If you are looking for pre-university programmes which could qualify you into an undergraduate programme, Foundation programmes are one of the viable options. Among Foundation programmes, you also have the option to either join an Australia Foundation or a Malaysia Foundation. This article will help you make an informed decision on which Foundation programmes might suit you.
What is Australia Foundation?
Foundation Programmes in Australia, or Australia Foundation, is a preparatory course predominantly for international students looking to attend a tertiary education institution in Australia. However, the Australia Foundation can also act as a pathway for direct entry into universities or university programmes. A typical duration of the Australia Foundation is around 8 Months, but there are some programmes which span from 4 to 15 Months.
Depending on the institution and the programme itself, students have the option to choose and enrol into varying streams. Examples of Australia Foundation streams from different institutions include the Business & Commerce stream, Arts & Social Sciences stream, Engineering, Science & IT stream, Design & Architecture stream, among many others which pertain to student’s study interests including Medicine.
Some of the benefits of the Australia Foundation is that it acts as a direct pathway into an undergraduate or diploma programme, has multiple duration which is meant to cater to different abilities and learning pace, as well as the chance to study abroad.
If you are interested to know more about Australia Foundation Programmes, reach out to us!
General Requirements for Australian Foundation
Academic Entry
Academic entry | Minimum Score |
SPM | Pass in 5 Academic Subjects |
O-Levels | Pass in 3 Academic Subjects |
UEC | Completion with Pass Grades |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
English Language Entry Requirements
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | 5.5 |
TOEFL | 50 |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) | 36 |
Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
Universities to Study Foundation in Australia
1. University of New South Wales College
The University of New South Wales College, under the university of the same name, University of New South Wales or UNSW, was founded in 1949 with the noble commitment to improve and transform lives in Australia and globally. UNSW is a notable higher education learning institution ranked amongst the top 20 of universities worldwide in the year 2024.
The Foundation Programmes offered by UNSW College is generally meant to prepare students for any UNSW undergraduate degree. Conducive learning environment is guaranteed through personalised learning and small classes, dedicated educators, social activities, and student support.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2024) |
Transition Program | 4 Months | January, April, August | International Students: AU$ 27,000 |
Standard Foundation Program | 9 Months | March, August, November | International Students: AU$ 39,500 |
Standard Plus Foundation Program | 12 Months | January, May, August | International Students: AU$ 44,200 |
Extended Foundation Program | 15 Months | June, October | International Students: AU$ 50,400 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. University of Technology Sydney College
The University of Technology Sydney College is a college under the University of Technology Sydney, or short, UTS. UTS was established in 1988 and is a leading higher education learning provider in Australia.
UTS College offers their UTS Foundation Studies programmes as a university preparatory programme for students looking to enrol in diploma or degree programmes in UTS. The UTS Foundation Studies programme enables an entry into a wide range undergraduate degrees including Analytics and Data Science, Engineering, Business, and many more.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2024) |
Foundation Studies (Standard) | 8 Months | February, June, September | International Students: AU$ 29,000 |
Foundation Studies (Extended) | 12 Months | February, June, September | International Students: AU$ 41,500 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. Eynesbury College
Eynesbury College is a leading pathway provider in Australia. Eynesbury offers a wide array of accredited pathway programmes for students to gain entry into a public university or degree programme of the South Australian region including The University of Adelaide, University of South Australia and Flinders University.
The Eynesbury College Foundation Studies Program (FSP) is meant to prepare international students for entry into their first year of undergraduate study in an Australian public university. The programme offers five areas of study interests together with the required core modules. The Eynesbury College FSP is a great choice for students looking to pursue an undergraduate degree at the University of Adelaide.
Programme Offered | Foundation Studies Program |
Duration | 8 or 12 Months |
Intake | February, June, October |
Indicative Fees (2024) | International Students: AU$ 28,700 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
4. University of Newcastle College of International Education
The University of Newcastle College of International Education is a branch under the University of Newcastle in Australia. The University of Newcastle is a distinguished public university in Australia placed in the top 20 among Australian universities in 2024.
The University of Newcastle College of International Education (CIE) has two Foundation preparatory programmes meant for a direct pathway into the university, which are the Foundation Studies Program and the Foundation Studies in Medicine programme. The former has four options of study streams granting you to over a hundred undergraduate degree programmes while the latter grants students an entry to the Newcastle Joint Medical Program.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2024) |
Foundation Studies Program | 8 or 12 Months | February, June, October | International Students: AU$ 27,200 |
Foundation Studies in Medicine | 8 or 12 Months | February, June | International Students: AU$ 33,600 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
5. Griffith College
Griffith College is a part of the network of Griffith University, which is a reputable tertiary education provider in Australia having ranked in the top 20 among Australian universities in 2024. Griffith College is dedicated to guide students in successfully transitioning into a university degree.
