Tertiary Preparation Program

Duration
37 weeks

(30 teaching weeks, plus orientation and exam periods)

Dates

Next intake

Start date: 7 September 2026

Applications close: 24 July 2026

Fees
Enrolments are fully funded by the Australian Government.

There is no cost to students.

Entry criteria
Citizenship, residency and age requirements must be met. Other considerations may apply.

Overview

The Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) is a supportive pathway designed to help you meet the minimum selection rank (ATAR 70) required for entry into a UQ undergraduate degree, with the potential to achieve a selection rank of up to 93.

As an enabling course, the TPP provides a pathway to university for students who may not otherwise be able to enter university due to personal circumstances or other challenges.

Delivered over 30 teaching weeks at UQ St Lucia, the program is designed for domestic students aged 18 or older. With small class sizes and personalised support from experienced teachers and learning advisors, you’ll develop the confidence, skills and study habits needed to feel prepared for university study.

Before you apply

The TPP is a FEE-FREE Uni Ready Course, with limited places available. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission. Applications are assessed based on your overall readiness and suitability for the program, considering a range of factors in addition to minimum requirements.

Before applying, we encourage you to carefully consider whether the TPP is the right pathway for you.

Use this checklist to help determine whether the TPP is right for you.

TPP Self-Assessment Guide

Eligibility

☐ I am 18 years or older (or will turn 18 during the program)

☐ I am an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent Resident, or NZ citizen

Application Requirements

I am willing and able to complete:

☐ an online Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Test (if required)

☐ an online Digital Literacy Test

☐ an interview with an Academic Manager

Time/Workload Commitment

☐ I have considered my commute to/from campus

I am willing and able to:

☐ attend 20–25 hours of class per week on campus at UQ St Lucia

☐ attend classes Monday–Friday (8am–6pm)

☐ commit to this full-time schedule for the entire 37-week program

Qualifications

I meet one of the following criteria:

☐ I do not have an ATAR/selection rank

☐ My current or predicted ATAR/selection rank is below 70*

☐ I have not completed a Certificate III (competency-based + STAT) or Certificate III (graded) or higher*

Current or recent high school students

☐ I understand I am expected to have completed Year 11, with passing grades in an English and Mathematics subject.

☐ If this is not the case, I understand I will be required to undertake a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) test.

If you meet all the above criteria, we encourage you to proceed with your application.

If you do not meet all the above criteria, or you are unsure whether the TPP is right for you, please contact the UQ Future Students Contact Centre to discuss your options.

^{*There may be other pathways to your desired UQ program if you already have:}

^{a current or predicted ATAR/selection rank of 70 or above, or}
^{a Certificate III (competency-based + STAT) or Certificate III (graded) or higher.}

^{You can view your maximum attainable selection rank relative to completed qualifications through the Attainable Selection Rank Information Sheet (PDF, 63.4 KB).}

FEE-FREE Uni Ready Course Frequently Asked Questions Domestic pathways flyer (PDF, 1.1 MB)

Academic Calendars:

Intake 1, 2026 (PDF, 268.5 KB)

Intake 2, 2026 (PDF, 256.5 KB)

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the Tertiary Preparation Program, you must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen. For international students, please see the Foundation Program.

You must also be at least 18 years old (or turning 18 during the program) and meet the following requirements:

Current or recent high school students

(left high school less than five years ago)

Have completed Year 11 with passing grades in an English subject and a Mathematics subject.
Complete an online Digital Literacy Assessment^ as part of your application.
Attend an interview with an Academic Manager.

Note: Students who don’t have passing grades in English and/or Mathematics may be required to complete an online Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) test*

Mature age students

(left high school more than 5 years ago)

Complete an online Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) test* and Digital Literacy Assessment^ as part of your application. 
Attend an interview with an Academic Manager.
Provide a brief statement of any work/study you have completed since high school. A resume and/or certificates of completion should also be submitted.

^{* The purpose of the Language, Literacy and Numeracy test is to assess your current level of competency in English and Mathematics and provide an indication of your ability to thrive within the learning environment of the Tertiary Preparation Program.}

^{^ The Digital Literacy Assessment is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate your readiness to engage effectively with digital learning resources and complete assessments. It supports the early identification of your digital capability needs and facilitates equitable access to learning resources and appropriate educational support.}

Key dates

	Intake 1 2026	Intake 2 2026	Intake 1 2027
Applications close:	9 January 2026	24 July 2026	1 December 2026*
Start date:	16 February 2026	7 September 2026	17 February 2027
Completion date:	4 December 2026	9 July 2027	3 December 2027
Pathway to The University of Queensland:	Semester 1, 2027	Semester 2, 2027	Semester 1, 2028

^{*Date subject to change}

Program duration and times

Program duration	37 weeks (30 teaching weeks + 6 exam weeks + orientation)
Class times	Classes will be scheduled between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Exact class times will depend on course selection.
Contact hours	20 - 25 hours per week

Program duration

37 weeks

(30 teaching weeks + 6 exam weeks + orientation)

Class times

Classes will be scheduled between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Exact class times will depend on course selection.

Contact hours

20 - 25 hours per week

Withdrawal dates

For advice and instructions on withdrawing from a UQ College program, contact studentadmin@uqcollege.uq.edu.au.

