Study UniSA Foundation Studies at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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 Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
1 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
MFFS

SATAC Code
427021 (Internal)
427031 (Packaged)
427041 (Packaged)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Admissions
Student Profile

Entry Scores
2023 Guaranteed Entry
TAFE/RTO: N/A
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2022 Cut-Offs
View full entry requirements

Entry requirements

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

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This fee-free program (excluding SSAF) is also available at Mount Gambier, Whyalla and in external mode.

Packaged programs available (a minimum GPA is required to transition):

Bachelor of Aviation (Management) (SATAC code: 4270410)

Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) (SATAC code: 427031)

Degree overview

Great start to university life, preparing you for further studies in the discipline you’re interested in.
Designed for people who don’t meet entry requirements for their desired degree, including school leavers without an ATAR
Seamlessly transition into the degree of your choice upon successful completion of the 12-month program, using a competitive Grade Point Average (GPA).
Satisfies eligibility requirements for Centrelink benefits to assist you while studying.
Receive support from enrolment through to program completion with enrolment help sessions, mentoring, small class sizes and access to peer-assisted study sessions. More information can be found here: study.unisa.edu.au/unisa-college/enrolment/

Snapshot

UniSA Foundation Studies is a one-year program aimed at students with no previous qualifications, or for school leavers without an ATAR, with the added bonus of being fee-free¹.

You’ll get a great start to university life by learning the skills needed to study for your degree, including:
• How to write academic assignments
• Effective time-management
• How to reference to a university-standard
• How to research and form topic analysis

As a Foundation Studies student you will take courses on campus or online and will have access to our full range of support services. Flexible study options are available, such as full-time or part-time and external (online) studies, depending on your course selection. Upon successful completion, you can use your competitive grade point average (GPA) to apply for any UniSA degree.

¹You will be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as determined by the Australian Government.

Please note the below 'destination degree' requirements:

Health

Undergraduate degrees in health may have pre-placement requirements that must be met prior to commencement. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit website for details: https://study.unisa.edu.au/student-placements-and-internships/nursing-health-medical-sciences/cpu/

Nursing and Midwifery

To meet entry requirements, applicants to the Nursing pathway must consider the professional registration requirements, including the English Language Skills standard, and complete a declaration stating how they will demonstrate their English language competency, as determined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Further details can be accessed via the undergraduate program pages.

Education

Students pursuing an education pathway must meet the required standard in the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) as a prerequisite for their final Professional Experience Placement course within their undergraduate degree.
Undergraduate degrees in education have pre-placement requirements that must be met prior to commencement. For more information, visit unisa.edu.au/eds-requirements
Education students also need to submit a written statement as part of their transition process.

What you'll learn

You will study core courses to develop your critical writing, study skills, communication skills and research skills. The remaining elective courses will provide an introduction to the study areas you may be interested in.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
University Studies	EDUC 1075	4.5
Literacy Course 1		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 5,6
Elective 1		4.5	Note(s): 3	Rule(s): 3
Elective 2		4.5	Note(s): 3	Rule(s): 3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Literacy Course 2		4.5	Note(s): 1
Elective 3		4.5	Note(s): 3	Rule(s): 3
Elective 4		4.5	Note(s): 3	Rule(s): 3
Elective 5		4.5	Note(s): 3	Rule(s): 3

