CDU International College

International Foundation Studies Program

Completion of a Foundation Studies program provides access to most CDU undergraduate degrees.

Overview

The International Foundation Studies Program (FSP) has been developed to meet the needs of students who have a desire to advance their educational knowledge and skills in preparation for entry to university. Core and academic elective content develops theoretical proficiencies, skills and competencies as well as entrepreneurial enterprise, and leadership and team skills to equip students with the pedagogical constructs required for study at tertiary level. In addition to these academic and social foundations, students are also equipped with ongoing cultural orientation to Australia and the Northern Territories.

The Program is also designed to allow students to experience a focused study in an area of special interest or in specific disciplines that will better prepare them to study across the various sectors of their selected university course. It also helps students set and articulate goals and improve their self-management capabilities and confidence.

A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.

All units are scheduled for seven contact hours per week over a 13 week teaching semester giving a total of 728 class contact hours in a two semester course. The three core units (FSP001, FSP002 and FSP015) are offered every semester. Other units are offered every second semester so that students have access to all units in a two semester course. At least one mathematics unit selected from FSP010 Foundation Mathematics with Calculus or FSP011 Foundation Mathematics with Statistics must also be taken.

Subjects

Core Units (3 units): totalling 30 credit points as detailed below

  • FSP001 – English A
  • FSP002 – English B
  • FSP015 – Australian Cultures, Histories and Institutions 
 

Specialist Elective Units (5 units): totalling 50 credit points selected from the units listed below.

At least one Mathematics unit from either FSP010 or FSP011 must be included.

  • FSP005 Foundation Accounting
  • FSP006 Foundation Economics
  • FSP007 Foundation Marketing and Tourism
  • FSP008 Foundation Design
  • FSP009 Foundation Media Studies
  • FSP010 Foundation Mathematics with Calculus
  • FSP011 Foundation Mathematics with Statistics
  • FSP012 Foundation Health Studies
  • FSP013 Foundation Chemistry
  • FSP014 Foundation Physics
 
Total Credit Points: 80cp

International tuition fees

The annual tuition fee for full time study is AUD $21,632.

These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.

You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.

 

2023 Pathway Scholarships

Scholarships of up to 20% tuition fee are available for pathway programs (excluding Masters Preparation Program).

No application is required as applicants are automatically assessed after submitting their application to a course within the CDU International College. The scholarships are for all pathway applicants from all regions.

CDU also offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.

Students commencing in Semester 1 2023

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time load.

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2Summer Semester
Calendar Year 1 (2023)
FSP001 Foundation English ACOFSP002 Foundation English BCO  
Specialist Elective 1SEFSP003 Foundation English CCO  
Specialist Elective 2SESpecialist Elective 4SE  
Specialist Elective 3SESpecialist Elective 5SE  

Specialist Electives – must include at least one Maths unit selected from FSP010 or FSP011.

Specialist Elective Availability

Semester 1 2023Semester 2 2023Summer Semester 2023/2024

FSP006 Foundation Economics
FSP009 Foundation Media Studies
FSP011 Foundation Mathematics with Statistic
FSP012 Foundation Health Studies
FSP013 Foundation Chemistry
FSP014 Foundation Physics

FSP005 Foundation Accounting
FSP007 Foundation Marketing and Tourism
FSP008 Foundation Design
FSP010 Foundation Mathematics and Calculus
FSP011 Foundation Mathematics with Statistic
FSP006 Foundation Economics
FSP009 Foundation Media Studies
FSP011 Foundation Mathematics with Statistic
FSP012 Foundation Health Studies
FSP013 Foundation Chemistry
FSP014 Foundation Physics

 

Students commencing in Semester 2 2023

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard full time load.

