Swinburne Foundation Program

Your Pathway to an Australian University Degree

Program Overview

The Swinburne Foundation Program is a structured pre-university pathway designed for high school graduates preparing for undergraduate study.

Delivered in Doha and aligned with Australian academic standards, the program builds the knowledge, academic discipline, and confidence required for success in Business, Computing, and future disciplines at Barzan University College.

Students follow a curriculum aligned with Swinburne University of Technology’s academic framework, ensuring international comparability and progression readiness.

Program Information

Next Intake

Sept 2026 / Jan 2027

Application Fee

QR 200

Fees per Year

QR 45,000

Scholarships

Available

Duration

8 months

What you will study

You will develop knowledge across key areas including:

Entry Requirement:

Academic Requirements

– Applicants must meet one of the following:

British Curriculum: Completion of 7 IGCSEs & 3 AS equivalent qualifications. (Students who have completed Year 13 with three A Level subjects may be exempt from the Foundation Year Program, subject to evaluation and approval by the Admissions Team)
American Curriculum: Minimum overall high school average of 65%.
CBSE & Other National Curricula: Minimum overall average of 65%.
Students may also apply using predicted grades, which will be assessed by the Admissions Team on a case-by-case basis.

English Language Requirements

Why This Program?

01. Direct Progression Pathway

Successful completion enables progression into:

Bachelor of Business
Bachelor of Computer Science
Other approved undergraduate programs
Students transition smoothly into Year 1 with academic confidence.

02. Academic Skill Development

Students strengthen:

- Linguistic and numeracy skills for university study
- Developing solutions to problems in local and international contexts
- Research-based decision-making skills
- Best practices for academic integrity
- Enhancing knowledge through technology
- Fundamentals in business, design, information technology and engineering

03. Australian Academic Standards

The Foundation Program prepares students for entry into Swinburne University of Technology programms, with curriculum and academic standards informed by Australian higher education practices.

04. Supportive Learning Environment

Designed for students transitioning from school to university:
- Smaller class sizes
- Faculty mentorship
Structured learning support
Parents can be confident that students receive personal attention and structured progression.

Career Pathways

The primary objective of the Foundation Program is to make academic progress. Upon successful completion, students move into undergraduate degrees where they begin specialization in Business or Computing fields.

Long-term career pathways may include:

The Foundation year builds the academic discipline that supports these outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

All the information you need to know about the Foundation Program

Is the Foundation Program equivalent to Year 12?

It is a university preparation program designed to bridge school education and undergraduate study.

Does completion guarantee progression?

Students who meet progression requirements transition into undergraduate programs.

Is the program internationally recognised?

The Foundation Program is designed in alignment with Swinburne University of Technology’s academic expectations and prepares students for entry into Swinburne degrees recognised internationally.

Who should apply?

High school graduates seeking structured preparation before entering undergraduate study.

Students from which education systems are required to complete the Foundation Program?

As per the current requirements of the Ministry of Higher Education, students from all education systems are required to complete the Foundation Program before commencing undergraduate studies, with the exception of students who have successfully completed GCE Advanced Level (A/L) qualifications or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program.

Does Barzan University College offer an Advance Foundation?

Yes. Barzan University College offers an Advanced Foundation Program in select cases where it is deemed appropriate based on a student’s academic qualifications and eligibility. Admission to the Advanced Foundation Program is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Students are encouraged to contact the Admissions Team for an individual evaluation and guidance on the most suitable pathway.

Ready to Begin?

Join a community of innovators and future leaders. Applications for the next intake are now open.