Foundation Year – standard
The standard foundation year program is the most popular among our students. It offers you the widest range of subject choices (choose from 13), helping you to enter all 10 Monash faculties. After successfully completing the standard program, you’ll have guaranteed entry into first year at Monash University.
Foundation Year is taught over two semesters. Each semester you’ll complete a minimum of four units, including English which is compulsory. You'll also have the option to complete a bonus unit each semester which could help you increase your final score.
Standard program at a glance
Destination | 1st year Monash University |
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Campus | Docklands |
Duration | 12 months |
Intakes | January and July |
What you will study | Choose from 13 subjects, English is compulsory |
Contact hours | 5 hours per unit, per week |
Other prerequisites | None |
What it costs | See dates and fees page |
CRICOS | CRICOS 071178G |
Academic entry requirements
To apply for foundation year, you must be at least 16 years old and meet the academic and English language requirements. If you do not meet the age requirement, you may be offered a deferred place.
English language requirements
To study foundation year you'll need to meet a minimum standard of English.
Course structure and subjects
Each semester you will study four subjects. You can choose from 12 subjects – English is compulsory.
Destination degrees
Your destination degree is the Monash University degree you want to study after foundation year.
Start dates
You can start the standard program in January or July.
Fees
See our dates and fees page for details.
How we teach
MEERA GOPALKRISHNA
MONASH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION YEAR TEACHER
"In English, you'll be placed in a group to debate a topic with another group. The only difference – you're not allowed to talk! Because you cannot talk, you'll need to rely on writing, which helps you learn to translate your thoughts. It also helps you learn to collaborate with your classmates."
Course structure and subjects
The standard program is two semesters. In each semester you will study four subjects, and each subject is taught as two units. Your standard unit combination must
- Unit 1 English and Unit 2 English (compulsory)
- Unit 1 and Unit 2 of at least two other subjects
- Two additional units
You also have the option to study one extra subject each semester and receive bonus points added to your final score. To be eligible for bonus points you must complete your Foundation Year within the expected completion duration of two semesters (three for the Extended program.)
How do I choose my subjects?
You’ll need to choose your subjects before you arrive. Here are some tips to help you decide:
- You must do English.
- You can choose three or four other subjects each semester.
- Check the prerequisites of your destination degree. See page 52.
- Consider studying a mathematics subject. This will give you more choice of what degree you can do at Monash University.
- If you’re unsure, the careers advisers can help you select your subjects when you arrive.
Read more about your subjects in the foundation year subject guide.
Subject descriptions
Sample structure
Here is an example of what you might study.
Semester 1: 18 weeks | Semester 2: 18 weeks |
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4 or 5 subjects Unit 1 English Unit 1 Mathematics Unit 1 Chemistry Unit 1 Globalisation + optional bonus unit, eg Unit 1 Accounting | 4 or 5 subjects Unit 2 English Unit 2 Mathematics Unit 2 Chemistry Unit 1 Physics + optional bonus unit, eg Unit 1 Economics |