Get university-ready with our University Preparation Program. In one year of full-time study (or longer for part-time study), you’ll be equipped with essential, foundational skills for undergraduate study. Upon successful completion of the program, you can use your qualification to apply for a degree at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç or other universities.
Set yourself up for success with the Uni Prep Program. Gain all the skills you need to succeed at university while studying at a pace that best suits you – if you study full-time, you can learn everything you need to be ready for a ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç degree in one year.
This pre-university program is designed for high school leavers with an ATAR of 50 or above who have experienced educational disadvantage, as well as people aged 20 and over who are looking to return to education without an ATAR. Visit our entry requirements tab to check your eligibility.
You'll study specially-designed introduction university courses and discipline-specific courses in a supportive environment that will prepare you for a university degree. Familiarise yourself with university-style learning and improve your academic skills before you start a degree. Essay writing, notetaking, presentations, critical thinking, researching and sitting exams are among the many skills you will learn.
Upon completion of the Uni Prep Program, you can use your results to apply for eligible ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç degrees* or degrees at other universities. Ìý
This program is a Fee-Free University Ready program and is fully funded by the Australian Government with no tuition costs for students.* Please note, you'll need to pay the , which lets you access all the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç student services, and the cost of any materials you need for your courses. How much you spend will depend on where you are living, the subjects you study and your personal circumstances.
*This may change. Please check for details prior to your application.
The Uni Prep Program offers four streams for you to choose from, based on what degree you’d like to study after completing the course:
Arts, Design, Architecture & Criminology (ADAC)
Science
Engineering
Business
Each stream contains courses where you’ll learn the fundamentals of university study, as well as discipline-specific content through faculty-based courses. You may be able to apply for credit for these faculty courses when you start your ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç degree, giving you a great start to your undergraduate journey.
Study schedule: You can study full-time or part-time, depending on which works best for you. Full-time study in the University Preparation Program is two subjects each term. Whichever approach you take, please note that you'll need to complete the program within three years.Ìý
Scholarships: Upon application, you may be eligible for scholarships such as the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Advantage Award, Gateway Award and Pre-Entry & Enabling Grant. Towards the end of the program, you'll also be considered for the full range of .Ìý
Why study at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ?
ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç is a university for allÌý We provide opportunity, access and support to anyone who has earned it. Whether you’re a mature aged student, or just out of high school, we’ll give you the tools, encouragement and guidance to unlock your true potential.
Most employable studentsÌý ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Sydney has been awarded the AFR Most Employable University award for six years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025). With the highest number of students in the Top100 Future Leaders list, our students are some of the most sought-after hires by employers.
The full university experience ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç has a vibrant student community with more than 350 clubs and societies, and social activities. You'll gain access to our range of support services and facilities on campus, including career coaching, peer mentoring, mental health services and more.
Pathways for a brighter future Thousands of students just like you have completed ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ's Uni Prep Program and have gone on to study a wide variety of degrees*, from education to biological science, engineering and construction management. Studying at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç opens up career opportunities you may never have thought were possible.Ìý
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:Ìý
Be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or hold a current Australian Permanent Resident visa (including Australian Permanent Resident Humanitarian visa)
Not have previously undertaken university studies or qualify for a ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç degree
The University Preparation Program is delivered over three terms. The program has four streams (study areas) that you can choose from:
Arts, Design, Architecture & Criminology (ADAC)
Science
Engineering
Business
You’ll complete courses by attending study sessions in-person (hybrid options are also available), with additional independent study to be completed in your own time.Ìý
Full program structure
For every hour in class, please expect at least 2–3 hours of preparation.
Arts, Design, Architecture & Criminology (ADAC)
6 courses
3x10 week terms
6 class contact hours per week (full-time study)
Suitable for those who want to study a degreeÌýsuch as history, languages, literature, education, fine arts, architecture, social policy or criminology. 
ScienceÌý
6 courses
3x10 week terms
9 class contact hours per weekÌý(full-time study)
Suitable for those who want to study a degree in psychological science, biology, earth and environment, chemistry or physics.Ìý
BusinessÌý
6 courses
3x10 week terms
9 class contact hours per weekÌý(full-time study)
Suitable for those who want to study a degree in commerce, marketing or other aspects of economics.Ìý
EngineeringÌý
6 courses
3x10 week termsÌý
9 class contact hours per weekÌý(full-time study)
Suitable for those who want to study a degree in engineering, including civil, electrical and mechanical engineering.ÌýÌý
Future careers
The Uni Prep Program is a pre-entry program to help further develop your academic skills and prepare you for university learning before you start a degree. After successful completion of the program, you can apply for degrees in the following areas of study if you meet the WAM requirement:Ìý
Science: Psychology or general science, such as biological, earth and environmental sciences, chemistry and physics
Business: Commerce, marketing, accounting, economics, information systems or management
Engineering: Civil, electrical, mechanical and other branches of engineering
Arts, Design, Architecture & Criminology:ÌýHistory, languages, arts, literature, education, fine arts, architecture, social policy and criminology
After completing the Uni Prep Program, you’ll be able to apply for a wide range of degree programs at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç and other universities. If you choose to study at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ, you’ll benefit from our hands-on, practical approach to learning which focuses on building employability for success in the workforce. ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç has been recognised for producing the most employable graduates in Australia (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025). Our students also earn the highest graduate median salaries of Go8 universities (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023).ÌýÌý
Exclusions
Please note, the University Preparation Program is not accepted as a basis for admission to the following ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç programs:
Advanced MathematicsÌý
Advanced ScienceÌý
Combined LawÌý
MedicineÌý
Medicinal ChemistryÌý
Medical ScienceÌý
OptometryÌý
Philosophy, Politics and Economics
How to apply
Applications are made through the using the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç University Preparation Program course code: 430300.
Applications open in August and on-time applications close towards the end of September for the following year’s admission.
An on-time application costs $82. You can apply as late as January in the admission year (if places are still available) but the application costs $215.*
*The information in this publication is correct at June 2025. The university reserves the right to alter any program or admissions requirements herein without prior notice.
Need more information about the application process?
Ready to apply?
Fees & Scholarships
Tuition fees for the University Preparation Program are covered by the Australian Government (please note this could be subject to change – please check fee details prior to application).
There are other costs associated with study that you will need to cover:
Ìý(SSAF) ($78.25 per term, part-time), letting you access all the services available for students at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ.
Students can apply for ,Ìýa Commonwealth loan scheme that assists eligible students to pay all or part of their SSAF.
Cost of any course materials such as textbooks or calculators.
Entry Requirements
Fees
1-year program (full-time)
