Standard Foundation Studies Program in Health Science/Nursing (CRICOS course code 0100889) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Western Sydney University International College Pty Ltd over 37 weeks (~9 months). This program is designed for international students who wish to progress into health science or nursing degrees at partner universities. As a foundation studies pathway, it equips students with the academic skills, scientific knowledge, and English language proficiency needed for undergraduate study in health-related fields. The course is delivered in Parramatta, a major Sydney hub with a large international student population and excellent transport links. All CRICOS-registered providers, including Western Sydney University International College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03663C), must meet strict Australian Government standards, ensuring quality education and student protections under the ESOS Act. HeadStart Academy provides this information free of charge, sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
This non-AQF award program falls under the broad field of Mixed Field Programmes (12), specifically Other Mixed Field Programmes (1299). While the CRICOS register does not specify a detailed syllabus, foundation studies programs at this level typically cover core academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing, and research methods, alongside introductory subjects in health science, human biology, and chemistry. Students may also study English for academic purposes to meet university entry requirements. The curriculum aims to bridge the gap between secondary education and university-level study, ensuring graduates are prepared for the rigours of a health science or nursing bachelor degree. It is important to note that this is a pathway course — successful completion may guarantee entry into a partner university's undergraduate program, subject to meeting specific grade requirements. For the exact syllabus, contact Western Sydney University International College Pty Ltd directly.
The course is 37 weeks (approximately 9 months) in duration, as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is delivered in English only. This is a single qualification — there is no dual qualification component. Study is typically full-time and may involve a mix of classroom instruction, tutorials, and self-directed learning. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. The provider may offer intakes at multiple times per year; check the institution's website for exact start dates.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$26,700, with non-tuition fees of A$225, giving an estimated total of A$26,925. Please note: these figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Fees are set by the provider — always confirm current fees on Western Sydney University International College Pty Ltd's official website. Additional costs not included in the above are: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC — compulsory for Student visa holders, typically A$500–A$700 per year), living expenses (the Department of Home Affairs recommends approximately A$21,041 per year for a single student), and the Student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). HeadStart Academy advises budgeting for at least A$25,000 per year in living costs, depending on your lifestyle and location. Parramatta, where this course is delivered, is generally more affordable than Sydney's city centre but still requires careful financial planning.
Entry requirements for the Standard Foundation Studies Program in Health Science/Nursing vary by provider. Typically, applicants need to have completed Year 12 or equivalent with satisfactory grades in science subjects. English language requirements are a key component — most foundation programs require an IELTS score of 5.5 overall (with no band below 5.0) or equivalent, though some may ask for 6.0. For this specific course, check Western Sydney University International College Pty Ltd's admissions page. Given this is a foundation program, prior qualifications do not need to be at the same level as a bachelor degree — it is designed for students who do not yet meet direct entry into undergraduate study. Some providers also have academic English pathways for students with lower scores. Always verify requirements directly with the institution, as they may change.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. As a Non AQF Award foundation program, it is primarily academic study. However, Student visa (Subclass 500) holders are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This allows students to gain casual work experience and supplement their living expenses. Parramatta offers numerous part-time job opportunities in retail, hospitality, and administration, with many employers advertising to the large student population.
This course is delivered at 2b-6 Hassall Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 — in the heart of Parramatta, a vibrant city in Western Sydney. Parramatta is home to a large international student community, with over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia offering more than 26,000 courses. The campus is well-connected by public transport: Parramatta Station is a 10-minute walk, and regular trains and buses connect to Sydney's CBD (about 30 minutes). Living costs in Parramatta are lower than the Sydney average; indicative weekly rent for shared accommodation is $200–$300, groceries around $70–$100, and a public transport concession card costs about $30 per week. The suburb has a high student population, with many amenities catering to international students.
International students enrolled in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and confirmation of enrolment (CoE). The student visa allows work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. OSHC must be maintained for the entire visa duration. HeadStart Academy strongly recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice. All CRICOS-registered courses are covered by the ESOS Act, protecting students' tuition fees and academic standards.
To apply for the Standard Foundation Studies Program in Health Science/Nursing at Western Sydney University International College Pty Ltd, follow these three steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's course search to filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (Mixed Field Programmes), and location (Parramatta) to confirm your options. Always check the provider's CRICOS registration status at cricos.teqsa.gov.au.
2. Apply directly to Western Sydney University International College Pty Ltd: Meet entry requirements (academic and English), prepare your documents (transcripts, English test scores, passport), and submit your application via the institution's online portal or through an authorised education agent. Pay attention to application deadlines and intake dates.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC arranged, sufficient funds demonstrated, and a genuine temporary entrant statement prepared. Visa processing times vary; apply several weeks before course commencement.
Ready to start your foundation studies journey? Browse more CRICOS-registered courses in Health Science/Nursing or explore Western Sydney University International College Pty Ltd's profile for additional information.
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Standard Foundation Studies Program in Health Science/Nursing is a CRICOS-registered programme at Western Sydney University International College Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.