Courses and requirements
Entry to undergraduate courses is offered to all students who achieve the required entry score for the undergraduate program of their choice at The University of Western Australia.
There are several pathways from which students may enter UWA. However, some students are unable to enter the University directly after completing high school in their home countries. These students are encouraged to take a pre-university course known as a ‘foundation’ program.
Students are also required to meet the English language requirements of the University and prerequisites for chosen majors.
- The University of Western Australia Foundation Program (UWAFP) ®
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The University of Western Australia Foundation Program® is delivered by UWA College Perth and prepares international students for entry to undergraduate courses at UWA. The program is designed for international students wishing to complete their final year studies in Australia in preparation for entering UWA.
Students have access to UWA facilities and student services such as the University’s Reid Library, the UWA Student Guild, internet services, student support services, cafes and sporting facilities. Program start dates: February, June and October.
- The Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) ®
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The Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) is owned by the four public universities in Western Australia and successful completion of this program with the required score guarantees students entry into an undergraduate degree at UWA. The minimum academic requirement for entry to the WAUFP is a Year 11 qualification or equivalent.
The program is designed for international students for whom English is a second language and whose academic achievement in their home country is not sufficient for direct entry into a Western Australian university. Students select three or four academic subjects to study along with one compulsory subject called English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS). ELACS aims to develop students’ functional literacy while increasing their understanding of Australian society. The program meets national foundation standards and is run by Canning College, St George’s International School and Tuart College. Program start dates: January, April and August.
- Canning College Diploma of Commerce
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The program, available in eight- or 12-month formats, is designed specifically for students looking for an admission pathway to UWA’s Bachelor of Commerce and is equivalent to the first year of that degree. Successful completion guarantees entry into the second year of any of the following Bachelor of Commerce majors: Accounting, Business Law, Economics, Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing and Management. For more information, contact the UWA Future Students Centre or Taylors College.
- International Foundation Course for University Studies
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The University of Western Australia accepts students who have successfully completed the newly launched International Foundation Course in University Studies.
The course is offered at these Chinese universities:
- Shanghai Normal University
- Peking University, School of Foreign Languages
- Sichuan International Studies University
- Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics
For more information from the International College of Science and Business, phone (+61 8) 9328 1005 or email sqzhang@bigpond.net.au.
- Credit transfer/advanced standing
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The University of Western Australia may grant academic credit for study undertaken at another tertiary institution or college if the subjects completed are equivalent in content and standard to those taught at UWA and are relevant to the chosen course. UWA has credit arrangements in place for a number of Singaporean, Malaysian and Hong Kong polytechnics and educational institutions, in the areas of architecture, business, engineering, computer science and life and physical sciences.
- NCUK Foundation Program
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Northern Consortium United Kingdom (NCUK) Foundation Year combines academic modules, study skills and English language training to provide a pathway into first year entry to undergraduate degree courses at leading universities.
A foundation qualification is normally required by students who have completed high school outside of the Australian education system and/or in a language other than English.
English language skills
Some international students may need specialised tuition to meet UWA’s minimum English language requirements. The University offers a choice of English language programs through the Centre for English Language Teaching (CELT) to prepare international students for tertiary academic study.
- UWA Centre for English Language Teaching
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UWA CELT is an integral part of the University and offers accredited English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) programs in General English, Business English and English for Academic Purposes, as well as preparation for internationally recognised examinations such as the IELTS and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
The Centre is able to provide tailored study plans for students leading into undergraduate studies. All UWA CELT teachers have degrees and specialist qualifications in English language teaching. The Centre takes a communicative approach to teaching and gives students many opportunities to practise language and learn about life in Australia through tasks, activities and projects.
- Academic English and Study Skills Bridging Course (Bridging Course)
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The Bridging Course has been designed for international students who wish to study at UWA but do not have the University’s required level of English proficiency. The course is also suitable for students with unconditional entry into UWA who would like to further develop their language ability and confidence before starting tertiary study.
The Bridging Course helps students:
- improve English language skills to the level required by UWA
- learn about the organisation and language of various types of academic texts
- develop knowledge of the language of their chosen discipline
- gain an understanding of Australian academic culture
- retain a high level of analytical and reflective skills in an Australian academic context
- develop strategies to attribute literacy sources appropriately
- be autonomous learners at an Australian university with the confidence to participate freely and appropriately in academic situations
A 70 per cent pass in the Bridging Course meets the University’s English language requirement for most undergraduate and postgraduate courses; however, some postgraduate courses have a higher English language requirement.
