Pathways to Uni

No matter what ATAR result you receive, at USQ we have a number of pathways to help you achieve your study goals.

UniPrep

Get ready for university with UniPrep. This free* pathway program is designed for students in Year 11 or 12 who are considering university after  high school but haven't chosen an ATAR pathway or are worried they won’t get into uni. If you want an introduction to university-level study; to begin your degree with confidence, or to see if university is for you, start uni with UniPrep.

Tertiary Preparation Program

USQ’s Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) is a free program that helps you develop the skills you need to successfully complete a university degree. Once you have completed TPP you have guaranteed entry to a range of USQ undergraduate degrees. TPP is offered all year round including the summer holidays, which means you could finish TPP over the end of year break and commence your chosen undergraduate degree in Semester 1.

Diploma of University Studies

The Diploma of University Studies is a formal university qualification and provides a quality foundation for tertiary study to set you up for university success. You can choose one of eight specialisations which allows you to sample study areas you are interested in. Once successfully completed you can graduate with a degree qualification or, provided you meet all the entry requirements, you can transfer directly into a USQ undergraduate degree. 

Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP)

Are you of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background and wanting to commence study at university? You may be eligible to apply for the Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP).

Head Start

The Head Start program provides the opportunity for high-achieving Year 10, 11 or 12 students to study a university course while still in high school. The first course is free and successful completion of a Head Start course and meeting all pre-requisites will make you eligible for an Early Offer into your degree of choice. Discover more about Head Start.

Undergraduate Certificates

Start your university journey with a short, four-subject certificate. These entry-level qualifications give you a taste of what it's like to study at uni.

• Certificate of University Studies
• In 2022, the Australian Government is again providing funding for short courses (programs) to increase access to higher education. These short programs provide the opportunity for Australians to upskill in a number of national priority areas.

Diplomas

Our Diplomas provide the ideal foundation for further study. They typically take one year of (full-time) study to complete.

• Diploma of Human Services and Development
• Diploma of Science
• Diploma of Wine

Use your TAFE (VET) qualification to gain entry into USQ and receive recognition of prior learning.

We convert your TAFE or VET qualification and results along with your past school results and work experience (if applicable) into a selection rank. It is this selection rank that determines which degrees you may meet the entry requirements for. 

If you don't quite meet the entry requirements of your dream degree or want to see what it's like to study at university level, you can also start with a USQ pathway program.

Tertiary Preparation Program

USQ’s Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) is a free program that helps you develop the skills you need to successfully complete a university degree. Once you have completed TPP you have guaranteed entry to a range of USQ undergraduate degrees.

Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP)

Are you of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background and wanting to commence study at university? You may be eligible to apply for the Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP).

Depending on your prior work and life experience, you may meet the entry requirements for a range of degrees or be eligible to complete a pathway program. 

Tertiary Preparation Program

USQ’s Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) is a free program that helps you develop the skills you need to successfully complete a university degree. Once you have completed TPP you have guaranteed entry to a range of USQ undergraduate degrees.

Diploma of University Studies

The Diploma of University Studies is a formal university qualification and provides a quality foundation for tertiary study to set you up for university success. You can choose one of eight specialisations which allows you to sample study areas you are interested in. Once successfully completed you can graduate with a degree qualification or, provided you meet all the entry requirements, you can transfer directly into a USQ undergraduate degree. 

Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP)

Are you of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background and wanting to commence study at university? You may be eligible to apply for the Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP).

Undergraduate Certificates

Start your university journey with a short, four-subject certificate. These entry-level qualifications give you a taste of what it's like to study at uni.

• Certificate of University Studies
• In 2022, the Australian Government is again providing funding for short courses (programs) to increase access to higher education. These short programs provide the opportunity for Australians to upskill in a number of national priority areas.

Diplomas

Our Diplomas provide the ideal foundation for further study. They typically take one year of (full-time) study to complete.

• Diploma of Human Services and Development
• Diploma of Science
• Diploma of Wine

Depending on your prior work and life experience, you may meet the entry requirements for a range of degrees or be eligible to complete a pathway program.

Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP)

Are you of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background and wanting to commence study at university? You may be eligible to apply for the Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP).

Tertiary Preparation Program

USQ’s Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) is a free program that helps you develop the skills you need to successfully complete a university degree. Once you have completed TPP you have guaranteed entry to a range of USQ undergraduate degrees.

Undergraduate Certificates

Start your university journey with a short, four-subject certificate. These entry-level qualifications give you a taste of what it's like to study at uni.

• Certificate of University Studies
• In 2022, the Australian Government is again providing funding for short courses (programs) to increase access to higher education. These short programs provide the opportunity for Australians to upskill in a number of national priority areas.

Are you a student from a non-English-speaking background looking to improve your English language skills? We offer short-term English language programs to prepare you for entry into a USQ degree, enhance your career prospects and improve your written and spoken English. 

English language programs

Our English language programs are free if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or holder of an Australian Permanent Humanitarian visa. Improve your English language skills with our General English (ELICOS) or Academic English programs.

Applying for a USQ Pathways program is easy. You can apply directly to USQ by filling in the online application form. Be sure to check the teaching periods and application close dates before you apply. 

Don’t worry! If you don’t meet the entry requirements to get into your desired degree, there are many alternative entry options available to you. Studying a USQ Pathway program could gain you direct entry into a degree. It can also help you ease into university study, especially if you haven’t studied in a while or are nervous about stepping into higher education. A USQ Pathway program can also help you improve your English language skills and offers an affordable alternative to a full university degree. 

Whether you are returning to study after a period in the workforce, or contemplating studying for the first time, there are many options available to start your university degree at USQ.

You can use your work experience, and/or your TAFE, VET, and previous university studies to apply. You can also use a USQ Pathway program to get into your chosen degree.

If you’re not sure you'll meet the entry requirements of the degree you're wanting to study, let us know and we'll be happy to give you advice. 

Being a Pathways student is no different to being a university student at USQ. You’ll have access to the same facilities and services as all students, including the library, support services, and on-campus and online facilities. In fact, starting your university journey in a USQ Pathways program can be the perfect introduction to university life.

You don’t need an ATAR to study at USQ. Each degree at USQ has unique entry requirements and generally, entry into a degree is based on one or more of the following criteria:

• Your Year 12 or recent secondary education
• Higher education study you’ve completed or partially completed, including a USQ pathway program
• TAFE / VET study
• Work and life experience

You can read more information on each of these criteria here or contact us and chat to a USQ Degree Advisor for the best advice tailored to your situation.