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The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Applicants who have not completed SACE or a Certificate III must be 18 years of age or over before:
February 1st of the year of intended enrolment for the study period 2 intake, or
July 1st of the year of intended enrolment for the study period 5 (midyear) intake.
Applicants who have previously studied at higher education level or completed a TAFE/VET award at Certificate IV or higher will not be considered for admission to this program.
Essential requirements for admission
The Foundation Studies enrolment process adds a layer of specialised support for commencing UniSA Foundation Studies students. For further information, please refer to the Essential Requirements for UniSA College Enrolment web page. In some instances, students will be advised to enrol in a part time study load.
Great start to university life, setting you up for success for further studies in the discipline you’re interested in. You will be confident and ready to embark on your future study journey.
Designed for people who don’t meet entry requirements for their desired degree, including school leavers without an ATAR or those looking to return to study.
Successful completion allows you to progress into an Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies. From there, you can competitively apply for many UniSA or UniSA Online degrees using your competitive Grade Point Average (GPA).
Successful completion also allows you to progress into a Diploma with many specialisations on offer. From there, you can competitively apply for any UniSA or UniSA Online degree using your competitive Grade Point Average (GPA).
Receive support from enrolment through to program completion with enrolment help sessions, mentoring, small class sizes and access to peer-assisted study sessions. More information can be found here.
Snapshot
UniSA Foundation Studies is a six-month program aimed at students with no previous qualifications, or for school leavers without an ATAR, with the added bonus of being fee-free*.
You’ll get a great start to university life by learning the skills needed to study for your degree, including:
How to write academic assignments
Effective time-management
How to reference to a university standard
How to research and form topic analysis
As a Foundation Studies student, you will take courses on campus or online and will have access to our full range of support services. Flexible study options are available, such as full-time or part-time and external (online) studies, depending on your course selection.
Upon successful completion, you can progress into an Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies or a Diploma with a chosen specialisation. From there, you can use your competitive grade point average (GPA) to apply for a UniSA bachelor's degree.
* You will be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as determined by the Australian Government.
What you'll learn
You will study core courses to develop your academic writing, communication, numeracy, research, and study skills – including how to write academic assignments, how to reference and effective time management. These skills and experiences will give you the right launchpad to navigate your future at university.
1. The program may be taken by full-time or part-time study or as a combination of the two modes.
2. Students must complete the program within 2 years of commencement, or they will be deemed to have withdrawn from the program.
3. Commencing students may have their initial enrolments withdrawn if they fail to engage with their studies (Enrolment policy A48 section 4.5).
4. Courses undertaken as part of UniSA Foundation Studies cannot be used for credit in any UniSA undergraduate program.
5. Commencing students must undertake a literacy based Enrolment Planning Tool prior to enrolment. If students do not meet the minimum result requirement they may be counselled into part-time study.
6. Students required to study this course as a result of the outcomes of the literacy-based Enrolment Planning Tool, will need to pass the course in order to progress their studies.
7. Students required to study this course as a result of the outcomes of the literacy-based Enrolment Planning Tool, will not be required to complete Language and Literacy for Effective Communication.
8. Upon completion of the program, students will have the equivalent of two semesters to progress into their chosen award program. If a student chooses not to submit their transition preferences during these periods, they will need to apply via SATAC to return to study.
9.
This program requires weekly participation in all enrolled courses. Student engagement is monitored, with a lack of participation or contact with student support services and/or the Program Director resulting in students being unenrolled from courses they have not engaged with. This action will occur in week 3, prior to census, to ensure students' future program performance (cumulative GPA) is protected.
Notes
1. Following completion of the Literacy-based Enrolment Planning Tool, students may be directed to complete these courses and complete Foundation Studies in 13.5 units.
Study hours
Your study schedule will be divided into the time you spend attending classes and watching lectures as well as independent study, including your personal research and assignment work.
Assessment
Your assessments may include:
research papers
presentations
tests (in person and online)
assignments
take home examinations
group assignments
participation and attendance
examinations
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
After successfully completing this six-month program, you can progress into an Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies with a chosen specialisation in Business, Creative Studies, Education Studies, Health, Social Sciences or STEM. You can also choose to progress from UniSA Foundation Studies to a Diploma with many specialisations on offer. From here, you can then competitively apply for many UniSA or UniSA Online degrees using your competitive Grade Point Average (GPA).
Why UniSA Foundation Studies
You will be fully supported when choosing courses within your program so that you are confident and ready to transition into either an Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma. You can book one-on-one appointments with the helpful UniSA College staff for enrolment/study support, or access individual Program Director appointments and consultations with academic staff in the UniSA College Common Room. You will also be taught by highly experienced academics from UniSA.
Online study
Studying externally (online) gives you the flexibility to study where and when you want, at your own pace. All of the courses offered through UniSA College can be studied online. You can choose your study mode when you enrol. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 digital environment, you can also:
access your lectures online, plus study and course resources
submit your assignments and get feedback
use forums and discussion boards for team work and communication
Thinking of studying soon?
2025
Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.
When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.
2026
Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.
Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.
go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Explore a range of 100% online degrees designed specifically for online learning. With the flexibility to study when and where it suits you, there’s no need to hit pause on work or family commitments.
Our campuses have advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. You’ll discover that your journey at UniSA is also about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. Depending on your campus, you’ll find student gyms, pools, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you’re keen to explore the social side of university life, there’s movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.
Student services
You will have full access to our student support services to help you settle in to university life before you begin studying a bachelor's degree. We want you to be successful and if you need help, you’ll have it. We provide a full range of support services, including:
academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
library services
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
wellbeing resources and advice
accommodation
community health clinics
services offered through our student association, USASA
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with access to virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library services and assignment results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your campus
We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.
This degree is delivered at the following campus.
Your program director
I have a strong background in health sciences, with a focus in human health and more specifically human anatomy and physiology. Through teaching, I am passionate about sharing strategies to study effectively. As a program director of Foundation Studies I am grateful to be a part of providing an opportunity for so many students to experience and commence a journey in higher education. Within the role I am conscious of the challenges that students face when attempting to enter university study and to becoming a university student. Because I meet students from all walks of life, I am experienced and proud of the work I and the College do to support students as they navigate this journey and transition to becoming a successful university student.
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying.
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
Entry Scores The rules and values that specify the level of attainment required to qualify for consideration for admission to UniSA. Below ATAR-based represents your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors.)
