Foundation program

Foundation

Did you stop studying in high school but have the desire to start tertiary education? Our Foundation Program has been developed to bridge the gap between high school and tertiary studies. While completing the Foundation Program, you will study units and practice skills required for academic success in the SIBT Diploma Program (equivalent to one year of University studies). Some of the Foundation units you select will depend on the Diploma you wish to study.

Your direct pathway to an SIBT diploma

  • High School
  • SIBT Foundation
  • SIBT diploma
  • University degree

Key Information

Duration

Standard program - 8 months

Extended program - 12 months

Intake Dates

March, July, October 

Campus Location

Level 4, 255 Elizabeth Street Sydney 

CRICOS Code:

Standard 088486A

Extended 088487M

Australian International

Fees

A$21,220 (Standard)

A$27,270 (Extended)

Australian International

Fees

A$24,420 (Standard)

A$33,430 (Extended)

Program requirements

If you have completed year 11, or equivalent and achieved an equivalent IELTS of 5.5 with 5 in each band, then you are eligible to study the Foundation Standard Program which takes two semesters to complete.

If you have completed year 11, or equivalent and have achieved an IELTS of 5.0, then you are eligible to study the Foundation Extended Program which takes three semesters to complete. 

Admission requirements can be found at 

Our students who study the Foundation Extended Program will study four Extended core units, five Standard core units and three elective units from a selected stream. 

 Core units

  • FNDS010 Introduction to Academic Communication
  • FNDS011 Introduction to Academic Reading and Writing
  • FNDS012 Computing Skills
  • FNDA022 Media 

Our students who study the Foundation Standard Program will study five Standard core units and three electives units from a selected stream. 

Core units

  • FNDS013 Advanced Academic Communication Skills
  • FNDS014 Intercultural Studies
  • FNDS015 Information Technology
  • FNDS016 Advanced Academic Writing and Research
  • FNDH023 Essential Mathematics or FNDE021 Mathematics 1*

*Engineering students must choose FNDE021 Mathematics 1

Arts, Media and Communications stream

  • FNDA023 Mass Communication
  • FNDB022 Management
  • FNDB023 Marketing

Business and Commerce stream 

  • FNDB020 Accounting
  • FNDB022 Management
  • FNDB023 Marketing

Note: If you are undertaking SIBT studies to enter further degree study in Finance, Accounting, Actuarial Studies or Economics, knowledge of HSC Maths is assumed.

IT stream 

  • FNDE020 Introduction to Project Management
  • FNDB022 Management
  • FNDB023 Marketing

Note: If you are undertaking SIBT studies to enter further degree study in Computing, knowledge of Year 12 Maths is assumed.

Engineering stream 

  • FNDE020 Introduction to Project Management
  • FNDE023 Mathematics 2
  • FNDB022 Management

Note: If you are undertaking SIBT studies to enter further degree study in Engineering, knowledge of Year 12 Maths is assumed.

Assessments have an important role in your education. Assessments in the Foundation Program encourages learning and indicates your level of achievement against set criteria, standards and learning objectives. Assessment methods vary depending on the units selected. This program uses a combination of assessment tasks, including individual and group assignments, essays, oral presentations, tutorial participation and formal examinations.

In both the Foundation Standard and Extended Programs you will have the opportunity to work on improving your English language skills, and to practice the four key skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) in various contexts. These programs give you the very best chance for academic success, and prepare you to study at university level and live with confidence in Australia.

English support programs are available through SIBT and Navitas English.

When you successfully complete your SIBT Foundation Program and obtain the required Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 (on a 10 point scale) for your preferred diploma, you will be guaranteed a place in this diploma. The Grade Point Average is an average score calculated across all of your units.

Students who pass the first 4 recommended units of the Foundation Program (Standard) and achieve an overall average of 70% or above, may be eligible to transfer into an SIBT Diploma. 

Provider Registration Number: PRV12046

The Foundation Programs – Extended and Standard comply with the ESOS Act 2000, the National Code and the National Standards for Foundation Programs.

These programs are available to domestic students and to international students studying in Australia on an Australian student visa provided the applicant meets the published entry requirements.

The SIBT Foundation Program (Standard and Extended) meets the requirements for Foundation Programs which have been registered on CRICOS for delivery in Australia to overseas students and Australian students, providing an academic preparation for seeking entry to first year undergraduate study or its equivalent.