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2Summer Semester
Calendar Year 1 (2023)
  FSP001 Foundation English ACOFSP002 Foundation English BCO
  Specialist Elective 1SEFSP003 Foundation English CCO
  Specialist Elective 2SESpecialist Elective 4SE
  Specialist Elective 3SESpecialist Elective 5SE

Specialist Electives – must include at least one Maths unit selected from FSP010 or FSP011.

Specialist Elective Availability

Semester 1 2023Semester 2 2023Summer Semester 2023/2024

FSP006 Foundation Economics
FSP009 Foundation Media Studies
FSP011 Foundation Mathematics with Statistic
FSP012 Foundation Health Studies
FSP013 Foundation Chemistry
FSP014 Foundation Physics

FSP005 Foundation Accounting
FSP007 Foundation Marketing and Tourism
FSP008 Foundation Design
FSP010 Foundation Mathematics and Calculus
FSP011 Foundation Mathematics with Statistic
FSP006 Foundation Economics
FSP009 Foundation Media Studies
FSP011 Foundation Mathematics with Statistic
FSP012 Foundation Health Studies
FSP013 Foundation Chemistry
FSP014 Foundation Physics

 

Students commencing in Summer Semester 2023/24

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student who commence in summer semester 2023/2024 and enroll in a standard load.

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2Summer Semester 2023/24
Calendar Year 1 (2023)
    FSP001 Foundation English ACO
    Specialist Elective 1CO
    Specialist Elective 2SE
    Specialist Elective 3SE
Calendar Year 2 (2024)
FSP002 Foundation English BCO                                                              
FSP003 Foundation English CCO    
Specialist Elective 4SE    
Specialist Elective 5SE    

Specialist Electives – must include at least one Maths unit selected from FSP010 or FSP011.

Specialist Elective Availability

Semester 1 2023Semester 2 2023Summer Semester 2023/2024

FSP006 Foundation Economics
FSP009 Foundation Media Studies
FSP011 Foundation Mathematics with Statistic
FSP012 Foundation Health Studies
FSP013 Foundation Chemistry
FSP014 Foundation Physics

FSP005 Foundation Accounting
FSP007 Foundation Marketing and Tourism
FSP008 Foundation Design
FSP010 Foundation Mathematics and Calculus
FSP011 Foundation Mathematics with Statistic
FSP006 Foundation Economics
FSP009 Foundation Media Studies
FSP011 Foundation Mathematics with Statistic
FSP012 Foundation Health Studies
FSP013 Foundation Chemistry
FSP014 Foundation Physics

Admission criteria: 

  • Applicants must have completed the equivalent of Year 11, Australian Secondary Schools.
  • Be aged 17 or older.
 

English language requirements:

To gain entry into CDU International College, all applicants must satisfy the English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.

IELTS Academic Module A minimum overall score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) A minimum overall score of 162, with no skill below 154.
Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency (CEFR) A minimum overall grade of B1.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module A minimum overall score of 42 with no score lower than 36.
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) A minimum overall score of 46 with a minimum score of 14 for reading, speaking and listening and a minimum score of 21 for writing.

* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU International College, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.


Academic entry requirements by country

A full list of academic entry requirements for our Foundation studies can be found on our Entry Requirements page.

Sample course progression

International Foundation Studies program finishing in November or February articulate into Bachelor degrees starting in Year 2 – Semester 1 (March).

International Foundation Studies program finishing in June articulate into Bachelor degrees starting in Year 2 – Semester 2 (July)

Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.