The Foundation Program at Griffith College is designed to be completed over two semesters in 8 months across 4 academic streams. The programme aims to provide a bridge between secondary school and undergraduate studies to prepare you for entry to and success in university level studies across a broad range of study areas.
Programme Offered | Foundation Program |
Duration | 8 Months |
Intake | February, June, October |
Indicative Fees (2024) | International Students: AU$ 25,400 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
Australia Foundation vs Malaysia Foundation
Some of the differences between the Australia Foundation and Malaysia Foundation are from the aspect of:
- Duration
In the Australia Foundation programme, there are varying duration, depending on which is more suitable based on students’ academic performance and learning pace. Foundation Programmes offered in Australia can range up from 4 months (only for preparatory into Degree or Diploma) until 15 months. The standard duration would be 8 months. On the other hand, the duration for Foundation Programmes in Malaysia is uniform with a standardised study duration of 1 year.
- Type
For the Australia Foundation, some institutions have varying Foundation Programmes which could be discerned by the duration of the programme. This may vary according to each respective university in Australia. These Foundation programmes are also further divided into different streams and study areas. The types of Foundation Programmes offered in Malaysia are divided by the type of programme or subject area. Some of the common Foundation Programmes in Malaysia are Foundation in Science and Foundation in Arts.
- Subjects
Foundation programmes will generally cover a range of subjects which are related to the chosen field of study. Most Foundation programmes may include subjects which are more general than specified. Though, the Australia Foundation may also include subjects meant to enhance students’ English competence.
- Recognition
The Australia Foundation is recognised throughout Australia whereas the Malaysia Foundation is generally recognised throughout Malaysia. Most universities abroad, Australia included, do not recognise Malaysia Foundation with exceptions for some programmes including, Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY), or Taylor’s College Foundation.
- Suitability
If you are looking to pursue studies in Australia, Australia Foundation Programmes are a viable option for a pathway into the diploma or degree programme of your choice. Though, another option would be to do twinning programmes. For more information, you can read our articles on twinning and transfer programmes or twinning programmes in Malaysia with Australia.
Conversely, if you are looking to study abroad, particularly in Australia, there are limited choices of Malaysia Foundation Programmes which are recognised by Australian universities. If you’re planning to complete your undergraduate study here in Malaysia, then Malaysia Foundation might be a more suitable choice.
What is Malaysia Foundation?
Foundation Programmes in Malaysia, or Malaysia Foundation is regarded as a preparatory course for those looking to transition from secondary education to tertiary education. The Malaysia Foundation usually spans for 1 year within a 3 semester curriculum.
Students have the option to choose programmes such as Foundation in Science, Foundation in Arts, Foundation in Computing, Foundation in Business, among many others which can be more specialised. Through a Malaysia Foundation Programme, students can gain fundamental knowledge of a subject area preparing you for the undergraduate level of the subject area. Enrolling in a Malaysia Foundation Programme, that is more general instead of specialised, allows students to explore and contemplate their undergraduate degree choice.
Some of the benefits of the Malaysia Foundation is that it is cost-effective and prepares students for an undergraduate degree within the study area of their choice.
If you are interested to know more in depth about Malaysia Foundation Programmes, you can read our article here or simply, reach out to us!
General Requirements for Malaysia Foundation
Academic Entry
Academic entry | Minimum Score |
SPM | Pass with minimum of 5 Credits |
O-Levels | Pass with minimum of 5 Credits |
UEC | Pass with minimum of 3Bs |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
English Language Entry Requirements
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | 4.0 |
TOEFL | 30 |
MUET | Band 3 |
Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
Universities to Study Foundation in Malaysia
1. Taylor's College
Taylor’s College, or Taylor’s College Lakeside Campus is a part of Taylor’s University in Malaysia. Taylor’s College has a positive track record in providing academic excellence and productive education through its diverse selection of pre-university programmes including their Foundation programmes.
Taylor’s School of Pre-University Studies offers an array of enriching Malaysia Foundation Programme providing over 40 undergraduate degree pathways. Through Foundation programmes by Taylor’s College, students will experience learning with both conducive and supportive learning environments.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2024) |
Foundation in Science | 1 Year | February, April, Advance August (Start it Right in July), August | Local Students: RM 30,500 International Students: USD 10,210 |
Foundation in Engineering | 1 Year | February, April, Advance August (Start it Right in July), August | Local Students: RM 30,500 International Student: USD 10,210 |
Foundation in Design | 1 Year | February, April, Advance August (Start it Right in July), August | Local Students: RM 28,500 International Student: USD 9,765 |
Foundation in Computing | 1 Year | February, April, Advance August (Start it Right in July), August | Local Students: RM 28,500 International Student: USD 9,099 |
Foundation in Business | 1 Year | February, April, Advance August (Start it Right in July), August | Local Students: RM 28,500 International Student: USD 9,765 |
Foundation in Arts | 1 Year | February, April, Advance August (Start it Right in July), August | Local Students: MYR 28,500 International Student: USD 9,765 |
Foundation in Natural & Built Environments | 1 Year | February, April, Advance August (Start it Right in July), August | Local Students: MYR 28,500 International Student: USD 9,765 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. UCSI University & College (UCSI)
UCSI University & College (UCSI) offers over a hundred credentials through partnerships with esteemed universities across the globe to fulfil their aim of nurturing their graduates with profound passion and percipient intellect to bring about changes for a better world.
