Accelerated Foundation Program

International students

A fast-tracked pathway to a UQ undergraduate program

The Accelerated Foundation Program offers a pathway for high‑achieving students.

Start your degree sooner: Complete your foundation studies and progress to UQ faster.
Designed for high achievers: Study in an environment tailored for students with strong academic results and English proficiency.
Stay motivated and career-focused: Maintain momentum toward your degree and career goals with an accelerated pathway into university study.

Apply now

Duration

4 months (15 teaching weeks + exam periods and breaks).

Entry requirements

IELTS 6 (W:6, SLR:5.5) or equivalent. See below for academic requirements.

Next intakes

7 September 2026
15 February 2027

See below for key dates.

UQ start date

Semester 1, 2027
Semester 2, 2027

Program explainer

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

Program details

Program structure

Foundation Program overview

All students will study five courses (two core and three electives), including Academic English and mathematics* for the entire duration of the Foundation Program. Elective courses are selected to meet the entry requirements for your chosen undergraduate program.

Academic English

Mathematics course *

Elective course

*Students wishing to progress to an undergraduate program that does not have a Mathematics prerequisite may choose to pick another elective instead.

Courses

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.

Mathematical Methods*
In this advanced mathematics 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.

General Mathematics*
This intermediate mathematics course covers basic algebra, regression analysis, geometry, measurement, financial mathematics, statistics, graphs and network analysis. You'll develop the everyday maths skills needed for a non-mathematically based tertiary program. 

Essential Mathematics
This basic mathematics course builds practical skills beyond basic numeracy, with a strong focus on problem‑solving, logical thinking, and the effective use of technology. Students learn to apply mathematics to real‑world situations, supporting informed personal and financial decision‑making while highlighting the relevance of mathematics in everyday life and future employment.

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

*These courses may be a prerequisite for UQ undergraduate degree programs. Please check the specific requirements of your chosen program here.

Elective courses

Accounting, Biology, Business Management, Chemistry, Design, Economics, Health and Nutrition, Humanities and Social Sciences, Information Technology, Physics, Psychology, Research

Find out more about elective courses

Streams

Foundation Program streams

The Foundation Program is a 'streamed' program. A stream means the core and elective courses (subjects) that relate specifically to your target undergraduate degree at UQ. During orientation, students will select three (or four) elective subjects that align with the academic prerequisites for your UQ degree.

Select the relevant faculty of study below to find out which electives best suit your degree:

Business, Economics and Law (BEL)

Three electives chosen from: Accounting, Business Management, Economics, Humanities and Social Sciences, Research

Engineering, Architecture, and IT (EAIT)

Three electives chosen from: Biology*, Business Management, Chemistry*, Design, Economics, Humanities and Social Sciences, Information Technology, Physics*, Psychology, Research

*Notes: Students wishing to progress to degrees in Computer Science, IT, Design or Urban Planning are advised not to study Physics or Chemistry and are recommended to study non-science electives such as Business Management, Design, IT, Psychology or Research.

Health, Medicine and Behavioural Science (HMBS)

Three electives chosen from: Biology*, Chemistry*, Health and Nutrition, Humanities and Social Sciences, Physics*, Psychology, Research

Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)

Four electives chosen from: Business Management, Economics, General Mathematics*, Humanities and Social Sciences, Psychology, Research

Science

Three electives chosen from: Biology*, Chemistry*, Humanities and Social Sciences, Physics*, Psychology, Research

Fees

2026 Tuition fees ($AUD)

For offers made after 1 July 2025, for 2026 commencement.

Tuition fees	$24,940
Enrolment fees	$260
Student Services Fee	$580
Textbook and Material Fees	$1,710
Total	$27,490

High Achievers Diversity Scholarship

Students commencing the Foundation Studies program may be eligible for the High Achievers Diversity Scholarship. This scholarship is specifically designed to support international students from eligible countries, offering a 20% reduction in coursework fees for the duration of your Foundation Program.

Find out more

Key dates

	Intake 2 2026	Intake 1 2027
Applications close	21 August 2026 (Offshore) 11 September 2026 (Onshore)	11 January 2027 (Offshore) 8 February 2027 (Onshore)
Offer acceptable and payment due date	20 July 2026 (Offshore) 24 August 2026 (Onshore)	15 January 2027 (Offshore) 10 February 2027 (Onshore)
Start date	7 September 2026	15 February 2027
Completion date	12 February 2027	9 July 2027
Pathway to UQ	Semester 1, 2027	Semester 2, 2027

Academic entry requirements

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for entry into the Standard Foundation Program, you must meet specific academic requirements based on your high school results. These scores vary depending on your country or region's education system. Find your location below to see the relevant entry requirements for your region.

