Foundation program

Duration

Accelerated: 4 Months
Standard: 10 Months

Next Intake

Accelerated and Standard

Start date: 7 September 2026

Fees

Accelerated: $27,490
Standard: $39,172

Entry criteria

Minimum English-level & academic requirements apply

The Foundation Program is designed to enable international students to meet the minimum entry requirements for their preferred UQ undergraduate program.

Foundation Program Options

There are two options available: Accelerated Foundation Program and Standard Foundation Program.
The most suitable program for you will depend on your high school academic results and English Language Proficiency.

	Accelerated*	Standard
Duration	4 months (15 Teaching Weeks + 3 Exam Weeks + Orientation/Semester Breaks)	10 months (30 Teaching Weeks + 6 Exam Weeks + Orientation/Semester Breaks)
Contact hours per week	25 hours	25 hours

See full entry requirements

^{*Subject to minimum enrolment numbers}

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Foundation Program brochure 2026 (PDF, 1.4 MB)

UQ entry from Foundation Program (PDF, 55.4 KB)

High Achievers Diversity Scholarship (PDF, 334.8 KB)

Academic Calendar

Intake 2, 2025 (PDF, 117 KB)

Intake 1, 2026 (PDF, 268.5 KB)

Intake 2, 2026 (PDF, 256.5 KB)

Foundation Program brochure translations:

Chinese (PDF, 5 MB)

Spanish (PDF, 8.5 MB)

Foundation Program Structure

You will study five courses (subjects) for the entire duration of the Foundation Program, usually two core courses and three elective courses. You can choose your electives to meet the entry requirements for your chosen undergraduate program.

For most students, courses will consist of:

Core Courses	Elective Courses^
Academic English	Three courses chosen from the stream that aligns with your chosen undergraduate program
General Mathematics or Mathematical Methods*

The Foundation Program is a ‘streamed’ program. A Foundation Program Stream details the core and elective courses that relate to your target undergraduate degree.

During orientation, students will have the opportunity to choose their three electives from a selection according to their stream. Electives can also be changed at any time prior to the end of Week 2.

^{* Students studying non-Education HASS programs do not need to choose a Mathematics course and can select 4 elective courses instead.}

^{^ Elective availability is subject to minimum student enrolments. Physics (for Standard Foundation), Biology and Chemistry will always be offered.}

Foundation Program Key Dates

	Intake 1, 2026	Intake 2, 2026	Intake 1, 2027	Intake 2, 2027
Applications close:	16 January 2026	12 July 2026 (Offshore) 17 August 2026 (Onshore)	11 January 2027 (Offshore) 8 February 2027 (Onshore)	TBC
Offer acceptance and payment due date:	23 January 2026 (Offshore) 6 February 2026 (Onshore)	20 July 2026 (Offshore) 24 August 2026 (Onshore)	15 January 2027 (Offshore) 10 February 2027 (Onshore)	TBC
Start date:	16 February 2026	7 September 2026	15 February 2027	6 September 2027
Accelerated Foundation Program
Completion date:	10 July 2026	12 February 2027	9 July 2027	11 February 2028
Pathway to The University of Queensland:	Semester 2, 2026 (27 July)	Semester 1, 2027 (22 February)	Semester 2, 2027 (26 July)	Semester 1, 2028
Standard Foundation Program
Completion date:	4 December 2026	9 July 2027	3 December 2027	7 July 2028
Pathway to The University of Queensland:	Semester 1, 2027 (22 February)	Semester 2, 2027 (26 July)	Semester 1, 2028	Semester 2, 2028

Foundation Program Streams

A Foundation Program Stream details the core and elective courses (subjects) that relate to your target undergraduate degree. Students will have the option to choose their electives during Orientation. Electives can also be changed anytime prior to the end of Week 1.

See below for details of the Foundation Program streams.

^{*This course may be a prerequisite for certain undergraduate programs. Make sure to check the requirements of your desired undergraduate program before selecting your courses.}

Business, Economics and Law (BEL)

Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology (EAIT)

If you want to progress to an undergraduate program in the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology (EAIT), you may choose from the following courses:

Core Courses

Academic English
General Mathematics or Mathematical Methods*

Elective Courses

You must complete 4 elective courses. You can choose from:

Behavioural Science
Biology*
Business Management
Chemistry*
Design
Economics
Humanities and Social Sciences
Information Technology
Physics*
Research

Notes:

Students wishing to progress to degrees in Computer Science, IT, Design or Urban Planning are advised not to study Physics or Chemistry. You are recommended to study non-science electives such as Behavioural Science, Business Management, Design, IT, or Research instead.

