UWA Foundation Program - 8 months (CRICOS course code 108651A) is a Non AQF Award delivered by The University of Western Australia (UWA) over 36 weeks (~8 months). This foundation program is designed to prepare international students for entry into undergraduate degrees at UWA, a leading Australian university consistently ranked among the top 100 globally. With a focus on academic English, study skills, and foundational knowledge in chosen fields, the program bridges the gap between high school and university study. Whether you're aiming for business, engineering, health sciences, or arts, this course equips you with the essential toolkit for success. As a CRICOS-registered course, it adheres to the ESOS Act, ensuring international student protections. With an indicative tuition fee of A$36,800 and a total estimated cost of A$38,800 (excluding OSHC and living expenses), it's a significant but worthwhile investment. Delivered at UWA College in Crawley, Perth, Western Australia, you'll benefit from studying on a world-class campus surrounded by a vibrant student community. This page provides detailed information on curriculum, fees, entry requirements, and the application process. HeadStart Academy, your trusted resource for Australian study pathways, has sourced all data from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
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UWA Foundation Program - 8 months (CRICOS course code 108651A) is a Non AQF Award delivered by The University of Western Australia (UWA) over 36 weeks (~8 months). This course is classified under 'Mixed Field Programmes' (field of education 129999), meaning it provides a broad foundation across multiple disciplines rather than specializing in one field. It is specifically designed for international students who have completed secondary education but do not yet meet the direct entry requirements for an undergraduate degree. Successful completion of this foundation program guarantees entry into selected undergraduate courses at UWA, subject to meeting the required grades. The program is delivered in English and is a single qualification (not leading to a dual award). With no mandatory work component, students can focus entirely on their studies. The University of Western Australia, CRICOS code 00126G, is a public research university and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight. The course is CRICOS-registered, ensuring it meets Australian quality standards for international education. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026.
As a Non AQF Award in Mixed Field Programmes, the curriculum covers a range of preparatory subjects designed to build academic skills and knowledge. Typically, students study core units in academic English, mathematics, critical thinking, and communication. Depending on the intended undergraduate pathway, students may also choose electives such as accounting, biology, chemistry, physics, economics, or social sciences. The program emphasizes university-style learning, including essay writing, research projects, and presentations. Graduates develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and independent study skills, which are essential for success in higher education. While this is a general description, specific unit offerings can vary each semester. For an exact syllabus, refer to The University of Western Australia's official course page at http://www.uwa.edu.au/. As a foundation program, it is specifically designed to bridge the gap between high school and university, and it is not a standalone qualification. Upon completion, students can progress to a bachelor's degree at UWA, provided they meet the academic and English requirements.
The UWA Foundation Program - 8 months is delivered over 36 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register. This full-time program is conducted in English, with no option for part-time study due to student visa conditions. The course is a single qualification, meaning it does not lead to dual awards. Classes are held on campus at UWA College, Crawley. The program is structured into two semesters of approximately 18 weeks each, with breaks in between. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must maintain full-time enrolment. The duration of 36 weeks (~8 months) is designed to ensure students are adequately prepared for the rigors of an undergraduate degree. It is important to note that the CRICOS register lists the duration as 36 weeks, which equates to about 8 calendar months. This is a standard duration for foundation programs in Australia.
The indicative fees for UWA Foundation Program - 8 months are as follows: tuition fee A$36,800, non-tuition fees A$2,000 (including materials, library access, and student services), and estimated total A$38,800. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are NOT included. OSHC is mandatory for international students and typically costs around A$500–A$700 per year. Living costs in Perth are estimated at A$1,200–A$1,500 per month for accommodation, food, transport, and other essentials. For the most current fees, always check the provider's website at http://www.uwa.edu.au/. HeadStart Academy is a free resource and does not charge any referral fees. Tuition fees are set by the institution and may increase annually. The ESOS Act protects international students from fee loss in case of provider default.
English language requirements for the UWA Foundation Program vary by provider and course level. Typically, international students need an IELTS overall score of 5.5 to 7.0, with no band less than 5.0. Some courses may accept TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English scores. For the UWA Foundation Program, the minimum IELTS is usually 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.0 in each band. Academic requirements typically include completion of Year 11 or equivalent from an overseas institution, with satisfactory grades. Since this is a foundation program, students who do not meet direct entry into a bachelor's degree are ideal candidates. Prior qualifications should be equivalent to Australian high school education. UWA may also require a minimum age of 17. It is important to check specific requirements with the admissions office. Foundation studies are available, and this course is designed for students who need additional academic preparation. Note that all entry requirements are set by the institution and are subject to change.
The UWA Foundation Program - 8 months does not include a mandatory work component. Students are not required to undertake any work placement, internship, or practical training as part of the course. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays, subject to visa conditions. This provides an opportunity to gain work experience and earn an income, but it is not compulsory. The course is purely academic, focusing on developing the skills needed for undergraduate study. Students should remember that the primary purpose of the visa is study, and work must not interfere with academic progress.
This course is delivered at UWA College, which is located on the main campus of The University of Western Australia at 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia. Crawley is an inner suburb of Perth, approximately 5 kilometers from the city center. Perth is the capital of Western Australia and has a large student population with over 60,000 international students from around the world. Crawley campus is well-served by public transport, including bus routes and the UWA Shuttle Bus service. The campus is near the Swan River and Kings Park, offering a scenic study environment. As of April 2026, there are 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, with many in Perth. The cost of living in Perth is moderate: indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is A$200–A$300, groceries A$80–A$120, and public transport A$30–A$50. Living in Crawley provides easy access to university facilities, libraries, and student services.
International students studying the UWA Foundation Program - 8 months on campus require a Student visa (Subclass 500) for the duration of their stay in Australia. This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course, work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. You must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, which assesses your genuine intention to stay temporarily for study. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the entire visa period. You must also demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. The Department of Home Affairs sets these requirements. It is crucial to consult the Home Affairs website or a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalized advice. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and cannot provide migration advice. Always ensure your provider is CRICOS-registered to be eligible for a student visa.
Follow these three steps to apply for UWA Foundation Program - 8 months at The University of Western Australia:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's course search to find courses that match your interests. Confirm that The University of Western Australia (CRICOS 00126G) offers this program. Check entry requirements, fees, and location.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Submit an application to UWA via their admissions portal or through an authorized representative. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test scores (e.g., IELTS), and any other required documents. Meet application deadlines – typically several months before the intake.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once UWA approves your application, they issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Wait for visa grant before traveling to Australia.
Ready to apply? Follow our 3-step guide above to begin your journey toward studying the UWA Foundation Program in Perth. Start researching on HeadStart Academy today!
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UWA Foundation Program - 8 months is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Western Australia (UWA). 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.