Entry pathways

We understand that everyone’s journey is different, so we offer many alternative pathways into our courses.

SKILLS FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION PREPARATORY STUDIES (STEPS)

STEPS is a Centrelink‑approved enabling program that has helped thousands of Australians gain entry into university. Tailored to you and your unique study goals, STEPS is designed to help you return to study or work after some time away, complete prerequisite subjects for entry into your chosen degree, or give you the confidence and skills to successfully enter and undertake university study. For more information visit www.cqu.edu.au/steps.

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)

RPL recognises skills and knowledge that you’ve acquired via informal learning. This may occur via workshops, training events, voluntary work or on the job. To obtain RPL, you need to be currently or recently working in the industry that you are wishing to be recognised for. The RPL process involves an assessment of knowledge, skills and experience. Your skills will be assessed against industry standards by an RPL Assessor after your application and your supporting evidence has been submitted and processed. For more information visit www.cqu.edu.au/rpl.

TAFE QUALIFICATION

If you hold a certificate III, certificate IV or diploma qualification, you may meet specified entry score requirements for many of our associate, bachelor and bachelor with honours degrees.

Learn more about our entry pathway options.

PRINCIPAL'S RECOMMENDATION SCHEME

Our Principal's Recommendation Scheme provides Year 12 students with an alternate entry pathway, based on their school principal's recommendation rather than an ATAR. It's an ideal pathway for all year 12 students, especially if you haven't studied for an ATAR, or you've experienced circumstances that may have impacted your senior schooling results. For more information visit www.cqu.edu.au/prs.

START UNI NOW (SUN)

Our SUN program is a valuable alternate entry pathway for high school students thinking about studying a CQUni undergraduate course. After successful completion of a SUN unit during your senior high school years, you may be eligible to apply for direct entry into your preferred course (excluding quota‑managed courses) and receive credit towards your degree. For more information visit www.cqu.edu.au/sun.

START TAFE NOW (STN)

Start TAFE Now is an ideal entry pathway option that offers high school students the opportunity to study a certificate I, II, III, IV or diploma level course, in a wide variety of disciplines. Benefit from developing real trade skills and qualifications, while completing secondary school. In Queensland, students can study a TAFE course as part of their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), and earn QCE points. To be eligible, students need to be at least 15 years of age at the commencement of classes. For more information visit www.cqu.edu.au/stn.