Program summary
Mode of study: On campus
QTAC code: 019901
Duration: 1 semester full-time or 2 semesters part-time
Commence: Semester 1, Semester 2 or Session 11 (Summer semester)
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, international fee-paying places
CRICOS code: 058561K
Overview
The Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in degree studies and provides an alternative entry pathway to tertiary study if you are not able to gain admission to a degree program via QTAC without first gaining additional qualifications. If you have other QTAC entry qualifications you may choose to study just one or two TPP courses to bring your skills up-to-date.
TPP allows you to experience university life before committing to a degree program, and courses completed as part of the program are free-of-charge for Commonwealth-supported students (fees for international students can be found at USC International fees and costs). Please note that courses completed through TPP cannot be used as credit towards a degree.
Upon successful completion of the TPP, you will be able to gain entry into most USC degree programs through the standard USC direct entry application process.
If you are from a non-English speaking background you will be required to meet English language entry requirements for your chosen USC program. 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 you plan to study at.
How TPP works
- Entry age: you must be a minimum of 17 years of age at time of entry (international students must be 18 years old).
- Applications for entry: Details available at How to apply.
- 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.
- Flexible study options: TPP courses are offered in Semesters 1 and 2 and Session 11 (Summer Semester ) 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 venues including Sippy Downs, Gympie, Noosa and Caboolture.
- Upgrade your academic skills: if you have other QTAC entry qualifications, you do not have to complete the whole of the TPP and may choose to study just one or two TPP courses to bring your skills up-to-date.
- Austudy: courses in the TPP are Austudy approved.
- 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 5.5 and a minimum of 5.0 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 (e.g. English Language proficiency and subject prerequisites).
Program structure
1 required course:
TPP101 Academic Skills for Success
Plus select 3 courses from:
TPP102 ICT for Academic and Professional Applications
TPP103 Chemistry
TPP104 Mathematics
TPP105 Statistics
TPP106
TPP107 Critical Thinking in Society
TPP108 Professional People Skills for Study, Community and Society
TPP109 Biology
TPP111 Business Study Skills
For further details about locations and semesters that each TPP course is offered refer to the class timetable.
Program notes
- International students are non-Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian Permanent Residents. Summer Semester and part-time options are not available to International students.
- Program details are subject to change.
- For semester dates see Academic Calenders and important dates.
- Read the Student rules, policies, procedures and guidelines.
- Refer to the Student Fees and Charges policy for information about administrative fees that may apply.
More information
- How to apply
- Recommended TPP courses for USC programs
- Download the latest TPP brochure (PDF 2MB)
Coordinator, Enabling Programs Student Administration
Tel: +61 7 5430 2890
Email: information@usc.edu.au