Foundation Program

Bridge the gap between high school studies and undergraduate studies so that you are prepared for university level studies.

Course overview

Pathway to university-level studies for international students

The ECC Foundation Program is equivalent to upper secondary school (Year 12) and university foundation programs. It aims to prepare international students for further study in an ECC Diploma or for entry into the first year of a selected Edith Cowan University bachelor’s degree.

The course consists of either a General or Science stream. Both streams are of the same duration, price and credit points, with slight variances in units and the ECU degrees they will lead to.

Various support services focusing on language, literacy and numeracy assistance are also available to help you in your studies. Each unit includes four hours of classes per week. Assessment for all units is continuous and includes tests, assignments and case study analysis. Most units have a final two-hour examination. To graduate from the ECC Foundation Program, you must complete and pass all units in the General or Science stream.

Key Information

Duration

12 months

Intake dates

February, July

Campus location

ECU Joondalup Campus West

2024 Fees

Not available to Domestic students

Domestic International

2024 Fees

A$27,000

Foundation General Stream

CRICOS Code 109156H

  • English for Academic Study
  • Introduction to Computing
  • Introductory Mathematics
  • Project Management
  • Academic Communication Skills
  • Intercultural Studies
  • Integrated Science
  • Introductory Marketing

Foundation Science Stream

CRICOS Code 109157G

  • English for Academic Study
  • Introduction to Computing
  • Introductory Mathematics
  • Introductory Physics
  • Academic Communication Skills
  • Intercultural Studies
  • Integrated Science
  • Introductory Applied Mathematics

Progression to Diplomas and Degrees

After passing all required Foundation units and successfully completing the Foundation Program, you will be eligible to enter the relevant ECC diplomas.

Find out more about our diploma programs

CourseScores required to enter ECC (Diploma Year 2)
Foundation General Stream50%
Foundation Science Stream
50%

After successfully completing the Foundation Program and meeting specified entry requirements, you may be eligible to apply for entry into the first year of selected ECU bachelor degrees. There are over 250 courses course in 8 study areas to choose from at ECU:

  • Arts & Humanities
  • Business & Law
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Medical & Health Sciences
  • Nursing & Midwifery
  • Science
  • Teacher Education
  • WAAPA (Music, Arts and Cultral Management)
CourseLending to ECU degrees
Scores required to enter ECU degree courses
Foundation General StreamAll Bachelors degrees (except below)60%

Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science and Rehabilitation)

Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy)

Bachelor of Speech Pathology

Bachelor of Science (Nursing) /Bachelor of Science (Midwifery)

80%

Bachelor of Laws

Any double degrees

85%
Foundation Science Stream
Bachelor of Engineering Honours80%

Bachelor of Engineering Science

Any double degrees

85%

Other Selection criteria into courses at ECU

Other selection criteria may apply in addition to Foundation academic performance, including the requirement to satisfy a University recognised English test such as the IELTS. Students wishing to progress to the following courses will be required to have an IELTS of 7.0+ or equivalent before commencing university. Please view Higher English Requirement for details.

  • Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies, Primary, Secondary)
  • Bachelor of Science (Nursing)
  • Bachelor of Science (Nursing) / Bachelor of Science (Midwifery)
  • Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy)
  • Bachelor of Science (Paramedical Science)
  • Bachelor of Social Work
  • Bachelor of Speech Pathology