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Our Foundation Studies students have a
proven record of success. Since our frst
students began in 1989, over 85% have
gained entry to undergraduate programs
at UNSW or other Australian universities.
UNSW Foundation Studies programs familiarise students
with the local academic and social culture, and develop
skills and knowledge that lead to a dedication to study and
higher achievement. UNSW Foundation Studies also offers
an advantage to superior students who often choose the
foundation programs over completing fnal school qualifcations
in their own country, in order to gain entry to UNSW.
UNSW Foundation Studies graduates have excellent student
progress rates in their undergraduate programs at UNSW.
Student progress rates are a measure of the percentage of
students who pass the courses attempted in their degree.
Generally our students demonstrate excellent overall academic
performance when compared to other international students
and local students at UNSW.
We are extremely proud that Foundation Studies students
have won the University Medal and are frequent recipients
of faculty awards.
Outstanding Academic Achievements –
UNSW University Medal Winners
Over the years, a number of UNSW Foundation Studies
students have gone on to win University Medals at UNSW.
A University Medal is awarded to the highest performing
student who has completed an undergraduate degree
program, usually at Honours level.
Chris Chen – 3rd Year Commerce/Law Degree
Student at UNSW
Chris Chen is an outstanding UNSW Foundation Studies
graduate from Guangzhou China.
Chris studied the UNSW Foundation Studies, Standard Plus
program in 2009 and graduated from the Commerce stream
with an outstanding 9.9 Grade Point Average (GPA). She then
successfully gained entry into the combined Bachelor of
Commerce/Laws degree at UNSW.
Our Successful Students
In refecting on her time at UNSW Foundation Studies, Chris
said, ‘I gained a strong command of English through my one
year at Foundation Studies. Our teachers were very experienced
and they taught us in such a way that we were able to adjust
easily to being in a new environment.’
Chris remembers being given many opportunities and lots of
practice to improve her English, both in the classroom with her
teachers and classmates through activities, games, presentations
and lessons, as well as socially. It was this practice, and the
confdence it gave Chris, which she feels contributed to making
her frst year of study at UNSW much easier.
‘Foundation Studies has also helped me establish good study
habits and to learn in an environment that was so different
from what I was used to in China.’ Chris remembers that at
home students are told what to study and what would be
tested, leaving little room for independent learning and the
development of effective study skills. In Foundation Studies,
teachers encouraged her to develop her own understanding
through independent research and to fnd additional sources
of information outside the classroom. Chris believes it is this
discipline and these skills that have allowed her to perform so
well in her undergraduate degree.
When asked what other valuable skills she learnt Chris said,
‘The communication skills I developed at Foundation Studies were
assessed through class participation. Everyone was encouraged
to join discussions, ask questions and express opinions. This
was very different from my experience in China, where students
usually don’t get a chance to give different opinions but which
was expected when we are studying at UNSW.’
In addition to her busy study schedule Chris manages to also
enjoy many social activities in-and-outside of UNSW, including
the debating club, being a cultural ambassador, Latin dancing
and more.
Chris has fond memories of her time at UNSW Foundation
Studies and believes that the on-campus experience and
exposure to a wide range of people and cultures was
an outstanding academic and social preparation for her
undergraduate degree.
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