Foundation Program

Program Overview

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Foundation Program

Overview

The Foundation Program is designed for international students and is similar to Year 12. It prepares students for entry into first year degree studies.

Key Information

Duration

• 8 or 12 months

Intake Dates

• March, June, October

Campus Location

• Melbourne Burwood
• Geelong Waterfront

2025 Fees

Domestic

• A$30,090 (Standard)
• A$34,800 (Extended)

International

• A$31,260 (Standard)
• A$36,180 (Extended)

Course Overview

Your Pathway to University-Level Studies

The Deakin College Foundation Program has been specifically designed for international students. It aims to prepare students for further study in a Deakin College Diploma or for entry into the first year of a selected Deakin University bachelor degree.

Course Structure

The course consists of either a standard or extended track program. The standard track program consists of eight academic units: five core units and three elective units. The extended track program has an additional four units.

Support Services

Various support services focusing on language, literacy, and numeracy assistance are also available to help students in their studies.

Assessment

Each unit includes four hours of classes per week. Assessment for all units is continuous and includes tests, assignments, and case study analysis. Most units have a final two-hour examination.

Who Should Apply?

The Foundation Program has been designed for international students who have completed the equivalent of Australian high school Year 11.

Domestic Students

The program is also available to domestic students with permanent residency or humanitarian visa holders, however, domestic students will not be offered entry into first year university after completing the Foundation program. Domestic students must complete a diploma program before transferring to Deakin University.

Download Course and Unit Outline

For more details about course plans, subject availability, streams, and unit overviews, please download the Course and Unit Outline for your campus of study:

• Download Course and Unit Outline (Burwood)
• Download Course and Unit Outline (Geelong)

Progression to Diplomas and Degrees

Foundation to Deakin College Diploma Entry

After passing all required Foundation units and successfully completing the Foundation Program, students will be eligible to enter the relevant Deakin College diploma.

Foundation to Deakin University First Year Entry

After successfully completing the Foundation Program and meeting specified entry requirements, international students may be eligible to apply for entry into the first year of selected Deakin University bachelor degrees.

Standard Course Structure

Required Units for Standard Program

To complete the standard Foundation Program, students must complete and pass 8 units.

Unit Selection for First Trimester

• FNDS013 Advanced Academic Communication Skills (Core)
• FNDS014 Intercultural Studies (Core)
• FNDH023 Essential Mathematics (Core)
• FNDS015 Information Technology (Core)

Unit Selection for Second Trimester

• FNDS016 Advanced Academic Writing and Research (Core)
• Elective
• Elective
• Elective

Extended Course Structure

Required Units for Extended Program

For students who do not meet the entry requirements of the standard track program, an extended track program is also available. To complete the extended Foundation Program, students must complete and pass 12 units.

Unit Selection for First Trimester

• FNDS010 Introduction to Academic Communication (Core)
• FNDS011 Introduction to Academic Writing (Core)
• FNDS012 Computer Skills (Core)
• FNDH023 Essential Mathematics (Core)

Unit Selection for Second Trimester

• FNDS013 Advanced Academic Communications (Core)
• FNDS015 Information Technology (Core)
• FNDS014 Intercultural Studies (Core)
• Elective

Unit Selection for Third Trimester

• FNDS016 Advanced Academic Writing and Research (Core)
• Elective
• Elective
• Elective

Elective Units

Choose from the Elective Units Below

Electives are subject to change and may be offered in alternate trimesters.

• FNDA022 Media
• FNDA040 Digital Design
• FNDB020 Accounting
• FNDB021 Economics
• FNDB022 Management
• FNDE021 Mathematics I
• FNDE022 Physics
• FNDE023 Mathematics II
• FNDE024 Biology for Life Sciences
• FNDH021 Chemistry

Unit Overview

FNDA022 Media

This unit will explore content creation for the modern media landscape. Students will develop skills in viewing, analyzing, and composing diverse media, including social media, new and online media.

FNDA040 Digital Design

This unit introduces students to key principles and practices of visual design, media, and communication in digital format.

FNDB020 Accounting

This unit provides an introduction to the operation of financial accounting systems.

FNDB021 Economics

This unit provides students with a broad understanding of theoretical Micro and Macro-economic concepts.

FNDB022 Management

This unit provides students with a broad understanding of the principles and practices of management in the contemporary world.

FNDE021 Mathematics I

This module introduces students to Calculus and prepares students for more advanced studies.

FNDE022 Physics

This unit provides students with the knowledge of a broad range of physics concepts.

FNDE023 Mathematics II

This module provides a background in Calculus and prepares students for further studies academically and professionally.

FNDE024 Biology for Life Sciences

This module seeks to imbue students with a broad scientific knowledge of the living world.

FNDH021 Chemistry

This unit introduces students to the study of matter and its interactions.

FNDH023 Essential Mathematics

This unit is designed to underlay students with a general mathematics knowledge base required for further studies in Business, Health Sciences, and Computing/IT/Engineering courses.

FNDS010 Introduction to Academic Communication

This unit seeks to impart to students the fundamentals of communication skills.

FNDS011 Introduction to Academic Writing

This unit seeks to further develop students’ written skills through exploration of two key writing genres and academic writing.

FNDS012 Computer Skills

This unit is an introductory unit in computing and information technology.

FNDS013 Advanced Academic Communication Skills

This unit builds linguistic and tactical skills for participation in the academic contexts for the Australian tertiary education system.

FNDS014 Intercultural Studies

This unit is designed to enhance students’ knowledge of their own culture and encourages them to reflect on how their perspectives, values, and beliefs are formed.

FNDS015 Design and Technologies

Information systems and technology are vital components of today’s business environment and everyday life.

FNDS016 Advanced Writing and Research Skills

This unit trains students in the academic literature review and the essay writing process.

Academic Entry Requirements

Entry to the Foundation Program requires the successful completion of Year 11 or equivalent.

English Language Entry Requirements

International students must be able to demonstrate English language proficiency before being admitted to this course.