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Literacy Courses - 2 courses will be recommended via the Enrolment Planning Tool. Students who complete Critical Literacy as Literacy Course 1 may negotiate their course for Literacy Course 2.
Critical Thinking: Media and Academia	LANG 1002	4.5
English Language Studies	LANG 46	4.5
Communication for Academic Purposes	COMM 1068	4.5
Business Focus
Communication for Academic Purposes	COMM 1068	4.5
Essential Mathematics	MATH 1073	4.5
Introductory Quantitative Skills	MATH 1072	4.5
Introductory Economics and Finance	ECON 1009	4.5
Individual and Society in Contemporary Australia	HUMS 1052	4.5
Foundations of Professional Practice	BUSS 1061	4.5
Applied Computer Practices	COMP 26	4.5
Critical Thinking: Media and Academia	LANG 1002	4.5
Future Ideas: Information and the Internet	LIBR 1008	4.5
Individual and Group Skills	COMM 1040	4.5
Introduction to Global Issues and Identities	HUMS 1048	4.5
Education, Arts and Social Science Focus
Introduction to Global Issues and Identities	HUMS 1048	4.5
Individual and Group Skills	COMM 1040	4.5
Introductory Physics	PHYS 5	4.5
Future Ideas: Information and the Internet	LIBR 1008	4.5
Critical Thinking: Media and Academia	LANG 1002	4.5
Applied Computer Practices	COMP 26	4.5
Foundation Mathematics 1: Algebra and Trigonometry	MATH 46	4.5
Foundations of Professional Practice	BUSS 1061	4.5
Digital Literacy: Screen, Web and New Media	INFS 1022	4.5
Science for Tertiary Learning	NASC 18	4.5
Individual and Society in Contemporary Australia	HUMS 1052	4.5
Introductory Economics and Finance	ECON 1009	4.5
Maths Fundamentals	MATH 48	4.5
Introductory Quantitative Skills	MATH 1072	4.5
Introduction to Human Behaviour	BUSS 1063	4.5
Communication for Academic Purposes	COMM 1068	4.5
Foundations of Education Studies	EDUC 1098	4.5
Health Focus
Introduction to Anatomy	HLTH 1046	4.5
Introduction to Human Physiology	HLTH 1048	4.5
Introduction to Biosciences	NASC 1009	4.5
Communication for Academic Purposes	COMM 1068	4.5
Introduction to Human Behaviour	BUSS 1063	4.5
Essential Mathematics	MATH 1073	4.5
Introductory Quantitative Skills	MATH 1072	4.5
Maths Fundamentals	MATH 48	4.5
Individual and Society in Contemporary Australia	HUMS 1052	4.5
Foundation Mathematics 2: Calculus	MATH 47	4.5
Science for Tertiary Learning	NASC 18	4.5
Foundation Mathematics 1: Algebra and Trigonometry	MATH 46	4.5
Applied Computer Practices	COMP 26	4.5
Critical Thinking: Media and Academia	LANG 1002	4.5
Future Ideas: Information and the Internet	LIBR 1008	4.5
Introductory Physics	PHYS 5	4.5
Introductory Chemistry	CHEM 2	4.5
Individual and Group Skills	COMM 1040	4.5
Introduction to Global Issues and Identities	HUMS 1048	4.5
Laboratory Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science programs require students to complete one of the following courses:
Introductory Chemistry	CHEM 2	4.5
Introductory Physics	PHYS 5	4.5
Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment Focus
Introductory Physics	PHYS 5	4.5
Introductory Chemistry	CHEM 2	4.5
Introduction to Global Issues and Identities	HUMS 1048	4.5
Individual and Group Skills	COMM 1040	4.5
Future Ideas: Information and the Internet	LIBR 1008	4.5
Critical Thinking: Media and Academia	LANG 1002	4.5
Applied Computer Practices	COMP 26	4.5
Introductory Information Technology Mathematics	MATH 42	4.5
Foundation Mathematics 1: Algebra and Trigonometry	MATH 46	4.5
Science for Tertiary Learning	NASC 18	4.5
Digital Literacy: Screen, Web and New Media	INFS 1022	4.5
Foundation Mathematics 2: Calculus	MATH 47	4.5
Individual and Society in Contemporary Australia	HUMS 1052	4.5
Maths Fundamentals	MATH 48	4.5
Introductory Economics and Finance	ECON 1009	4.5
Introductory Quantitative Skills	MATH 1072	4.5
Essential Mathematics	MATH 1073	4.5
Introduction to Human Behaviour	BUSS 1063	4.5
Communication for Academic Purposes	COMM 1068	4.5
Engineering, and Science (Applied Physics) programs require students to complete the following courses:
Foundation Mathematics 2: Calculus	MATH 47	4.5
Foundation Mathematics 1: Algebra and Trigonometry	MATH 46	4.5
Introductory Physics	PHYS 5	4.5
Science (Biology) requires students to complete the following courses:
Introduction to Biosciences	NASC 1009	4.5
Science for Tertiary Learning	NASC 18	4.5
Science (Chemistry) requires students to complete the following courses:
Introductory Chemistry	CHEM 2	4.5
Science for Tertiary Learning	NASC 18	4.5
Science (Mathematics) requires students to complete the following courses:
Foundation Mathematics 2: Calculus	MATH 47	4.5
Foundation Mathematics 1: Algebra and Trigonometry	MATH 46	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students must complete the program within 4 years of commencement, or they will be deemed to have withdrawn from the program.

