Standard Foundation Studies Program

A Foundation Studies program is your supportive pathway to the First Year of any UNSW degree. The Standard Foundation Program goes for nine months, which is a faster pace than other Foundation Studies we offer. Our programs are designed to suit your academic and English skills and prepare you for studying at university, with specific streams that align with your degree. We support you with personalised learning, small classes and social activities to help build your future at UNSW.

The Standard Foundation Program has been designed specifically for international students who have strong results in Year 11 or 12, but have not met the entry requirements for their chosen undergraduate degree. As a pre-university program, you can select the stream that best aligns with your chosen degree, so your learning is more tailored. You’ll also be supported to improve your English, critical thinking and presentation skills, participating in lectures and tutorials that will prepare you for university.

To be eligible for entry, students must be at least 16 years of age at the time they commence a UNSW Foundation Studies program.

Foundation English Requirements:

For Standard (Actuarial Studies, Commerce):

Minimum IELTS Requirement - 6.0, Writing 5.0 (sub-scores 5.0);

TOEFL (paper based) - 537, TWE 4.0;

TOEFL (internet iBT) - 75, Writing 14;

Pearson Test of English - 50, Writing 38;

Cambridge Advanced English - 169, Writing 154 (sub-scores 154);

HKDSE English - 3, Writing 2.

For Standard (Science, Arts, Design and Architecture):

Minimum IELTS Requirement - 5.5, Writing 5.5 (sub-scores 5.0);

TOEFL (paper based) - 513, TWE 4.5;

TOEFL (internet iBT) - 65, Writing 18;

Pearson Test of English - 46, Writing 46;

Cambridge Advanced English - 162, Writing 162 (sub-scores 154);

HKDSE English - 2, Writing 3.