Diploma in General Studies
Enjoy the experience of overseas travel while simultaneously receiving an Australian qualification. If you want the best of both worlds, USC’s Diploma in General Studies is the program for you.
This program is a recognised 1-year (96 units) Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) award program.
A great option if you have just finished high school and want to study abroad without committing to a 3-year or 4-year degree.
Also a great option if you are currently enrolled at an overseas institution and only want to study abroad for a short time, while possibly earning an AQF qualification to use towards your home degree.
This program is only available to international students.
Location
CRICOS code
Duration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2025 fees (A$)
Annual feeStart
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 8
- Total units
- 96
- Duration
- 1 year 1 year
- CRICOS code
- 084896D
- UniSC program code
- AB101
To be awarded the Diploma in General Studies, students are required to successfully complete 8 courses (96 units).
Students will undertake 4 courses (or 48 units) per semester and can choose from the:
- Undergraduate elective course options
Note: Any courses that have pre-requisite courses will need to be assessed and approved by UniSC's International Office.
How to choose your courses
- Select your preferred courses from either of these lists
- Study Abroad courses
- Undergraduate elective course options
- Please ensure you read the elective courses and requisites information carefully.
- When you apply to UniSC, nominate the courses that you wish to undertake in your first semester.
The standard course load for this program is 4 courses (or 48 units) per semester. We recommend you choose more courses at the point of application, to be prepared for possible timetable clashes.
Course approval
When we receive your complete application with your nominated courses, we will assess your eligibility and let you know by email which courses have been approved.
Remember, any course that is on the pre-approval list has already been approved by UniSC and you do not require further approval from us prior to enrolment.
For students applying via their home institution:
If you are currently enrolled at a tertiary institution, you need to check with your home institution about the possibility of credit transfer for courses studied at UniSC.
Choose your courses and have them approved by UniSC and your home institution before you arrive.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.
Entry requirements
For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.
Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.
Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.
If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.
English language requirements
You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$23,100