreciate and respect them. Through exploring the processes that shape the universe, physicists debate and advance understandings of its workings and of the ways in which actions may affect the future of the world. In Physics, students can engage with the work of classical and modern physicists and to join in and initiate debates about how physics affects their own lives, society, and the environment.

Study Pathway

 

Select your area of study in the menu to find your pathway option at our Adelaide Campus. Once you’re enrolled, our Student Services team are here to assist you with subject selection to ensure you meet the requirements of your packaged degree.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE COLLEGE

Area of studyBachelor degrees at the University of AdelaideDegree duration (years)Required progression score from the University of Adelaide CollegeIntakesRecommended subjects
StandardAccelerated
MarchAugustAprilOctober
ArchitectureBachelor of Architectural Design (additional 2 years when combined with the Masters)374%Maths Methods
OR
General Mathematics

Computing and Information Systems
OR
Australian Studies

Critical Thinking

English for Academic Purposes
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THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE COLLEGE

Area of studyBachelor degrees at the University of AdelaideDegree duration (years)Required progression score from the University of Adelaide CollegeIntakesRecommended subjects
StandardAccelerated
MarchAugustAprilOctober
ArtsBachelor of Arts370%Australian Studies (February and July)
Computing and Information Systems
Critical Thinking
English for Academic Purposes

One of:
Maths Methods OR General Mathematics
Economics OR Biology OR Nutrition OR Chemistry
Bachelor of Criminology374%
Bachelor of Environmental Policy and Management370%
Bachelor of International Development370%
Bachelor of International Relations370%
Bachelor of Languages*370%
Bachelor of Media370%
Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics370%
Bachelor of Sociology374%
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THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE COLLEGE

Area of studyBachelor degrees at the University of AdelaideDegree duration (years)Required progression score from the University of Adelaide CollegeIntakesRecommended subjects
StandardAccelerated
MarchAugustAprilOctober
Business and EconomicsBachelor of Business373%Economics
OR
Accounting

Maths Methods
OR
General Mathematics

Computing and Information Systems
OR
Australian Studies

Critical Thinking

English for Academic Purposes
Bachelor of Commerce374%•+•+•+
Bachelor of Economics370%
Bachelor of Finance and Banking370%
Bachelor of Project Management370%
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THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE COLLEGE

Area of studyBachelor degrees at the University of AdelaideDegree duration (year)Required progression score from the University of Adelaide CollegeIntakesRecommended subjects
StandardAccelerated
MarchAugustAprilOctober
Computer Science /ITBachelor of Computer Science370%Computing and Information Systems
OR
Physics

Maths Methods

Specialist Maths

Critical Thinking

English for Academic Purposes
Bachelor of Information Technology365%•+•+•+Computing and Information Systems

Critical Thinking

English for Academic Purposes

General Mathematics

Economics OR Australian Studies
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THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE COLLEGE

Area of studyBachelor degrees at the University of AdelaideStudy duration (year)Required progression score from the University of Adelaide CollegeIntakesRecommended subjects
StandardAccelerated
MarchAugustAprilOctober
EngineeringBachelor of Construction Management370%Maths Methods
Specialist Maths
Critical Thinking OR Physics OR Biology
English for Academic Purposes








Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Architectural and Structural)477%
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical)477%
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil)477%
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic)477%
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental and Climate Solutions)477%
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)477%
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mining)477%
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Petroleum)477%
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THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE COLLEGE

Area of studyBachelor degrees at the University of AdelaideStudy duration (year)Required progression score from the University of Adelaide CollegeIntakesRecommended subjects
StandardAccelerated
MarchAugustAprilOctober
HealthBachelor of Dental Surgery*583%Chemistry

Maths Methods
OR
General Mathematics
Physics
OR
Biology
OR
Nutrition

Critical Thinking

English for Academic Purposes
Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences377%
Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine*683%
Bachelor of Nursing*370%
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)*483%
Bachelor of Oral Health*370%
Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours)*483%
Bachelor of Psychological Science374%
Bachelor of Psychology (Advanced) (Honours)488%
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)*483%
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THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE COLLEGE

Area of studyBachelor degrees at the University of AdelaideStudy duration (year)Required progression score from the University of Adelaide CollegeIntakesRecommended subjects
StandardAccelerated
MarchAugustAprilOctober
LawBachelor of Laws480%Economics
OR
Accounting

Maths Methods
OR
General Mathematics

Computing and Information Systems
OR
Australian Studies

Critical Thinking
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THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE COLLEGE

Area of studyBachelor degrees at the University of AdelaideStudy duration (year)Required progression score from the University of Adelaide CollegeIntakesRecommended subjects
StandardAccelerated
MarchAugustAprilOctober
Mathematical SciencesBachelor of Mathematical Sciences377%Maths Methods

Specialist Maths

Critical Thinking

Computing and Information Systems

English for Academic Purposes
Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences and Computer Sciences370%Maths Methods

Specialist Maths

Critical Thinking

Computing and Information Systems
OR
Physics

English for Academic Purposes
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THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE COLLEGE

Area of studyBachelor degrees at the University of AdelaideStudy duration (year)Required progression score from the University of Adelaide CollegeIntakesRecommended subjects
StandardAccelerated
MarchAugustAugustOctober
ScienceBachelor of Agricultural Sciences370%Chemistry

Maths Methods
OR
General Mathematics

Physics
OR
Biology
OR
Nutrition

Critical Thinking

English for Academic Purposes
Bachelor of Applied Data Analytics370%
Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Science (Honours)377%
Bachelor of Science370%
Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)374%
Bachelor of Science (Animal Science)377%
Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science)374%
Bachelor of Marine and Wildlife Conservation374%
Bachelor of Science (Mineral Geoscience)374%
Bachelor of Science (Space Science and Astrophysics)374%
Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience)*383%
Bachelor of Veterinary Technology377%
Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology474%
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THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE COLLEGE

Area of studyBachelor degrees at the University of AdelaideStudy duration (year)Required progression score from the University of Adelaide CollegeIntakesRecommended subjects
StandardAccelerated
MarchAugustAprilOctober
TeachingBachelor of Teaching (Secondary) with Bachelor of Arts477%Our Student Services team can assist you
with the required subjects for teaching
degrees and secondary degrees
Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) with Bachelor of Mathematical and Computer Sciences477%
Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) with Bachelor of Science477%
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THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE COLLEGE

Area of studyBachelor degrees at the University of AdelaideStudy duration (year)Required progression score from the University of Adelaide CollegeIntakesRecommended subjects
StandardAccelerated
MarchAugustAugustOctober
TechnologyBachelor of Biotechnology374%English for Academic Purposes
Critical Thinking
Physics
Maths Methods
Chemistry
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Note: Not all elective subjects will be offered in every intake and are subject to demand. Students should consult adelaide.edu.au/degree-finder for degree prerequisites. Advanced degrees and double degrees may be available to students, depending on meeting progression score requirements. You can also talk to us! Our Student Services team are here to help you.

* Additional admission requirements, additional English proficiency testing, selection criteria and/or quotas apply to selected degrees – please contact our Student Services team for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Adelaide Campus •

Melbourne Campus +

Last updated: Wednesday, 20 Dec 2023
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