University of Sydney Foundation Program

University of Sydney Foundation Program - Standard Course (CRICOS 022310D)

The University of Sydney Foundation Program - Standard Course (CRICOS course code 022310D) is a Non AQF Award delivered by The University of Sydney over 1 year. This program is designed for international students who wish to prepare for undergraduate study at Australia's leading universities. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00026A), it meets the rigorous standards of the Australian Government's Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, ensuring quality education and student protections. With an indicative tuition fee of A$48,350, this course offers a pathway to higher education in one of Australia's most vibrant cities. HeadStart Academy helps you navigate your study options, all from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).

All listed providers are CRICOS-registered with the Australian Government
Data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026)
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Covers 26,433 courses across all study levels and states
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Course overview

University of Sydney Foundation Program - Standard Course (CRICOS course code 022310D) is a Non AQF Award delivered by The University of Sydney over 1 year. This foundation program is ideal for international students who have completed secondary schooling overseas but need additional academic preparation to meet entry requirements for Australian bachelor degrees. The course is registered under field of education 120199 General Education Programmes, n.e.c., which covers broad preparatory education not classified elsewhere. It is delivered at Taylors College (Waterloo) in WATERLOO, NSW. As a foundation studies course, it provides the academic skills, subject knowledge, and English language proficiency necessary for success at university. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered with the Australian Government. HeadStart Academy sources data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), covering 26,433 courses across all study levels and states.

What you'll study

As a Non AQF Award in General Education Programmes, this foundation program covers a broad curriculum designed to bridge the gap between secondary and tertiary education. Students typically study core academic subjects such as English for Academic Purposes, mathematics, and critical thinking, along with elective units aligned to their intended university major (e.g., science, business, arts). The program emphasises independent learning, research skills, and university-style assessment methods. While the specific syllabus is set by The University of Sydney, graduates will gain the foundational knowledge and study skills needed to progress to a bachelor degree. This course is a pathway option for those who do not yet meet direct entry requirements. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and this course is one of many pathway options available.

Duration and study mode

The University of Sydney Foundation Program - Standard Course is delivered over 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual qualification) and is classified as a foundation studies program. Students study full-time on campus at Taylors College (Waterloo). The course does not include a work component. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This allows students to gain part-time work experience while studying.

Fees (indicative — set by The University of Sydney)

The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$48,350 per year, as recorded on the CRICOS register. Non-tuition fees (such as materials and administration) amount to A$570, bringing the estimated total to A$48,920. Please note: These figures do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs (accommodation, food, transport), or the student visa application charge. For the most current fees, always check The University of Sydney's website. As a guide, living costs in Sydney for a single student are approximately A$500–700 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. Sydney is Australia's largest city with over 200,000 international students and excellent public transport. Course fees shown are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 – always confirm directly with the provider.

Entry requirements (general guidance)

Entry requirements for this foundation program vary by provider. For The University of Sydney, applicants typically need to have completed Year 11 or equivalent with satisfactory grades. English language requirements: IELTS overall band score of 5.5–7.0 (depending on the course level) or equivalent. Some students may also need to take a foundation-specific English test. This course is itself a foundation/pathway option, so prior qualifications expected are generally weaker than direct university entry. HeadStart Academy does not set entry requirements – always check the provider's website. For visa purposes, you must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC.

Work component

This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This provides an opportunity to gain work experience and offset living costs.

Delivery locations

The University of Sydney Foundation Program - Standard Course is delivered at Taylors College (Waterloo), located in WATERLOO, NSW. Waterloo is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Sydney, close to the University of Sydney's main Camperdown campus. Sydney is home to over 20 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. The city has a large student population, excellent public transport (trains, buses, light rail), and a high cost of living typical of major Australian cities. Students can easily access libraries, study spaces, and part-time jobs in the surrounding area.

Student visa

International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in Australia, work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and financial capacity (tuition + living costs + travel) are assessed as part of your visa application. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice – consult a registered MARA agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au).

How to apply

Applying for University of Sydney Foundation Program - Standard Course at The University of Sydney is a three-step process:

1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy's free resource to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm The University of Sydney (CRICOS 00026A) offers the program you need.

2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Meet the entry requirements (academic transcripts, English test scores, and any prerequisites), prepare your documents, and submit an application by the deadline. Check the provider's website for application procedures.

3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and demonstrate GTE compliance.

Ready to start your foundation studies at The University of Sydney? Use HeadStart Academy's free search to explore more CRICOS-registered courses and begin your application today.

Other courses at The University of Sydney

View the full The University of Sydney profile →

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Source-backed course facts

University of Sydney Foundation Program - Standard Course is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Sydney. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.

CRICOS register extract

Course
University of Sydney Foundation Program - Standard Course
CRICOS course code
022310D
Provider
The University of Sydney (00026A)
Course level
Non AQF Award
Field of education
12 - Mixed Field Programmes
Duration
52 weeks
Tuition (indicative)
A$48,350
Estimated total (indicative)
A$48,920
Delivery locations
WATERLOO
Work component
No

This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.

Important notes for international students

  • Tuition and living-cost figures on this site are indicative only — confirm current fees with the provider before you accept an offer.
  • HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) rules, OSHC and financial capacity, verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent.
  • Only CRICOS-registered providers may enrol overseas students. Always check the CRICOS course and provider codes on your offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Related pages

Frequently Asked Questions

The indicative tuition fee is A$48,350 per year, with non-tuition fees of A$570, totalling A$48,920. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register and are subject to change. OSHC, living costs, and visa application charges are not included. Always check the University of Sydney's website for the most current fees.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is a full-time program delivered in English at Taylors College in Waterloo, NSW.
Entry requirements typically include completion of Year 11 or equivalent with satisfactory grades, and an English language proficiency of IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent). Specific requirements may vary – check the provider's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. This course is a pathway option for students who do not meet direct university entry.
The course is delivered at Taylors College (Waterloo) in WATERLOO, NSW. This location is in inner-city Sydney, close to the University of Sydney's main campus. Sydney has excellent public transport and a large international student community.
CRICOS lists estimated total fees of A$48,920 for University of Sydney Foundation Program - Standard Course (tuition A$48,350). Figures are indicative as at the April 2026 register snapshot — confirm current fees with The University of Sydney before applying.
The CRICOS course code is 022310D, offered by The University of Sydney (provider code 00026A). Use these codes when checking your offer and CoE.