You may have heard different terms like "foundation programs", "Foundation Studies", or "foundation year". These are common terms that all mean the same thing.
RMIT's foundation programs are pre-university courses comparable to the Australian Year 12 curriculum and meet the academic equivalent of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). They are designed to help international students build the skills and knowledge needed for university. Students who successfully complete an RMIT foundation course and meet any further course prerequisites are eligible to pathway into an RMIT first-year undergraduate program or its equivalent.
A 2 semester pre-university course designed to prepare you for entry into an undergraduate degree at RMIT.
Over the duration of the course, you will study a total of 8 subjects (4 subjects per semester) – 6 core subjects and 2 electives, including 2 English subjects. Each subject has 5 hours of classes per week, a total of 20 hours of classes a week.
You can choose from streams in:
A 1 semester pre-university course tailored for students who have demonstrated high academic results, designed to prepare you for entry into an undergraduate degree at RMIT.
Over the duration of the course, you will study a total of 4 subjects, 3 stream-specific subjects and 1 English subject. Each subject has 5 hours of classes per week, a total of 20 hours of classes a week.
Choose from streams in:
Foundation Studies and Fast Track students have separate classes. This ensures each group receives a personalised learning experience suited to their course's structure.
Through reading, creative projects, and research and analysis, our classes are designed to help you get involved, build confidence, and develop new skills in critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. You will learn to communicate clearly, logically and creatively to build strong arguments and explanations for complex subjects and topics. You’ll be challenged to think about new ideas and your role in a connected world.
Assessments connect what you’re learning to real-life situations and can be written or spoken, working individually or in a group. The digital tools and technologies you use will also be applied throughout your further studies and future career.
Both Foundation Studies and Fast Track are excellent options to prepare you for university success, with a few key differences.
Foundation Studies allows you to explore a broad curriculum—including core discipline subjects and electives tailored to your interests—and build your academic, critical thinking and English skills, while Fast Track is a focused, accelerated option for students ready to move quickly into university study.
Course |
Duration |
Minimum age |
Academic entry requirement |
IELTS |
| Foundation Studies | 2 semesters | 16 years | Australian Year 11 or equivalent with a minimum 50% average | IELTS 5.5 |
| Fast Track | 1 semester | 17 years | Australian Year 11 or equivalent with a minimum 70% average | IELTS 6.0 |
You may be able to change courses as long as you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course*. However, changes are only approved within the first two weeks of semester. After this point, you will have missed too much teaching and possibly an assessment, making it difficult to succeed in the new course.
When applying for a transfer, it is essential to consult with your program coordinator to confirm that your packaged programs at RMIT University will be available upon completion of your proposed Fast Track or Foundation Studies course.
Each request is considered on a case-by-case basis.
For further information and advice regarding student visa matters, please contact the Department of Home Affairs.
Secure your undergraduate spot at RMIT.
Choose from subjects that align with your interests and study goals.
Enjoy support and dedicated mentorship from our expert RMIT UP team.
Marco Cahyono, RMIT Foundation Studies
Foundation Studies prepares us for what’s to come [in further study at university], but also lets us become acquainted with the city around us, the culture, the ideas, and the people. It allows us to befriend others and understand that we are now transitioning to young adults. By the time we graduate from RMIT proper, we will be ready.
Both courses have different academic and English language requirements that you must meet to be eligible to apply.
Make sure to pick a stream that aligns with your interests and study goals.
RMIT will require academic transcripts and evidence of English language level.
To apply for a foundation course, you must apply direct to RMIT.
The tuition fees are listed in the fees section for both Foundation Studies and Fast Track. All fees are quoted in Australian dollars ($AUD).
Please note: Each course also has materials and other fees, which can change depending on the discipline stream.
RMIT has a number of scholarships available for eligible students.
The Foundation Academic Scholarship provides financial assistance to high achieving Foundation Studies international students.
There is also the English Language Bursary for eligible Asian international students.
Upon successful completion of a foundation course, you will be eligible to apply for an undergraduate course at RMIT related to your chosen discipline stream. You may also be eligible to apply for a course in an unrelated discipline, provided you must meet all of the course entry requirements, including any prerequisite subjects and additional selection tasks (if applicable).
Find out what courses you'll be eligible for using the calculator below.
Please note: a Fast Track pathways calculator will be available soon.
When you study at RMIT, you're joining a vibrant and welcoming university filled with social, cultural, sporting and recreation activities.
A quick guide to all the things you'll need to organise before starting life as an international student at RMIT.
Support and resources for international students studying at RMIT.
Our team of international advisers are the experts in studying at RMIT as an international student. Ask about RMIT's courses, fees and living costs, scholarships, entry requirements, get help starting your application and more.
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