Consider your pathway options
If your entry score isn't what you hoped for – or if you don't meet a program's subject prerequisites – we offer a range of pathways to help you on your way.
Before you choose a pathway, check if:
- your previous study or experience can be used to gain a selection rank
- you're eligible for admission schemes that will help you gain entry.
Choosing a pathway
The best pathway for you will depend on your previous study and the entry requirements you need to meet.
To meet a subject prerequisite, you may be able to complete a:
- bridging course,
- bridging program,
- tertiary studies pathway, or
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).
Bridging courses
Bridging courses are standalone courses you can use to meet subject prerequisites. The duration, cost and delivery mode for these courses vary.
If you need to meet a prerequisite in time for the QTAC January major offer round, you may be able to complete an intensive bridging course through UQ College in:
- mathematics
- chemistry
- biology.
UQ College intensive bridging courses are offered over 4 weeks in November/December each year.
You can't use individual bridging courses to gain a selection rank.
Bridging subjects to meet prerequisites information sheet (PDF, 157.1 KB)
Bridging program subjects you can use to meet subject prerequisites.
Bridging studies information sheet (PDF, 56.72 KB)
An overview of UQ-approved bridging courses and programs.
Bridging programs
Bridging programs are made up of a variety of courses to help you meet subject prerequisites and gain skills to succeed at university.
If you haven't already completed one full-time year of bachelor-level study, bridging programs can also be used to increase your selection rank.
UQ College offers a Tertiary Preparation Program at our St Lucia campus. You can also study a Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation online through UQ College or in person through other providers.
The maximum selection rank you can gain from bridging programs varies. If you're applying for a program with a high entry score threshold, you may want to consider using the tertiary studies pathway instead.
Bridging studies information sheet (PDF, 56.72 KB)
An overview of UQ-approved bridging courses and programs.
UQ College Tertiary Preparation Program information sheet (PDF, 68.94 KB)
How you can use the UQ College Tertiary Preparation Program to meet subject prerequisites and gain a selection rank.
Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation information sheet (PDF, 77.84 KB)
How you can use the Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation to meet subject prerequisites and gain a selection rank.
Tertiary studies pathway
Studying a different program – at UQ or another university – can help you improve your selection rank or meet subject prerequisites for your preferred program.
The duration of study needed, courses you need to complete and grades you need to achieve will depend on your preferred program's entry requirements. Once you've completed one year of full-time study at bachelor level or higher, your selection rank will be based only on this study.
If you choose a program in a similar subject area, you may be able to study courses that will give you credit towards your preferred degree.
Choosing a tertiary study pathway can be complex – especially if you've already studied at uni. If you need advice, contact us before you make a decision.
Tertiary studies selection rank information sheet (PDF, 82 KB)
How you can use tertiary studies calculate a selection rank.
UQ tertiary studies for subject prerequisites information sheet (PDF, 57.94 KB)
How you can use tertiary studies at UQ to meet subject prerequisites.
Tertiary subjects to meet prerequisites information sheet (PDF, 144.73 KB)
A list of bachelor-level courses at UQ and other universities that meet subject prerequisites.
Tertiary studies pathway
Studying a different UQ program can help you improve your entry score or meet subject prerequisites for your preferred program.
The courses you need to complete and the grades you need to achieve will depend on your preferred program's entry requirements.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a multiple-choice test that can be used to:
- meet an English subject prerequisite
- meet a General Mathematics subject prerequisite
- gain a selection rank.
You can only use the STAT if you:
- are 18 years or over
- are not currently completing high school
- have not completed one full year of bachelor or higher-level studies.
The STAT test can be used on its own or combined with employment experience or competency-based Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications.
The maximum selection rank you can gain from the STAT and combined qualifications is capped. If you're applying for a program with a high entry score threshold and need to increase your selection rank, you may want to consider undertaking a tertiary studies pathway instead.
STAT and employment experience pathways
Attainable selection ranks information sheet (PDF, 63.03 KB)
The maximum selection rank you can achieve through Vocational Education and Training (VET) study, tertiary study, the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) or employment experience.
To increase your selection rank, you may be able to complete a:
- bridging program,
- tertiary studies pathway, or
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).
Bridging programs
Bridging programs are made up of a variety of courses to help you meet subject prerequisites and gain skills to succeed at university.
If you haven't already completed one full-time year of bachelor-level study, bridging programs can also be used to increase your selection rank.
UQ College offers a Tertiary Preparation Program at our St Lucia campus. You can also study a Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation online through UQ College or in person through other providers.
The maximum selection rank you can gain from bridging programs varies. If you're applying for a program with a high entry score threshold, you may want to consider using the tertiary studies pathway instead.
Bridging studies information sheet (PDF, 56.72 KB)
An overview of UQ-approved bridging courses and programs.
UQ College Tertiary Preparation Program information sheet (PDF, 68.94 KB)
How you can use the UQ College Tertiary Preparation Program to meet subject prerequisites and gain a selection rank.
Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation information sheet (PDF, 77.84 KB)
How you can use the Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation to meet subject prerequisites and gain a selection rank.
Tertiary studies pathway
Studying a different program – at UQ or another university – can help you improve your selection rank or meet subject prerequisites for your preferred program.
The duration of study needed, courses you need to complete and grades you need to achieve will depend on your preferred program's entry requirements. Once you've completed one year of full-time study at bachelor level or higher, your selection rank will be based only on this study.
If you choose a program in a similar subject area, you may be able to study courses that will give you credit towards your preferred degree.
Choosing a tertiary study pathway can be complex – especially if you've already studied at uni. If you need advice, contact us before you make a decision.
Tertiary studies selection rank information sheet (PDF, 82 KB)
How you can use tertiary studies calculate a selection rank.
UQ tertiary studies for subject prerequisites information sheet (PDF, 57.94 KB)
How you can use tertiary studies at UQ to meet subject prerequisites.
Tertiary subjects to meet prerequisites information sheet (PDF, 144.73 KB)
A list of bachelor-level courses at UQ and other universities that meet subject prerequisites.
Tertiary studies pathway
Studying a different UQ program can help you improve your entry score or meet subject prerequisites for your preferred program.
The courses you need to complete and the grades you need to achieve will depend on your preferred program's entry requirements.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a multiple-choice test that can be used to:
- meet an English subject prerequisite
- meet a General Mathematics subject prerequisite
- gain a selection rank.
You can only use the STAT if you:
- are 18 years or over
- are not currently completing high school
- have not completed one full year of bachelor or higher-level studies.
The STAT test can be used on its own or combined with employment experience or competency-based Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications.
The maximum selection rank you can gain from the STAT and combined qualifications is capped. If you're applying for a program with a high entry score threshold and need to increase your selection rank, you may want to consider undertaking a tertiary studies pathway instead.
STAT and employment experience pathways
Attainable selection ranks information sheet (PDF, 63.03 KB)
The maximum selection rank you can achieve through Vocational Education and Training (VET) study, tertiary study, the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) or employment experience.
To meet subject prerequisites and increase your selection rank, you may be able to complete a:
- bridging program,
- tertiary studies pathway, or
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).
Bridging programs
Bridging programs are made up of a variety of courses to help you meet subject prerequisites and gain skills to succeed at university.
If you haven't already completed one full-time year of bachelor-level study, bridging programs can also be used to increase your selection rank.
UQ College offers a Tertiary Preparation Program at our St Lucia campus. You can also study a Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation online through UQ College or in person through other providers.
The maximum selection rank you can gain from bridging programs varies. If you're applying for a program with a high entry score threshold, you may want to consider using the tertiary studies pathway instead.
Bridging studies information sheet (PDF, 56.72 KB)
An overview of UQ-approved bridging courses and programs.
UQ College Tertiary Preparation Program information sheet (PDF, 68.94 KB)
How you can use the UQ College Tertiary Preparation Program to meet subject prerequisites and gain a selection rank.
Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation information sheet (PDF, 77.84 KB)
How you can use the Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation to meet subject prerequisites and gain a selection rank.
Tertiary studies pathway
Studying a different program – at UQ or another university – can help you improve your selection rank or meet subject prerequisites for your preferred program.
The duration of study needed, courses you need to complete and grades you need to achieve will depend on your preferred program's entry requirements. Once you've completed one year of full-time study at bachelor level or higher, your selection rank will be based only on this study.
If you choose a program in a similar subject area, you may be able to study courses that will give you credit towards your preferred degree.
Choosing a tertiary study pathway can be complex – especially if you've already studied at uni. If you need advice, contact us before you make a decision.
Tertiary studies selection rank information sheet (PDF, 82 KB)
How you can use tertiary studies calculate a selection rank.
UQ tertiary studies for subject prerequisites information sheet (PDF, 57.94 KB)
How you can use tertiary studies at UQ to meet subject prerequisites.
Tertiary subjects to meet prerequisites information sheet (PDF, 144.73 KB)
A list of bachelor-level courses at UQ and other universities that meet subject prerequisites.
Tertiary studies pathway
Studying a different UQ program can help you improve your entry score or meet subject prerequisites for your preferred program.
The courses you need to complete and the grades you need to achieve will depend on your preferred program's entry requirements.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a multiple-choice test that can be used to:
- meet an English subject prerequisite
- meet a General Mathematics subject prerequisite
- gain a selection rank.
You can only use the STAT if you:
- are 18 years or over
- are not currently completing high school
- have not completed one full year of bachelor or higher-level studies.
The STAT test can be used on its own or combined with employment experience or competency-based Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications.
The maximum selection rank you can gain from the STAT and combined qualifications is capped. If you're applying for a program with a high entry score threshold and need to increase your selection rank, you may want to consider undertaking a tertiary studies pathway instead.
