Foundation Studies
Course information for - 2026 entry
International
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 2 locations
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Duration
-
The course is completed over 1 or 2 semesters depending on cohort and program map.
Accelerated (Domestic only) - 1 semester
Full Program (Domestic and International) - 2 semesters
- CRICOS Code
- 0101567
- Fees (first year)*
- $23120
- Start dates
- February 2026, February 2027, February 2028
Overview
The Foundation Studies Program provides a pathway to ACU undergraduate degrees for students who wish to study at university but do not have a recognised Year 12 qualification. Enrolment is open to both international and Australian domestic students.
Foundation Studies aims to equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed at the undergraduate level at ACU. Regardless of whether you study on-campus or online you will be provided with personalised support to assist you with progression to your degree program at ACU.
As a Foundation Studies student you will be provided with all resources for the program including textbooks, laboratory equipment and online resources. You will become familiar with ACU facilities, resources and systems and with the academic expectations and assessment models used in undergraduate degrees at ACU.
Our comprehensive curriculum spans English and Academic Skills, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Law and Business units, with dedicated support to help you excel in each subject. With a focus on smooth transitions, you'll not only gain confidence in the Australian university community but also build lasting friendships with international and local students.
Enrol today and take your first step towards a bright academic future!
Australian (Domestic) Students
For domestic students, depending on your previous education experience, you can study either the Accelerated (1-semester) or Full (2-semester) Program.
You can choose to study on campus in Blacktown or Melbourne or fully online live from anywhere else in Australia, or you could choose a mix of on-campus and online study.
Domestic students are guaranteed entry into most ACU undergraduate programs as long as you meet the entry requirements set out for your intended undergraduate degree on completion of Foundation Studies.
International Students
International students embark on a Full (2-semester) Program that is tailored to your intended undergraduate degree.
International students can choose to study in Australia at either our Melbourne or North Sydney campus.
There is also the option to kickstart your education from anywhere in the world with our offshore online option, you can choose to transfer to study on-campus in Australia during the duration of the program or complete the qualification completely online in your home country and benefit from live online classes led by our experienced university teachers.
Our competitive pricing covers all resources, textbooks, and online resources, helping you save on living costs by completing the program at home.
International students are guaranteed entry into most ACU undergraduate programs as long as you meet the academic and English requirements, and there's no need for an external proficiency test at the end of the program (with the exception of Bachelor of Nursing).
Course details
Course structure
To complete Foundation Studies, a student must complete 80 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
Domestic Students
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must:
- be 18 years or over by the census date of the first relevant study period of enrolment
International Students
Please review English Language Requirements
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2026 Admission.
English language requirements
International Students
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must:
- have completed the equivalent of year 11 (completion of senior high school in countries where this is not considered equivalent to an Australian year 12). Refer to the minimum academic entry requirement by country;
- For applicants whose intended undergraduate degree requires an English proficiency level of IELTS 6.5 or below must meet one of the following:
- IELTS - overall score: 5.5, individual score of 5.0 in all tests
- PTE - 42 with a minimum of 36 in all four communicative skills
- TOEFL - Internet based total of 46: minimum 14 in writing, 14 in speaking, 4 in listening and 4 in reading
- C1 Advanced - Overall score of 162, minimum score of 155 in all tests
- ACU English Language Test; or ACU EAP - D (55-59%)
- For applicants whose intended undergraduate degree requires an English proficiency level of IELTS 7 or above must meet one of the following:
- IELTS - overall score: 6.0, individual score of 6.0 in all tests
- PTE - 50 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills
- TOEFL - Internet based total of 60: minimum 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 13 in reading an 12 in listening
- C1 Advanced - Overall score of 169, minimum score of 169 in all tests
- ACU English Language Test; or ACU EAP - C (63-64%)
- OR at least one full-time year of study of an Australian secondary or tertiary qualification at AQF Diploma level or higher. For more information please see: Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
Pathways
Further study
Students who successfully complete the course with the required Entry Score are eligible for direct entry to undergraduate degrees at ACU.
Fees
Course costs
- Unit fee: $2890
- Average first year fee: $23120
- Estimate total cost: $23120
The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. Fees are reviewed annually.
Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
International applicants
Direct application
Apply nowInternational Students
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must:
- have completed the equivalent of year 11 (completion of senior high school in countries where this is not considered equivalent to an Australian year 12). Refer to the minimum academic entry requirement by country ;
- have a minimum English language proficiency level of IELTS 5.5 with no individual band lees than 5, or equivalent. Applicants whose intended undergraduate degree requires an English proficiency level of IELTS 7 or above, must have a minimum English proficiency level of IELTS 6 with no individual band less than 6, or equivalent OR at least one full-time year of study of an Australian secondary or tertiary qualification at AQF Diploma level or higher. For more information please see: Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
- Additional instructions for international studies under 18 years of age.
Deferment
No deferment available.
Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.