Pathways to University
You may have the skills, maturity, and commitment needed for successful tertiary study, but not the formal academic qualifications. Did you know experience gained through life and work may be enough for you to enter one of our JCU pathway programs?
There is a range of pathway options available. Review the links below and contact us about how university education may be accessible and achievable for you.
Find your pathway
Diploma of Higher Education
A university diploma is a great way to boost your skills and career prospects. With a diploma you’ll get a formal qualification and credit towards future study if you wish to continue at university.
The Diploma of Higher Education provides you with a pathway to a degree, and you can expert specialist support. You can study a range of programs, depending on your destination degree.
More information can be found on our Diploma of Higher Education webpage.
Prospective domestic students
These pathways are suitable if you did not complete secondary school, did not get the required entrance score you need for university, or if you’re mature age and want to return to study.
Diploma of Higher Education
More information can be found on our Diploma of Higher Education webpage.
Tertiary Access Course (TAC)
TAC gives you the foundation skills and confidence to prepare you for further university study. TAC has no subject fees (Student Services and Amenities Fees are applicable), and if taken full-time, can be completed in 6 months. You can apply for TAC if you do not have an OP Score or recognised experience.
TAC provides academic skills and an introduction to university study; from TAC most students advance to the Diploma of Higher Education then into their chosen destination degrees.
You can discuss your pathway options with a Pathway Student Support Advisor.
Bridging subjects
Many degrees in science and health have prerequisites in addition to Year 12 English. If you do not have these prerequisites, you may be able to complete a bridging subject in chemistry or mathematics as intensive subjects over the summer vacation.
Contact the Student Centre on 1800 246 446 for information.
Upgrading options
If you do not receive the OP (for school leavers) or Rank (for non school leavers) that you need for your preferred course, there are other options to improve your Rank. For example, complete study in another degree or diploma course, or complete a TAFE course.
Call us on 1800 246 446 to discuss strategies to help you upgrade your Rank.
Alternative Entry with QTAC
The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) offers the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as an Alternative Entry option. The STAT can help non-school leavers demonstrate that they can have reasonable prospects of success in a course at tertiary level.
Call us on 1800 246 446 for personalised advice on how to gain entry to your chosen course.
Prospective Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Diploma of Higher Education
More information can be found on our Diploma of Higher Education webpage.
Tertiary Access Course (TAC)
TAC gives you the foundation skills and confidence to prepare you for further university study. TAC has no subject fees (Student Services and Amenities Fees are applicable), and if taken full-time, can be completed in 6 months. You can apply for TAC if you do not have an OP Score or recognised experience.
TAC provides academic skills and an introduction to university study; from TAC most students advance to the Diploma of Higher Education then into their chosen destination degrees.
You can discuss your pathway options with a Pathway Student Support Advisor.
Indigenous Health Careers Access Program (IHCAP)
The IHCAP program (PDF, 587 KB) is the only one of its kind in Australia and offers a free one-month orientation course that is held on JCU’s Townsville campus in January each year. IHCAP is for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in a health degree. The course provides you with the practical skills and knowledge to better cope with demands of university study.
RATEP Community-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary teacher education
RATEP is a pathway if you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student who wants to study in the area of primary education and remain in your community. You will be studying the same subjects with the same lecturers as JCU students in Townsville and Cairns using interactive multimedia course materials, combined with short on-campus sessions in Townsville.
Prospective international students
JCU offers a number of alternative academic and English language pathways for international students looking for entry into a JCU degree. Visit our International pathways webpage for details on all courses offered.
Further information
- QTAC – Start here if you haven’t already applied to study.
- New Students – How to enrol and get started at JCU.
- Credit for previous study (Advanced Standing) – Have you studied before or recently changed course?
- Maths and chemistry preparatory and bridging subjects – These subjects help you gain additional skills before you start your undergraduate degree.
- Orientation – What happens when you start university.
- Scholarships – How we might be able to help you pay for your study
- Indigenous Education and Research Centre – Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
- International students – Includes entry requirements and how to apply.
- Students with a disability – To help students with a temporary or permanent injury, illness or health condition.
- Parents and Partners – Advice to help support new students
- Fees – How much will courses cost?
- Checkpoints for new students.
- Student Enquiry Centre – Phone us or pop-in if you need more help.
- Terminology explained.
- Research pathways for International students.