Pre-University Foundation Program
Pre-University Foundation Program
Course overview
The Foundation program provides an opportunity for students who do not meet our rigorous entry requirements to a Bachelor's degree to upgrade their skills through a pre-university entry program.
The objective of the foundation program is to provide an alternative pathway to tertiary education for students who are disadvantaged by their geographical location, family situation, education history or other circumstances. It equips students with the skills and capabilities to enter tertiary study. The program focuses on entry to undergraduate degrees in Business, Business and Environmental Science, Psychology and Information Technology.
Subjects
Course Structure
2 trimesters (5 subjects per trimester)
Study Program
Students are required to complete 10 subjects:
- English Fundamentals 1
- Communication across cultures
- Statistics
- Critical Thinking
- Introduction to Learning and Development
- Introduction to Mathematics
- Economics
- Introduction to Information Technology
- Human Perspective on World Geography
- Fundamentals of Psychology
- English Fundamentals 2
- Chemistry *
* Currently not offered
For a comprehensive listing and outline of the respective course subjects, please click here.
Eligibility & Requirements
Entry Requirements
A secondary education qualification equivalent to Australia Year 11, for example:
| Singapore |
GCE O Levels with Grade C average in 5 subjects and to attain minimum age of 17 years in the year of commencement; or Higher NITEC; or NITEC with 2 years of work experience + interview; or MYP Certificate (IB Middle Years Programme) (Year 10) with at least 32 points |
| Sri Lanka | GCE O Levels with Grade C average in 5 subjects |
| Brunei | GCE O Levels with Grade C average in 5 subjects |
| Mauritius | GCE O Levels with Grade C average in 5 subjects |
| Hong Kong | HKCEE Form 5 with Grade C in 4 subjects |
| Japan | Kotogakko 2 with 2.5 average |
| China | Senior Middle School 2 with 60% average |
| Malaysia | SPM/UEC with passes in 5 academic subjects with C average |
| Indonesia | SMA 2 with GPA 7.0 |
| India | Year 11 with 60% average |
| Thailand | Matayom 5 with 60% average |
| Korea | Senior High School leaving certificate Year 2 with C average |
| Vietnam | Year 11 with GPA 6.0 |
| Myanmar |
Completion of BEHS with 40% average / matriculation (pass in 6 subjects) |
| Laos/Cambodia | High School Year 12 Diploma |
| Philippines | Certificate of graduation Year 11 with 75% average |
| Taiwan | Senior High School Year with C average |
| Kazakhstan |
Certificate of UNT (Unified National Testing) - 11 years of schooling which is comparable to GCE “AS” level. To gain entry with overall final grade of minimum 75%; OR Certificate of Basic Secondary Education - 11 years of schooling (without taking UNT). To gain entry with grade average of 4.0 (80%) |
Progression Requirement
Students need to successfully complete ten (10) subjects with a minimum pass of 50% per subject and secure an overall 65%* to progress to the JCU undergraduate program.
*Please note that some JCU Bachelor programs require higher GPA and not all programs are available for this Foundation pathway.
Language Requirement
- Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of IELTS 5.5 (no component lower than 5.0) / TOEFL (Internet Based) 56 (no component less than 16) / Pearson PTE Academic 46 (no component less than 42); or
- Satisfactory completion of James Cook University Singapore English Language Preparatory Program (ELPP); or
- Completing a course of study delivered in English or experience in an English speaking workplace may help you demonstrate the English language skills you need at JCU.
Any advanced standing for recognition for prior learning will be based on a case
by case basis
Attendance Requirements
International students holding a valid Student’s Pass are required to attend at least 90% of scheduled classes per month. Failure to attend classes is a breach of the student visa conditions. Being absent from classes for a continuous period of seven days or more, or attendance falling below 90% without valid reasons will result in the student needing to surrender their Student's Pass for cancellation.
Domestic students must attend at least 75% of the scheduled lecture and tutorial activities to be eligible for assessment.
Any advanced standing for recognition for prior learning will be based on a case by case basis
Tuition Fees
| Domestic** | International |
|---|---|
| S$16,023 | S$17,767 |
**Fees apply to all Singapore residents (Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and all pass holders excluding those holding a Student Pass).
Note:
- Currently displaying fees for 2025, which are subject to change in following years.
- All course fees include the corresponding Singapore Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is 9%.
- The details of the instalment breakdown will be provided in your Student Contract. Please contact us for further details.
Note: International students in Singapore on a Student Pass are not permitted to work. For more information please visit http://www.ica.gov.sg.
James Cook University is EduTrust-certified. The EduTrust Certification Scheme (EduTrust) is a quality assurance scheme administered and governed by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) for Private Education Institutions (PEIs) in Singapore. The EduTrust Certification Scheme requires all students to be covered under the Fee Protection Scheme (FPS). In James Cook University, this is provided through Fee Protection Scheme Group Insurance. All students from James Cook University are covered hospitalization, surgery and treatment costs in accordance to insurance policy term and conditions under the Group Hospitalisation and Surgical insurance scheme. James Cook University will advise in the Standard Student Contract the total amount of insurance payable.
For more details please visit SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) website: https://www.skillsfuture.gov.sg/pei
Disclaimer
Although James Cook University endeavours to ensure the accuracy of this information, there is no guarantee it will remain accurate all year. Applicants are advised to confirm program details with the appropriate school before making an application.
