The Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in undergraduate degree studies. TPP provides a pathway to a degree program.
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 (fees for international students can be found at USC International fees and costs). If you are from a non-English speaking background you will be required to meet English language entry requirements for your chosen USC program.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
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 (fees for international students can be found at USC International fees and costs). If you are from a non-English speaking background you will be required to meet English language entry requirements for your chosen USC program.
Upon successful completion of the TPP, you will be able to gain direct entry into most USC degree programs through the standard USC direct entry application process. If selecting to attend another university, you will need to apply through the standard QTAC application process or via the admission procedures as outlined by the institution at which you plan to study. Please note that courses completed through TPP cannot be used as credit towards a degree.
Courses in the TPP are Austudy approved.
Indigenous TPP students may be eligible for an Indigenous Commonwealth scholarship.
Flexible study options
TPP courses are offered in Semesters 1 and 2 and Session 8 (Summer Session) and you can study full-time (four courses over one semester) or part-time. Only a full-time study option at Sippy Downs campus is available to international students on a student visa. Courses are offered at a number of study locations currently including Sippy Downs, Gympie, Noosa, North Lakes, Caboolture and Fraser Coast.
Recommended TPP courses for USC programs
A list of the study plans (recommended TPP courses) for USC programs for 2016 is available to assist with your enrolment. We highly recommend that prior to enrolling, you read the courses synopsis and course outlines by clicking onto the TPP course codes.
Admission requirements
- Entry age: you must be a minimum of 17 years of age at time of entry (international students must be 18 years old).
- TPP is taught in English (both in classes and in written material), therefore students from a non-English speaking background will need to have sufficient English skills to achieve an overall score of 6.0 and a minimum of 5.5 in all subtests of an IELTS test. Upon completion of TPP and prior to being admitted into any USC program, applicants must satisfy the minimum entry English language requirements (eg English Language proficiency and subject prerequisites).
- International applicants academic history will be assessed for entry in to TPP.
Upon completion of TPP
Domestic students (Australian citizens, Permanent residents and New Zealand citizens) who wish to apply for admission into an undergraduate degree program at USC after completing the TPP are required to lodge an Application — Undergraduate (Direct) form to Student Central. The form is available from Application forms page. More information is available at Apply for an undergraduate program from TPP.
International students should go to the Application forms for International students page for more information and to download the application form.
More information
Download the Tertiary Preparation Pathway 2016 brochure (PDF 749KB)
For PDF documents you must have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded from the Adobe Download page.
Program structure
To assist with your course selection, refer to the list of the study plans (recommended TPP courses) for USC programs. We highly recommend that prior to enroling you read the courses synopsis and course outlines by clicking onto the TPP course codes below.
One (1) required course:
TPP101 Academic Skills for Success
Plus select three (3) courses from:
TPP102 Digital Futures
TPP103 Chemistry
TPP104 Mathematics
TPP105 Statistics
TPP106 An Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Societies
TPP107 Australian Society and Identity
TPP108 An Introduction to Working within the Community
TPP109 Biology
TPP111 Business Study Skills
TPP115 Mathematical Methods for Science and Engineering
Available courses Semester 1, 2016
| Course | Locations | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|
| TPP101 Academic Skills for Success | Sippy Downs, Northlakes, Gympie, Noosa, Fraser Coast | Nil |
| TPP102 Digital Futures | Sippy Downs, Caboolture, Gympie, Noosa, Fraser Coast | Nil |
| TPP103 Chemistry | Sippy Downs, Northlakes, Gympie, Noosa, Fraser Coast | Nil |
| TPP104 Mathematics | Sippy Downs, Northlakes, Gympie, Noosa, Fraser Coast | Nil |
| TPP105 Statistics | Sippy Downs, Noosa | Nil |
| TPP106 An Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Societies | Sippy Downs | Nil |
| TPP107 Australian Society and Identity | Sippy Downs, Gympie, Noosa | Nil |
| TPP108 An Introduction to Working within the Community | Sippy Downs, Gympie, Noosa | Nil |
| TPP109 Biology | Sippy Downs, Northlakes, Gympie, Noosa, Fraser Coast | Nil |
| TPP111 Business Study Skills | Sippy Downs, Gympie, Noosa, Fraser Coast | Nil |
| TPP115 Mathematical Methods for Science and Engineering | Sippy Downs | Nil |
For further details about locations and semesters that each TPP course is offered refer to the class timetable.
Program requirements and notes
Program notes
- To submit an application, go to the How to apply tab. Please refer to Application dates to apply before cut-off dates.
- Program fees:there are no tuition fees for Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or Holders of Humanitarian Visas. Fees for international students can be found at USC International fees and costs.
- International students are non-Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian Permanent Residents. Summer Session and part-time options are not available to International students.
- Program details are subject to change.
- For important semester dates see Academic Calenders.
- Read the Student rules, policies, procedures and guidelines.
- Refer to the Student Fees and Charges - Governing Policy for information about administrative fees that may apply.