Foundation Studies Program
The academic program at Trinity College Foundation Studies is second-to-none in Australia. 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 1500 students come through this program every year, and go on to study at the University of Melbourne and other leading universities.
Guaranteed pathway to the University of Melbourne
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.
| Course | Guaranteed score* | 2022 prerequisite subjects |
| Agriculture (Semester 1 & 2) | 75 | EAP, English and Mathematics 1 |
| Arts (Semester 1 & 2) | 80 | EAP and a score of at least 70% for both English^ and History of Ideas^ |
| Biomedicine (Semester 1 & 2) | 91 | EAP, English, 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) must complete Mathematics 2 |
| Design (Semester 1 & 2) | 80 | EAP and English 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) | 801 | EAP, English and one of Biology or Chemistry |
| Science (Semester 1 & 2) | 80 | EAP, English, Mathematics 1 and one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics or EAP, English and both Mathematics 1 and Mathematics 2 |
Fine Arts (Semester 1 only) – For students wishing to undertake Fine Arts at the University of Melbourne, enrol in any degree listed above and apply for Fine Arts once at Trinity. Additional requirements will be applicable (e.g. audition, interview, folio presentation). Note that Fine Arts is only offered in Semester 1 and has limited places for international students.
^ 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 and reviewing subject descriptions in the Trinity College Foundation Studies Prospectus.