Foundation Studies

Pre-degree | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City

Duration

1 year(s) full-time only (no part time option)

Program code

FNDST

Study as

Full-time only (no part time option)

Indicative annual fees

Fee Free

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirement and demonstrate they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Students are required to have reached a minimum age of 17 for admission.
If students do not have sufficient English language capability, they will be required to complete a zero unit course ‘Language and Literacy for Effective Communication’ prior to admission.
Entry into Block 1 is open access with no formal entry requirements. Applicants who meet the entry criteria indicated above may be eligible to commence at Block 2 of this program.

Note:

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025, to commence study in 2026.

Please note that entry requirements for this program are provisional and subject to change.

Why Foundation Studies?

Set yourself up for success at university with Adelaide University’s Foundation Studies program.

Become a confident and well-rounded student, ready to embark on your future study journey – in just one year.

Foundation Studies is fee-free and designed for people who have not experienced university, including school leavers without an ATAR or those looking to return to study.

Get a taste of university and learn the skills needed to excel in your future degree.

Overview

Develop essential academic skills and prepare for future university studies with our fee-free Foundation Studies program. Designed for those who are studying for the first time, or who did not receive an ATAR in Year 12, this program will give you lifelong skills. You’ll study writing, communication, numeracy, research, study skills and elective courses to build your confidence.

We’ll support you to successfully move on to undergraduate study. From enrolment through to program completion, you’ll get help through enrolment sessions, mentoring, small class sizes and access to peer-assisted study sessions. Once you’ve completed one year of full-time study, you’ll have competitive entry to a wide range of Adelaide University undergraduate degrees.

If you wish to exit your studies after the first two courses, you’ll be awarded a certificate of completion, outlining your learned skills. If you exit the Pathway program after completing four courses, you’ll have guaranteed entry into a wide range of undergraduate degrees (some degrees may have a minimum GPA entry requirement so it’s always best to check before you apply). Completing all eight courses means you will have competitive entry into all undergraduate degrees if you also hold a competitive GPA. Please note quotas may exist for some degrees.

Key features

Learn how to write academic assignments, setting you up for success in your studies.
Develop your communication, numeracy, research and time management skills.
Enjoy flexibility, with both on campus and online blended learning options.
Be supported throughout your studies with access to our full range of support services.
Use this program as a pathway to one of the largest ranges of undergraduate degrees in Australia.
Study alongside a diverse cohort of students.

What you'll learn

Over one year of full-time study, you’ll complete up to eight preparatory courses, getting you ready for future undergraduate studies.

This pathway option is delivered in three blocks, with a series of entry, exit and transition points that cater to different educational backgrounds and chosen destination degrees. You can either finish all three blocks of study – or exit with a certificate of completion for every block of study you complete.

Core courses will include:

Introduction to Academic Writing
Numeracy and Problem Solving
Critical Thinking: Media and Academia.

These courses will develop your academic writing, communication, numeracy, research, and study skills – including how to write academic assignments, cite research and effectively manage time. These skills and experiences will give you the right launchpad to navigate your future at university.

You will also select five electives from a list relevant to your future study discipline. You’ll choose from the following areas:

Behavioural and Social Science
Business
Creative Arts
Design and Humanities
Education
Engineering and IT
Health
Law
Science.

Through these electives, you’ll gain a greater understanding about the breadth of options available to you at university. Maybe you want to pursue a law degree and set up your career as a solicitor or barrister. Perhaps you’ll apply for a science degree, exploring astrophysics, animal behaviour or evolutionary biology. You might even begin your journey to becoming a psychologist by applying for our suite of psychology degrees.

Please note that most undergraduate degrees will accept four or six completed Foundation Studies courses as an entry method. For entry to all undergraduate degrees, you will need to complete all eight courses and have a competitive GPA.

What courses you'll study

Complete 48 units comprising:

12 to 18 units for Core courses, and
30 to 36 units for Electives

Complete 12 to 18 units for either of the following:

12 units for all Block 1 core courses, or
Both of the following:
12 units for all Block 1 core courses, and
6 units for all Block 2 core courses

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Introduction to Academic Writing	Course code COMM1012	Units 6
	Course name Numeracy and Problem Solving	Course code MATH1036	Units 6

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Critical Thinking: Media and Academia	Course code COMM1003	Units 6

Complete 30 to 36 units comprising:

30 to 36 units from Program electives

	Course code	Units
Course name Introduction to Human Anatomy	Course code BIOL1008	Units 6
Course name Foundations of Business	Course code BUSI1021	Units 6
Course name Writing for Academic Purposes	Course code COMM1001	Units 6
Course name Introduction to Biosciences	Course code EART1008	Units 6
Course name Science for Tertiary Learning	Course code EART1009	Units 6
Course name Introductory Economics and Personal Finance	Course code ECON1008	Units 6
Course name Foundations of Education Studies	Course code EDUC1029	Units 6
Course name UO Introduction to Human Physiology	Course code HLTH1029	Units 6
Course name Digital Literacy: Screen, Web and New Media	Course code INFO1018	Units 6
Course name ICT Literacies	Course code INFO1027	Units 6
Course name Introduction to Algebra	Course code MATH1027	Units 6
Course name Statistical Literacy	Course code MATH1037	Units 6
Course name Introduction to Human Behaviour	Course code PSYC1022	Units 6
Course name Global Citizenship in the 21st Century	Course code SOCI1015	Units 6
Course name Individual and Society in Contemporary Australia	Course code SOCI1016	Units 6

How to apply

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025, to commence study in 2026.

Please note that entry requirements for this program are provisional and subject to change.

If you want to start your studies earlier, consider applying to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now, and continue onto Adelaide University in 2026. Register your interest to stay informed.

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them. Regional students will also have access to our Mount Gambier and Whyalla campuses, along with our Port Lincoln and Ceduna Study Centres.

Our Mount Gambier, Whyalla and Adelaide campuses also have a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
First Nations support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Refugee and asylum seeker support
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.