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Foundation Studies

Your fast-track to university.

Foundation Studies

Your fast-track to university.

Study options

View eligibility

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Apply now

Not everyone steps straight from school into university, and not everyone takes the same pathway to study. No matter when you graduated from high school, or even if you didn't, you could start a degree at Flinders through our Foundations Studies program.

Foundation Studies is a university bridging course designed to give you the confidence and skills you need to start one of over 30 Flinders degrees. In as short as 5 weeks, or via a 10 week or 14 week program, you could step into a Flinders degree and start your fearless journey to a new career. And the best part? Foundation Studies is government funded, so there is no cost to you.* It’s time to take the first steps towards a new career.

Checklist

Free* pathway into Uni

Location

Online or on campus

Certificate

Direct entry to 30 degrees and competitive entry to range or other courses

Step into a uni degree sooner than you think

Fast-tracked 5-week intensive option

  • Free*
  • Online or in-person (Bedford Park or Flinders City Campus)
  • Classes during and outside of business hours to suit your needs
  • 4 times a week (Monday to Thursday), 2 hours per session for 5 weeks
  • Start in January or May
The 5-week intensive course allows you to fast-track your university entry with 2 hours in class (online or on campus) during business hours plus 4 hours of independent study each day.
 

When are you interested in starting?

  • January (5 week intensive)
  • March (standard 10 week)
  • March (standard 14 week)

Standard 10 week option

  • Free*
  • Online or on campus (Adelaide City TAFE, Noarlunga TAFE or Elizabeth TAFE options available)
  • Classes during business hours
  • Twice a week, 2 hours per session for 10 weeks
  • Study around your lifestyle
  • Start in March or July

Standard 14 week option

  • Free*
  • On campus (Bedford park or Flinders City Campus)
  • Evening classes
  • Once a week, 3 hours per session for 14 weeks
  • Study around your lifestyle
  • Start in March or July

Applications for 2025 are now open.

If you have any questions about the program, or need any pathway advice please submit an enquiry and we will get in touch.

Make an Enquiry

Foundation Studies Application guide

Who is eligible to apply?

This program is for Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens who have not previously studied at university and do not hold a TAFE/VET Advanced Diploma.

This program is not available to students enrolled in Year 12 studies (South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) or equivalent) or to students enrolled below Year 12 studies; or to those who were eligible to be enrolled in Year 12 studies in the year they wish to commence this program.

How do I apply?

Applications for the Foundation Studies course should be submitted through the Online Application System portal.

Refer to the Application Guide below or contact 1300 354 633 for assistance with the application process.

Intensive, online and on campus location options are available to choose after a successful application has been made.

Foundation Studies Application guide

Securing your place after you’ve received an offer letter

To secure your place in this course, you need to take the following steps as soon as possible and by no later than the course start date:

  • Ensure you have activated your Flinders Account. To do this you need your Student ID and date of birth (your Student ID is provided in your offer letter);
  • Log on to Compass, and click on the Student Systems icon under the My Systems section;
  • Complete a Commonwealth Assistance Form (CAF) which can be accessed through the ‘My Commonwealth Assistance’ tab at the top of the page in the Student System. There is a demonstration video available to help you if you need assistance;
  • Click on the ‘My Enrolment’ tab found at the top of the page in the Student System and read and agree to the enrolment declaration before commencing your enrolment.

Visit Compass

Tallulha

“I felt a great sense of achievement and happiness that I was able to complete a course through Flinders University whilst juggling my out of school commitments. I was honestly shocked when I found out I got into my preferred degree. When I found out I was ecstatic.” 

Read Tallulha's story

Breanna

“There was a lot of support during the intensive with a lot of feedback on all our work and how to make it better as there is always something to improve on, which I always appreciate. We also got introduced to all the different learning services available to us.”

Read Breanna's story

What will you learn in the Foundation Studies course?

Foundation Studies has been carefully designed to prepare you for university study.

Whether you take the fast-tracked 5-week intensive program, the 10 week or 14 week program, you’ll gain:

  • university-level study skills and an understanding of university life
  • digital literacy and reading skills
  • academic communication skills
  • critical thinking and analytical skills
  • the confidence that you're prepared and ready to start your degree.

Where will you study?

Online from anywhere. Whether you live in regional Australia or in a metropolitan area, you can study online from the comfort of your home.

On-campus from one of five locations across metro Adelaide:

The course is available with both daytime and evening classes, however some campuses only offer one timeslot. Please check the timetables below for the current semester availabilities.

What is the time commitment required?

The contact hours and study times will differ depending on the location and mode of study you choose, but the class times are consistent each week to enable you to plan your life around study.

Foundation Studies Timetable Semester 1, 2025

Foundation Studies Timetable Semester 2, 2025

Foundation Studies Timetable 5-week Intensive

Guaranteed entry to over 30 degrees at Flinders University

If you successfully complete the Foundation Studies Program, Flinders University will guarantee your entry to the following undergraduate degrees:

You are also eligible to apply for other courses upon successful completion of the Foundation Studies Program. However, selection is competitive so it pays to work hard and achieve the best results you can.

You can apply for most courses via internal transfer. Check the internal transfer page to see if the course is available via internal transfer or if a SATAC application is required.

Have Questions?

Book a chat with our team to see if you qualify for our Foundation courses.

1300 354 633

askflinders@flinders.edu.au

Contact us

* This is a Commonwealth Government funded program, meaning there are no fees charged to undertake the course. Upon successful completion of the program, students are able to undertake further university studies.

**This program is for Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens who have not previously studied at university and do not hold a TAFE/VET Advanced Diploma.

This program is not available to students enrolled in Year 12 studies (South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) or equivalent) or to students enrolled below Year 12 studies; or to those who were eligible to be enrolled in Year 12 studies in the year they wish to commence this program.

 

Student success stories

Sasha Clarke - Flinders Foundation Studies student

Start your future with Foundation Studies

Five years out of high school, Sasha Clarke found herself looking for a new direction.

Read more

Kelei Deng - Flinders Foundation Studies student

Helping you get to uni

Jane Habner understands that not everyone enters university the same way. Foundation Studies opens the door to multiple degrees.

Read more

Scott Richards - Flinders Foundation Studies student

From prisoner to pupil

Scott Richards has seen the bottom, but thanks to Flinders Foundation Studies, he’s climbing his way back up.

Read more

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Last Updated: 22 Oct 2024

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