Three ways RMIT Foundation Studies nurtures success

RMIT Foundation Studies is chosen by international students from all over the world as their pathway to higher education.

Developing your university skills from day one, Foundation Studies offers far more than a way into your dream course.

Designed specially for international students, the program is a pathway to higher study at RMIT University, both at vocational and undergraduate levels.

Giving students the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for future academic and career success, Foundation Studies allows you to develop the skills required for your chosen discipline, life at university, and your future career.

To help explain some of the benefits of the program, we spoke to three former students about their experiences and what it taught them.

RMIT Foundation Studies students enjoy the City campus

#1: You'll learn fundamental skills in your study area

Foundation Studies will help you develop a solid understanding of your chosen study area, with six streams to choose from:

Art, Design and Architecture
Business
Communication and Social Context
Engineering and Science
Health
Information Technology (IT)

Yi Ning Soh, a student from Malaysia who studied the Art, Design and Architecture stream, says Foundation Studies provided her with a strong understanding of what would be expected at university.

“The skills I learned, such as documenting my design process, creating portfolios, model making, sketching, and photography, have been very helpful in my university studies.”

Vietnamese student, Ngoc Minh Khue, completed the Engineering and Science stream, and says the program helped her to feel more confident about her academic English skills.

“As English is my second language, it would be hard for me to understand new vocabulary and the format of exams if I did not study in Foundation... especially when my major requires a large amount of professional vocabulary.”

Indonesian student, Marco, chose the Communications and Social Context stream, and says it improved his ability to analyse and interpret texts.

“Throughout my time in Foundation Studies, I have written ample essays for assessments. Whether it was an analytical or narrative essay, these tasks have heightened my skills in the appropriate formatting, writing, and referencing in essays."

Foundation Studies students create new relationships that last throughout their studies

#2: You’ll ease into university studies and life in a new city

Transitioning from high school to university is a big step in every student’s learning journey. Add in a move away from your home country, and you have quite a bit to juggle as an international student! But in RMIT’s Foundation Studies program, you’ll be supported from day one, so you can adjust to your new lifestyle with ease.

"Starting out was intimidating, with a new city, culture, and life. Fortunately, that feeling disappeared as my first semester began... Student Services have been very helpful in handling any technical issues I’ve had, but the most support I’ve received from RMIT would be from the Wellbeing team," Marco says.

"Another highlight would be my newfound independence. For the first time, I had to hold myself accountable, wake up in time for classes, look after myself, and spend responsibly. That real-world experience of being a responsible adult is critical to our future."

Yi Ning says that studying Foundation Studies gave her the opportunity to immerse herself in Melbourne’s cultural scene.

“I love Melbourne’s vibrant multicultural atmosphere and abundance of art galleries. As a design student, being in a city so rich in diverse artistic and design influences is incredibly inspiring.”

Foundation Studies students complete design tasks to help prepare their portfolios

#3: You’ll develop meaningful relationships

Like all RMIT courses, Foundation Studies provides a welcoming and friendly learning environment.

While you focus on developing your foundational knowledge, you’ll have ample opportunities to interact with your classmates and establish friendships with other students. By starting out at uni together, you’ll be able to support one another throughout your studies and beyond.

As a Foundation Studies student, you can also get involved in the many clubs and societies the university offers. And make sure you check out RMIT Kirrip; the perfect community for students to connect with each other, make friends and explore Melbourne.

"I struggled with social anxiety back in my home country,” says Marco.

“But ever since coming to Melbourne, I’ve become much better at meeting people. I’ve pushed myself to learn about others, their backgrounds, their identities, and their interests, and with that, I feel that we often learn a lot when we are eager to interact with each other."

Ngoc says she’s grateful for the opportunities she’s had to meet people from other countries, and exchange different cultures, languages and perspectives.

Foundation Studies students enjoy the laneways and cultural sites surrounding RMIT’s City Campus

“I’ve loved meeting new people, but I think the best thing in Foundation Studies is they have an enthusiastic and friendly Academic Study Support team. I received a lot of support during my studies and it was very helpful interacting face-to-face with the tutors outside class hours.”

Marco agrees that the support students receive in the program was an important part of his success.

"Foundation Studies prepares us for what’s to come [in further study at university], but also lets us become acquainted with the city around us, the culture, the ideas, and the people. It allows us to befriend others and understand that we are now transitioning to young adults. By the time we graduate from RMIT, we will be ready."

Marco completed the Communication and Social Context stream and went on to study the Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing).

Ngoc completed the Engineering and Science stream and went on to study the Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours).

Yi Ning completed the Art, Design and Architecture stream and went on to study the Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours).

Foundation Studies is delivered by RMIT UP at our City Campus in Melbourne, Australia.

Discover more about Foundation Studies today.

Story: Jacqueline Guldon and Sophie MacGillivray

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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