Health, Medicine and Behavioural Science (HMBS)

If you want to progress to an undergraduate program in the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Science (HMBS), you may choose from the following courses:

Core Courses

Academic English
General Mathematics or Mathematical Methods*

Elective Courses

You must complete 4 elective courses. You can choose from:

Behavioural Science
Biology*
Chemistry*
Health and Nutrition
Humanities and Social Sciences
Physics*
Research

Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)

Science

Foundation Program Courses

Students will study five courses throughout the Foundation Program. Depending on the undergraduate program you're packaged with, you will have a choice of three electives (four for non-education HASS students) based on the stream your undergraduate program belongs to.

During your first week in the Foundation Program, you'll have the opportunity to choose your elective courses. Here is some more information about what you will learn in each course.

Elective availability is subject to minimum student enrolments. Physics (for Standard Foundation), Biology and Chemistry will always be offered.

Core Courses

Academic English

This core course focuses on developing academic language skills required to successfully read, write, listen and speak in academic contexts. As well as developing fluency and accuracy in each skill, learners will be introduced to core academic literacies including assignment writing, referencing, critical thinking and oral presentations.

General Mathematics

Covering basic algebra, regression analysis, geometry, measurement, financial mathematics, statistics, graphs and network analysis. This course gives you the everyday maths skills needed for a non-mathematically based tertiary program.

Mathematical Methods

In this course, you will develop your understanding of the mathematical concepts of algebra, calculus and statistics that will equip you with the necessary skills to solve real-life mathematical problems. Topics include linear equations, computation, sequences and series, logarithmic functions, trigonometry, differential and integral calculus, statistics and probability.

To meet prerequisite entry requirements, this course is recommended for students wishing to progress into Commerce, Science, Biomedical Science, Information Technology and Engineering programs.

Elective Courses

Accounting

The aim of this course is to introduce accounting concepts and the role of accounting within business. Students will learn how to use Excel to produce financial reports such as balance sheets and profit and loss statements.

Behavioural Science

Behavioural science provides opportunities for students to engage with concepts that explain behaviours and underlying cognitions. Students examine the brain and cognitive development, as well as consciousness and sleep. Students will also investigate the concept of intelligence, psychological disorders, as well as emotion and motivation.

This course is recommended if you would like to pursue a program in the Health, Medicine, and Behavioural Sciences Faculty.

Biology

Biology provides opportunities for students to develop their understanding of cells and multicellular organisms and how they regulate their internal environment in response to stimuli. You will develop your understanding of DNA, patterns of inheritance and the processes and mechanisms of how life on Earth has changed and diversified over time. Students learn about factors influencing biodiversity and have the opportunity to investigate several local ecosystems by attending a field trip to the UQ Moreton Bay Research Station on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) or Heron Island.

This course is recommended for students wishing to progress into Science, Medicine and Health programs.

Business Management

Covering a broad range of management concepts and business operations, this course helps you develop an appreciation of business principles, planning, marketing, organisational behaviour and human resource management. You will apply the theory learnt in class to plan your own business enterprise in a group.

Chemistry

This course introduces the foundational concepts of physical, inorganic and organic chemistry, with a focus on the study of the structure and properties of materials. You will develop valuable skills required for scientific investigation and critical evaluation, and have opportunities to experience laboratory techniques and analysis.

This course is recommended for students wishing to progress into Science, Medicine, Health and Engineering programs.

Design

This course is an introduction to the fundamental processes and methods of design that are applied to the built environment, engineering, and other closely related disciplines. You will learn about the work of designers and how they evaluate problems and generate solutions.

This course is recommended if you wish to progress to programs related to Architecture, Design, and Engineering.

Economics

In this course, you will explore macroeconomic and microeconomic issues and develop an understanding of how decision makers within the economy (consumers, firms, governments) use limited resources to satisfy the level of demand.

Students will also develop an ability to make economic decisions based on an analysis of economic information.

Health and Nutrition

This course introduces the multidimensional nature of health and wellbeing, and how it is influenced by diet and exercise. You will gain an understanding of the function of nutrients in the body, the challenges facing the food system and how the body responds to exercise. Students will also apply this knowledge to develop a personal diet and exercise plan to improve or maintain their own health and fitness.

Humanities and Social Sciences

This course examines topics such as global strategies and perspectives, and creative arts and history to develop skills in critical and creative thinking, research and evaluation, argument mapping, problem solving and reflective learning.

This course is recommended if you wish to progress to programs within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Information Technology

In this course, you will develop foundational knowledge of computer systems and practical programming skills using Python, SQL, and HTML/CSS. You will apply these skills to design and develop an information management application for a small business.

This course is recommended if you wish to progress to programs related to Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Science or Data Science.

Physics

This course provides the theoretical and experimental basis to engage in classical and modern understandings of the universe. You will study force and motion, thermodynamics, electricity, gravitational and electromagnetic fields, waves, radioactivity and modern physics. The practical work in the course will give you experience in laboratory techniques and analysis.

This course is recommended if you wish to progress to Engineering or Science programs.

