UNSW Foundation

Foundation at UNSW

UNSW Foundation Studies (UFS) is a program of the University of New South Wales, and all courses are monitored and approved by UNSW Staff and Quality Assurance Committees. Established in 1988, UNSW Foundation Studies is the longest-running and leading Foundation Program in Australia and is designed specifically for students with an international education background. We are located on the University of New South Wales (UNSW) campus in the beautiful Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. Students attend university style lectures and tutorials, and classes are small - with 16 to 18 students - so they each receive individual attention. UFS classes develop critical thinking and creative problem solving skills, as well as group discussion skills in English. Students are welcome to talk to the teachers in additional private tutorials.

Students also participate in social activities designed to build friendship networks that last beyond their studies and give them greater confidence in the use of English. Through academic and social opportunities graduates of the Program develop:

• competence in English required for scholarly enquiry
• relevant discipline knowledge required for successful undergraduate study
• a capacity for critical thinking and creative problem solving
• familiarity with the teaching and learning styles of Australian universities
• the skills required for collaborative learning
• a sense of independence, ethical behaviour and responsibility for your own actions and learning.

Standard Foundation Year (36 weeks)

This Standard program is recommended if you have strong English language proficiency (minimum IELTS 5.5 or equivalent) and solid academic results. All academic streams of study are offered in this program. Duration:

• April - December
• October - June (the following year)

Standard Plus Foundation Year (46 weeks)

This Extended program is recommended if you have strong English language proficiency (minimum IELTS 5.5 or equivalent) but need or would like a more gradual introduction to your Foundation Year studies. The first 10 weeks of the program provides a full introduction to, and revision of, the major subject areas you will study throughout Foundation Year and ensures that you have the best possible start to your studies. All academic streams of study are offered in this program. Duration:

• January - December
• July - June (the following year)

Transition Program (19 weeks)

This one-semester program is for students with strong English language proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent) who have graduated from high school, but have not quite met the entry levels for undergraduate entry, or who need to gain assumed knowledge in certain subjects. Commerce and Business, and Physical Scienceacademic streams of study are offered in this program.

English Plus Package (10 weeks plus)

This package combines a 10-week Pre-Foundation Year English course* followed by the UNSW Foundation Year (Standard or Standard Plus as listed above) and is recommended if you have moderate English language proficiency (minimum IELTS 5.0 or equivalent) and solid academic results. Duration:

• 10 Weeks English + Standard or Standard Plus Program (see above)

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