Foundation Program (Extended) (CRICOS course code 089917G) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd (CRICOS 01590J) over 51 weeks (~12 months). This foundation studies program is designed for international students who need additional academic preparation before entering undergraduate studies. Whether you're aiming for a degree at Deakin University or elsewhere, this course equips you with essential skills in English, critical thinking, and subject-specific knowledge. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards and qualifies for a Student visa (Subclass 500). At HeadStart Academy, we source all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to give you accurate, trustworthy information. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students — and Foundation Program (Extended) is one of them. Let's explore what this course offers, including fees, locations, and entry requirements.
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Foundation Program (Extended) (CRICOS course code 089917G) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd over 51 weeks (~12 months). This course falls under the field of education 12 - Mixed Field Programmes, specifically 1201 General Education Programmes (120199 n.e.c.). It is a pathway program that prepares international students for university-level study, focusing on academic skills, English language proficiency, and introductory subjects in chosen disciplines. As a foundation studies course, it does not lead to a separate qualification but provides a guaranteed pathway into partner institutions like Deakin University. The program is delivered in English and is designed for full-time study, which is a requirement for the Student visa (Subclass 500). All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026, ensuring you have the latest information. Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd (trading as Deakin College) is a CRICOS-registered private provider with a strong reputation for pathway education.
As a General Education Programme (n.e.c.), the Foundation Program (Extended) covers a broad range of foundational skills rather than a specific vocational area. Students typically develop academic reading and writing, research methods, critical analysis, and communication skills. Depending on your intended undergraduate major, you may also study introductory subjects in business, science, engineering, or arts. The curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between your previous education and Australian university standards. While we cannot list specific units here (these are set by the provider), the overall goal is to build confidence and competence for success in a bachelor's degree. The course is delivered over 51 weeks, allowing for extended learning and additional support compared to a standard foundation program. This makes it ideal for students who need more time to meet entry requirements or adapt to a new academic environment.
Foundation Program (Extended) runs for 51 weeks, which equates to approximately 12 months of full-time study. The language of instruction is English, and the course is a single qualification (no dual award). Full-time enrolment is mandatory for international students holding a Student visa (Subclass 500). The course is offered at two campuses: Deakin College - Burwood Campus in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, and Deakin College - Geelong Waterfront Campus in Geelong. Both campuses provide modern facilities, libraries, and student support services. The standard duration is fixed at 51 weeks, meaning you must complete the program within that timeframe to maintain visa compliance. If you need to extend your studies, you must apply for a new CoE and potentially a visa extension. Always confirm the exact study load with Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd before enrolling.
The indicative tuition fee for Foundation Program (Extended) is A$37,260, with no non-tuition fees listed, bringing the estimated total to A$37,260. Please note that these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register and are subject to change. They do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and costs approximately A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs in Australia are estimated at A$21,041 per year by the Department of Home Affairs, but actual expenses vary by city. In Melbourne, you may need A$25,000–A$30,000 per year for rent, food, transport, and other expenses; Geelong is typically 10–15% cheaper. We recommend visiting the provider's website at www.deakincollege.edu.au for the most current fee schedule and any available scholarships.
Entry requirements for Foundation Program (Extended) vary by provider, but typical expectations for foundation studies include completion of Year 11 or equivalent (Australian or overseas), with satisfactory grades in relevant subjects. English language proficiency is key — international students generally need IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall, with no band below 5.0–6.0, or equivalent scores in TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge English. Some providers also accept completion of an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd may have specific prerequisites, so always check their official entry criteria. This course is designed for students who do not yet meet direct entry into a bachelor's degree, making it an excellent pathway option. If you have lower English scores, you may be able to package this course with an ELICOS program. For immigration purposes, you must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and demonstrate financial capacity.
Foundation Program (Extended) does not include a mandatory work component. However, as an international student holding a Student visa (Subclass 500), you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This can help offset living costs and gain local experience. The course itself is purely academic, with no placement or internship requirements. If you are looking for a course with a built-in work placement, this is not it. But rest assured, the student visa work rights apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, including this one. Always check your visa conditions and ensure work does not interfere with your study obligations.
Foundation Program (Extended) is delivered at two campuses in Victoria: Deakin College - Burwood Campus in the suburb of Burwood, approximately 14 km east of Melbourne's CBD, and Deakin College - Geelong Waterfront Campus in central Geelong, a coastal city about 75 km southwest of Melbourne. Burwood Campus is accessible via tram, bus, and train, with the nearest station being Burwood Railway Station. Geelong Waterfront Campus is located on the waterfront with easy access to public transport and affordable student housing. Melbourne is home to over 250,000 international students and more than 200 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a vibrant multicultural environment. Geelong has a growing student population of around 10,000, lower living costs (rent approx. A$200–A$300 per week vs. A$300–A$500 in Melbourne), and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Both campuses provide excellent student support and facilities. Choosing between them depends on your preference for a large city or a regional setting.
This course is eligible for the Student visa (Subclass 500), which allows you to study full-time in Australia. Key visa requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient financial capacity (tuition + living costs + OSHC), and English language proficiency proof (unless exempt). Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the duration of your stay. As a student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. Your visa is subject to condition 8202 (satisfactory course progress). All CRICOS-registered courses, including this one, are protected under the ESOS Act, which ensures tuition assurance and refund protections. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice — for visa applications, consult a registered MARA agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Foundation programs are an excellent pathway for international students who need additional academic or English preparation before entering an Australian university. Before choosing this course, consider: 1) Your intended bachelor's degree — does the foundation program guarantee progression? Most Deakin College programs offer pathways into Deakin University degrees. 2) Location — do you prefer the bustling city life of Melbourne or the more laid-back Geelong? Each has different living costs and student communities. 3) Duration — 51 weeks is longer than some standard foundation programs (usually 8–12 months), which may be beneficial if you need extra time to adapt. 4) Cost — at A$37,260, this is a significant investment; budget for living expenses and OSHC. 5) CRICOS registration — verify that both the provider and course are currently registered on the CRICOS register. HeadStart Academy ensures all data is from the official register, but always double-check. With over 1,500 CRICOS providers in Australia, you have many options — take the time to compare.
Applying for this course is straightforward. Follow these three steps: Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers. HeadStart Academy helps you filter by course level, field, and city. Confirm that Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd (CRICOS 01590J) is the right provider for you. Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution. Check entry requirements, prepare your English test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL), transcripts, and passport. Submit an online application via Deakin College's website. Deadlines and intake dates vary — typically February, June, and October. Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once you have the CoE, lodge your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet the GTE, financial, and health cover requirements. HeadStart Academy provides guidance but does not process applications — always follow official channels.
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Foundation Program (Extended) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology 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.