University of Canberra College

University of Canberra College (UC College) offers pathway programs that enable students to transition smoothly into degree-level study at the University of Canberra (UC), even if they don't meet the university's direct entry requirements. With a focus on academic and language support, UC College ensures a seamless academic experience.

The college offers a range of programs:

• International Foundation Studies: A pathway program for international students aiming to enter the first year of most UC undergraduate degrees.
• Diplomas: These provide up to one year of credit and offer personalized academic guidance, preparing students for undergraduate study.
• Graduate Certificate in Academic Foundations: A program for international students wishing to pursue a master's degree at UC but lacking the necessary qualifications for postgraduate study.
• English Language Programs: Intensive language classes designed for students who do not meet UC's English proficiency requirements.

UC College is located on UC's main campus, and students benefit from the same world-class facilities and services as degree-level students. Accommodation is guaranteed through UC's residence providers.

The University of Canberra is ranked number one in Canberra for fulltime employment, skills development and student support (GUG, 2025). UC is also ranked in the top seven universities in the world for reducing inequalities (THE Impact Rankings 2024), and 15th in Australia in the worldwide Times Higher Education Young Universities Rankings 2024.

Canberra, ranked in the top 30 student cities worldwide (QS Best Student Cities, 2025), is a vibrant, multicultural city with easy access to museums, restaurants, and natural spaces, making the student experience both enriching and convenient.

Canberra ranks among the safest cities for students globally (QS Best Student Cities, 2025), providing a secure and supportive environment for academic and personal growth. UC's campus is equipped with 24/7 security services.

UC College's academic staff are highly qualified, bringing professional expertise to their teaching alongside their experience in academia. They offer a personalized approach to student learning, ensuring each student receives the support they need to succeed.

Classes at UC College are small, with no more than 25 students in academic classes and 18 in English language courses. This fosters a collaborative learning environment that encourages active participation and individualized attention, ensuring no student gets left behind. Students will learn at their own pace, but working alongside a small group of peers encourages everyone to improve together and develop the skills needed for future learning and growth.

Upon completion of a UC College course, students will be fully prepared to step into degree-level study, and staying at the University of Canberra will ensure that students continue to benefit from the same high standards of teaching that they will come to expect after their time at UC College.

Students wishing to enrol at UC College must meet the academic entry requirements, which vary by program. International students can check country-specific entry requirements or contact UC College directly for more information. Students can learn not only what they must achieve in order to apply to UC College, but also the evidence required as part of their application.

English language proficiency is required for all UC College programs, with the following IELTS scores or equivalent:

• International Foundation Studies: Overall 5.5, with no band below 5.0
• Diploma Programs: Overall 5.5, with no band below 5.5
• Graduate Certificate in Academic Foundations: Overall 6.0, with no band below 6.0

Students will be able to develop their English language skills whilst studying at UC College, improving it to the required standard needed for degree-level study upon completion of their college course. However, since programs are taught in English, these entry-level scores are a requirement.

Broadly, UC College applicants will be expected to provide evidence of their ability to fund their studies as part of their application. However, new international students enrolling in 2025 may be eligible for several scholarships that UC College provides (details on how to apply are available on the UC College website):

Welcome to UC College Scholarship: 10 - 15 percent off tuition for International Foundation Studies and Diplomas, and AUD 2,000 off the Graduate Certificate in Academic Foundations tuition.

University of Canberra Merit Scholarship: 10 percent off annual tuition fees: Successful completion of UCC International Foundation Studies, Diplomas or GCAF program with a GPA of 5.0/7.0.

University of Canberra Excellence Scholarships: 30 percent off annual tuition fees: Successful completion of UCC International Foundation Studies, Diplomas or GCAF program with a GPA of 5.5/7.0.

ELICOS Scholarship: A 15 percent discount on the ELICOS weekly rate when students package an ELICOS course with another UC College or UC program (available for all 2025 intakes).

Work-integrated learning

UC offers a high level of practical learning opportunities, with nearly 90 percent of its degrees incorporating work-integrated learning. This hands-on approach helps students gain valuable industry experience and enhances their employability. It also benefits the employers who engage with the college for these programs – they gain access to a pool of students who are enthusiastic, motivated and eager to bring new ideas to the challenges of the workplace.

Work-integrated learning carries into the degree-level study at the University of Canberra too, with college graduates able to move onto degrees that either incorporate real industry challenges into

their teachings, or that offer internships so that students can gain genuine working experience and put that towards their degree.

Partially due to its excellent relationships with local and global businesses, the university boasts a strong graduate employment rate, with over 90 percent of UC graduates finding work within four months of completing their studies (QILT, 2022).

UC College graduates are typically guaranteed entry into UC degree programs, with students completing foundation studies entering the first year of their chosen bachelor's program. Students holding a UC diploma can often transition directly into the second year of a UC undergraduate degree, shortening the time required to then graduate in full and move onto the next stages of a career.

After completing their studies, international students may be eligible for a post-study work visa, with Canberra offering an additional year of work rights compared to other Australian cities. This can be highly advantageous when looking to find career paths in Australia that could then lead onto other exciting long-term opportunities.

Students generally complete their UC College programs with not just the academic knowledge needed to step up into degree-level education, but also the broader study skills and English language understanding that can help ensure a successful university experience overall.

UC College students are integrated into the University of Canberra's global community, which is recognized for academic excellence. UC has been ranked in the 401–500 range in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, showcasing its strong global standing. Additionally, UC ranks 65th in the 2024 Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, underscoring its innovative approach and dynamic growth.

UC is also ranked 403rd in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, reflecting its commitment to high-quality education and research. UC's top-tier performance in these rankings reflects its continued success in providing students with world-class learning opportunities.

The University of Canberra is ranked number one in Canberra for fulltime employment, skills development and student support (GUG, 2025). UC is also ranked in the top seven universities in the world for reducing inequalities (THE Impact Rankings 2024), and 15th in Australia in the worldwide Times Higher Education Young Universities Rankings 2024.

UC College also benefits from being part of an institution that is highly ranked for its work in reducing inequalities, good health and well-being, and strong international outlook, further solidifying its reputation as a leading choice for students worldwide. UC College is considered to be an excellent choice for students for a wide range of reasons, not just the standard of education provided.