Foundation Studies

Pre-degree

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You're considered an International student if you are:

  • NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
  • NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
This degree is only available to Australian students

You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:

  • Australian or New Zealand Citizen
  • Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode icon
Mode
On campus
Start date icon
Start date
February, July Key study dates
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus, Mt Gambier, Whyalla, Ceduna, Port Lincoln, Playford
Duration icon
Duration
1 year(s) full-time
Program code icon
Program code
FNDST
Study as icon
Study as
Full time or part time
Fees
Indicative annual fees
Fee Free
Non-tuition fees
Prerequisites icon
Prerequisite
None
Assumed knowledge icon
Assumed knowledge
None
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

  • Students are required to have reached a minimum age of 17 for admission.
  • Entry into Block 1 is open access with no formal educational entry requirements.
  • Entry into Block 2 is available for applicants who have completed Year 11 SACE Stage 1, Certificate III or higher.

Recognition of prior learning

  • Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements. Credit may be granted for formal, informal, and non-formal learning. Visit the Credit for previous study page for more information.
  • Answer a few simple questions with our online Credit Assessor to see what credit you could get.
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Note:

Courses will be taught in one of three locations: Adelaide City, Mount Gambier, and Whyalla.

Please note that entry requirements for this program are provisional and subject to change. 

Additional Enrolment Information – FAQs | Adelaide University

Why Foundation Studies?

Set yourself up for success at university with Adelaide University’s Foundation Studies program and become a confident and well-rounded student, ready to embark on your future study journey.

Foundation Studies is fee-free and designed for people who have not experienced university, including school leavers without an ATAR or those looking to return to study.

Get a taste of university and learn the skills needed to excel in your future degree. 

program overview

Overview

Develop essential academic skills and prepare for future university studies with our fee-free Foundation Studies program. Designed for those who are studying for the first time, or who did not receive an ATAR in Year 12, this program will give you lifelong skills. You’ll study writing, communication, numeracy, research, study skills and elective courses to build your confidence. 

We’ll support you to successfully move on to undergraduate study. From enrolment through to program completion, you’ll get help through enrolment sessions, mentoring, small class sizes and access to peer-assisted study sessions.

The Foundation Studies program is split into three blocks, with a series of entry, exit and transition points that cater to diverse education backgrounds and your chosen destination degree. 

Key features

  • Program Key featuresGain essential foundational discipline knowledge and skills to set yourself up for success in your chosen degree.
  • Program Key featuresUse your final grades in Foundation Studies to gain competitive entry to a broad range of degrees at Adelaide University.
  • Program Key featuresFlexible study options are available to help you balance study with work, social and family commitments.
  • Program Key featuresBe supported throughout your studies with access to our full range of support services.

What you'll learn

This pathway option is delivered in three blocks. You can either finish all three blocks of study – or exit with a certificate of completion for every block of study you complete. 

Block 1 will focus on preparatory courses to build a strong foundation for your future at university. In Block 2, be prepared with the knowledge and skills needed in your chosen degree, ready for guaranteed access to a wide range of undergraduate degrees*. Block 3 is designed to provide a pathway for students wanting to enter the full range of selective undergraduate degrees at Adelaide University**. 

Over one year of full-time study, you’ll complete up to eight preparatory courses, getting you ready for future undergraduate studies. These courses will develop your academic writing, communication, numeracy, research, and study skills – including how to write academic assignments, cite research and effectively manage time. These skills and experiences will give you the right launchpad to navigate your future at university.

Some of your core courses will include:

  • Introduction to Academic Writing
  • Numeracy and Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking: Media and Academia.

Depending on your chosen destination degree, you’ll also select up to five electives from a list relevant to your future study discipline. Through your electives, you’ll gain a greater understanding about the breadth of options available to you at university. Maybe you want to pursue a law degree and set up your career as a solicitor or barrister. Perhaps you’ll apply for a science degree, exploring astrophysics, animal behaviour or evolutionary biology. You might even begin your journey to becoming a psychologist by applying for our suite of psychology degrees.

