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). Please note that courses completed through TPP cannot be used as credit towards a degree.
- 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). 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. Successful completion of the Tertiary Preparation Pathway with a grade of Credit (CR) or better in TPP101 meets the English language entry requirements for most USC undergraduate programs.
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.
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 including Sippy Downs, Gympie, Noosa, North Lakes and Caboolture.
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).
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 Administration. 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 Applying for admission page for more information and to download the application form.
More information
Download the Tertiary Preparation Pathway 2014 brochure (PDF 613KB)
For PDF documents you must have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded from the Adobe Download page.
Program structure
Program structure
Program notes
- To submit an application: refer to How to apply. 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 policy for information about administrative fees that may apply.
Program structure
One (1) required course:
TPP101 Physical Chemistry
Plus select three (3) courses from:
TPP102 Medicinal Organic Chemistry
TPP103 Green Chemistry for Industry and Energy Production
TPP104 Environmental Chemistry
TPP105 Biochemistry
TPP106 Analytical Sciences
TPP107 The Language of Design
TPP108 Introduction to Design and Concept
TPP109 Visual Identity
TPP111 Visual Communication & Meaning
For further details about locations and semesters that each TPP course is offered refer to the class timetable.