Program Requirements for Open Foundation

There is no right or wrong way to study Open Foundation. We offer a variety of courses and flexible delivery times to allow you to balance study with other work, social and family commitments.

The program allows you to study 0.5 years full-time (which is 40 units in one semester), or part-time equivalent for up to 4 years (10 units for 4 semesters).

To successfully complete Open Foundation, you need to complete a combined total of 40 units. You can mix and match courses to complete these 40 units.

Full-time study is enrolling in 30 or 40 units of courses in a semester (complete in 6 - 12 months)
Part-time study is enrolling in 10 – 20 units of courses in a semester (complete in 12 months – 4 years)
The number of units you enrol in each term determines whether you are full-time or part-time
Most courses are 10 units each and the general guideline is that you will need to allow 10 hours per week for study (including class time) for each 10-unit course, but this may depend on the student and the course.

If you need to change your load at any time, get in touch with your Student Liaison Officer who can help.

If you are planning to study a full time load this semester you may be eligible for Centrelink StudyAssist payments.

What study mode is right for you? Check out your options.

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.