UNSW Foundation Year

UNSW Foundation Year provides excellent preparation for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) studies. It is a complete academic program similar to the American Freshman Year. Teaching by lectures and tutorials matches the undergraduate mode of teaching. The UNSW Foundation Year program has been offered in Sydney on the main campus on UNSW since 1989.

Success of the UNSW Foundation Year Program

• 88 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 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.

The UNSW Foundation Year Program

• meets the special needs of students with different educational backgrounds

• has 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 students’ preferred undergraduate programs. The program is widely recognised by other Australian and international universities.

• is located in a new building on the main UNSW campus with up-to-date teaching facilities including tutorial rooms, computer laboratories and a student common room. The courtyard is landscaped and has a café. UNSW Foundation Year students have full access to all resources at UNSW such as the Library, Sports Centre and Health Centre.

About the program

• tutorial classes have about 16-18 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 support services if you experience study difficulties

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

Program structure

UNSW Bachelor degrees can be entered from UNSW Foundation Year through different streams of study relating to specific degrees. The streams are: Physical Science; Life Science; Commerce; Arts, Social Science & International Studies; Design/Fine Arts, Media & Building.

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 have achieved certain academic and English language requirements in order to be offered a place in the UNSW Foundation Year program. Package offers of English language (if required), Foundation and undergraduate program at UNSW are available.

Awards and prizes

UNSW Foundation Year offers an award for the outstanding student in each intake at the Sydney campus, in each of three combined academic areas. Each award is to the value of A$5000 and is for students (international or local) enrolling at UNSW. In addition to these dux awards, various subject prizes are given to outstanding students.

Student services

Dedicated Student Advisers are on hand to help look after your welfare. They are experienced and understand what it is like to live and study in another country.

The Student Advisers help you settle into your new way of life by organising:

Orientation activities
For the three days following official enrolment, all new UNSW Foundation Year students attend an orientation program that not only explains what is required during the coming year, but also provides an opportunity to make friends before classes begin. You can go together on a city tour around the landmarks of Sydney, a fun way to socialise with new friends.

Ongoing social activities
Social activities continue throughout the program and are always popular. These include day-trips around Sydney, the two-day ski trip, regular sporting activities and the traditional end of year party.

Accommodation officer
The Accommodation Officer arranges an airport reception and transfer service and organises short-term accommodation. She also helps you find permanent accommodation and looks after students who are under 18 years of age.

Student accommodation
UNSW Foundation Year has its own secure Residential College. It is located in Kensington, 5 minutes walk from the campus and has accommodation for over 230 students in a range of furnished multi-bedroom and one-bedroom apartments, all fully-equipped, many with private bathroom and balcony. Each bedroom is single occupancy with own lock and has telephone, television and internet connection. The building has a very secure entrance and 24-hour security. Live-in supervisors provide a high level of care. It is suitable for under-18-year-olds. There are cafes and convenience stores at street level.

Please contact: UNSW Foundation Year