Course Overview

The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) at Taylors College Sydney is a premier pathway to the University of Sydney, ranked 18th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Developed in close collaboration with the University, the program prepares international students with strong academic foundations, critical thinking skills, and English proficiency. In 2024, 90% of USFP graduates received offers to the University of Sydney.

Flexible Study Options

Students can choose between the Standard Program (52 weeks) or the Intensive Program (40 weeks). Both options offer the same curriculum, progression opportunities, and multiple intakes throughout the year, allowing students to align their studies with their preferred university start date.

Curriculum & Pathways

From July 2024, the updated curriculum incorporates modern teaching methods, active learning, and technology-enhanced instruction. Students complete five modules, including two compulsory core subjects—Academic English and Social Research and Inquiry—and three pathway-specific modules. Available pathways include Business, STEM 1 (with Mathematics), STEM 2 (without Mathematics), Arts & Social Sciences, and Art & Design. Classes are delivered face-to-face with a minimum of 20 contact hours per week.

University Progression

Successful completion guarantees progression to the University of Sydney, subject to meeting GPA and English requirements. Competitive degrees may require higher academic performance. All assessments are set and moderated by the University of Sydney to ensure academic quality.

Campus & Student Support

Taylors College Sydney is located in Waterloo, offering modern facilities, comprehensive student support services, and dedicated academic guidance. Delivered by Navitas, the program is CRICOS-registered and offers scholarships for academically strong students.

Entry Requirements

Review the academic qualifications, grades, and additional criteria needed for admission to this program.

SPM

SPM

Minimum 5 credits including Mathematics (C) & English (C)

STPM

Minimum CGPA 3.00 including Mathematics T (C)

DIPLOMA

Minimum CGPA 3.00 including Mathematics T (C)

A-LEVEL

Minimum CGPA 3.00 including Mathematics T (C)

O-LEVEL

Minimum CGPA 3.00 including Mathematics T (C)

ADDITIONAL

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

MUET Band 3 or above
IELTS Overall 6.0 or above
Has at least one industry level certification in Engineering

Entry Requirement

Applicants to the University of Sydney Foundation Program at Taylors College Sydney must meet specific academic and English language requirements that vary by program pathway and intended undergraduate degree. For the Standard Foundation Program (52 weeks), students must have achieved at least average grades in English and relevant academic subjects from their home country's secondary education system, demonstrating satisfactory academic performance in Year 11 or Year 12 equivalent studies with country-specific requirements detailed in Taylors College admissions guidelines. For the Intensive Foundation Program (40 weeks), applicants must have achieved superior grades in English and relevant academic subjects, indicating stronger academic preparation enabling completion of the accelerated pathway in shorter timeframe. Forecast results are accepted where appropriate for students awaiting final examination outcomes. English language proficiency requirements differ based on the student's intended undergraduate degree at the University of Sydney, with minimum entry standards typically requiring IELTS Academic 5.5 overall with no band below 5.5, or equivalent scores from PTE Academic 54 with no sub-score below 54, TOEFL iBT 62 with writing minimum 16 and other bands minimum 14, or Cambridge CAE 162, though specific degrees may require higher English proficiency levels as specified by the University of Sydney. Some undergraduate degrees have compulsory mathematics prerequisites requiring students to have achieved minimum grades in mathematics subjects during secondary education. Students not meeting English language requirements may complete the Academic English Preparation (AEP) program at Taylors College before progressing to the Foundation Program, providing direct pathway without requiring IELTS examination upon successful AEP completion achieving 60 percent in all four core skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) plus 80 percent attendance.

About this School

Your pathway to Australia's #1 ranked university since 1920, delivering University of Sydney Foundation Programs with 90-100% progression rates in Sydney's inner-city Waterloo.