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

3. Students are required to complete two science majors from the electives list to be accepted into the Bachelor of Science. Please advise your Program Director if you have successfully completed any SACE Stage 2 science courses prior to selecting your electives.

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 recommended to study LANG 46 English Language Studies as a result of the literacy based Enrolment Planning Tool, will need to pass LANG 46 in order to progress their studies.

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

Notes

1. Literacy Course 1 and Literacy Course 2 are to be selected from the Literacy Elective list in conjunction with advice given upon completion of the Enrolment Planning Tool.

2. Students who have not studied Mathematics at SACE Stage 1 level should undertake at least one Maths course as identified by the Enrolment Planning Tool.

3. Students can choose from all courses listed above. Electives can be selected from multiple focus areas. The courses in the focus areas are recommendations only. Students are welcome to discuss their enrolment options with their Program Director.

4. To meet entry requirements, applicants to the Midwifery and Nursing pathways must consider the professional registration requirements, including the English Language Skills standard, and complete a declaration stating how they will demonstrate their English language competency, as determined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Further details can be accessed via the undergraduate program pages.

5. Undergraduate degrees in health may have pre-placement requirements that must be met prior to commencement. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit website for details: https://study.unisa.edu.au/student-placements-and-internships/nursing-health-medical-sciences/cpu/

6. Students pursuing an education pathway must meet the required standard in the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) as a prerequisite for their final Professional Experience Placement course within their undergraduate degree.

7. Undergraduate degrees in education have pre-placement requirements that must be met prior to commencement. For more information, visit unisa.edu.au/eds-requirements

Study hours

Your study schedule will be divided into the time you spend attending classes and watching lectures as well as independent study, including your personal research and assignment work. Generally, full-time study is equivalent to 40 hours per week.

Assessment

Your assessments may include:

research papers
presentations
tests (in person and online)
assignments
take home examinations
group assignments
participation and attendance
examinations

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Further study

Upon successful completion, you can use your grade point average (GPA) to apply for any UniSA degree (a competitive GPA is required).

Why UniSA Foundation Studies

You will be supported when choosing courses within your degree so that you are ready to transition into your desired area of study. You will also be taught by highly experienced academics from UniSA.

Online study

Studying externally (online) gives you the flexibility to study where and when you want, at your own pace. All of the courses offered through UniSA College can be studied online. You can choose your study mode when you enrol. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 digital environment, you can also:

access your lectures online, plus study and course resources
submit your assignments and get feedback
use forums and discussion boards for team work and communication

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses have advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. You’ll discover that your journey at UniSA is also about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. Depending on your campus, you’ll find student gyms, pools, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you’re keen to explore the social side of university life, there’s movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Student services

You will have full access to our student support services to help you settle in to university life before you begin studying a bachelor degree. We want you to be successful, and if you need help you’ll have it. We provide a full range of support services, including:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
library services
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
wellbeing resources and advice
accommodation
community health clinics
services offered through our student association, USASA

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonlinefacilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your program director

I have a strong background in health sciences, with a focus in human health and more specifically human physiology. I strongly advocate for equity and access to education through pathway programs. I am keen to improve the transition of students into university study, and also more broadly into STEM.

Mr Tristan King

Program Director

Enquire

Mr Tristan King

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.

More FAQs

UniSA Foundation Studies (Whyalla)

Study overseas

Enrich your studies and your life - make overseas experience part of your degree. Lots of opportunities are available.

Take me there

Accommodation

We offer advice and assistance to help you find long- or short-term accommodation in Adelaide.

Get accommodation advice

Got questions?

If you've got a question about studying at UniSA, we've got an answer.

Go to FAQs

Contact us

Australian students

Phone: +61 8 8302 2376
Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

International students

Phone: +61 8 9627 4854
Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/international/enquiry

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