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Pathways

Tertiary Preparation Program

Domestic students International students
Tertiary Preparation Program (ACEQ)
Entry requirements
View full details
Study mode
  • On-campus
  • Online
Campus
  • Ipswich
  • Springfield
  • Toowoomba
Duration
  • 3-4 semesters (maximum)
Start
  • Feb, Jul, Nov
Note: International students may only undertake this program via online study.

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Overview

  • Ready to start a new career, or don’t have the relevant entry requirements for your chosen degree? If you have not completed year 12 or it has been a while since you studied, USQ’s Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) is your pathway to uni.
  • Study when and where you want, online or on-campus while receiving personalised support from USQ’s dedicated TPP team. Successfully completing TPP makes you ready to apply for a range of USQ undergraduate degrees. 
  • Learn how to write academic assignments and build your confidence for further studies. Study subjects to develop your reading, writing, maths, and study skills and successfully prepare yourself for university studies.
  • Choose to study specialised subjects to gain entry to the degree you wish to study.
  • Benefit from a flexible program offered in all three semesters. You could fast-track your learning and complete your subjects in one semester, or you may prefer to study part-time and take a little longer.

Further study

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.

Career outcomes

  • As part of this program you'll enhance your core academic skills to think critically and write academically, providing you with everything you need to succeed at university, and the confidence to follow your dream career.
  • As a stepping stone to further university study, successfully complete TPP and be ready to apply for a range of USQ undergraduate degrees, with endless career opportunities.
  • Preparing you for a future full of possibilities, our TPP program provides you with the opportunity to receive personalised career advice from one of our own Career Development Practitioners. You’ll get help in working out what your career dreams are for the future as well as setting goals to achieve them. 

Entry requirements

  • 18 years or older

To assist staff in determining your current level of academic literacy, it is recommended you complete a short placement test and Academic Literacy Test prior to receiving an offer from USQ. 

These only take a short amount of time to complete (around 1.5 hours), and the result helps us tailor a personalised pathway for you. Our staff can provide advice on which USQ pathway program best suits you or the most appropriate 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), doing them helps us find your best starting point. If you would like to be considered for the fast-track pathway, you will need to submit these tests as part of your application.

Study with the experts - we’ve been offering TPP for over 30 years and we know what we’re doing. Chat to us before finalising your decision on courses (subjects), as your choice may have an impact on your future studies. 

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.

Other pathway options

At USQ, we understand the path to University is different for everyone. There are many pathways programs available to fast-track your way to a USQ degree, and gain the confidence to study along the way.

Need help deciding which pathway is right for you? Contact our friendly team who can assist with any questions you might have.

Degree structure

The program consists of a compulsory component and a chosen specialisation course.

Courses to be studied Units
Core courses
 3
Specialisation courses at least 1
Total 4-8 (maximum)

USQ requires successful completion of particular courses of specialisation as a condition for entry to particular undergraduate programs. Please consult the USQ Handbook for courses to be studied, recommended enrolment patterns, and the program articulation map to identify which courses you will need to study in order to enter your chosen degree.

USQ undergraduate degree entry requirements

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

Fees and scholarships

Your actual fees may vary depending on the courses you select. We review our fees annually so these may be subject to change.

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. For international students the approximate fee per unit for this program is AUD 1160.1

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2021. 

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to USQ.

Note: Students can only commence study in semester 3 at USQ Toowoomba or via online study.

Apply direct to USQ

The closing dates for applying directly to USQ are:

  • Semester 1, 2021 - applications close Friday 5 March, with semester 1 commencing on Monday 22 February, 2021.
  • Semester 2, 2021 - applications close Monday 19 July, with semester 2 commencing on Monday 12 July, 2021.
  • Semester 3, 2021 - applications close Monday 15 November, with semester 3 commencing on Monday 15 November, 2021.

More information on applying key dates is available.

Further information

Discover further information on applying to study at USQ that is relevant to you.

Students receiving computer assistance.

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Begin your study journey today with Australia's #1 University for graduate starting salary* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2020

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