Scholarship Guaranteed: Application to Foundation Course at the University of Western Australia (UWA) College

International students aiming to study at a top-ranked university in Australia can consider the Foundation Program at UWA – a preparatory pathway delivered by UWA College on UWA’s Perth campus. This program is designed specifically for international students to provide academic and English language preparation for UWA’s undergraduate degrees.

Importantly, UWA College offers two Foundation Program options: a Standard (8-month) program and an Extended (12-month) program. Below, we provide a detailed comparison of these options – including duration, structure, tuition fees, entry requirements, and progression routes.

UWA Foundation Program Overview

The UWA Foundation Program is a pathway course that leads to the first year of undergraduate study at UWA. It serves students who have finished high school (Year 11 or 12 internationally) but need additional preparation before entering a degree. By completing this program and achieving the required grades, students are guaranteed progression into UWA’s bachelor’s degrees – in fact, the foundation program offers progression to all undergraduate courses at UWA upon successful completion. In other words, you can gain entry into Year 1 of your preferred UWA degree by finishing the foundation course.

At UWA College, the Foundation Program is taught in a supportive, university-style environment on campus. Students develop confidence in academic communication, improve English skills, and study subject-specific content aligned with their future degree. Intakes are available multiple times a year (typically February, June, and October) to align with UWA’s academic calendar, giving flexibility in start dates.

Key Highlights:

  • Pathway to UWA: Upon passing the foundation program and meeting entry criteria, you progress directly into UWA’s first-year undergraduate studies (with a wide choice of majors).
  • University Resources: As a UWA College student, you have access to UWA’s facilities and support services from day one.
  • Two Program Lengths: The foundation course is offered in Standard (8-month) and Extended (12-month) formats to suit different student needs.

Standard vs. Extended Foundation Program – Key Differences

Both the Standard and Extended Foundation Programs ultimately provide the same outcome – entry into UWA undergraduate degrees – but they differ in duration, structure, and entry criteria. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two options:

  1. Duration & Structure
    • Standard Foundation Program (8 months):
      • Runs over 8 months (two trimesters)
      • Requires completion of 48 credits of coursework
      • Accelerated pace, suitable for academically strong students
    • Extended Foundation Program (12 months):
      • Runs over 12 months (three trimesters)
      • Includes 72 credits, with extra academic English or study skills modules
      • Ideal for students needing more time to build English proficiency or academic confidence

  2. Tuition Fees
    • Standard (8-month): Approximately AUD 35,300 (2025 figures)Extended (12-month): Approximately AUD 36,900 (2025 figures)
    (Tuition fees can vary slightly by intake/year. Always check the latest details on the official Foundation Program page.)

  3. Academic Entry Requirements
    • Standard:
      • Completion of Year 11 (or equivalent) with strong grades (often ~70% average or GPA 3.0)
      • Accelerated academic pace means high achievers can enter
    • Extended:
      • Also requires Year 11/final-year high school completion, but with slightly lower grades acceptable
      • Extra trimester offers more academic support

  4. English Language Entry Requirements
    • Standard:
      • IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5), or equivalent (e.g. TOEFL iBT ~79, PTE Academic ~50)
      Extended:
      • IELTS 5.5 overall (no band below 5.0), or equivalentAdditional English support in the extra term helps you reach UWA’s standards


    If you do not meet these scores immediately, you can first take an approved English course (e.g., UWA College’s English for Academic Purposes) before starting the foundation program.

  5. Intakes & Schedule
    • Standard:
      • Typically starts in June or October, finishing in February or July for seamless undergraduate entry

    • Extended:
      • Starts in February or June, spanning a full year before undergraduate study

  6. Who Should Choose Which?
    • Standard (8-month):
      • Best for students with strong academic records and good English proficiency who want to fast-track to university in under a year
    • Extended (12-month):
      • Suited to students needing extra time for English and academic skills, or those preferring a more gradual pace

For a full breakdown of course structure and unit lists, visit the official Foundation Program page.

Academic Content and Support

Both versions of the UWA Foundation Program cover a range of core subjects and skills designed to prepare you for any UWA degree. You will study:

  • Academic English (for essay writing, presentations, research)
  • Mathematics (tailored to your future major – e.g., general math, statistics)
  • Introductory subject modules relevant to your intended field (e.g., Chemistry fundamentals for science students or basic economics for commerce pathways)
  • Study skills (time management, critical thinking, research methods)

In the Extended program, you’ll also complete extra units focusing on advanced English and university study skills, ensuring you build confidence before tackling the first year of a bachelor’s degree.

