Why Study / Key Benefits

• Provides an academic pathway for international students who have completed the equivalent of Australian Year 11 but do not yet meet the requirements for direct entry to an Adelaide University bachelor’s degree.
• Successful completion, together with the required progression score and destination-degree requirements, provides a pathway to guaranteed entry to the packaged Adelaide University degree.
• The programme is streamed, allowing students to select elective subjects aligned with their intended undergraduate discipline.
• Students receive academic and English-language preparation before progressing to university study.
• KICA states that students receive personalised academic support and smaller classes.
• The College is located close to Adelaide University’s city campus, making the transition to university life convenient.
• Students studying the College pathway receive a packaged Confirmation of Enrolment covering the College and University pathway where applicable.
• KICA states that students should expect approximately 20–25 hours per week of independent learning in addition to scheduled classes. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Foundation Studies Program is streamed according to the student's intended undergraduate pathway. Students choose subjects appropriate to their intended degree, and not every elective is necessarily offered at every intake because availability is subject to demand.

Current subjects include the following areas:

Accounting

Accounting Part A introduces:

• accounting principles
• financial transactions
• business structures
• financial information users
• double-entry recording
• ledger accounts
• adjustments
• income statements
• balance sheets
• ethical and technological considerations.

Economics

Economics Part A covers:

• fundamental microeconomic principles
• economic problems
• decision-making
• markets
• government intervention
• market behaviour
• economic literacy.

Economics Part B progresses to:

• macroeconomics
• full employment
• price stability
• economic growth
• external balance
• macroeconomic policy
• globalisation
• free trade
• protectionism.

Biology

Biology Part A covers:

• cell biology
• biochemistry
• human physiology
• scientific methods
• experiments
• data analysis.

Biology Part B develops:

• genetics
• evolution
• gene expression
• natural selection
• ecology
• environmental processes
• cellular reproduction
• species diversity.

Chemistry

Chemistry Part A includes:

• atomic structure
• chemical bonding
• stoichiometry
• redox
• chemical reactions
• laboratory skills.

Chemistry Part B progresses to:

• reaction kinetics
• thermodynamics
• organic chemistry
• inorganic chemistry
• scientific investigations
• chemical data analysis.

Foundations of Computing

Part A includes:

• word processing
• spreadsheets
• presentation software
• computer components
• digital literacy
• document management
• data analysis.

Part B includes:

• HTML
• JavaScript
• web development
• relational databases
• introductory programming
• problem-solving.

General Mathematics

Part A covers:

• matrix modelling
• network modelling
• statistical analysis
• real-world mathematical applications
• reasoning and problem-solving.

Part B covers:

• statistical modelling
• linear programming
• financial modelling
• data analysis
• mathematical decision-making.

Mathematical Methods

Part A covers:

• algebra
• functions
• introductory calculus
• mathematical modelling
• data analysis.

Part B covers:

• advanced calculus
• probability
• statistical methods
• mathematical modelling
• data-driven decision-making.

Physics

Part A covers:

• kinematics
• dynamics
• forces
• energy
• momentum
• Newton's laws
• conservation laws
• laboratory experiments.

Part B covers:

• electromagnetism
• modern physics
• subatomic physics
• electromagnetic waves
• quantum mechanics
• experimental methods
• error analysis.

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no formal "specialisations" in the same sense as a bachelor's degree. Instead, the Foundation Studies Program uses academic streams/electives aligned with the intended undergraduate destination.

The programme can provide preparation for areas including:

• Business and commerce
• Accounting
• Economics
• Computing and IT
• Engineering
• Science
• Health-related studies
• Medicine-related pathways
• Nursing
• Education
• Social work
• Other undergraduate disciplines subject to Adelaide University requirements.

Programme Highlights

• 11-month standard pathway.
• February and August intakes.
• Designed for students completing Australian Year 11 or equivalent.
• Direct pathway towards first-year undergraduate study at Adelaide University.
• CRICOS registered programme: 117434B.
• Streamed curriculum aligned with intended undergraduate study.
• Science and mathematics options for STEM-related pathways.
• Business subjects such as Accounting and Economics.
• Computing preparation including programming, databases and web development.
• English and academic preparation for university study.
• Small-class and personalised academic support.
• Central Adelaide campus close to Adelaide University's city campus. 

Career Outcomes

The Foundation Studies Program itself is a pathway qualification and is not designed as a terminal professional qualification.

Its primary outcome is progression into the first year of an appropriate Adelaide University bachelor's degree.

Therefore, eventual career outcomes depend on the undergraduate degree selected after Foundation Studies.

Possible long-term career areas can include business, accounting, IT, engineering, science, health, education and other professional disciplines, depending on the student's destination degree.

The Foundation programme itself does not provide a specific professional registration or occupation.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current KICA information reflects the transition to Adelaide University and uses Adelaide University as the destination institution.

Important current points include:

• The standard programme is 2 semesters/11 months.
• February and August are the standard intakes.
• International tuition is currently listed as AUD 35,100.
• The programme's CRICOS code is 117434B.
• Some degrees have significantly higher English requirements.
• Certain degrees, including health, education and Speech Pathology, may have additional admission requirements, selection criteria, quotas or additional testing.
• Not all elective subjects are necessarily available in every intake.
• Students should maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress. KICA's attendance policy provides for intervention when attendance falls toward or below the required level; failure to maintain the required attendance can ultimately result in reporting to the Department of Home Affairs.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying the Foundation Studies Program in Australia generally require an Australian Student visa, subclass 500.

KICA confirms that students need a visa to study at the College.

Main requirements

The Department of Home Affairs states that a Student visa applicant must generally:

• be enrolled in an eligible course;
• hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE);
• hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless exempt;
• meet applicable health and character requirements;
• satisfy the Genuine Student requirement;
• demonstrate financial capacity where required;
• provide English-language evidence where required;
• satisfy any other requirements applicable to the individual applicant.

Genuine Student requirement

Student visa applications lodged from 23 March 2024 are assessed under the Genuine Student requirement.

Applicants need to explain, among other things:

• their current circumstances;
• why they want to study the chosen course in Australia;
• why they chose the particular education provider;
• their understanding of studying and living in Australia;
• how the course will benefit them.

Visa application process

The typical pathway is:

1. Apply to KICA.
2. Receive an Offer of Admission.
3. Meet any conditions attached to the offer.
4. Make the required payment.
5. Receive the Confirmation of Enrolment.
6. Apply online for Student visa subclass 500 through ImmiAccount.
7. Provide the documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
8. Complete any required health, biometrics or other immigration procedures.
9. Await the Department's decision.