Enabling programs and bridging studies can help you get into tertiary courses and prepare you for study.
Enabling programs
In an enabling program, you study a number of subjects for various purposes, such as:
- getting a selection rank
- meeting a subject prerequisite
- gaining general tertiary study skills eg assignment writing, researching, test taking
- gaining basic knowledge in a selected subject as a foundation for more in-depth study later on.
A number of institutions offer enabling programs. Contact an institution for a full list of theirs.
On successful completion of some enabling programs, you can get direct entry to selected undergraduate courses at the same institution, without having to apply through QTAC.
You can also use your enabling program from one institution to help you get into tertiary courses at another. Check with the relevant institution which enabling programs they accept.
Bridging studies
Single-subject bridging units will not get a rank but can be used to:
- meet subject prerequisites
- gain tertiary study skills
- gain basic knowledge in a selected subject.
Check with the relevant institution which bridging studies they accept to meet subject prerequisites.
Australian Catholic University (ACU)
Pathway Programs
ACU’s pathway programs help you develop your skills and make the transition to university study easier. Successful completion of these programs can lead to entry to degree-level courses as well as gaining credit. Associate degrees are two years full-time. Certificate and diploma programs consist of four to eight units respectively. Your grades in the completed program are used to calculate a new rank (minimum two units required) if you decide to apply for admission to a bachelor level course.
Bond University
Bond College Foundation Program
The Bond College Foundation Program helps you prepare for your chosen undergraduate degree. You will study two core subjects and receive credit when you transfer into your degree.
CQUniversity Australia
Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS)
Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) is an enabling program that provides a pathway for people wishing to gain entry to and excel in higher education. It helps you gain the personal and academic skills necessary for successful tertiary study. Offering one core and 11 elective courses, STEPS can be tailored to you. It can also help you meet prerequisites or assumed knowledge. You can study internally or online. You can choose to study full-time or part-time in Terms 1, 2 or 3, depending on course availability. On successful completion of STEPS, you are eligible to apply for direct entry to an undergraduate program at CQUniversity.
Find out more about STEPS or phone CQUniversity on 132 786 for more information.
Griffith College
Undergraduate Diploma – Pathways to Griffith University
Griffith College offers university-designed diplomas that connect you directly to Griffith University, usually into the second year of your chosen degree.
These diplomas help meet your entry requirements and pre-requisites for university study if you are a unable to apply directly or just want a little more support. Small class sizes and highly supportive learning environment will help you gain the confidence and study structure to take university life in your stride.
Foundation Program
The Griffith College Foundation Program is designed for students that haven’t yet complete their high school education to Australian Year 12 standard, or equivalent, and don’t meet the mature age entry requirements for a Griffith College Diploma.
The Foundation Program has been designed to prepare you for a diploma or degree in Arts, Business, Commerce, Design, Engineering, Health, Hotel Management, Information Technology and Science. It’s structured to be completed over two trimesters (8 months), with academic communication skills a central focus, along with computer skills and intercultural studies.
Find out more about Griffith College’s Foundation Program here.
Griffith University (GU)
Griffith Bridging English
Griffith Bridging English provides an opportunity for applicants who have not successfully completed senior English or equivalent study, a chance to meet the English subject prerequisites for any Griffith undergraduate degree through a 7 week on campus or online bridging course.
Visit Griffith Bridging English for more information.
Griffith Sciences Short Courses
Griffith Sciences offer short courses in Mathematics and Chemistry designed to prepare students for university-level study. These short courses are recommended for strengthening assumed knowledge, or as a refresher for previously completed studies in the relevant fields, but they will not meet prerequisite requirements.
Visit Griffith Sciences Short Courses for more information.
James Cook University (JCU)
Tertiary Access Course
You can use this pathway if you are a mature-age student, or if you are a school leaver without an OP or rank sufficient to gain you entry, or without recognised experience. It is an intensive course that equips you with the skills to successfully transition to a diploma or degree. The course is six months full-time (or one year part-time), and is offered on campus in Townsville and Cairns. This course does not incur HECS-HELP fees.
Bridging courses
Many health science and science courses, and some education teaching areas, require Queensland Year 12 Chemistry and/or Maths B. A range of bridging subjects is available at the Cairns and Townsville campuses to assist you to meet these prerequisites.
Pathway programs
The Diploma of Higher Education is a one-year, full-time course that gives you a supported pathway into a degree. You can undertake a Diploma of Higher Education in Business Studies, Information Technology, Engineering and Applied Science, General Studies, Health, Society and Culture, or Science. It provides you with a foundation for your degree and credit for some subjects.
Find out more about JCU pathways to university or phone 1800 246 446 for more information.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
University Preparation Program
The University Preparation Program (UPP) provides a unique opportunity to learners who have not completed Year 12 or have not recently engaged in formal studies. You will develop your academic skills and knowledge through studying key foundational subjects that support your future learning and transition to university. UPP is a two-semester full-time program with no tuition fees starting in February on the Kelvin Grove campus.
For more about QUT’s University Preparation Program
Pre-tertiary bridging courses
Pre-tertiary bridging programs help you meet subject prerequisites or assumed knowledge. You can study Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. Study Chemistry at Kelvin Grove, two nights a week for a semester. Alternatively, study three nights a week for eight weeks over summer. The Mathematics program is also held at Kelvin Grove with classes two nights a week for a semester. Alternatively, study over summer with classes three nights a week for nine weeks or four days for five weeks. Study Physics online, starting any time.
