- Published on February 12, 2026
- Bishnu K.
Pathway programs act as a bridge to your dream course in Australia. If you don’t meet the entry requirements yet, options like English prep or Foundation Studies can help you fill the gap and start your academic journey with confidence.
English Language Courses
Australia provides high-quality English training through its ELICOS programs. These courses are designed to build the language skills needed for academic success. Students can often receive a conditional offer, allowing them to complete their English training and then seamlessly transition into their degree.
Bridging Courses
Bridging courses are short, targeted programs that are typically a few weeks to a few months in length, designed to help students meet specific subject prerequisites. Whether a student needs to boost their skills in Mathematics, Science, or English, these courses ensure they are fully prepared to enter their chosen academic program.
Foundation Studies
Foundation Studies is typically a one-year course designed to prepare students for a bachelor’s degree. Available at many colleges and universities, these programs focus on specific areas like business or science to build necessary academic and English skills. They also help students settle into Australian life, ensuring a confident start to their university journey.
Other Pathways
Completing a diploma program is another pathway students often follow to gain admission into undergraduate higher education (bachelor) courses if requirements for direct entry aren’t met.
While Foundation Studies offer focused training in a specific field, diplomas take longer to complete, and often count as the first year of university. This allows entrance directly into the second year of study of a bachelor’s degree.
Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)
When choosing where to study and what to study, students and their education advisors must ensure that their chosen course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
The Australian government protects international students by requiring institutions to register on CRICOS. To qualify for a student visa, you must choose a course listed on the CRICOS website.
Students may take short courses, which are not listed on CRICOS, with another type of visa, such as the visitor visa, but they will not be covered under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act.