Your next steps after Foundation Studies

Explore your study options and find the way forward that’s right for you.

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We know you may have questions about what comes next after Foundation Studies. Whether you’re working towards progressing directly into UNSW or exploring other study options, we’re here to help you understand what’s available.

Find answers below about your options, including UNSW College Diplomas and Applied Degrees, offers, deposits and what happens when you receive your final Foundation Studies results.

General frequently asked questions

If your queries aren’t covered below, don’t hesitate to contact our team.

Based on your current Foundation Studies results, you may be eligible for another study option at UNSW College. Your offer gives you an additional option while you complete Foundation Studies and work towards achieving your strongest possible results.
No, receiving or accepting a UNSW College offer does not affect your eligibility for your preferred UNSW degree. If you meet all the entry requirements once your final Foundation Studies results are available, you will still receive an offer for your preferred UNSW degree.
You must successfully complete the Foundation Studies program, including passing your final examinations, completing all required assessments, and meeting the minimum attendance requirements, for the offer to remain valid.
If your final Foundation Studies results meet the entry requirements for your preferred UNSW degree, your deposit and any associated costs for the Diploma or Applied Degree will be refunded.
Yes, accepting your offer requires you to pay a deposit to secure your place.
To secure your place and receive the UNSW College Loyalty Award valued at AU$5,000, you’ll need to accept your offer by 15 November 2026.

For more information on Diploma and Applied Degree intake dates, please see here.
If you accept your offer by 15 November 2026, you’ll be eligible for the UNSW College Loyalty Award, valued at AU$5,000. To receive the award, you must accept your offer by this date and meet the completion requirements or your Foundation Studies program.
The UNSW College Loyalty Award will be credited towards your tuition fees, providing financial support towards your studies. It can also be combined with other eligible scholarships, such as the Global Student Award, providing you with additional financial support. For more information, please refer to the Terms and Conditions.
The standard deposit and payment process apply. To accept your offer and secure your place, you’ll need to pay a deposit equivalent to 50% of your program fees. For more information about fees, please visit here.
Yes. If you accept your Diploma or Applied Degree offer and are eligible for your corresponding bachelor’s at UNSW, hence decided not to proceed, your deposit will be fully refunded.
Your refund will be processed in line with the standard UNSW College refund process. For more information, please refer to the UNSW College Refunds and Fees Policy.
There may be changes to your CoE or student visa requirements depending on the program you choose.

If you move into an Applied Degree, a release from UNSW may be required. We’ll work with UNSW and support you through this process.

Depending on your chosen program and study duration, you may also need to extend your student visa. We recommend contacting the Department of Home Affairs for advice on how a change to your study plans may affect your individual visa circumstances.

Diploma FAQs

A UNSW College Diploma is a 12-month university pathway program that delivers the equivalent of the first year of a UNSW bachelor's degree.

Designed in consultation with UNSW, students study university-level subjects in smaller classes with additional academic support, helping them build confidence and capability to succeed. Upon successful completion and meeting the entry requirements, students progress directly into the second year of their chosen UNSW bachelor's degree.
Not necessarily, completing Diploma and progressing directly into second year means you can remain on track to complete your degree at the same time as students who started your Foundation Studies with you.
Your Diploma offer will be based on your Foundation Studies stream and the corresponding Diploma pathway available to you.

For more information on Diplomas, please visit here.

Applied Degrees FAQs

An Applied Degree is a practical, career-focused three-year bachelor’s degree that combines academic learning with practical, industry-relevant experience to help you build skills, knowledge and confidence in the workplace.
Upon successful completion of your studies, you’ll graduate with a bachelor’s degree awarded by UNSW College.
No - this distinction is important. Unlike a Diploma, an Applied Degree is a bachelor's degree on its own, awarded by UNSW College. It provides a different study option focused on practical, career-relevant learning rather than a pathway into second year at UNSW.

For more information on Applied Degrees, please visit here.

"I chose to study a UNSW College Diploma because I still felt that I had some gaps in my academic knowledge compared with other first-year university students. My English was also not perfect at the time, so I felt that I needed more support before moving fully into university. The Diploma gave me more time to build my knowledge and confidence while continuing to adjust to university-level study."

Eunju Na

Transition Program (Physical Science) progresses to Diploma of Science progresses to Bachelor of Science (Material Science)

UNSW College delivers its Foundation Studies, Academic English, Diplomas, and Pre-Masters Program, under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K; TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).

UNSW College delivers its Applied Degrees under TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).

UNSW College also delivers UNSW Diplomas on behalf of UNSW Sydney under CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).

See unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information.