Support to succeed

We provide more opportunities for people with the ability and determination to enter and succeed in higher education, regardless of their background. Since 1974 nearly 60,000 people have enrolled in Open Foundation, with many going on to complete further studies.

Passionate Teachers

Our academic team is here to mentor, support and inspire you throughout your studies and set you up for success in your university career.

Supporting your studies

Our aim is to provide the best possible support to ensure you succeed with your studies.

We’ve got you covered with a dedicated, passionate and professional support team that can assist with all aspects of your life.


Campus services and community

When studying Open Foundation, you’ll join a community of over 35,000 students and be able to access a broad range of services and facilities open to everyone.

Our campuses are a rich, bustling hive of activity and there is always something to support and entertain you through your studies.


Associated costs

There are no tuition fees for the Open Foundation program.

However, there are some basic costs associated with studying at university.

As with most university courses, you will need to purchase textbooks and other supplies e.g. art and design supplies for some of your subjects. Purchasing two sets of new textbooks can cost between $150 to $450.

To successfully complete your studies, you may also incur costs associated with:

  • at-home internet, computer use and printing costs (computers, printers and internet access are also available 24/7 on campus)
  • Childcare
  • Transport and parking costs
  • Costs of attending exams and on-campus workshops (online/blended mode students)

If you study a full time load you may be eligible for Centrelink StudyAssist payments, see our Study Options Tool for details on what makes a full time study load.

You can now also study our new 60 unit Extended Open Foundation full time, studying 3 courses per semester (30 units) with no change to your Centrelink support.


Hear from others

Open foundation student Joel

"I started Open Foundation because I didn’t have the marks I needed to start uni - and I absolutely loved it. It gave me the readiness and passion to get going in my undergraduate course."

Joel, Part-time student

"I graduated High School with an ATAR of 42.25, however, this reflected illness during my HSC rather than my ability. In 2018, I decided to enrol in Open Foundation, graduating in 2019 with an equivalent ATAR of 90. I enrolled in a combined Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts degree with the intent of pursuing a career as a disability advocate. I have no doubt that if I did not do Open Foundation, these results would not be possible."

Daniel, Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts.

Open foundation student Jim
Open foundation student Georgia

“Before Open Foundation I was working three jobs – two roles with people with disabilities and one role in retail – when I decided to make a change. I started Open Foundation as a nervous 22-year-old woman looking for a sense of direction. I am now a 26-year-old woman progressing through my social work degree. My life would be entirely different, and I would not be at university if it was not for Open Foundation.”

Georgia, Bachelor of Social Work (Honours).

“Whilst studying Open Foundation, the information and skills I developed have allowed me to exceed expectations I had initially set for myself, and furthered my learning ability in the university environment.”

Jim, Bachelor of Communication.

Open foundation student Jim