Foundation programs (also known as Foundation Years or University Preparation courses) take many forms but they offer an alternative means for international students to access post-school institutions. They are most commonly used as a pathway for students who do not meet the entry requirements of an undergraduate Bachelor degree program. Such programs are offered by institutions in the School, VET, ELICOS and Higher Education sectors. They usually have minimum entry requirements of successful completion of year 11 (or equivalent) and an IELTS score of 5.5 (or equivalent scores of other acceptable language tests). Some foundation programs are shorter than one year (commonly called ‘express’ or ‘accelerated’ programs) and are typically offered to students who have completed year 12 and have an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent scores of other acceptable language tests or other ways of satisfying the provider.

Recognition Of Foundation Programs 

The recognition of a foundation program by universities can vary greatly. Many universities guarantee entry to students undertaking their endorsed program but only recognise other foundation programs on a case-by-case basis.

Diploma programs are offered both in Australia (on-shore) or off-shore through an off-shore campus or a partnership. This means that an Australian Diploma is offered by another provider overseas. Alternatively, an overseas Diploma that is not accredited by any Australian authority can form a similar pathway to undergraduate programs. For example, it can provide entry into the second or even third year of an undergraduate program.

• Australian institutions offer a large number of bridging and short courses, which are not similar to foundation or Diploma programs. It is difficult to categorise them because they are typically designed to support entry into a particular program at a particular institution. Also, they may have limited portability and recognition by other institutions.

  Some general features of bridging courses are: 

  • They vary greatly in length from 5 weeks or more, but usually shorter in duration than foundation or Diploma courses and are commonly non-award 
  • They can be non-essential. This means they offer the attainment of skills, which may be of use to a prospective student in a further course but which they do not normally need to enter the principal program
  • They may allow a student to attain a single pre-requisite subject, which is necessary for further study 
  • They may provide an alternative means of improving English proficiency in an environment specific to a single discipline 
  • They may provide entry to particular postgraduate courses.

  University Courses & Qualifications

  COURSE	NOTES
  Diploma  Duration – 1 -2 years	This is offered by some universities and university colleges. It is at the same level as a Diploma that is offered by a VET institution.
  UNDERGRADUATE
  Bachelor Degree  Duration – minimum of 3 years	This is the basic university qualification and is required for entry to a profession. The study usually involves major studies in an area where significant academic literature is available. Course content is to a significant depth and progressively developed to a high level. This also prepares students for the further postgraduate study if desired.
  Bachelor Degree(Honours)  Duration – 4 years	A Bachelor Degree with Honours takes an additional year after a Bachelor Degree with a focus on research.  Honours may also be granted where outstanding achievement is recorded in a Bachelor Degree course of four or more years.
  POSTGRADUATE
  Graduate Certificate  Duration – 6 months	The Graduate Certificate typically involves broadening individual skills already gained in an undergraduate program or developing vocational knowledge and skills in a new professional area.
  Graduate Diploma  Duration -12 months	The Graduate Diploma either broadens individual skills obtained in an undergraduate program or develops vocational knowledge and skills in a new professional area.  This qualification involves further specialisation within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge.
  Master Degree(Coursework)  Duration – 1 – 2 years	The Master Degree enhances specific professional or vocational skills. It is typically gained by coursework and some research.  The study involves acquiring an in-depth understanding of a specific area of knowledge usually by independent research.
  Master Degree (Research)  MPhil Duration – 1 – 2 years	The Master of Philosophy program aims to provide research training that develops independent research skills including the ability to formulate a significant problem, mastery of appropriate conceptual and methodological frameworks and capacity for articulate and critical analysis.  Admission requires a Bachelor degree with Honours but students may be admitted after completing a Graduate Diploma and having significant work experience.  It is possible to transfer to a PhD program after 1 year full-time if the work in the MPhil course is considered to be a suitable standard.
  Doctoral Degree (Doctor of Philosophy – PhD) Duration – usually 3 years	The Doctoral Degree is the highest award offered by Australian universities.  There are three components to a Doctoral Degree:  1) a review of relevant literature, experimentation, or other systemic approaches to a body of knowledge  2) an original research project resulting in a significant contribution to knowledge and understanding and/or the application of knowledge within a discipline or field of study  3) Publication of a substantial thesis/scientific papers demonstrating the relationship of the research to the broader framework of the discipline or field of study.

English language courses provide a direct route to all levels of qualifications on the AQF. Australia offers a wide range of ELICOS courses designed to meet the varying needs of students with different reasons for learning the English language. Full-time ELICOS courses tend to have these features: 

• Their duration generally ranges from four to 48 weeks 
• They are taught at all levels of proficiency from beginners to advanced 
• They comprise of at least 20 hours of study each week
• They usually have flexible commencement dates, so students can enrol at any time during the year

Often ELICOS courses are taken in sequence with formal courses of study in other sectors. They are packaged together with one or more courses. Sometimes these further courses are offered at the same institution. There are five major categories of English language courses generally offered in Australia to international students: 

• General English
• English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
• English for Secondary School Preparation
• Examination Preparation
• English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
• IELTS & TOEFL preparation
• Cambridge test preparation 

In addition, some ELICOS centres have developed and deliver specific courses to suit the needs of particular clients; for example, courses that may concentrate on executive English, corporate ELICOS training or Study Tour Programs (these programs usually combine English language study with other activities e.g. travelling or sporting activities). The cost of English Language tuition in general ELICOS courses varies depending on the city you go to and the language centre you choose. Tuition Fees range from AUD$250 per week to AUD$350 per week for regular ELICOS courses, involving 20-25 hours of tuition per week. 

Students may obtain a tourist visa to study English for less than 3 months, or if on a working holiday visa, study a maximum of 4 months. These students may undertake the same programs and classes as student visa holders. Note that students studying for less than four months can still apply for a student visa if they wish to. If the students come as a group, then they can have a specific program tailored for them. This is usually known as a ‘study tour’. Study tours usually have these features: 

• they are designed for students studying in their own country either in High School or in Higher Education and take place during holiday periods. 
• they combine tourist or specialised activities with English study. 
• they are often structured around a particular group of students coming from one source overseas (a school, university or workplace). 

Study tours can provide all types of Business and English language packages. Often these tours can be from school students and tourists to special interest technical groups wishing to further their studies in their specific area of interest. Many different types of special interest tours and holiday group travel tours are available. Some examples include: 

• Agriculture, mining and smelting, eco-tourism and environmental projects 
• Back-packing group tours with adventures & living English with practical experiences
• Aged care, nursing and dietician studies 
• High School & Junior High School holiday tours and conventions 
• Specialised technical and information tours, trade missions, government and VIP tours 
• University, Holiday & Graduation tours and conventions 

No formal qualifications are awarded at the completion of these kinds of courses. 

English Language Tests

The IELTS, TOEFL, CAE Cambridge and PTE Academic tests are the major testing systems used worldwide for entry into academic programs, including Australia. They are all accepted by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection in regard to student visa applicants who need to demonstrate appropriate English proficiency. 

TEST EQUIVALENCES