Advanced Placement (AP)
Aggregate score of 7 using a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 AP subjects

Argentina
Year 11: 8.5 in Top 4 academic subjects

Australia – Queensland
Year 12: ATAR 55; Units 3 and 4 English/EAL or equivalent with min grade C (60%) (Essential English not accepted)

Australia – Other
Year 12: ATAR 55; Min 60% in English/EAL or equivalent (Essential English not accepted)

Bangladesh
Secondary Certificate: Grade A+ in Top 4 academic subjects

Brazil
Year 12: Min 7.0 in Top 4 academic subjects

GCE O Levels
No GCE O level as entry for Accelerated

GCE AS Levels
No GCE AS level as entry for Accelerated

GCE A Levels
Aggregate score 4; Min C in English

Brunei
O Levels: B grades for Top 4 subjects and English

Cambodia
Secondary Certificate or O Levels: Grade B in Top 4 academic subjects; O Levels require min B in English

Canada
Grade 12: 85% in Top 4 academic subjects and 85% in English

Chile
Grade 11: Min 5.5 in Top 4 academic subjects

China
Senior 3: 80% in Top 4 academic subjects

Colombia
Year 11: Min 8.5 in Top 4 academic subjects

Ecuador
Year 11: Min 8.5 in Top 4 academic subjects

Hong Kong
HKDSE: 12 points (Top 5 subjects from Category A, B and C); HKDSE English Lv 3

India
Year 12: CBSE/CISCE: Average 45% in Top 5 academic subjects and English
HSC: Minimum overall 55%

Indonesia
SMA 3 / MA 3: 70% average of Top 4 academic subjects

International Baccalaureate (IB)
IB Diploma/Certificate: Aggregate score 22 OR Year 11 certificate: English grade 5 OR Year 12 certificate: English grade 4

Japan
General Upper Secondary School
Senior 3: Grade 4 in Top 4 academic subjects

Korea, Republic of
CSAT: Total score 270, including Korean Language, Mathematics and the Top 2 subjects from Science or Social Studies
Graduation Equivalency Examinations: 70% average of Top 4 academic subjects
High School Year 3: GPA 4 (wu) in Top 4 academic subjects

Macau
Form 6: 70% average of Top 4 academic subjects

Malaysia
STPM: Aggregate of 6 over Top 3 subjects
UEC: Grade C7 average of Top 5 academic subjects

Mexico
Secondary High School: 8.5 in Top 4 academic subjects

Middle East countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE)
Year 12: 85% in Top 4 academic subjects including one Mathematics subject and one Science subject

Mongolia
Year 12: 80% in Top 4 academic subjects

Myanmar
O Levels: B grades in Top 4 academic subjects and English
Matriculation certificate: 75% in Top 4 academic subjects

Pakistan
Completion of Higher Secondary with B or 80% in Top 4 academic subjects

Papua New Guinea
High School Certificate: B grade in Top 4 academic subjects and English

Philippines
Senior 1 (Year 11): 90% average of Top 4 academic subjects
Senior High School Diploma: 80% average of Top 4 academic subjects

Russia
Year 11: Grade 5 in Top 4 academic subjects

Singapore
A Levels: 5 points from Top 3 subjects; English B or above

South Africa
Senior Certificate: Grade B in Top 4 academic subjects and English

Sri Lanka
O Levels: B grades in Top 4 academic subjects and English

Taiwan
Senior 3: 75% average of Top 5 academic subjects
GSAT: 30

Thailand
Year 12: 3.0 in Top 4 academic subjects

Türkiye
Year 11: Grade 5 in Top 4 academic subjects

USA
Year 12: GPA 2.5 in Top 4 academic subjects and B in English

Vietnam
Year 12: 7.5 in Top 4 academic subjects

Zambia
Senior Certificate: Grade B in Top 4 academic subjects

Zimbabwe
O Levels: B grades in Top 4 academic subjects and English

English entry requirements

In addition to the academic entry requirements, you’ll need to meet the minimum English Language Proficiency as shown below:

	Minimum overall score	Minimum sub-score
IELTS	6.0	Writing: 6.0, other sub-scores 5.5 or above
TOEFL iBT	78	Speaking: 17, Listening: 17, Reading: 17, Writing: 21
Pearson PTE	60	Writing: 60, other sub-scores 49 or above
Cambridge	169	Writing: 169, other sub-score 162 or above
Duolingo English Test^{^^}	110	Speaking: 95, Listening: 95, Reading: 100, Writing: 110
MET^{^^}	54	Speaking: 43, Listening: 53, Reading: 51, Writing: 57
LanguageCert Academic^{^^}	63	Speaking: 62, Listening: 49, Reading: 54, Writing: 64
CELPIP General^{^^}	7	Writing: 7, other sub-scores 6 or above

^{^^}English test results are currently only accepted by UQ College and can not be used for direct entry to The University of Queensland.

^*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.

I don't have an English score

You need to provide a verified English test result to enter the Foundation Program. If you're already in Brisbane, UQ College is an official PTE Academic testing centre.

Book a test now

My English score doesn't meet the minimum requirements

If you have achieved the necessary academic requirements but not met the minimum English requirements, you can start your UQ College journey with our Integrated English program. These classes will help you improve your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to prepare you for success in our Foundation Program.

Find out more about Integrated English

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.

Yun Je Choi – South Korea

Former Accelerated Foundation Program student

Learn more about Josh's time at UQ College

Watch Josh's story

CRICOS course code: 110743A

CRICOS provider code: 04039H