The University of Adelaide College is the official pathway provider for the University of Adelaide (one of Australia’s Group of Eight universities), offering foundation programs to prepare international students for undergraduate study. The Foundation Studies Program is designed for students who:

• Have completed high school but don’t yet meet the direct entry requirements for a bachelor’s degree,
• Want to build academic knowledge and subject background relevant to their future degree, and
• Wish to gain guaranteed entry into the University upon successful completion.

 

Why Study a Foundation Studies Program?

Key Benefits for International Students

• Guaranteed progression: Successful completion leads to entry to the first year of a bachelor’s degree at the University of Adelaide (or the new Adelaide University from 2026).
• No further English evidence: For many degrees, additional English proof isn’t required if you achieve the college’s required progression score.
• Flexible streams: Choose subjects matched to your chosen future degree (e.g., business, science, engineering, IT, health).
• Support services: Academic and pastoral support, independent learning guidance, and access to university facilities.

 

Subjects & Curriculum

You will usually study five subjects over two semesters tailored to your intended degree. The College assists with selecting the right combination based on the undergraduate pathway. Sample subject options include:

Core Subjects

• Academic English / English for Academic Purposes

• Critical Thinking / Integrated Learning

Elective / Degree-Relevant Subjects

• General Mathematics

• Mathematical Methods / Specialist Mathematics

• Accounting

• Economics

• Biology, Chemistry, Physics

• Computing & Information Systems

• Australian Studies

 

Disciplines & Specialisations

The Foundation Studies Program prepares students for undergraduate degrees in broad fields such as:

• Business & Commerce (e.g., Business Management, Marketing)
• Information Technology & Computer Science
• Engineering & Mathematics
• Health & Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
• Humanities & Social Sciences

 

Highlights & Student Benefits

• Guaranteed entry into University of Adelaide bachelor degrees upon successful progression.
• Packaged CoE covers both pathway and undergraduate study for visa stability.
• Subject flexibility allows alignment with future degree requirements.
• Support services include academic advising, English assistance, and independent learning guidance.
• International network and opportunity to live and study in Adelaide or Melbourne.

 

Career Outcomes

While the Foundation Studies Program itself is a pre-university preparatory course, it plays a critical role in enabling international students to access degree programs that lead to careers in:

• Business and Management
• Marketing and Commerce
• IT and Computer Science
• Engineering and Mathematics
• Health Sciences and Allied Health
• Science and Research

 

Visa Requirements

As an international student studying in Australia, you’ll typically require an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500):

• Proof of Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for Foundation Studies (often packaged with your degree pathway)
• Evidence of financial capacity (tuition + living costs)
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Valid passport and supporting documents