Research

This course provides students with the research skills needed for success as an undergraduate student. Research helps students develop specific techniques and methods for good assignment writing at university. In this course, you will investigate a topic of your own choice by selecting and analysing relevant literature. This will help you develop critical thinking skills, which will benefit any undergraduate program of your choice.

This course offers students a high degree of autonomy over their chosen area of investigation, while following a prescribed research pathway.

Foundation Program Entry Requirements

Academic entry requirements

Please refer to UQ Entry from Foundation Program (PDF, 55.4 KB) for academic entry requirements based on your region or qualification.

English entry requirements

Select your accepted English Language Proficiency (ELP) test below to see the respective entry requirements.

If you don't meet the English requirement, you may be able to study Integrated English to progress to the Foundation Program.

IELTS

	Standard	Accelerated
Minimum overall score	5.5	6.0
Minimum sub-scores	No sub-score less than 5.0	Writing 6.0, other sub-scores 5.5 or above

TOEFL iBT

	Standard	Accelerated
Minimum overall score	70	78
Minimum sub-scores	Speaking: 15 Listening: 12 Reading: 12 Writing: 17	Speaking: 17 Listening: 17 Reading: 17 Writing: 21

Standard

Accelerated

Minimum
overall score

70

78

Minimum
sub-scores

Speaking: 15

Listening: 12

Reading: 12

Writing: 17

Speaking: 17

Listening: 17

Reading: 17

Writing: 21

Important

UQ College and The University of Queensland only recognise TOEFL iBT with section scores reported on a 1-30 scale. We do not recognise:

TOEFL iBT with section scores reported on a 1-6 scale
TOEFL iBT Home Edition
TOEFL ITP.

To ensure your TOEFL iBT result is valid for Australian visa purposes, you must select 'Taking TOEFL for Australia' when registering for your test.

Pearson PTE

	Standard	Accelerated
Minimum overall score	49	60
Minimum sub-scores	No sub-score less than 42	Writing 60, other sub-scores 49 or above

Cambridge English Scale

	Standard	Accelerated
Minimum overall score	162	169
Minimum sub-scores	No sub-score less than 154	Writing 169, other sub-scores 162 or above

Duolingo English Test

	Standard	Accelerated
Minimum overall score	100	110
Minimum sub-scores	Speaking: 85 Listening: 85 Reading: 85 Writing: 80	Speaking: 95 Listening: 95 Reading:100 Writing: 110

Standard

Accelerated

Minimum
overall score

100

110

Minimum
sub-scores

Speaking: 85

Listening: 85

Reading: 85

Writing: 80

Speaking: 95

Listening: 95

Reading:100

Writing: 110

Important

Duolingo English Test results are currently only accepted by UQ College and can not be used for direct entry to The University of Queensland.

Michigan English Test (MET)

	Standard	Accelerated
Minimum overall score	50	54
Minimum sub-scores	Speaking: 38 Listening: 49 Reading: 47 Writing: 45	Speaking: 43 Listening: 53 Reading: 51 Writing: 57

Standard

Accelerated

Minimum
overall score

50

54

Minimum
sub-scores

Speaking: 38

Listening: 49

Reading: 47

Writing: 45

Speaking: 43

Listening: 53

Reading: 51

Writing: 57

Important

MET results are currently only accepted by UQ College and can not be used for direct entry to The University of Queensland.

LanguageCert Academic

	Standard	Accelerated
Minimum overall score	56	63
Minimum sub-scores	Speaking: 54 Listening: 41 Reading: 44 Writing: 45	Speaking: 62 Listening: 49 Reading: 54 Writing: 64

Standard

Accelerated

Minimum
overall score

56

63

Minimum
sub-scores

Speaking: 54

Listening: 41

Reading: 44

Writing: 45

Speaking: 62

Listening: 49

Reading: 54

Writing: 64

Important

LanguageCert Academic results are currently only accepted by UQ College and can not be used for direct entry to The University of Queensland.

CELPIP General

	Standard	Accelerated
Minimum overall score	6	7
Minimum sub-scores	No sub-score less than 5	Writing 7, other sub-scores 6 or above

Important

CELPIP General results are currently only accepted by UQ College and can not be used for direct entry to The University of Queensland.

Foundation Program Fees

All prices are in AUD.

