Programs

The Open Access College provides English language, preparatory and foundation programs and courses.

Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP)

The Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) is the largest distance education preparatory program in Australia. TPP core courses are also offered on all three USQ campuses and the Queensland College of Wine Tourism. TPP provides equitable access to tertiary study for people who have previously missed out on opportunities to qualify for entry into higher education undergraduate programs. This program is designed to assist participants to prepare themselves for success in undergraduate studies through achieving mastery of essential preparatory skills and knowledge.

Successful completion of the core courses of the Tertiary Preparation Program guarantees a person entry to specified undergraduate award programs at the University of Southern Queensland. People who successfully complete the core courses of the TPP are also eligible to gain entry to an undergraduate program at most Australian universities.

Tertiary Preparation Program Intensive School 

If you are in year 12 and want to start university in 2014 with your friends but don’t think you’ll qualify? USQ’s Intensive School can offer you a lifeline. Enrolling in the Intensive School for third semester (25th November 2013 – 7th February 2014) could provide you with the opportunity to gain entry into undergraduate studies at USQ for the start of semester 1 2014. 

The Intensive School benefits include:
  • No fees – there will be no costs incurred and includes both tuition and accommodation

  • 2 X Two week intensive workshops on campus including accommodation and meals.

  • Study materials provided online allowing external study as well as on-campus


For further information please contact – TPP.Support@usq.edu.au or phone 1800 803 781 

English for Academic Purposes (EAPP)

The English for Academic Purposes (EAPP) program is designed to prepare students from non-English speaking backgrounds for university education and provides an excellent link to the universities undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Classes focus on introducing students to the academic conventions and expectations as well as developing the language skills needed to succeed in higher education in Australia. On successful completion of EAP 2 students gain direct entry into their degree program.

EAP is offered at two levels EAP 1 and EAP 2, both are 10 week programs.

English for Academic Purposes (EAPP) can also be studied online.

Intensive English Program (ELAS) - ELICOS

The USQ English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELAS) is designed to develop English language skills for the next step on the pathway to university or as a global communication tool. It is offered throughout the year at five levels. Students who successfully complete English Level 5 can move on a pathway through EAP into degree studies within the University.

ELICOS classes are usually quite small (15 or fewer) with students from a variety of countries. This situation allows students to build confidence and make friends easily. As the program is delivered on the USQ Toowoomba campus, English language students are able to mix with students from Australia and approximately 100 nations around the world.

English Language Culture and Training Programs/Study Tours (ELCP) 

The English Language Culture and Training Programs (ELCP) provide customized programs designed to meet the needs of different organizations such as university, government, professional groups, teachers or student groups from non-English speaking backgrounds. These programs aim to provide students with the skills for communicating successfully in English in their area of study or interest. Therefore we offer various intensive content-based programs, which include guest lectures and site visits.

Short-term academic programs are offered, with participants undertaking a major research project and gaining credit at their home university. In addition to the academic program we offer a large range of extracurricular activities which are designed to take advantage of the local history and culture of the rich Darling Downs, as well as Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Introductory Academic Program

The Introductory Academic Program (IAP) is a 72 hour program designed for international students who have received an AusAID scholarship and who will be undertaking on-campus undergraduate or postgraduate studies at USQ. Its aim is to facilitate transition for students from a variety of educational and cultural backgrounds into the university culture. The program begins three weeks prior to the start of semester and is followed by the International Students' Orientation Program at USQ.

Foundation Diplomas (DIP)

Six new Foundation Diplomas (DIP) provide another exciting alternative and flexible pathway into USQ’s undergraduate programs: the Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundations; the Diploma of Business Foundations; The Diploma of Creative Arts Foundations; the Diploma of Engineering and Spatial Science Foundations; the Diploma of Science Foundations; and the Diploma of Social Studies Foundations. Students study four online foundation courses from within the Open Access College, and then progress to four discipline-based courses from the Faculties. The opportunity then exists to graduate with a competitive qualification for the professional workplace, or to transfer some credit into a number of undergraduate programs. Students will graduate as successful lifelong learners in the digital age, and the programs can be studied both full- and part-time.