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.
- 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.
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. You will be required to meet the minimum selection threshold and any subject prerequisites for the undergraduate degree you want to study so check these before enrolling in your TPP courses to make sure you choose the right courses. If you are from a non-English speaking background, you will also be required to meet English language entry requirements for your chosen USC program.
TPP will not meet the minimum selection threshold for direct entry into some high-demand degree programs, including the Bachelor of Midwifery and the Bachelor of Dietetics. Your selection rank will depend on how many TPP courses you complete and the grades you achieve in your TPP courses. Your selection rank must be high enough to meet the minimum selection threshold in order to gain direct entry.
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.
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. International students may only enrol in TPP if they enrol in full-time mode.
Recommended TPP courses for USC programs
A list of the study plans (recommended TPP courses) for USC programs 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 for the degree they are applying for (eg English Language proficiency and subject prerequisites).
- International applicants academic history will be assessed for entry in to TPP.
Fees
Fees for international students can be found at USC International fees and costs.
Courses in the TPP are Austudy approved.
Indigenous TPP students may be eligible for an Indigenous Commonwealth scholarship.
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 should visit Apply for an undergraduate program from TPP for instructions to submit an online application.
International students should go to the Application forms for International students page for more information and to download the application form.
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 enrolling you read the courses synopsis and course outlines by clicking onto the TPP course codes below.
One (1) required course:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPP101 Foundations of Outdoor Environmental Studies |
Plus select three (3) courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPP102 Learning in Australian Landscapes | |||
| TPP103 Coastal Outdoor Environmental Interpretation | |||
| TPP104 Communicating Sustainability | |||
| TPP105 How Animals Work: Form and Function | |||
| TPP107 Biodiversity and Ecology | |||
| TPP108 Endangered Animals and their Conservation | |||
| TPP109 Introduction to Environmental Management | |||
| TPP111 Outdoor Living and Travel Skills | |||
| TPP115 Leading Groups in Outdoor Environments |
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