Study Start Pathway Program

This university pathway program gives you another way to get into university. You’ll complete an Undergraduate Certificate, build your academic skills and confidence, and gain guaranteed entry into a diploma, with a clear pathway into a bachelor’s degree.

WHAT IS THE STUDY START PATHWAY PROGRAM?

The Study Start Pathway Program is a university pathway program that helps you start university study with extra support. You’ll complete an Undergraduate Certificate, with subjects that count towards a diploma. From there, you can continue into a bachelor’s degree.

It is delivered through Undergraduate Certificate (Pathway) courses that prepare you for further university study. You’ll build core skills in writing, research and critical thinking, while completing subjects that provide university credits towards your diploma.

HOW IS THE STUDY START PATHWAY PROGRAM DIFFERENT?

You’re not placed into a separate course that delays your progress. This pathway program puts you straight into university subjects that give you credit towards your diploma, with extra guidance and support throughout your study.

Extra support throughout

You don’t have to figure things out on your own. You’ll have workshops, drop-in sessions and access to academic staff to help with your study and assignments.

Subjects that count

You complete subjects that provide university credits towards your diploma. The work you do in this pathway counts, so you are not repeating content later.

Built for different learners

For school leavers, returning students and those building their academic English before moving into further study.

Who should consider a university pathway program?

If you want to start university but don’t meet the usual entry requirements, this university pathway program gives you another way to begin.

School leavers and new learners
Start university with the skills you need to study, learn and complete your subjects.
Returning or mature-age students
Get back into study or start for the first time, and build the habits needed for university.
Students building academic English skills
Improve your reading, writing and understanding of academic English as you progress through your subjects.

Choose your pathway course

Explore four study areas and find the one that suits you. Each pathway program is an Undergraduate Certificate that gives you guaranteed entry into a related diploma, and the option to continue into a bachelor’s degree.

Undergraduate Certificate of

Business (Pathway)
  • Understand how organisations work
  • Build communication and problem-solving skills
  • Study core business subjects
Explore course

Undergraduate Certificate of

DESIGN (PATHWAY)
  • Build creative and digital design skills
  • Learn design thinking and visual communication
  • Work on practical design projects
Explore course

Undergraduate Certificate of

HEALTH SCIENCE (Pathway)
  • Learn the foundations of health and wellbeing
  • Understand how the human body works
  • Build knowledge for health-related study
Explore course

Undergraduate Certificate of

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (PATHWAY)
  • Learn how technology supports real-world systems
  • Build technical and problem-solving skills
  • Explore core IT concepts
Explore course

GUARANTEED ENTRY AND HOW IT WORKS

When you successfully complete the Study Start Pathway Program and pass your subjects, you receive guaranteed entry into a related diploma, with the option to continue into a bachelor’s degree.

You can begin the Study Start Pathway Program without meeting the usual entry requirements for a diploma or bachelor’s degree. The subjects you complete provide university credits towards your diploma, so you are not repeating study.

PATHWAY SUPPORT THAT STAYS WITH YOU

You’re not expected to already know how to study at university level. The Study Start Pathway Program supports you from the beginning, so you can build your skills and manage your study. These are the key pathway program benefits:

Regular workshops to build your study skills

Drop-in support when you need help with your work

Guidance from academic staff throughout your studies

Access to library and student support services

HOW TO BEGIN WITH STUDY START

Follow these steps to apply and begin your pathway program:

1

Choose your study area

Pick from Business, Design, Health Science or Information and Communication Technology.

2

Apply for your pathway program

Apply online, or speak with a Future Student Advisor if you want help choosing the right course.

3

Begin with support from day one

We’ll guide you through enrolment, your first subjects and the support available so you know exactly what to expect.

4

Progress with guaranteed entry

Pass your subjects and move into your diploma with guaranteed entry, then continue towards a bachelor’s degree.

Start with support, Graduate with confidence
Apply now
Contact us

Frequently asked questions

  • Who should consider the Study Start university pathway program?
    The Torrens University Study Start Pathway Program is for those who may not meet general or course-specific admissions requirements for a diploma or bachelor degree. It’s designed for people who may have found study challenging in the past and want a more supported way to build their skills and confidence before starting a full degree.
  • Can I start university in Australia without a Year 12 certificate or ATAR?
    Yes. At Torrens University, there are a variety of ways to start your studies. Our undergraduate certificate pathway courses are a good starting place, with no minimum academic entry requirements. You’ll usually complete a Readiness Assessment Test to help determine your preparedness for study and guide your next steps.
  • Do pathway programs guarantee university admission?
    Yes. Torrens University undergraduate certificate pathway courses offer guaranteed admission. Once you successfully complete the undergraduate certificate, you’ll receive direct entry into a range of diploma or bachelor degree programs.
  • Can I start an undergraduate certificate while in Years 11 or 12, or if I’m under 18?
    You may be eligible if you’ve completed Year 10 (or equivalent) and are at least 17 years old at the start of your course. You’ll usually complete a Readiness Assessment Test to help determine your readiness for study and guide your subject selection.
    Balancing high school and university study can be a big commitment, so our team will work closely with you to create a study plan that suits your needs. Yes, it is possible to start while under 18 and without a Year 12 certificate.
  • Are there any scholarships for the undergraduate certificate pathway courses?
    There are no scholarships available for the undergraduate certificate itself. However, once you complete your undergraduate certificate, you’ll be considered a Torrens University alumni and may be eligible for an alumni scholarship to complete your diploma or commence your bachelors.
    You can also start your undergraduate certificate straight away, with no upfront tuition costs by accessing FEE-HELP, as these courses are eligible.