STAT and employment experience pathways
Attainable selection ranks information sheet (PDF, 63.03 KB)
The maximum selection rank you can achieve through Vocational Education and Training (VET) study, tertiary study, the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) or employment experience.
If you need help meeting the entry requirements for your preferred program, we offer a range of pathways to upgrade your qualifications and English language proficiency.
Choosing a pathway
The best pathway for you will depend on your previous study and the entry requirements you need to meet.
To increase your entry score, you may be able to complete a:
- foundation program, or
- tertiary studies pathway.
Foundation program
A foundation program can help you meet all minimum entry requirements for your preferred UQ program.
You need to achieve certain grades and other results in your foundation program to be eligible for entry to a UQ program.
Depending on your preferred program's entry requirements, you may be guaranteed an offer when you graduate from the foundation program. Entry is not guaranteed to all UQ programs – admission to quota programs is still competitive.
If you don't meet the English language entry requirement for the foundation program, you may be eligible for a package that combines English language study with the foundation program.
Tertiary studies pathway
Studying a different program – at UQ or another university – can help you improve your selection rank or meet subject prerequisites for your preferred program.
The duration of study needed, courses you need to complete and grades you need to achieve will depend on your preferred program's entry requirements. Once you've completed one year of full-time study at bachelor level or higher, your selection rank will be based only on this study.
If you choose a program in a similar subject area, you may be able to study courses that will give you credit towards your preferred degree.
Choosing a tertiary study pathway can be complex – especially if you've already studied at uni. If you need advice, contact us before you make a decision.
Tertiary studies selection rank information sheet (PDF, 82 KB)
How you can use tertiary studies calculate a selection rank.
UQ tertiary studies for subject prerequisites information sheet (PDF, 57.94 KB)
How you can use tertiary studies at UQ to meet subject prerequisites.
Tertiary subjects to meet prerequisites information sheet (PDF, 144.73 KB)
A list of bachelor-level courses at UQ and other universities that meet subject prerequisites.
Tertiary studies pathway
Studying a different UQ program can help you improve your entry score or meet subject prerequisites for your preferred program.
The courses you need to complete and the grades you need to achieve will depend on your preferred program's entry requirements.
To meet a subject prerequisite, you may be able to complete a:
- foundation program
- bridging program
- tertiary studies pathway, or
- Unilearn course.
Foundation program
A foundation program can help you meet all minimum entry requirements for your preferred UQ program.
You need to achieve certain grades and other results in your foundation program to be eligible for entry to a UQ program.
Depending on your preferred program's entry requirements, you may be guaranteed an offer when you graduate from the foundation program. Entry is not guaranteed to all UQ programs – admission to quota programs is still competitive.
If you don't meet the English language entry requirement for the foundation program, you may be eligible for a package that combines English language study with the foundation program.
Bridging program
UQ College offers intensive short courses in a bridging program over 4 weeks that could help you satisfy subject prerequisites in:
- mathematical methods
- biology
- chemistry
- physics.
Tertiary studies pathway
Studying a different program – at UQ or another university – can help you improve your selection rank or meet subject prerequisites for your preferred program.
The duration of study needed, courses you need to complete and grades you need to achieve will depend on your preferred program's entry requirements. Once you've completed one year of full-time study at bachelor level or higher, your selection rank will be based only on this study.
If you choose a program in a similar subject area, you may be able to study courses that will give you credit towards your preferred degree.
Choosing a tertiary study pathway can be complex – especially if you've already studied at uni. If you need advice, contact us before you make a decision.
Tertiary studies selection rank information sheet (PDF, 82 KB)
How you can use tertiary studies calculate a selection rank.
UQ tertiary studies for subject prerequisites information sheet (PDF, 57.94 KB)
How you can use tertiary studies at UQ to meet subject prerequisites.
Tertiary subjects to meet prerequisites information sheet (PDF, 144.73 KB)
A list of bachelor-level courses at UQ and other universities that meet subject prerequisites.
Tertiary studies pathway
Studying a different UQ program can help you improve your entry score or meet subject prerequisites for your preferred program.
The courses you need to complete and the grades you need to achieve will depend on your preferred program's entry requirements.
Unilearn courses
Unilearn offer online courses that could help you satisfy subject prerequisites in:
- mathematics
- chemistry
- physics
- biology.
Unilearn courses
To improve your English language proficiency, you may be able to complete an English language pathway through our Institute of Continuing and TESOL Education (ICTE).
To meet all minimum entry requirements, you may be able to complete a foundation program.
Foundation program
A foundation program can help you meet all minimum entry requirements for your preferred UQ program.
You need to achieve certain grades and other results in your foundation program to be eligible for entry to a UQ program.
Depending on your preferred program's entry requirements, you may be guaranteed an offer when you graduate from the foundation program. Entry is not guaranteed to all UQ programs – admission to quota programs is still competitive.
If you don't meet the English language entry requirement for the foundation program, you may be eligible for a package that combines English language study with the foundation program.