Study pathways

Send this page to a friend

Your name:
Recipient name:
Recipient email:
Message (optional):

Study pathways

Whether you have just finished high school, are looking to return to study, or want to study to enhance your career prospects, there are a range of pathways to entry to the University of the Sunshine Coast.

USC staff can help you meet the necessary entry requirements and can provide information on the best method of entry for you.

There are pathways to entry for:

School students

Current school students can experience life as a USC student by enrolling in the Headstart Program, taking part in a campus visit, or participating in a USC visit to your school.

School leavers

Current Queensland Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website.

If you are OP-ineligible, your application will be based on your selection rank. Find out more about OPs, selection ranks and cut-offs.

If you are considering a gap year, you should still apply through QTAC as you can defer your university place and start your studies up to two years later.

Non-school leavers

A Year 12 qualification is not the only way to get in to university.

Non-school leavers can apply through QTAC for alternative entry based on professional and post-secondary qualifications, employment experiencePersonal Competencies Assessment (PCA) or the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website.

To experience USC before committing to a degree, the Tertiary Preparation Pathway offers an insight to life as a USC student, and can help you meet entry requirements for most USC degrees. Preparatory and bridging studies are also offered by other institutions.

Postgraduate and research students

Postgraduate and research students apply direct to USC, with the exception of Graduate Diploma in Education (Preparatory to Year Three)Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary) or Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) students, who apply via QTAC.

TAFE students

TAFE and VET certificate / diploma studies provide an entry pathway to university.

Some TAFE courses may count towards a USC degree—refer to the credit arrangement information before submitting an application via the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website.

International students

International students studying Year 12 in Australia apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website.

If you are not currently studying Year 12 in Australia, apply directly to USC. Special entry programs can assist in meeting English language requirements.

Note: English language requirements, course prerequisites and admission requirements apply. Check the requirements of your program before submitting an application.

Special entry programs

In addition to Headstart and the Tertiary Preparation Pathway, USC also offers other special entry programs:

  • Access USC Bonus Scheme
  • Indigenous Alternative Entry
  • Integrated Learning Engineering

    More information

    Contact the Admissions Officer at Student Administration.

    Back to top 

    • ABN 28 441 859 157 |
    • CRICOS Provider No 01595D |
    • Updated: 23 Jan 2012