Degree progressions from Foundation Studies Program

Students must achieve a 65% minimum mark in the Foundation English units A and B. Please find additional requirements for each Bachelor degree below

DegreeDuration Full Time IntakesAdditional Requirements
Bachelor of Accounting3 yearsSemester 1 (March),
Semester 2 (August)
Foundation Accounting unit required
Degree Duration Full Time IntakesAdditional Requirements
Bachelor of Arts3 yearsSemester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August)None
Degree Duration Full Time IntakesAdditional Requirements
Bachelor of Business3 years Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August)None 
Bachelor of Digital Enterprise3 years Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August)None 
Degree Duration Full Time IntakesAdditional Requirements
Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Teaching (Birth-12 Years)4 years Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August)Achieving a minimum mark of 75% in Foundation English B and a
65% minimum mark in Foundation English A. Complete satisfactory Teaching Capabilities Statement, Working with Children
Check
Bachelor of Education Primary4 years Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August)Achieving a minimum mark of 75% in Foundation English B and a
65% minimum mark in Foundation English A. Complete satisfactory Teaching Capabilities Statement, Working with Children
Check.
Bachelor of Education Secondary4 years Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August)Achieving a minimum mark of 75% in Foundation English B and a
65% minimum mark in Foundation English A. Complete satisfactory Teaching Capabilities Statement, Working with Children
Check
Degree Duration Full Time IntakesAdditional Requirements
Bachelor of Humanitarian Aid and
Development
3 years Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August)AFP National Police Clearance, Working with Children Check, First
aid training certificate. 

 

Degree  Duration Full Time  Intakes Additional Requirements
Bachelor of Computer Science 3 years  Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August) None
Bachelor of Engineering Honours 4 years  Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August)

Calculus, Physics, Chemistry and Design units are compulsory.

Bachelor of Engineering Science 3 years  Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August) Calculus, Physics, Chemistry and Design units are compulsory
Bachelor of Information Technology 3 years  Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August) None
Bachelor of Software Engineering Honours 4 years  Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August) Calculus, Physics, Chemistry and Design units are compulsory
Degree Duration Full Time IntakesAdditional Requirements
Bachelor of Environmental Science3 years Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August)None
Degree Duration Full Time IntakesAdditional Requirements
Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science3 years Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August)None
Degree  Duration Full Time  Intakes Additional Requirements
Bachelor of Health Science 3 years  Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August) None
Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Occupational Therapy* 4 years  Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August) Achieve and supply evidence of the required minimum scores in one of the accepted English language tests, and achieve a minimum mark of 65% in Foundation English A and Foundation English B.
Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Speech and
Language Therapy*
4 years  Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August) Achieve and supply evidence of the required minimum scores in one of the accepted English language tests, and achieve a minimum mark of 65% in Foundation English A and Foundation English B.
Degree Duration Full Time IntakesAdditional Requirements
Bachelor of Health Services Management3 years Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August)None
Degree Duration Full Time IntakesAdditional Requirements
Bachelor of Laws3 years Semester 1 (March),Semester 2 (August)Achieving a minimum mark of 75% in Foundation English B and a
65% minimum mark in Foundation English A. 
Degree Duration Full Time IntakesAdditional Requirements
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science4 years Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August)AFP National Police Clearance. Foundation Chemistry and Physics units required
Degree  Duration Full Time  Intakes Additional Requirements
Bachelor of Midwifery* 3 years  Semester 1 (March) Achieving and supplying evidence of the required minimum scores in one of the accepted English language tests such as IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 6.5 and no band less than 6.5 or equivalent. 
Bachelor of Nursing* 3 years  Semester 1 (March),
Semester 2 (August)
Achieving and supplying evidence of the required minimum scores in one of the accepted English language tests such as IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 7.0 and no band less than 7.0 or equivalent. (Refer to the website for more details – and – Achieving a minimum mark of 65% in Foundation English A and 75% in Foundation English B
Degree Duration Full Time IntakesAdditional Requirements
Bachelor of Public Health3 years Semester 1 (March),
Semester 2 (August)
None
Degree Duration Full Time IntakesAdditional Requirements
Bachelor of Science3 years Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August)None
Degree Duration Full Time IntakesAdditional Requirements
Bachelor of Social Work4 years Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August)Achieving a minimum mark of 75% in Foundation English B and a
65% minimum mark in Foundation English A.
Bachelor of Psychological Science4 years Semester 1 (March), Semester 2 (August)None

*March intake only.