UniSA Foundation Studies, University of South Australia (UniSA). 2025 information for Australian students

This degree is only available to Australian students

You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:

Australian or New Zealand Citizen
Australian Permanent Resident (including Humanitarian Visa holders)

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
0.5 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
DFFS

SATAC Code
427021 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry Requirements
TAFE/RTO (Guaranteed): N/A
View full entry requirements

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

No formal minimum entry requirements apply.

Applicants who have not completed SACE or a Certificate III must be 18 years of age or over before:
- February 1st of the year of intended enrolment for the study period 2 intake, or
- July 1st of the year of intended enrolment for the study period 5 (midyear) intake.
Applicants who have previously studied at higher education level or completed a TAFE/VET award at Certificate IV or higher will not be considered for admission to this program.

Essential requirements for admission
The Foundation Studies enrolment process adds a layer of specialised support for commencing UniSA Foundation Studies students. For further information, please refer to the Essential Requirements for UniSA College Enrolment web page. In some instances, students will be advised to enrol in a part time study load.
Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

Aim

To provide a pathway for applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage or who wish to return to study after a significant absence but lack the formal qualifications for University entry. To provide members of the University's equity target groups access to studies that will enable them to progress into one of the UniSA College undergraduate certificate or diploma programs.

Content & Structure

Students study up to 18 units, via courses that will develop literacy skills, study skills, communication skills, numeracy skills and research skills.

What courses you'll study

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Language and Literacy for Effective Communication	LANG 1069	9		Rule(s): 5,6
OR
Introduction to Academic Writing	LANG 1067	4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 7
Developing Academic Skills	EDUC 1114	4.5	Note(s): 1
Learning Mathematics at University	MATH 1082	4.5	Note(s): 1

Rules & notes

Rules

1. The program may be taken by full-time or part-time study or as a combination of the two modes.

2. Students must complete the program within 2 years of commencement, or they will be deemed to have withdrawn from the program.

3. Commencing students may have their initial enrolments withdrawn if they fail to engage with their studies (Enrolment policy A48 section 4.5).

4. Courses undertaken as part of UniSA Foundation Studies cannot be used for credit in any UniSA undergraduate program.

5. Commencing students must undertake a literacy based Enrolment Planning Tool prior to enrolment. If students do not meet the minimum result requirement they may be counselled into part-time study.

6. Students required to study this course as a result of the outcomes of the literacy-based Enrolment Planning Tool, will need to pass the course in order to progress their studies.

7. Students required to study this course as a result of the outcomes of the literacy-based Enrolment Planning Tool, will not be required to complete Language and Literacy for Effective Communication.

8. Upon completion of the program, students will have the equivalent of two semesters to progress into their chosen award program. If a student chooses not to submit their transition preferences during these periods, they will need to apply via SATAC to return to study.

9. This program requires weekly participation in all enrolled courses. Student engagement is monitored, with a lack of participation or contact with student support services and/or the Program Director resulting in students being unenrolled from courses they have not engaged with. This action will occur in week 3, prior to census, to ensure students' future program performance (cumulative GPA) is protected.

Notes

1. Following completion of the Literacy-based Enrolment Planning Tool, students may be directed to complete these courses and complete Foundation Studies in 13.5 units.