FAQ Sheet 15
What is a university preparation course and how
can it help get me into university?
University preparation courses are designed to help students who wish to enter university to
learn topics and skills needed to enter university. These courses may be able to be used as
an alternative pathway into university. When you have successfully completed a university
preparation course you may be able to use your course results and qualification as a basis
for an application into the same or a different university. Whilst doing one of these courses
does not guarantee your acceptance into university it can help your university application.
What is a university preparation course?

University preparation courses are run by the universities to help prepare students for
university.

These courses can be known by several other terms that you may be familiar with
including 'bridging course' or 'pre-university classes'.

The content, duration, study modes, costs and scheduling vary between universities.

The course content can cover the following:

academic skills needed for university (such as research, writing skills, analysis
skills),

broad areas of study which underpin university courses such as English,
Maths, Science and/or

specific subjects that may be listed as prerequisite knowledge for particular
university courses, for example statistics, physics, computer science, English
literature.

The tuition fees for some university preparation courses are covered by the
government loan scheme HECS-HELP. This means the student can undertake a
government loan to help pay for the university course fees and repay the debt
through the tax system, usually after graduating.

These types of courses can start at various times throughout the year and some
universities may have several course intakes per year.
FAQ Sheet #15. Developed by the Western Sydney National Disability Coordination Officer Program – Oct 2012.v2
For further information please contact us on +61 2 9678 7378 or ndco@uws.edu.au
www.uws.edu.au/ndco/getready
How can a university preparation course help get me into university?

A student may apply for a university course using their grades and qualification from
a university preparation course. This is done through the usual admission processes
through the Universities Admissions Centre (NSW & ACT) (UAC) or directly through
the university.

The qualification awarded at the completion of some university preparation courses
can earn a student credits for the first year of a degree, or at least some first year
units.

Not all universities accept university preparation course results as a means of
entering their courses. Also, even where a university generally accepts university
preparation course results they may not do so for all courses at the university.

Some universities only accept university preparation courses run by that university.
Tips on selecting a university preparation course

Given the variety of university preparation courses and conditions under which
universities will accept this type of qualification as an alternative pathway into
university, it is important that you select the university preparation course very
carefully.

If you plan to use the university preparation course to enter university, it is essential
that you first check with the university you wish to enter whether they accept this type
of qualification for the course you intend to apply for.

Find out as much information as possible about the course content before enrolling.
This will help you to know whether the course is the best type of preparation for you
given your individual needs and university goals.

The cost of University preparation courses varies greatly. Be sure to get details about
the tuition fees, whether any other fees are required and whether the course is
covered by the HECS-HELP government student loan scheme.

It is also highly recommended that you get individual advice before making a decision
about a university preparation course. It's important that you get opinions about
which type of course (if any) is:

likely to give you the best chance of entering the university course of your
choice. A university course adviser and/or admissions officer may be able to
answer these questions and

best suited to your level of academic skills. Your teachers and/or careers
adviser at school may be able to answer this question.
FAQ Sheet #15. Developed by the Western Sydney National Disability Coordination Officer Program – Oct 2012.v2
For further information please contact us on +61 2 9678 7378 or ndco@uws.edu.au
www.uws.edu.au/ndco/getready
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Further information

For further information about university preparation courses, including the university
preparation course accepted by individual universities, see UAC's website.

For further information about specific university preparation courses available, see
specific university websites
FAQ Sheet #15. Developed by the Western Sydney National Disability Coordination Officer Program – Oct 2012.v2
For further information please contact us on +61 2 9678 7378 or ndco@uws.edu.au
www.uws.edu.au/ndco/getready
3