UNSW Foundation Studies celebrates 20 years of success in providing excellent preparation for undergraduate (bachelor degree) studies. Teaching by lectures and tutorials matches the undergraduate mode of teaching.

Success of the programs

• Approximately 85% 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 than any other group of students, including Australian and 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.

Benefits of the programs

• Meets the special needs of students with different educational backgrounds.

• Proven success in helping international students adapt to the Australian environment before they start undergraduate studies.

• Offers the security of a provisional place at UNSW in one of the student’s preferred undergraduate programs. The program is widely recognised by other Australian and international universities.

• Located in a modern building on the main UNSW campus with up-to-date teaching facilities including tutorial rooms, computer laboratories and student recreational areas, including a courtyard café.

Range of programs

• Standard programs—nine months duration.

• Standard Plus programs—twelve months duration.

• English Plus programs—ten weeks of English studies 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.

Program structure

UNSW bachelor degrees can be entered from the UNSW Foundation Year 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, 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 and the UNSW undergraduate degree are available.

About the programs

• Tutorial classes have approximately 18 students so you receive individual attention.

• You participate actively in class which gives you confidence in speaking English and develops presentation skills.

• Special consultation times with teachers and support services are available.

• Teachers are highly skilled and sensitive to the needs of international students.

• Students have access to all resources at UNSW such as the library, health centre and sports facilities.

Awards and prizes

Awards are offered for the outstanding student in each intake of the Foundation Year programs, in each of three combined academic areas. Each award, to the value of AUD$5000, is given to students enrolling at UNSW. In addition to these dux awards, various subject prizes are given to outstanding students.

Student services

Dedicated student advisers are available to help look after your welfare. They help you settle into your new way of life by organising:

• orientation activities including a program that not only explains what is required during the coming year but provides opportunities to make friends before classes begin.

• ongoing social activities such as day trips around Sydney, ski trips, regular sporting activities and the traditional end-of-year party.

Student accommodation

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 and internet connection. The building has a secure entrance and 24 hour security. Live-in supervisors provide a high level of care which is suitable for under-18-year-olds. There are cafés and convenience stores at street level. Homestay options are also available as well as private rental for students over 18. Our Accommodation Officer also helps students find short-term and permanent accomodation.