Foundation Studies

The Foundation Studies Program provides a pathway to ACU undergraduate degrees for students who wish to study at university but do not have a recognised Year 12 qualification. Enrolment is open to both international and Australian domestic students.

Overview

Foundation Studies aims to equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed at the undergraduate level at ACU. Regardless of whether you study on-campus or online, you will be provided with personalised support to assist you with progression to your degree program at ACU.

Course Details

• Duration: 1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
• ATAR: N/A
• Fees (first year): $0 CSP
• Start dates:
  • Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2026
  • Applications open August 2025
  • Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not offered this intake

Course Structure

To complete Foundation Studies, a student must complete 80 credit points (cp).

Course Map

There are several course maps available depending on the semester of commencement and the intended undergraduate degree. These include:

• Commencing Foundation Studies Semester 1 - Domestic: Generic Program Map
• Commencing Foundation Studies Semester 1 - Domestic - Accelerated: Generic Program Map
• Commencing Foundation Studies Semester 2 - Domestic - Accelerated: Generic Program Map
• Commencing Foundation Studies Semester 1 - International: Generic Program Map
• General Program Map to follow for Health Sciences
• General Program Map to follow for Arts and Education
• General Program Map to follow for Law and Business
• General Program Map to follow for Theology and Philosophy

Entry Requirements

Domestic Students

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must:

1. Be 18 years or over by the census date of the first relevant study period of enrolment

International Students

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must:

• Have completed the equivalent of year 11 (completion of senior high school in countries where this is not considered equivalent to an Australian year 12).
• Meet the English language requirements.

English Language Requirements

For international students, the English language requirements vary depending on the intended undergraduate degree. For degrees requiring an English proficiency level of IELTS 6.5 or below, students must meet one of the following:

• IELTS - overall score: 5.5, individual score of 5.0 in all tests
• PTE - 42 with a minimum of 36 in all four communicative skills
• TOEFL - Internet based total of 46: minimum 14 in writing, 14 in speaking, 4 in listening and 4 in reading
• C1 Advanced - Overall score of 162, minimum score of 155 in all tests
• ACU English Language Test; or ACU EAP - D (55-59%) For degrees requiring an English proficiency level of IELTS 7 or above, students must meet one of the following:
• IELTS - overall score: 6.0, individual score of 6.0 in all tests
• PTE - 50 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills
• TOEFL - Internet based total of 60: minimum 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 13 in reading an 12 in listening
• C1 Advanced - Overall score of 169, minimum score of 169 in all tests
• ACU English Language Test; or ACU EAP - C (63-64%)

Pathways

Students who successfully complete the course with the required Entry Score are eligible for direct entry to undergraduate degrees at ACU.

Fees

• Course costs: Average first year fee: $0 CSP
• Payment options: Various options are available, including government assistance, scholarships, and income support.

Scholarships

ACU offers a range of scholarships to help students with the cost of studying, accommodation, or overseas study opportunities. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, community engagement, leadership, and financial need.

Graduate Statement

As an ACU graduate, you will have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen, and a scholar. You will embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You will be empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

AQF Framework

Non-AQF

How to Apply

Domestic applicants can apply directly to ACU. Deferment is not available for this course.

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

---

Overview:

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a leading Catholic university in Australia, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. It is known for its strong commitment to faith and values, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

---

Services Offered:

ACU provides a comprehensive range of student services, including:

Academic Skills Development:

The Academic Skills Unit offers support in developing essential study skills, academic writing, referencing, maths and numeracy, and exam preparation.

Campus Ministry:

Provides spiritual guidance and support to students.

Career Development Services:

Offers career advice, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Connect2Uni:

Provides support and resources for first-year students.

Counselling Services:

Offers confidential counselling and support for students' mental health and wellbeing.

Disability Support:

Provides tailored support for students with disabilities.

Medical Centres:

Offers healthcare services on campus.

Student Advocacy:

Provides support and guidance to students facing academic or personal challenges.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Services:

Offers dedicated support and resources for Indigenous students.

Student Veterans Support Program:

Provides support and resources for students who have served in the military.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

ACU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience, with opportunities for students to:

Join clubs and societies:

Participate in a wide range of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.

Engage in creative and cultural activities:

Participate in various events and activities, including arts, music, and theatre.

Develop leadership skills:

Take advantage of leadership opportunities within clubs, societies, and student associations.

Participate in ACU Sport:

Access gyms, fitness classes, and sports facilities, and join sports clubs and activities.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Catholic values and ethics:

ACU's commitment to faith and values creates a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Comprehensive student services:

Provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.

Vibrant campus life:

Offers a diverse range of clubs, activities, and events to enhance the student experience.

Focus on practical skills and real-world application:

Emphasizes the development of practical skills and knowledge relevant to future careers.

Strong reputation and rankings:

ACU is consistently ranked among the top universities in Australia.

---

Academic Programs:

ACU offers a wide range of academic programs across its four faculties:

Faculty of Education and Arts:

Offers programs in education, arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Faculty of Health Sciences:

Offers programs in nursing, medicine, psychology, and allied health.

Faculty of Law and Business:

Offers programs in law, business, and economics.

Faculty of Theology and Philosophy:

Offers programs in theology, philosophy, and religious studies.

---

Other:

ACU has campuses located in Ballarat, Blacktown, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, Rome, and Strathfield. It also offers a range of online programs through ACU Online.