Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
80Overview
The International Foundation Studies Program (FSP) has been developed to meet the needs of students who have a desire to advance their educational knowledge and skills in preparation for entry to university. Core and academic elective content develops theoretical proficiencies, skills and competencies as well as entrepreneurial enterprise, and leadership and team skills to equip students with the pedagogical constructs required for study at tertiary level. In addition to these academic and social foundations, students are also equipped with ongoing cultural orientation to Australia and the Northern Territories.
The Program is also designed to allow students to experience a focused study in an area of special interest or in specific disciplines that will better prepare them to study across the various sectors of their selected university course. It also helps students set and articulate goals and improve their self-management capabilities and confidence.
Fees
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study is AUD $20,800.00. This equates to $2,600.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study at CDU?
Whether you learn on campus or online, you will be studying with a proud multi-sector university that’s a leader in research and flexible study delivery. CDU is innovative, industry-relevant and student-centred. Our students are at the heart of all that we do.
- Benefit from smaller class sizes for more personalised attention
- Online learners receive the same support as their on-campus peers
- Enjoy inclusive, welcoming learning environments
- Utilise our deep connections with industry, businesses and communities in the Northern Territory, across Australia, and beyond
What will I study?
The information provided for this course was valid for the final year of enrolment. Students continuing in this course may find there have been some changes to the unit availability. Students should, in the first instance, refer to the recommended study plan in the newest version of this course to make their unit selection for the current year.
Course structure
Every re-enrolling student will be able to complete their current course of study. As a continuing student you should always consider transferring to the newest course version to enable you to take advantage of new and exciting changes to university programs. Students electing not to transfer should refer to the transitional arrangements where provided.
If you have any queries, or concerns about your course progression you would like clarified, please contact Student Central on freecall 1800 061 963 or student.central@cdu.edu.au.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
All units are scheduled for five contact hours per week over a 13 week teaching semester . FSP001, FSP002 and FSP011 are offered every semester. Other units are offered every second semester so that students have access to all units in a two semester course. At least one mathematics unit selected from FSP010 Foundation Mathematics with Calculus or FSP011 Foundation Mathematics with Statistics must also be taken.
Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
Core Units (3 units) | 30cp | Core units totalling 30 credit points as detailed below. FSP001 Foundation English A |
Specialist Elective Units (5 units) | 50cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 50 credit points selected from the units listed below. At least one Mathematics unit from either FSP010 or FSP011 must be included. FSP005 Foundation Accounting |
80cp | Total Credit Points |
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1 2022
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load.
Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
Calendar Year 1 | |||
FSP001 Foundation English A | CO | FSP002 Foundation English B | CO |
Specialist Elective | SE | FSP003 Foundation English C | CO |
Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
Specialist Elective - must include at least one Maths unit selected from FSP010 or FSP011.
Specialist Elective Availability
Semester 1 2022 | Semester 2 2022 |
FSP006 Foundation Economics | FSP007 Foundation Marketing and Tourism FSP008 Foundation Design FSP010 Foundation Mathematics and Calculus FSP011 Foundation Mathematics with Statistic |
Students commencing in Semester 2 2022
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard load.
Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
Calendar Year 1 | |||
FSP001 Foundation English A | CO | ||
FSP003 Foundation English C | CO | ||
Specialist Elective | SE | ||
Specialist Elective | SE | ||
Calendar Year 2 | |||
FSP002 Foundation English B | CO | ||
Specialist Elective | SE | ||
Specialist Elective | SE | ||
Specialist Elective | SE |
Specialist Elective - must include at least one Maths unit selected from FSP010 or FSP011.
Specialist Elective Availability
Semester 1 2022 | Semester 2 2022 |
FSP006 Foundation Economics FSP009 Foundation Media Studies FSP011 Foundation Mathematics with Statistic FSP012 Foundation Health Studies FSP013 Foundation Chemistry FSP014 Foundation Physics | FSP007 Foundation Marketing and Tourism FSP008 Foundation Design FSP010 Foundation Mathematics and Calculus FSP011 Foundation Mathematics with Statistic |
Students commencing in Summer Semester 2021/22
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student who commenced in summer semester 2021/2022 and enrolled in a standard load.
Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester 2021/22 | |||
Calendar Year 1 | |||||
FSP001 Foundation English A | CO | ||||
FSP003 Foundation English C | CO | ||||
Specialist Elective | SE | ||||
Specialist Elective | SE | ||||
Calendar Year 2 (2022) | |||||
FSP002 Foundation English B | CO | ||||
Specialist Elective | SE | ||||
Specialist Elective | SE | ||||
Specialist Elective | SE |
Specialist Elective - must include at least one Maths unit selected from FSP010 or FSP011.
Specialist Elective Availability
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester 2021/2022 |
FSP007 Foundation Marketing and Tourism FSP008 Foundation Design FSP010 Foundation Mathematics and Calculus FSP011 Foundation Mathematics with Statistic | ||
Semester 1 2022 | ||
FSP006 Foundation Economics FSP009 Foundation Media Studies FSP011 Foundation Mathematics with Statistic FSP012 Foundation Health Studies FSP013 Foundation Chemistry FSP014 Foundation Physics |
Unit Rotation Availability
The rotation of unit offerings is listed in the table below.
Specialist Elective Availability
Rotation B | Rotation A | |
Semester 1 2022 | Semester 2 2022 | |
Core Specialist Electives | Core Specialist Electives | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
- Applicants must have completed the equivalent of Year 11, Australian Secondary Schools.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0. |
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 162, with no skill below 154. |
Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B1. |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 42 with no score lower than 36. |
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 46 with a minimum score of 14 for reading, speaking and listening and a minimum score of 21 for writing. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student

Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University for delivery from 2020.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
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How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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