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Standard Foundation Program

International students

Build strong foundations for your pathway

The Standard Foundation Program provides a comprehensive and supportive progression into an undergraduate program at UQ.

Build strong academic foundations: Develop the study skills, subject knowledge, and English proficiency needed to succeed in your undergraduate program.
More time to settle in: Have time to adapt to a new academic environment, make connections with friends and have the flexibility to adjust your study pathway if your undergraduate plans change.
Prepare for long-term success: Benefit from tailored teacher support and time to prepare before starting your degree.

Apply now

Duration

10 months (30 teaching weeks + exam periods and breaks).

Entry requirements

IELTS 5.5 (all bands ≥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 2, 2027
Semester 1, 2028

Program explainer

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

Program details

Program structure

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 tailored to meet the entry requirements for your chosen undergraduate degree.

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.

The requirements of your chosen undergraduate program will determine your mathematics course.

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.

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

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 undergraduate program.

See 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, Essential Mathematics, 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	$36,280
Enrolment fees	$260
Student Services Fee	$922
Textbook and Material Fees	$1,710
Total	$39,172

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	9 July 2027	3 December 2027
Pathway to UQ	Semester 2, 2027	Semester 1, 2028

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 6 using a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 AP subjects

Argentina
Year 11: 7.0 in Top 4 academic subjects

Australia – Queensland
Year 11: Completion of Units 1 and 2 with min grade of C in 5 general subjects (or 4 general subjects & 1 applied subject); Unit 1 and 2 English/EAL with min grade of C or equivalent (Essential English not accepted) OR Year 12: ATAR 50; Units 3 and 4 English/EAL or equivalent with min grade C (50%) (Essential English not accepted)

Australia – Other
Year 11: Min 65% in Top 4 academic subjects; Min 50% in English/EAL or equivalent (Essential English not accepted) OR Year 12: ATAR 50; Min 50% in English/EAL or equivalent (Essential English not accepted)

Bangladesh
Secondary Certificate: Grade A in Top 4 academic subjects

Brazil
Year 11: Min 5.0 in Top 4 academic subjects

GCE O Levels
Aggregate score 15; Min D in English

GCE AS Levels
Aggregate score 7; Min D in English

GCE A Levels
Aggregate score 3; Min D in English

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

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

Canada
Grade 11: 70% in Top 4 academic subjects and 70% in English

Chile
Grade 11: Min 4.7 in Top 4 academic subjects

China
Senior 2: 70% in Top 4 academic subjects OR Senior 3: 70% in Top 4 academic subjects

Colombia
Year 11: Min 7.0 in Top 4 academic subjects

Ecuador
Year 11: Min 7.0 in Top 4 academic subjects

Hong Kong
HKDSE: 10 points (Top 5 subjects from Category A, B and C) OR Form 5: Passing grade average; HKDSE English Lv 2

India
Year 11: CBSE/CISCE: Minimum overall 70%
HSC: Minimum overall 75%

Indonesia
SMA 2 / MA 2: 75% average of Top 4 academic subjects
SMA 3 / MA 3: 65% average of Top 4 academic subjects

International Baccalaureate (IB)
Year 1 of Diploma: Aggregate score 20 over 5 subjects OR IB Diploma/Certificate: Aggregate score 12 over 4 subjects; Year 11 certificate English Grade 4

Japan
General Upper Secondary School
Senior 2: Grade 3 in Top 4 academic subjects
Senior 3: Grade 2 in Top 4 academic subjects

Korea, Republic of
CSAT: Total score 260, including Korean Language, Mathematics and the Top 2 subjects from Science or Social Studies
Graduation Equivalency Examinations: 65% average of Top 4 academic subjects
High School Year 2: GPA 3 (mi) in Top 4 academic subjects

Macau
Form 5: 65% average of Top 4 academic subjects
Form 6: 60% average of Top 4 academic subjects

Malaysia
SPM: Grade B average in Top 4 academic subjects
UEC: Grade C8 average of Top 5 academic subjects

Mexico
Secondary High School: 7 in Top 4 academic subjects

Middle East countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE)
Year 12: 80% in Top 4 academic subjects

Mongolia
Year 11: 70% in Top 4 academic subjects

Myanmar
O Levels: C grades in Top 4 academic subjects and English
Matriculation certificate: 60% in Top 4 academic subjects

Pakistan
Completion of Higher Secondary with C or 70% in Top 4 academic subjects

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

Philippines
Senior 1 (Year 11): 80% average of Top 4 academic subjects
Senior High School Diploma: 70% average of Top 4 academic subjects

Russia
Year 11: Grade 4 in Top 4 academic subjects

Singapore
O Levels: C grades in Top 4 academic subjects and English

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

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

Taiwan
Senior 2: Average 70%
Senior 3: Average 65%

Thailand
Year 11: 3.0 in Top 4 academic subjects

Türkiye
Year 11: Grade 4 in Top 4 academic subjects

USA
Year 11: GPA 2.9 in Top 4 academic subjects and C in English

Vietnam
Year 11: 7 in Top 4 academic subjects

Zambia
Senior Certificate: Grade C in Top 4 academic subjects

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

English entry requirements

English level 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	5.5	No sub-score less than 5.0
TOEFL iBT	70	Speaking: 15, Listening: 12, Reading: 12, Writing: 17
Pearson PTE	49	No sub-score less than 42
Cambridge	162	No sub-score less than 154
Duolingo English Test^{^^}	100	Speaking: 85, Listening: 85, Reading: 85, Writing: 80
MET^{^^}	50	Speaking: 38, Listening: 49, Reading: 47, Writing: 45
LanguageCert Academic^{^^}	56	Speaking: 54, Listening: 41, Reading: 44, Writing: 45
CELPIP General^{^^}	6	No sub-score less than 5

^{^^}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

I am intending to pursue a Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering and the Foundation Program has equipped me with the knowledge I need for my undergraduate studies. My favourite subject is Biology as we have lab sessions and access to the university lab facilities. I chose to study at UQ because it is a prestigious university with great career connections and networking opportunities.

Vanessa Nyugen

Standard Foundation Program student

CRICOS course code: 110742B

CRICOS provider code: 04039H