Foundation programmes offered by UCSI are viable options as a preparatory course for an undergraduate degree, particularly due to the wide array of study area choices. After completion, students could be granted a direct pathway into UCSI University’s Degree Programmes including their transfer programmes or other internationally linked universities.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2024) |
Foundation in Science Study Options:
| 1 Year | January, May, September | Local Students: RM 19,012 – RM 21,630 International Students: RM 25,810 – RM 31,600 |
Foundation in Arts Study Options:
| 1 Year | January, May, September | Local Students: RM 18,012 – RM 20,630 International Students: RM 24,810 – RM 30,600 |
Foundation in Music | 1 Year | January, May, September | Local Students: RM 25,380 International Students: RM 36,000 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne University of Technology is a higher education learning provider located in Kuching, Sarawak in Malaysia. The main counterpart of Swinburne University of Technology is based in Australia which was established in 1908. Swinburne offers courses which are rooted in practical learning and industry relevant curriculums.
The School of Foundation Studies as Swinburne University of Technology has comprehensive curriculums aimed at ensuring smooth transition into an undergraduate programme. Swinburne Foundation Studies enable students to enrol in undergraduate programmes either in Sarawak or in Melbourne, Australia, for those who meet the requirements.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2024) |
Swinburne Foundation Studies (Business) | 1 Year | January, February, July, September | Local Students: RM 19,760 International Students: RM 27,312 |
Swinburne Foundation Studies (Information Technology/Multimedia) | 1 Year | January, February, July, September | Local Students: RM 19,760 International Students: RM 27,312 |
Swinburne Foundation Studies (Design) | 1 Year | January, February, July, September | Local Students: RM 19,760 International Students: RM 27,312 |
Swinburne Foundation Studies (Engineering/Science) | 1 Year | January, February, July, September | Local Students: RM 19,760 International Students: RM 27,312 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
4. INTI International University & College (INTI)
INTI International University & College (INTI) empowers their students to be exceptional global achievers, innovators, and leaders through contemporary and collaborative learning approaches imbued with advantageous industry-learning curriculum across four campuses located throughout Malaysia. INTI also has extensive partnerships with other institutions and industries.
INTI Foundation Programmes, offered among their many pre-university programmes, offer comprehensive curriculums which aim to smooth the pathway into an INTI undergraduate degree. Not only that, graduates of INTI Foundation also have the option to join overseas degree transfer programmes. Some INTI Foundation programmes have different pathways and progressions. So, students should peruse course information to make an informed decision. For more help, you can reach out to one of our consultants.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2024) |
Foundation in Arts | 1 Year | January, April, May, August | Local Students: RM 19,942 – RM 20,943 International Students: RM 19,942 – RM 20,943 |
Foundation in Business | 1 Year | January, April, May, August | Local Students: RM 11,492 – RM 21,112 International Student: RM 11,492 – RM 21,112 |
Foundation in Design | 1 Year | January, April, August | Local Students: RM 21,112 International Student: RM 21,112 |
Foundation in Science | 1 Year | January, April, May, August | Local Students: RM 19,305 – RM 21,112 International Student: RM 19,305 – RM 21,112 |
Foundation in Information Technology | 1 Year | January, April, May, August | Local Students: RM 17,810 – RM 21,112 International Student: RM 17,810 – RM 21,112 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
5. HELP Academy & University (HELP)
HELP Academy and University has a mission of providing guidance to students to ensure they live a life of significance through education. Established in 1986, HELP has shown growth by honouring themselves as a community-caring institution. HELP partners with many renowned international institutions across the globe, ranging from Australia, UK, France, Germany, New Zealand and many eminent countries.
HELP Foundation Programmes offered through the HELP Matriculation Centre (HMC) are designed to give students an outstanding educational experience and equip them with the necessary skills for facing university life. Students can hone their soft skills with relevant events by HMC such as HMC Leadership Programme and HMC Community Service.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2024) |
Foundation in Arts | 1 Year | January, May, July, September | Local Students: RM 16,350 International Students: RM 16,350 |
Foundation in Science | 1 Year | January, May, July, September | Local Students: RM 18,100 International Students: RM 18,100 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programme offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
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About The Author
Hannah Hir
Hannah appreciates various art forms, especially Asian literature, film and music. Most of her favorite Malaysian kuihs are green-coloured.