You’ll choose electives from the following discipline areas:

  • Behavioural and Social Science
  • Business
  • Creative Arts
  • Design and Humanities
  • Education
  • Engineering and IT
  • Health
  • Law
  • Science.

Notes:

*Some degrees may require a minimum GPA to qualify.

**Some selective undergraduate degrees with limited numbers of professional placements set caps on the intake, and entry may be competitive. 

what you'll learn

Degree Structure: Foundation Studies

Program code: FNDST

Complete 36 to 48 units comprising:

  • 6 to 18 units for Core courses, and
  • 18 to 30 units for Electives

Study plan

A study plan sets out the courses you will need to complete and the recommended timing for each one. This will help to guide your enrolment in each study period, alongside any additional information provided below. If you have received a personalised plan or alternative advice from your Program Director, please refer to that guidance in the first instance, or seek help from your Program Director or Student Assist if you are unsure.

Enrolment information

Find details about the rules and notes that apply to your program, along with other essential information required for successful enrolment. Supplementary supporting resources may also be provided where applicable.

Courses

Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.

What courses you'll study

Complete 36 to 48 units comprising:

  • 6 to 18 units for Core courses, and
  • 18 to 30 units for Electives

Complete 6 to 18 units for either of the following:

  • 6 units for all Block 2 core courses, or
  • Both of the following:
  • 12 units from Block 1 core courses, and
  • 6 units for all Block 2 core courses

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Introduction to Academic Writing
Course code
COMM1012
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Language and Literacy for Effective Communication
Course code
COMM1035
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Numeracy and Problem Solving
Course code
MATH1036
Units
6

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Critical Thinking: Media and Academia
Course code
COMM1032
Units
6

Notes

  • Block 1 core courses - Block 1 is specifically designed to support the development of essential academic literacies that will enable students to successfully undertake undergraduate study. 
  • Block 1 core courses - Students commencing in Block 1 are required to complete one literacy course from the list above, plus the numeracy course.
  • Block 2 core courses - Block 2 specifically serves to prepare students more specifically for the rigours of a higher education learning environment by providing foundational discipline knowledge and skill development for their intended destination degree. 
  • Block 2 core courses - Students commencing in Block 2 complete one core literacy course only.

Electives description

A flexible course choice within your degree.

Complete 18 to 30 units comprising:

  • 18 to 30 units from Program electives

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Introduction to Human Anatomy
Course code
BIOL1008
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Foundations of Business
Course code
BUSI1021
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Writing for Academic Purposes
Course code
COMM1033
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Introduction to Biosciences
Course code
EART1019
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Science for Tertiary Learning
Course code
EART1020
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Introductory Economics and Personal Finance
Course code
ECON1008
Units
6
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Course name
Foundations of Education Studies
Course code
EDUC1029
Units
6
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Course name
Introduction to Human Physiology
Course code
HLTH1053
Units
6
course icon
Course name
ICT Literacies
Course code
INFO1027
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Digital Literacy: Screen, Web and New Media
Course code
INFO1062
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Statistical Literacy
Course code
MATH1037
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Introduction to Algebra
Course code
MATH1060
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Introduction to Human Behaviour
Course code
PSYC1022
Units
6
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Course name
Global Citizenship in the 21st Century
Course code
SOCI1015
Units
6
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Course name
Individual and Society in Contemporary Australia
Course code
SOCI1016
Units
6

Notes

  • Program electives - Depending upon the student's destination degree, there are different combinations of recommended electives to support students. Please refer to the discipline-specific study plan provided at enrolment.

How to Apply

How to apply

Applications are open for Australian students to study at Adelaide University in 2027. 

Ask Adelaide University

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Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them. Regional students will also have access to our Mount Gambier and Whyalla campuses, along with our Port Lincoln and Ceduna Study Centres. 

Our Mount Gambier, Whyalla and Adelaide campuses also have a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

  • Career advice and mentoring services
  • Personal counselling
  • LGBTQIA+ support
  • First Nations support
  • Academic support
  • Fees and finance help
  • Security services
  • Accommodation services
  • Common rooms
  • Refugee and asylum seeker support
  • Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

your study experience

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