Foundation Studies

Course information for - 2025 entry
International
  • Domestic
  • International

Offered at 2 locations
  • Melbourne
  • North Sydney

Duration

The course is completed over 8 months full time March – November.  

CRICOS Code
0101567
Fees (first year)*
$21015
Start dates
March 2025, March 2026, March 2027

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.

  • If you are a domestic student 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.
  • If you are an international student, you can choose to study in Australia at the Melbourne or North Sydney campus or fully online live from outside of Australia.

As a Foundation Studies student, you will be immersed in the distinctive culture of the university throughout the course. 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. Class sizes will be small and staffed to provide a highly supportive learning environment.

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 live personalised support to assist you with progression to your degree program at ACU.

 

The Online Program

The course structure

You'll embark on an intensive 8-month program that can be tailored to your preferences. 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 comprehensive curriculum spans Academic English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and arts 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.

The support service

Our competitive pricing covers all resources, textbooks, and online resources, helping you save on living costs by completing the program at home.

More importantly, you are guaranteed entry into most ACU undergraduate programs as long as you meet the GPA and English requirements, and there's no need for an external proficiency test at the end of the program.

We're committed to ensuring your success, whether you're onshore or offshore, with access to a full suite of support services, including academic guidance and library resources.

Enroll today and take the first step toward a bright academic future!

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Foundation Studies Term 2 - Domestic

  • Domestic Students - Specified UnitsFSAS001Academic Communications Skills 17 cp
  • Domestic Students - Specified UnitsFSMA001Mathematics 17 cp
  • Domestic Students - Specified UnitsFSCU001Society and Culture7 cp
  • Domestic Students - Specified UnitsFSSC001Introduction to Science

    CAMPUS ATTENDANCE

    7 cp
  • Domestic Students - Specified UnitsFSAS002Academic Communications Skills 27 cp
  • Domestic Students - Specified UnitsFSMA002Mathematics 27 cp
  • Domestic Students - Specified UnitsFSDL001Digital Literacies7 cp
  • Domestic Students - Specified UnitsFSGS001Global Studies7 cp
  • Domestic Students - Specified UnitsFSAS003Academic Communications Skills 310 cp
  • Elective Units Elective Unit7 cp
  • Elective Units Elective Unit7 cp

All units are delivered in multi-mode.

Commencing Foundation Studies Term 2 - International

All units are delivered in campus attendance mode.

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Non-AQF

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:

  1. be 18 years or over by the census date of the first relevant study period of enrolment
  2. have not achieved an adequate Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or equivalent for entry to ACU;
  3. have not completed other eligible qualifications that meet the minimum entry requirements for entry to ACU.

International Students

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must:

  1. 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 ;
  2. have a minimum English language proficiency level of IELTS 5.5 with no individual band less 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
  3. Additional instructions for international studies under 18 years of age.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.

English language requirements

International Students

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must:

  1. 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;
  2. 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
  3. Additional instructions for international studies under 18 years of age.

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: $
  • Average first year fee: $21015
  • Estimate total cost: $21015

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. 

Explore your options 

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.  

Search our scholarships  

How to apply

International applicants

Melbourne

Apply through VTAC

VTAC code

Direct application

Apply now

International Students

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must:

  1. 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 ;
  2. 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
  3. 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.

 

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