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Foundation Program

 International students

Build your academic skills and pathway to a UQ undergraduate program

Apply now

Our Foundation Program provides students with the academic and study skills required for success in an undergraduate program at UQ.

Small class sizes and personalised academic support help our students thrive. The Foundation Program not only gets you into a UQ program, but prepares you to excel.

Watch Pathway to the University of Queensland: how UQ College foundation programs support your entry on YouTube.

Program explainer

Watch a short video to see how the Foundation Program works.

Program options

Based on your academic results and English proficiency, we have the right program for you.

Two international students studying in library on campus

Standard Foundation Program

This is the most common and comprehensive option, designed to prepare you for UQ over
two semesters.

  • Minimum English level: IELTS 5.5 (all bands >5) or equivalent
  • Academic requirement: Standard academic requirements (see entry requirements below)
  • Duration: 10 months

Standard Foundation Program

Three international students studying together in library

Accelerated Foundation Program

This one-semester program is designed for high-achieving students who are ready for a faster, more challenging pace.

  • Minimum English level: IELTS 6.0 (Writing 6, all other bands >5.5) or equivalent
  • Academic requirement: Higher academic requirements (see entry requirements below)
  • Duration: 4 months 

Accelerated Foundation Program

Progression to your undergraduate program

To progress to your chosen undergraduate program, you must pass all 5 courses and:

  1. Obtain the required GPA
  2. Meet the English language requirements 
  3. Pass the prerequisite course/s.

Select the relevant faculty below to see the requirements for your chosen undergraduate program. Please note that some programs only commence in Semester 1. Entrance to dual degrees must meet the requirements of both individual degrees. 

Check the relevant program page for full details and the most accurate advice.

Benefits of our Foundation Program

Seamless pathway to UQ

Start your journey with confidence. The Foundation Program is packaged with a UQ undergraduate program, guaranteeing you a place upon successful completion.

Setting you up for success

You’ll have access to our exclusive UQ College Learning Centre, offering personalised academic and wellbeing support, with one-on-one appointments from expert Learning Advisers and Student Services to help you thrive.

Get a head start on life at UQ

Studying at UQ's St Lucia campus, you will have full access to the world-class facilities, including extensive libraries, high-speed Wi-Fi, premium sports complexes, and the opportunity to join over 220 UQ clubs and societies.

Study in Brisbane

Brisbane is consistently ranked as one of the top 30 best student cities in the world, offering a vibrant, safe, and welcoming environment for both study and leisure.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the UQ College Foundation Program, you must meet both the academic entry requirement and the English language requirement. Where an English subject requirement is listed in the qualification tables below and marked with an asterisk (*), achieving the required grade will satisfy the English requirements and an additional ELP test is not required.

English requirements

If your qualification does not include an English subject requirement marked with an asterisk (*), or if you do not achieve the required grade, you must provide a result from an approved English language proficiency (ELP) test. The table below shows the minimum scores accepted for the Standard Foundation Program and Accelerated Foundation Program. If you don't meet the minimum English requirements for the Foundation Program, you may be able to study an Integrated English and Foundation Program package offer.

Academic requirements

Select your region below to see the academic entry requirements based on your qualification. Qualifications with an English subject requirement marked with an asterisk (*) may be used to satisfy the English language requirement outlined above. If you do not meet the specified English subject result, you may still be eligible by achieving the required score in an approved ELP test.

UQ College Limited | CRICOS Provider Code: 04039H