UNSW Foundation Studies celebrates over 22 years of success in providing excellent preparation for undergraduate (bachelor degree) studies. Teaching by lectures and tutorials matches the undergraduate mode of teaching.
About Us
UNSW Foundation Studies (UFS) offers the security of a provisional place at UNSW in one of the preferred undergraduate programs chosen by students. The program is also widely recognised by other Australian and international universities.
Approximately 85 per cent of all students have continued on to undergraduate study, the majority at UNSW. Graduates generally have shown better than average performance overall in their undergraduate programs at UNSW, which is higher than any other group of students, Australian or international.
Graduates have continued to achieve solid academic results throughout their studies with many going into highly successful careers in government and industry in their home countries after graduation.
Other benefits of the programs include their proven success in helping international students adapt to the Australian environment before they start undergraduate studies.
Student Services
Dedicated student advisers are on hand to help look after students' welfare. Advisers are experienced and understand what it is like to live and study in another country. They help students settle into their new way of life by organising orientation activities as well as ongoing social activities.
The accommodation officer arranges an airport reception and transfer service, and organises short-term and permanent accommodation. She also helps students find permanent accommodation and looks after students who are under 18 years of age.
UNSW Foundation Studies has its own secure residential college located in Kensington, five minutes walk from the campus.
Accommodation is available for over 230 students in a range of furnished fully-equipped multi-bedroom and one-bedroom apartments, many with private bathroom and balcony. Each bedroom is single occupancy and has telephone, television, internet connection and its own lock. The building has a secure entrance and 24-hour security. Live-in supervisors provide a high level of care that is suitable for students under 18. Homestay options are also available, as well as private rental for students over 18.
Courses
- standard programs: nine months duration
- standard plus programs: 12 months duration
- English plus programs: ten weeks of English preceding standard or standard plus programs
- transition program: one semester stand-alone program for students who have completed a high school qualification accepted by UNSW for direct entry.
Students can enter UNSW bachelor degrees from UNSW Foundation Studies through different streams of study relating to specific degrees. The main streams are: physical science; life science; business/commerce; arts, social science and international studies; design/fine arts; media; and building. The transition program is available in the physical science and business/commerce streams.
Upon acceptance into the appropriate stream of study, international students will be given a provisional offer to one of their nominated bachelor programs. Students must achieve certain academic and English language requirements in order to be offered a place in a UNSW foundation studies program. Package offers of English language (if required), foundation studies and a UNSW bachelor degree are available.
Locations
Kensington
High Street UNSW SYDNEY NSW Australia
Video
Student Profiles
Ang Xin Hui , Singapore
Foundation Program
"My family were moving to Sydney and they believed that UNSW would be a good university for my sister and I as it is well recognized overseas. I decided to study medicine at UNSW because I really liked Life Science and respect human life a lot. At university, in general, people have been very helpful to me, something I am grateful for. This includes administration, student support staff, tutors, fellow students, etc. In both UNSW and Foundation Studies, I like how the tutors are very approachable and often passionate about their subjects, and this approachability is not limited to just academic matters. The immense variety of education I can get from a range of experts in my course - from microbiologists to physiologists, epidemiologists to psychologists, nurses to ultrasound technicians - is an eye-opener. I also enjoyed the diversity of students, made friends and learnt lots about different cultures, more than I could have if I remained in my home country. However, I also enjoy research. At the moment, I'm not really sure about what I would like to specialise in, but I would like a career where I can help people. I'm quite happy about what I?m studying as this university is flexible in its teaching - allowing space for my own style of learning. There are many events throughout the year at UNSW to keep many different types of people engaged. Study does take a great deal of my time, but with my sister, Ang Xin Min, who is currently a scholarship student studying at UNSW Foundation Studies, I find time to do some social activities. Life is fleeting, so make the best out of it! One moment someone or something might be there, the next, no longer. Finally, success in academics or career is important, but not the most important aspect of life."
Ka Wing Lau , Hong Kong
Foundation Program
"I had never been to Australia and wanted to have a look at the country. Australia, especially Sydney is wonderful to live in as people are so easy going and friendly. In Sydney there are amazing communities full of art, design and creative people. I learnt to listen and observe, also to communicate in English. Further I have learnt how to live with design in daily life. I enjoyed studying at UNSW Foundation Studies and COFA because of all the people I have met over the years. I liked my classes and teachers for the encouragement that they provided to me. Design is embedded into my life. Since mid 2008, I have been an adjunct member of COFA where I'm involved in curating exhibitions, assisting with project research, and tutoring in a design studio where I focus on typography and graphic compositions. My advice to prospective Foundation students is to build up your knowledge and interact with your teachers and fellow students to make friends."