Southern Cross University (SCU)
Preparing for Success Program
Preparing for Success gives you an admission pathway into SCU. Study for 12 weeks and learn practical essay writing and research and analytical skills, the skills necessary for successful tertiary study. This course is free and can be studied full-time or part-time, on campus or by distance education.
TAFE Queensland
10397NAT Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (CATP)
This course is ideal if you did not complete Year 12 or if you have been away from formal study for some time. It gives you a pathway to diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree and university undergraduate courses. It helps you develop life-long learning skills, information communication technology skills, higher order literacy and numeracy skills, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, and foundation knowledge and skills in a variety of specific fields of study, depending on the electives you choose. Depending on where you study, you can specialise in Language and Learning (core), Australian Society, Biology, Computing for Academic Purposes, Family and Consumer Studies, Modern World History, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Chemistry, Legal Studies, Mathematics General (equivalent to Maths A), Mathematics Pure (equivalent to Maths B), Physics. You must be 18 or turn 18 years of age within six months of starting the course. Find out more about CATP at TAFE Queensland.Important note about CATP
To be awarded this certificate, you must successfully complete nine elective units, most of which must be completed specialisations (with results in all required elective units) and one of those must be the Language and Learning specialisation. Specialisations might comprise two or three elective units of equal weighting. The Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (CATP) is also available through a number of private training providers.Unilearn
Bridging studies
Unilearn provides online, self-paced subjects with teacher support in an online environment. Choose when you study with flexible start and completion dates. Unilearn courses can help you meet subject prerequisites. Subjects include Academic Literacy Studies, Introductory Mathematics, Senior English, Senior Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Introduction to Economics.Enabling Program
Unilearn Ready Program
This is a structured preparatory program delivered entirely online over 30 weeks with teacher support and scheduled online tutorials. You complete the core Academic Literacy Studies plus choose two electives (Introductory Mathematics, Senior Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Introduction to Economics and Senior English). Completion of the program provides you with a selection rank and can help you meet subject prerequisites. Find out more about Unilearn.The University of Queensland (UQ)
Tertiary Preparation Program (UQ College)
The Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) gives you the academic skills and knowledge for successful tertiary study. The TPP is a 32-week program with no tuition fees, and studied at St Lucia. You can start in February or October. The full program has two core subjects, Academic English and one of General Mathematics or Mathematics Methods, and three electives to help meet prerequisites. Apply direct to UQ College.
10765NAT Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation
UQ College’s online Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation provides a pathway to university undergraduate courses. It is recognised as a Year 12 alternative, bridging knowledge gaps to meet university requirements, and is specifically designed to develop skills, knowledge and attitudes sufficient for adult learners to access and prepare for tertiary education. Successful completion of this program will allow students to apply to QTAC for tertiary courses.
There are two intakes in 2023. One in January and one in April. Apply online directly through UQ College.
Intensive Bridging Courses
UQ College offers intensive short courses over 4 weeks (November- December) for you to obtain a prerequisite in Mathematical Methods, Physics, Chemistry or Biology.
Find out more about UQ College or phone (+61) 7 3346 6770 for more information.
University of New England (UNE)
UNE Pathways Enabling Course
The UNE Pathways Enabling Course is an online part-time course studied over two trimesters. It consists of two foundation units that provide basic skills and knowledge required for successful university study and two school-based units. The school-based units may give you credit towards an undergraduate degree. Completion of the pathway course can give you entry to most undergraduate courses at UNE.
University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ)
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
The Tertiary Preparation Pathway gives you an admission pathway into UniSQ if you have not completed Year 12 or if you studied some time ago. UniSQ’s TPP is a free program. You can study online or on campus. TPP subjects help you develop writing, computing and general study skills and build your confidence for further studies. You can also study some subjects that prepare you for the UniSQ degree you want to study. If you are a Year 12 student and do not meet the entry requirements for a UniSQ degree, you may be able to study UniSQ’s UniPrep. Once you have successfully completed TPP or UniPrep and satisfied the English language requirements, you will have met the entry requirements for selected UniSQ degrees.
Find out more about UniSQ’s Tertiary Preparation Pathway or phone 1800 269 500 for more information.
University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC)
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
The Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) gives you an admission pathway to tertiary study at UniSC. TPP allows you to experience university life before committing to a degree program, and courses completed as part of the TPP program are free-of-charge for Commonwealth-supported students.
You will study the course Academic Skills for Success and three of the following: Biology; Business Study Skills; Chemistry; Critical Thinking in Society; ICT for Academic and Professional Applications; Mathematics; Maths for Science and Engineering; Professional People Skills for Study, Community and Society; and Statistics. Note: Maths for Science and Engineering course satisfies the Year 12 Mathematical Methods subject prerequisite at UniSC.
You can also study these TPP courses if you have the required selection rank for entry to university but want to upgrade your study skills or meet prerequisites. Apply for this course through QTAC.
Find out more about UniSC’s TPP or phone (07) 5430 2890 to speak to UniSC Student Central for more information.
Undergraduate Pathway Diplomas
UniSC pathway diplomas are standalone qualifications that can provide you entry and up to one year’s credit into selected bachelor degree programs.
You can study a diploma in Business Innovation, Creative Industries, Science and Technology or Social and Human Services.
Find out more about UniSC’s Pathway Diplomas or phone (07) 5430 2890 to speak to UniSC Student Central for more information.