Program summary
Study overseas in any area you’re passionate about.
Are you looking to study abroad for one # or two semesters, and want to receive an Australian qualification while you study?
If your answer is yes, then USC’s Diploma in General Studies may be the program for you!
USC’s Diploma in General Studies is a recognised 1-year (96 units) Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) award program.
This program is a great option if you have just finished high school and want to study abroad without committing to a 3- or 4-year degree program. It is also a good 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*.
* Subject to home institution approval.
Course flexibility while studying amongst the locals
To be eligible to graduate from this program, you are required to successfully complete 8 courses (96 units) over two semesters.
Each semester you will be required to enrol in 4 courses (or 48 units) from USC’s extensive course catalogue.
The courses on offer are taken directly from within several of USC’s undergraduate programs, which means you have the opportunity to enrol in classes with the locals, while having the flexibility to choose your preferred courses.
Head to the What will I study? tab to see all the courses you can choose from.
Graduate with an award and celebrate your achievements
Students who successfully complete the Diploma in General Studies program are eligible to
- Graduate with an (AQF) Diploma
- Participate in the USC Graduation ceremony, and/or
- Participate in the International Ceremony of Completion
Apply for credit and complete your program in one semester #
USC offers eligible students the opportunity to apply for the Diploma in General Studies with up to 50 percent credit transfer#, which gives students the opportunity to complete the program in one semester.
# To be eligible, students with recognised prior tertiary studies must apply for and receive credit transfer into the Diploma in General Studies.
- Students can apply for credit for up to 4 courses (or 48 units)
- If 4 courses of credit transfer are granted, students will be required to successfully complete the remaining 4 courses (48 units) at USC to graduate
- Eligibility of credit transfer can only be assessed once an application has been received
What will I study
Program structure
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:
- Faculty of Arts, Business and Law undergraduate elective courses
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering elective courses
Note: Any courses that have pre-requisite courses will need to be assessed and approved by USC International.
How to choose your courses
- Select your preferred courses from
- Please ensure you read the elective courses and requisites information carefully.
- When you apply to USC, 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 USC 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 USC.
Choose your courses and have them approved by USC and your home institution before you arrive.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 96
Recommended study sequence
This recommended study sequence ONLY represents the CURRENT program structure. Students in previous structures should use this sequence to inform order of courses and current course details. For courses in your commencing structure not included in the current sequence, search the course code for current course offerings and requisites.
How to apply
Note: This program is offered to International applicants only.
Am I eligible to apply?
- Confirm that you meet the program specific admission requirements, prerequisites and recommended prior study outlined on Why study this program?
- Confirm that you meet the entry requirements and English Language Proficiency requirements
- Read and understand USC's student rules, policies, procedures and guidelines
- Check your eligibility for credit
Eligible applicants should apply directly to USC International.
More information
If you have questions about International applications and admissions:
- Search for answers and ask questions in Student Central
- Email: International Admissions study@usc.edu.au
- Tel: USC International on +61 7 5430 2843
- In person: First floor, Building J, USC Sunshine Coast
How to enrol
New to USC?
Once you have applied and received your offer of a place from USC, follow the steps to Get Started at USC to respond to your offer, plan your study and enrol in the correct courses (subjects).
Continuing students
Before you enrol it's important to check your commencing program structure and the published recommended study sequence to make sure you study the right courses at the right time and will be ready to graduate from your degree when you plan to.
To better understand your program structure and for instructions on how to review your progress and plan your remaining courses, visit the Managing your progression page.
Visit How do I enrol? for enrolment instructions and key dates.
Need assistance?
View step-by-step instructions to enrol at How do I enrol?
Refer to the Academic Calendar for key dates, including the last day to add, drop or swap a course or class and Census dates.
Search for answers and ask questions about enrolling or contact Student Central.