Pathways to Uni

No matter what ATAR result you receive, at UniSQ 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 Pathway

UniSQ’s Tertiary Preparation Pathway (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 UniSQ 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 Multidisciplinary Studies

The Diploma of Multidisciplinary 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 UniSQ 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 Certificate

Start your university journey with a short, four-subject certificate. UniSQ's Undergraduate Certificate of University Studies is an entry-level qualification that gives you a taste of what it's like to study at uni.

Diplomas

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

• Diploma of Arts
• Diploma of Human Services and Development
• Diploma of Professional Communication
• Diploma of Science
• Diploma of Wine

Use your TAFE (VET) qualification to gain entry into UniSQ 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 UniSQ pathway program.

Tertiary Preparation Pathway

UniSQ’s Tertiary Preparation Pathway (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 UniSQ 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 Pathway

UniSQ’s Tertiary Preparation Pathway (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 UniSQ undergraduate degrees. 

Diploma of Multidisciplinary Studies

The Diploma of Multidisciplinary 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 UniSQ 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 Certificate

Start your university journey with a short, four-subject certificate. UniSQ's Undergraduate Certificate of University Studies is an entry-level qualification that will give you a taste of what it's like to study at uni. 

Diplomas

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

• Diploma of Arts
• Diploma of Human Services and Development
• Diploma of Professional Communication
• 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 Pathway

Our Tertiary Preparation Pathway (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 UniSQ undergraduate degrees.

Undergraduate Certificate

Start your university journey with a short, four-subject certificate. UniSQ's Undergraduate Certificate of University Studies is an entry-level qualification that gives you a taste of what it's like to study at uni.

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 UniSQ 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 or Academic English programs.

We have a range of support services to ease your transition to university study.

Alternative pathways to university provide students with an entry point to their university degree without the required ATAR score. It accommodates different students' needs, whether they are a mature age student who has not studied for some time, have completed a TAFE or VET qualification, have not completed high school, or their goals have changed.

UniSQ prides itself on creating equal opportunities for all students to seek tertiary education with accessible university pathways. Our university pathways provide an alternative route to university for people at various life stages. If you’re a year 10, 11 or 12 high school student, you can rest assured there are plenty of alternate pathways for future study that don’t require a high ATAR result. You can use a TAFE (VET) program or prior work or life experience to gain entry into UniSQ and receive recognition of prior learning.

And if you’re an international student from a non-English speaking background, we offer short-term English language programs to better prepare you for entry into a UniSQ degree. We also provide pathway programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to recognise their former work and life experience.

We have various pathways to uni available, enabling applicants to gain entry into their desired course or institution through assessed results, work experience and demonstrations of capability. 

UniSQ’s university bridging courses are specifically designed to prepare you for  university study. They focus on developing critical thinking, academic writing, research skills, and subject-specific knowledge, thereby equipping students with a solid foundation for your undergraduate studies. 

University bridging courses can provide a faster route for applicants ready to commence university studies. Additionally, they enable applicants to gain recognition for non-traditional forms of education and help them develop skills that will be transferable within university courses. This provides an opportunity to build on their existing knowledge base and open new pathways towards success.

Whether you're a school leaver, someone looking to transition from TAFE to uni pathways, or seeking to enhance your qualifications through university bridging courses, UniSQ has a tailored solution with our uni pathway programs.  

If it’s been some time since you studied, you haven’t completed high school, or your goals have changes; our uni pathway programs will help you get you your place at university. By participating in these bridging courses for university, you will be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of your chosen degree programs, ensuring a smooth and successful transition into higher education.

Your pathway to university is tailored to your skills, experience and the degree you want to study.

UniSQ’s pathways to university in Australia include:

• UniPrep — UniPrep is a free pathway program for Year 11 or 12 students considering tertiary education that have not chosen an ATAR pathway or are concerned they won’t get into uni.
• Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) — TPP is a free UniSQ pathway to help develop the required skills to complete a university degree successfully. Completing this program will guarantee entry into a range of undergraduate degrees.
• Diploma of Multidisciplinary Studies (DMDS) — Choose from one of eight specialisations to sample study areas you’re interested in to set you up for university success.
• Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP) — If you’re of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you may be eligible for this university pathway program.
• Head Start — High achieving year 10, 11 or 12 students can study a university course while still in high school. The first course is free, and meeting all prerequisites will help secure an early university offer.
• Undergraduate Certificate of University Studies — Before applying for a degree, get a taste of what it’s like to study at uni with a short, four-subject certificate.
• English language programs — Our short-term English language programs help international students improve their English language skills and prepare them for a UniSQ degree.

Applying for a UniSQ pathways program is easy. You can apply directly to UniSQ 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 UniSQ 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 UniSQ 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 UniSQ.

You can use your work experience, and/or your TAFE, VET, and previous university studies to apply. You can also use a UniSQ 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 UniSQ. 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 UniSQ pathways program can be the perfect introduction to university life.

You don’t need an ATAR to study at UniSQ. Each degree at UniSQ 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 UniSQ pathway program
• TAFE / VET study
• Work and life experience

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

Students enrolled in pathways programs (also commonly known as university bridging courses) at UniSQ have access to a range of support services. These include academic advising, personal counselling, career guidance, and study skills workshops. These services are aimed at ensuring you have the necessary support to succeed in your studies and transition smoothly into university-level study.

Completing a uni pathways programs or university bridging courses can open up a wide range of career opportunities. These programs not only prepare students for successful university studies but also help develop critical transferable skills valued in the workforce. Graduates often find enhanced career prospects in their chosen fields, benefiting from the strong foundation laid by their pathway program experience.