International Foundations at VU

VU course code: JQAG | CRICOS: 096078F | Level of study: Short course (non-award)
26 weeks
In person

Tuition: per semester AU$13,000

City Tower
16 February 2026
Overview

Overview

The International Foundations program at Victoria University (VU) is designed to prepare international students for tertiary studies.

The university-preparation course offers a guaranteed pathway into the first year of select undergraduate degrees and diplomas at VU, providing you meet the course entry requirements.

The International Foundations course is comparable in standard to the Australian Year 12 curriculum, which is the final year of high school in Australia. It provides a supportive learning environment for international students as they adjust to living away from home.

The key learning areas are:

  • mathematics
  • science and technology
  • the arts
  • business and legal studies.

After succesfully completing the International Foundations program and meeting any course entry requirements, you will be provided guaranteed entry to VU undergraduate degrees and higher education diplomas.

This course is delivered at our City Campus.

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a related course or unit(s). We call this a ‘pathway’.

If you've completed a qualification where English was the primary language of instruction, you may be eligible for an exemption of English-language requirements.

In some cases, there may be additional entry requirements.

Learn more about entry requirements for international students.

Entry criteria

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

Pathways to further study

Course structure

To satisfactorily complete the International Foundations at VU course, students will be required to complete eight units:

  • Two Core units
  • Six Specified units


Students will be advised that it may be a requirement to undertake a Mathematics unit in order to satisfy the conditions of entry into some Victoria University undergraduate degrees or higher education diplomas.


The standard program is delivered over 26 weeks - equivalent to 2 x 13 week trimesters.

Progressing to further study

To progress to a diploma or degree, you must 

  • take the required units and
  • achieve the required percentage in your assessments. 

See 'pathways to further study' above.

Fees

2025 course fees: AU$12,400 per semester

2026 course fees: AU$13,000 per semester

Get a discount on your fees!

The VU Block Model® International Scholarship offers eligible international students 10% off foundation-course fees for their entire first year of study. Study well and you’ll have the chance to increase or extend the scholarship for the whole duration of your course.

Find out more