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What is Foundation Studies

The academic program at Trinity College Foundation Studies is second-to-none. Learn more about your studies and what the curriculum involves.

About your studies

Trinity College is one of the leading Foundation Studies programs in Australia, specifically designed to help international students transition into top university courses. The coursework you'll undertake as a student is engaging, challenging and tailored towards your desired study pathway.

You'll benefit from our unique curriculum structure, completing two core subjects and three elective subjects from the 11 on offer. This academic program will develop your confidence and creativity, equipping you to express yourself and achieve your goals.

Dedication to academic excellence is one of the many reasons to study Foundation Studies at Trinity College. Our curriculum has a proven record of 30 years' experience and expertise in preparing students for success. That's why more than 1000+ students come through this program every year, and go on to study at the University of Melbourne and other leading universities.


Trinity and the University of Melbourne

From your very first day at orientation, you'll be guided through the process of transitioning into your course of choice at the University of Melbourne. You'll receive one-on-one support to help you choose the best pathway. Our skilled advisers will help you select electives to put you in the best position to be offered a place at the University of Melbourne upon graduation.

Our curriculum will prepare you for the innovative Melbourne curriculum of study, and you're guaranteed a place at the University of Melbourne if you meet the required final score and prerequisites. This includes any specific prerequisite elective subjects for the course, as well as achieving at least 50 per cent in English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

The final score is calculated by taking the average best four subject results. Indicated prerequisite subjects must be included in the final best four calculation.

CourseGuaranteed score*2024 prerequisite subjects
Agriculture 
(Semester 1 & 2)
75EAP, English, History of Ideas and Mathematics 1
Arts
(Semester 1 & 2)
80EAP and a score of at least 70% for both English^ and History of Ideas^
Biomedicine
(Semester 1 & 2)
91EAP, English, History of Ideas, Chemistry and Mathematics 1
Commerce
(Semester 1 & 2)
86

EAP, English, Mathematics 1^ and History of Ideas

Applicants intending to commence a major in Actuarial Studies mid-year (July) are recommended to take Mathematics 2

Design
(Semester 1 & 2)
80

EAP, English and History of Ideas

Environment, Development and Design is a recommended subject for the Bachelor of Design

Applicants intending to major in Civil Systems, Computing, Construction, Mechanical Systems, Property or Spatial Systems may be required to undertake a bridging subject in mathematics as breadth in first year

Music
(Semester 1 & 2) Semester 2 for international students only
N/A*

EAP, English, History of Ideas, Music and knowledge of music theory and harmony of at least AMEB Grade 5 or equivalent

Oral Health 
(Semester 1)
801EAP, English, History of Ideas and one of Biology or Chemistry
Science
(Semester 1 & 2)
80

EAP, English, History of Ideas, Mathematics 1 and one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics

or

EAP, English, History of Ideas and both Mathematics 1 and Mathematics 2


^ These prerequisite subjects are included in the final best four calculation.
*A range of criteria is used for selection. Click here to check additional requirements.
1 Indicative score only (entry is not guaranteed).

Find out more information about the entry scores for TCFS students into the University of Melbourne undergraduate programs.

Entry to other universities

While the goal of most students who attend Trinity College Foundation Studies (TCFS) is to move into undergraduate study at the University of Melbourne, our graduates are often accepted by other major universities in Australia including:

  • Australian National University
  • Monash University
  • University of Adelaide
  • University of New South Wales
  • University of Queensland
  • University of Sydney
  • University of Western Australia

Our alumni have also been accepted by a number of international institutions, including:

  • Boston University (US)
  • Leicester University (UK)
  • Liverpool University (UK)
  • London College of Fashion (UK)
  • Manchester University (UK)
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (US)
  • McGill University (Canada)
  • The University of Nottingham (UK).

Find out more about the Trinity College Foundation Studies academic program by discovering what you'll study. You can also watch an example lecture here (note: these lectures were filmed online during COVID).

The Melbourne Curriculum

Bishops building

The Melbourne curriculum is designed to produce graduates that are forward-thinking, highly skilled, resilient and ready for the workforce.

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Course information

Pathways students

Our unique course structure ensures you develop the skills you need to excel in your future University of Melbourne studies.

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