UNSW College Foundation Program Launched in Cambodia, Expanding Global Study Pathways
Phnom Penh
March 18, 2026
Cambodia’s international education landscape marked a significant milestone on Wednesday with the launch of the UNSW College Foundation Program in Cambodia, offering students a new pathway to world-class universities in Australia and beyond.
The program, delivered through a partnership between the Australian Centre for Education (ACE), the Australia Cambodia Education Academy (AusCam), and UNSW College of the University of New South Wales, was officially launched at ACE’s Tuol Kork campus in Phnom Penh.
The ceremony was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron, Australian Ambassador to Cambodia Derek Yip, IDP Education CEO Tennealle O’Shannessy, and UNSW College CEO and Pro Vice-Chancellor of UNSW Sarah Lightfoot, alongside representatives from the education sector.
The newly launched program will allow Cambodian students to undertake a globally recognised foundation course locally, preparing them for entry into the University of New South Wales, one of Australia’s leading universities, as well as other universities in Australia and internationally.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Hang Chuon Naron emphasised the importance of education in Cambodia’s national development strategy. “Education remains a key pillar of the Royal Government’s strategic priorities,” he said.
“Partnerships such as this provide Cambodian students with valuable opportunities to access international education while strengthening the quality and global relevance of our education system.”
The program is internationally recognised and offers students flexibility to progress not only into UNSW, but also into a wide range of universities across Australia and around the world.
UNSW is consistently ranked among the top universities globally and is part of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight (Go8), known for its research excellence and strong graduate outcomes.
Australian Ambassador Derek Yip, himself a graduate of UNSW, said the initiative reflected growing interest among Cambodian students in studying in Australia.
“We are seeing increasing numbers of Cambodian students choosing Australia for their studies,” he said. “Programs like this help students build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in international education.”
IDP Education CEO Tennealle O’Shannessy, who was visiting Cambodia for the first time from Melbourne, said the partnership demonstrated the strength of collaboration between Cambodian and Australian institutions.
“It is inspiring to see such strong collaboration between Cambodian and Australian institutions,” she said. “Initiatives like this expand opportunities for students while strengthening the broader relationship between our two countries.”
O’Shannessy also acknowledged the role of Sreng Mao, Country Director of IDP Education and the Australian Centre for Education, in driving the initiative.
“Sreng Mao’s leadership has been instrumental in making world-class programs like this available in Cambodia,” she said.
Sarah Lightfoot, Pro Vice-Chancellor of UNSW University and CEO of UNSW College, said the foundation program would equip students with the academic skills needed for success at university level.
“The UNSW Foundation Program provides a strong pathway into UNSW and is also widely recognised across Australia and internationally,” she said. “It prepares students with the critical thinking and academic skills needed to succeed at leading universities worldwide.”
She also highlighted the importance of local leadership in bringing the program to Cambodia.
“This initiative reflects the vision and leadership of Sreng Mao in expanding access to global education opportunities for Cambodian students,” she added.
Ashley Irving, Principal of the Australian Centre for Education and President of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, said the program builds on ACE’s long-standing contribution to education in the country.
“This program represents a significant step forward in providing internationally aligned academic pathways and nurturing globally minded Cambodian students,” he said.
Students enrolled in the program will be able to begin their studies in Cambodia before progressing to universities overseas, creating a more accessible and flexible route to international education.
With more than three decades of experience in Cambodia through ACE, the initiative is expected to further strengthen Cambodia’s connection to global education networks and expand opportunities for future generations.
Parents and students who are currently in Grades 10, 11 and 12 should consult IDP Counsellors on how this new pathway program benefits their future international education journey.