Throughout either program, small class sizes and one-on-one tutor support ensure you get personalized feedback. UWA College follows INTO’s model of additional academic assistance for international students, with dedicated academic liaisons who help you adjust to Australian teaching styles. By the end of the foundation course, you’ll be comfortable with:

  • Lecture and tutorial formats
  • Independent research and referencing
  • Group discussions and presentations
  • Critical academic writing

This preparation means that when you progress into Year 1 at UWA, you join your peers with full confidence in English and academic expectations.

Progression to UWA Undergraduate Degrees

One of the biggest advantages of the UWA Foundation Program is the guaranteed progression into UWA’s bachelor’s degrees, provided you meet the required foundation grades. UWA College designs the curriculum in collaboration with UWA, so the progression benchmarks (grades you need in each foundation subject) directly align with UWA’s entry standards for first-year. As long as you achieve the minimum required scores, you are assured a place in the first year of your chosen degree at UWA. This progression covers all undergraduate majors at UWA—from Arts, Business, and Science to Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Science, and more—giving you a broad range of options once you finish foundation studies.

Each UWA degree has specific grade requirements for foundation progression. For example, a highly competitive degree like Engineering may need higher grade thresholds than a Humanities degree. UWA College will inform you of these targets well before you start your first year. Typically, over 90% of UWA Foundation students successfully progress to undergraduate programs each year.

Academic Progression Highlights:

  • All Majors Eligible: Progression to any UWA undergraduate course upon achieving required foundation grades.
  • Seamless Transition: Since the foundation program is on UWA’s campus, you become familiar with facilities (libraries, labs, student services) before Year 1.
  • Assured Pathways for Top Performers: Outstanding foundation students can apply for Assured Pathway schemes into professional degrees (like Medicine, Dentistry, Law) once they complete their bachelor’s degree at UWA.
  • Ongoing Support: Academic and personal support continues in first year if needed, ensuring foundation alumni often perform on par with direct-entry students.

For details on progression requirements, see the UWA Foundation Program page and contact UWA College advisors.

Tuition Fees and Budgeting

As noted, the estimated tuition fees for 2025 are:

  • Standard 8-Month Program: AUD 35,300
  • Extended 12-Month Program: AUD 36,900

Always verify current fees on the official Foundation Program page, as they are updated each intake.

In addition to tuition, plan for living expenses in Perth:

  • Accommodation (on-campus or off-campus): ~AUD 300–350 per week
  • Food & Groceries: ~AUD 80–100 per week
  • Transport: ~AUD 30–50 per week (UWA’s free bus services to nearby suburbs)
  • OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover): ~AUD 500–700 per year (depending on provider and coverage)
  • Miscellaneous (books, entertainment): ~AUD 50–100 per week

Perth tends to be more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne, but budgeting carefully is essential. Good Friends Japan can advise you on cost-saving options, such as on-campus accommodation vs. homestay, and part-time work opportunities once you begin your foundation program (subject to visa work conditions—usually up to 48 hours per fortnight during term).

Occasionally, UWA College and its official agents offer scholarships or bursaries to foundation students. These can partially offset your tuition—contact Good Friends Japan to ask about any current scholarship opportunities for new foundation applicants. A reduced tuition fee or a small living stipend can make a significant difference, so don’t miss out.

Entry Requirements at a Glance

To apply, you must meet both academic and English language requirements. The exact criteria vary slightly between the Standard and Extended programs:

Academic Requirements

  • High School Completion: Minimum of Year 11 (or equivalent) with strong grades (typically around 70% average or equivalent GPA).
  • Year 12 (optional): If you have completed Year 12, your final marks in core subjects may place you directly into the Standard program; otherwise, apply to the Extended program for extra support.
  • Prerequisite Subjects: No specific course prerequisites except general academic readiness; however, if you plan to progress into a technical field (e.g., Engineering or Science), having strong math/science foundations in high school is advantageous.

English Language Requirements

  • Standard Foundation (8 months):
    • IELTS Academic 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5), OR
    • TOEFL iBT 79 (min. 18 writing, 17 reading, 18 listening, 17 speaking), OR
    • PTE Academic 50 (min. 50 in each skill), OR
    • Equivalent scores in other approved tests.
  • Extended Foundation (12 months):
    • IELTS Academic 5.5 overall (no band below 5.0), OR
    • TOEFL iBT 60 (min. 15 in each skill), OR
    • PTE Academic 42 (min. 36 in each skill), OR
    • Equivalent scores.

