Tertiary Preparation Program
- On-campus
- Online
- Semester 1 (February)
- Semester 2 (July)
- Semester 3 (November)
- Minimum 4 units; maximum 8 units
- 3-4 semesters (maximum)
- Ipswich
- Springfield
- Toowoomba
Program Information Set
Want to study at university?
If you have not completed year 12 or it has been some time since you studied, USQ’s Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) is the perfect way to start studying at university.
You will study courses (subjects) to develop your writing, computing and general study skills and build your confidence for further studies. You may also study some specialised courses to prepare you for the degree you wish to study.
TPP is a flexible program usually studied over two semesters. However, you may be able to fast-track your learning and complete your courses in one semester, or you may prefer to study part-time and take a little longer.
It is best to have a chat to our Student Relationship Officers before finalising your decision on courses as your choice of courses may have an impact later.
Free program (pending citizenship and residency requirements)
TPP is a free program and it is available to everyone (as long as you are at least 18 in the year you begin your studies and meet the citizenship and residency requirements).
We’ll support you all the way
USQ wants to give you every opportunity to achieve your dreams, so we want to give you a helping hand on the journey to university study. You will have access to great teaching and support in a friendly caring environment.
Pathway to further study
TPP aims to prepare students for entry to Uni. When you successfully complete TPP you are guaranteed entry into selected USQ degrees, if you meet the English proficiency requirements. Now is the time to start your pathway to a career that you want.
What if you’re not quite ready for a bachelor degree, or want a qualification sooner? Our Certificate of University Studies (4 courses) or Diploma of University Studies (8 courses) are the perfect next steps on your university journey.
Accelerated Entry Pathway Program
Are you currently in year 12 and keen to start uni, but don’t think you’ll qualify? USQ’s Accelerated Entry Pathway Program has been designed just for you and once successfully completed, provides you with the English subject pre-requisite required for USQ programs and ensures you are eligible to apply for a wide range of USQ undergraduate programs. The program includes two compulsory residential schools (2-13 December 2019 and 13-14 January 2020) and is free for you to attend.
| Courses to be studied | Units |
|---|---|
| Core component courses | 3 |
| plus | |
| Courses of specialisation | at least 1 |
| Total | 4-8 (maximum) |
At USQ, most undergraduate programs have an OP/Rank and entry requirements, such as subject pre-requisites. The Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) can help you get a rank and meet subject pre-requisites, so you can start in your dream degree!
I don’t have an OP or rank.
If you complete 2 or more TPP courses you will get a rank. The higher your grades, the higher your rank.
I don’t have an OP/rank or meet any subject pre-requisites.
Follow the full TPP Program articulation map, relevant to the program you want to study, to make sure you can apply for your degree. You will need to successfully complete 3 compulsory courses and 1 elective course to be ready to apply to the degree.
What if I meet some of the entry requirements for an undergraduate program but need TPP to help me meet others?
Below are the TPP courses you need to complete for each of the subject pre-requisites you’re missing.
- English (4, SA) pre-requisite for all programs: TPP7122 and TPP7123
- Science (4, SA) pre-requisite for Education programs: TPP7155 or TPP7160
- Maths A (4, SA) pre-requisite for all programs (except Engineering and Construction): TPP7181
- Maths A (4, SA) pre-requisite for Engineering and Construction programs: TPP7182
- Maths B (4, SA) pre-requisite for all programs: TPP7183
How much will it cost?
If you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen (resident in Australia), holder of either Australian Permanent Residency or Australian Permanent Humanitarian visas, you have access to fee-free places in this program.
Fee-free places are granted for a period of three semesters. As a fee-free student, if you wish to continue your studies beyond three semesters you will need to complete a new application form.
If you do not meet the citizenship or residency requirements, you will be required to pay a fee.
Entry Requirements
- 18 years or older
To assist staff in determining your existing skill in reading comprehension, written expression and mathematical understanding, applicants are strongly encouraged to complete placement tests in mathematics and English communication skills. You will then be directed into the most appropriate available starting level within the Tertiary Preparation Program.
While these tests are not compulsory (please note, for students who did not complete schooling in Australia these tests are mandatory), if you would like to be considered for the fast-track pathway, you will need to submit these tests as part of your application.
English language requirements
Students need to satisfy English Language requirements. This program normally requires a minimum of IELTS 5.5. or equivalent through study or employment. In exceptional circumstances, based on results of the communication skills tests, alternative entry approval may be given.
How to apply
Note: Students can only commence study in semester 3 at USQ Toowoomba or via online study.QTAC codes
| Mode | Codes |
|---|---|
| Ipswich | 932001 |
| Online | 902005 |
| Springfield | 922001 |
| Toowoomba | 902001 |
Closing dates
Applying directly to USQ:
- Semester 1, 2020 - applications close Friday 6 March, with semester 1 commencing on Monday 24 February 2020.
- Semester 2, 2020 - applications close Friday 24 July, with semester 2 commencing on Monday 13 July 2020.
- Semester 3, 2020 - applications close Friday 20 November, with semester 3 commencing on Monday 16 November 2020.