Foundation Studies
Course information for - 2025 entry
International
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 2 locations
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- 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
This course has been reviewed for 2026 entry. Please check for changes to delivery dates, information about accelerated program maps and entry requirements in August 2025.
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
To complete the 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
- have not achieved an adequate Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or equivalent for entry to ACU;
- have not completed other eligible qualifications that meet the minimum entry requirements for entry to ACU.
International Students
Please review the English Language Requirements section here.
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:
- 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: $
- 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.
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.