If you fall just below these scores, UWA College offers English Bridging courses (e.g., Academic English Preparation) to help you meet requirements before beginning the foundation program. For details, refer to the English Requirements section on the official INTO site.

How to Apply (via Good Friends Japan – INTO Australia)

Important: We encourage international students to apply via Agent Scholarship Office by Good Friends Japan, in partnership with INTO Australia. In this way, you are qualified to receive a corporate sponsored scholarship.

Application Steps:

  1. Complete the Agent Scholarship Application Form: 👉 Apply via Good Friends Japan Fill in your personal details, academic history, and intended program.
  2. Prepare Your Documents:
    • Certified English translations of academic transcripts (Year 11 or 12)
    • English test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
    • Copy of your passport
    • Any other documents requested (e.g., resume, reference letters if needed)
  3. Agent Submits Your Application: Good Friends Japan with INTO Australia will lodge your application to the UWA Foundation Program on your behalf.
  4. Receive Your Offer & Scholarships: If you meet requirements, you’ll get an Offer Letter detailing which Foundation Program (Standard or Extended), tuition fees, intake date, and any scholarships awarded (UWA College and/or Agent Scholarship Office scholarships).
  5. Accept Your Offer & Pay Deposit: Follow the instructions in the Offer Letter to accept and pay the deposit. Agent Scholarship Office can help you manage payments and confirm your spot.
  6. Apply for Your Student Visa: Once you have your Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) for the Foundation Program, Agent Scholarship Office guides you through the Australian Student Visa (subclass 500) application.
  7. Pre-Departure & Arrival Support: Benefit from agent-led pre-departure briefings on life in Perth, accommodation advice, and airport pickup options. After arrival, you join the UWA College orientation and meet fellow foundation students.

Agent Scholarship Benefit: Students applying through Agent Scholarship Office are eligible for exclusive agent scholarships (e.g., a partial tuition waiver or stipend) only when using the above form. This is in addition to any UWA College–awarded scholarships, making your pathway even more affordable.

Why Choose UWA Foundation Program?

  • Guaranteed Progression: Succeed in the foundation program and you progress into Year 1 of any UWA bachelor’s degree.
  • Flexible Pacing: Pick the Standard (8 months) if you’re academically strong, or the Extended (12 months) if you want more support time.
  • Strong Student Support: Benefit from small classes, academic tutors, English language assistance, and personal mentors.
  • On-Campus Experience: Study on UWA’s scenic Crawley campus, with access to libraries, sports facilities, and UWA’s student services.
  • High Success Rates: Over 90% of UWA Foundation students progress to undergraduate degrees each year.
  • Path to Top Programs: Perform well, and you can qualify for Assured Pathway schemes (Medicine, Dentistry, Law) after your bachelor’s degree.

By the end of the foundation course, you’ll be well-prepared to study alongside direct-entry undergraduates at UWA, having already acclimated to academic demands and everyday life in Perth. The path is clear: complete the foundation, meet progression scores, and start your bachelor’s degree with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What’s the difference between Standard and Extended?

  • Standard (8 months): Faster pace, for students with strong academic and English backgrounds (IELTS 6.0).
  • Extended (12 months): Extra term of study and English support, for those who need more time (IELTS 5.5).

Q2: Are there scholarships for the foundation program?

  • Yes. UWA College sometimes offers scholarships. Additionally, by applying through Good Friends Japan, you automatically become eligible for an exclusive agent scholarship. Complete the application form to secure funding.

Q3: When are the intakes?

  • Extended: Usually starts in February or June.
  • Standard: Usually starts in June or October.
  • Progress into UWA in February or July after successful completion.

Q4: Can I choose any UWA degree after foundation?

  • Yes. Foundation students can progress to any UWA bachelor’s degree, provided they meet that program’s required grades in the foundation assessments.

Q5: How do I apply if I don’t yet meet the English requirement?

  • You can first take an approved English Bridging Course (offered by UWA College or partner providers) to reach the necessary IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores. Then progress into your chosen foundation program.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Don’t miss out on guaranteed progression and exclusive scholarship funding! Apply via the Good Friends Japan Agent Scholarship Office by completing the form below. Our advisors will help you choose the right foundation pathway (Standard 8 months or Extended 12 months), gather your documents, and ensure your application is processed smoothly.

👉 Apply for UWA Foundation Program and Scholarship

Take the first step toward your UWA undergraduate degree today. We look forward to helping you achieve your academic dreams at one of Australia’s leading universities.

Useful Links:

Apply now via the agent link to ensure you receive the best guidance and scholarship support. We’ll see you on campus at UWA!