Standard

Accelerated

Integrated English language course

2026 Tuition fees ($AUD) (For offers made after 1 July 2025, for 2026 commencement.)

Enrolment length	Tuition Fees	Student services & materials	Enrolment Fee	Total Fees
5 weeks	$2,600	$175	$260	$3,035
10 weeks	$5,200	$350	$260	$5,810
15 weeks	$7,800	$525	$260	$8,585
20 weeks	$10,400	$700	$260	$11,360
25 weeks	$13,000	$875	$260	$14,135
30 weeks	$15,600	$1,050	$260	$16,910
35 weeks	$18,200	$1,225	$260	$19,685
40 weeks	$20,800	$1,400	$260	$22,460
45 weeks	$23,400	$1575	$260	$25,235

Other fees

Health insurance fees	See below
Biology field trip (for onshore Biology students only)	$200

^{Health insurance fees}

^{If you are coming to Australia on a Student Visa, you must purchase and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). OSHC is insurance that helps cover the cost of basic medical care you may need in Australia.}

^{We can organise Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full length of your Foundation Program and your undergraduate degree at UQ. If you arrange your OSHC through us, we will organise cover with our preferred provider, Allianz Care Australia. When you accept your offer for the Foundation Program, you will need to pay an OSHC fee. You will then receive your policy number and details in your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). For full details of what is covered, visit: allianzassistancehealth.com.au/en/student-visa-oshc/cover}

^{Alternatively, you can also organise your own OSHC through any other government-approved provider. When you accept your Foundation Program offer, you will need to provide evidence of your OSHC before we can send you a CoE.}

Foundation Program Assessment

Your teachers will monitor your academic progress and provide you with regular feedback throughout the program.

Assessments may include individual and group assignments, research projects, laboratory practicals, presentations, and end-of-semester exams. Your final result in a course will be based on all assessment items.

All courses are graded on the UQ 7–point scale:

Scale	Grade	Range
7	High Distinction	85% - 100%
6	Distinction	75% - 84%
5	Credit	65% - 74%
4	Pass	50% - 64%
3	Marginal Fail	47% - 49%
2	Fail	25% - 46%
1	Low Fail	0% - 24%

~25 contact hours per week

additional resources

Bring your own device (BYOD) to complete online coursework, assessment, and self-directed learning resources.
BYOD technical requirements.

Up to 25 students per class

session times

Lessons are scheduled between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday. Student timetables will vary depending on courses selected.

Packaging with a UQ undergraduate

When you are offered a place in the Foundation Program, you'll also receive a conditional offer for your desired UQ undergraduate program.

You need to achieve certain grades and a specified Grade Point Average in your Foundation Program to be eligible for entry to a UQ program*.

Students will be eligible for entry into university in the semester following graduation from the Foundation Program. Please note that entry into some undergraduate programs is only available in Semester One.

* Admission quotas apply in several programs.

Foundation Program

Standard or Accelerated

UQ Undergraduate Program

Conditional Offer

Before you apply

To ensure a smooth application process, make sure you have these documents ready when you apply.

Passport or government ID

ELP test results (e.g. IELTS)

Most recent certified high school results translated in English (if you've had a study break please provide a letter describing your activities for the past year)

How to Apply

1.	Click the "Apply Now" button below and submit your application.
2.	You'll receive a Letter of Offer and student portal activation link, as well as a Conditional Offer for your chosen undergraduate.
3.	Activate your account on the student portal, then accept and pay the fees. Detailed instructions on how to pay are included in your Letter of Offer.
4.	Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your student visa.
5.	Receive your orientation information via email and prepare for departure.

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The program helped me build a strong academic foundation and gain confidence in my studies. Overall, UQ College was a great stepping stone for my journey at UQ.
The teachers at UQ College were simply amazing. They were always kind, approachable, and proactive in helping students. Their explanations were clear and tailored to international students, making complex topics easier to understand.
If I ever struggled with something, I could book a one-on-one consultation for extra help with studying, assignments, or even exam preparation.
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Package option

IELTS 5.0 or equivalent

You can package Integrated English (IE) with your Foundation Program. You'll study 20 weeks of Integrated English (for entry to Standard Foundation) or 25 weeks of Integrated English (for entry to Accelerated Foundation).

Improve your English at UQ St Lucia, while receiving all the benefits of being a UQ student. You'll be immersed in the English language and get a head start on adjusting to the Australian academic environment.

You will start at IE Level 3. Depending on how you progress, this may also impact the length of time before you start your Foundation Program.

Standalone option

IELTS 3.5 or equivalent

You can still study IE at UQ College with packaging! Just improve your English until you meet the entry requirements and apply separately for the Foundation Program.

Apply for Integrated English and indicate your intention to continue to the Foundation Program.
Submit a separate Foundation Program application. This must commence after IE, with no overlap.
Receive a conditional offer for the Foundation Program, pending the ELP requirement.
Progress through IE, then take an approved ELP test and submit your results.
If you meet the minimum requirements, you will receive an unconditional offer for the Foundation Program and a conditional offer for your preferred UQ degree.

related courses

Related programs

If you're seeking entry to a specific UQ program, you can apply for a package offer
If you do not meet the English requirement, you can study our Integrated English program
If you go on to a degree program at UQ, you can attend free Academic Communication Skills (ACS) courses to support your studies.