Intake 1, 2026

Census date - Withdraw without academic penalty	20 April 2026	You can drop courses or withdraw your enrolment through mySi-Net without academic penalty.
Drop your courses or withdraw your enrolment with an academic penalty	18 May 2026	You may drop your courses or withdraw your enrolment through mySi-Net with an academic penalty. This means a grade of W (Withdrawn) will be recorded for the dropped courses and will appear on your Studies Report.
Drop your courses or withdraw your enrolment with a greater academic penalty	13 November 2026	You may drop your courses or withdraw your enrolment through mySi-Net with a greater academic penalty. This means a grade of K (equivalent to 0) will be recorded for the dropped courses and will appear on your Studies Report. The grade of zero will be calculated as part of your GPA.

Census date - Withdraw without academic penalty

20 April 2026

You can drop courses or withdraw your enrolment through mySi-Net without academic penalty.

Drop your courses or withdraw your enrolment with an academic penalty

18 May 2026

You may drop your courses or withdraw your enrolment through mySi-Net with an academic penalty. This means a grade of W (Withdrawn) will be recorded for the dropped courses and will appear on your Studies Report.

Drop your courses or withdraw your enrolment with a greater academic penalty

13 November 2026

You may drop your courses or withdraw your enrolment through mySi-Net with a greater academic penalty. This means a grade of K (equivalent to 0) will be recorded for the dropped courses and will appear on your Studies Report. The grade of zero will be calculated as part of your GPA.

Tertiary Preparation Program streams

A Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) stream acts as a guideline to help you choose courses (subjects) that will be relevant to what you want to study at UQ.

You will have the option to choose your electives before orientation. Electives can also be changed any time prior to the end of Week 1.

See below for details of the TPP streams.

^{*This course may be a prerequisite for certain undergraduate programs. Make sure to check the requirements of your desired undergraduate program before selecting your courses.}

^{^Elective availability is subject to minimum enrolment numbers.}

Business, Economics and Law (BEL)

If you want to progress to an undergraduate program in the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law (BEL), you may choose from the following courses:

Core Courses

Academic English

Elective Courses

You must complete 3 or 4 elective courses. You can choose from:

Accounting
Business Management
Economics
Humanities and Social Sciences
Research
General Mathematics or Mathematical Methods*

Engineering, Architecture, and IT (EAIT)

If you want to progress to an undergraduate program in the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology (EAIT), you may choose from the following courses:

Core Courses

Academic English

Elective Courses

You must complete 3 or 4 elective courses. You can choose from:

Behavioural Science
Biology*
Business Management
Chemistry*
Design
Economics
Humanities and Social Sciences
Information Technology
Physics*
Research
General Mathematics or Mathematical Methods*

Note: For students wishing to progress to the Bachelor of Engineering, electives such as Physics and Chemistry are set prerequisites. Students wishing to progress to degrees in Computer Science, IT, Design or Urban Planning are advised not to study Physics or Chemistry and are recommended to study non-science electives such as Behavioural Science, Business Management, Design, IT, or Research.

Health, Medicine and Behavioural Science (HMBS)

If you want to progress to an undergraduate program in the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Science (HMBS), you may choose from the following courses:

Core Courses

Academic English

Elective Courses

You must complete 3 or 4 elective courses. You can choose from:

Behavioural Science
Biology*
Chemistry*
Health and Nutrition
Humanities and Social Sciences
Research
Physics*
General Mathematics or Mathematical Methods*

Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)

If you want to progress to an undergraduate program in the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS), you may choose from the following courses:

Core Courses

Academic English

Elective Courses

You must complete 3 or 4 elective courses. You can choose from:

Behavioural Science
Business Management
Economics
Humanities and Social Sciences
Research
General Mathematics or Mathematical Methods*

Science

Tertiary Preparation Program courses

You will study either four or five courses during the Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP). We recommend that you select courses that will prepare you for your chosen undergraduate degree at UQ.

Once you're enrolled in the program, you'll have the opportunity to choose your courses. It's important to check the UQ undergraduate program prerequisites to ensure you can meet any subject prerequisites when you apply to university.

Here is some more information about what you will learn in each course.

Elective availability is subject to minimum enrolments.

Core Course

Elective Courses

Accounting

The aim of this course is to introduce accounting concepts and the role of accounting within business. Students will learn how to use Excel to produce financial reports such as balance sheets and profit and loss statements.

Behavioural Science

Behavioural science provides opportunities for students to engage with concepts that explain behaviours and underlying cognitions. Students examine the brain and cognitive development, as well as consciousness and sleep. Students will also investigate the concept of intelligence, psychological disorders, as well as emotion and motivation.

This course is recommended if you would like to pursue a program in the Health, Medicine, and Behavioural Sciences Faculty.

Biology

Biology provides opportunities for students to develop their understanding of cells and multicellular organisms and how they regulate their internal environment in response to stimuli. You will develop your understanding of DNA, patterns of inheritance and the processes and mechanisms of how life on Earth has changed and diversified over time. Students learn about factors influencing biodiversity and have the opportunity to investigate several local ecosystems by attending a field trip to the UQ Moreton Bay Research Station on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) or Heron Island.

This course is recommended for students wishing to progress into Science, Medicine and Health programs.

Business Management

Covering a broad range of management concepts and business operations, this course helps you develop an appreciation of business principles, planning, marketing, organisational behaviour and human resource management. You will apply the theory learnt in class to plan your own business enterprise in a group.

Chemistry

This course introduces the foundational concepts of physical, inorganic and organic chemistry, with a focus on the study of the structure and properties of materials. You will develop valuable skills required for scientific investigation and critical evaluation, and have opportunities to experience laboratory techniques and analysis.

This course is recommended for students wishing to progress into Science, Medicine, Health and Engineering programs.

Design

This course is an introduction to the fundamental processes and methods of design that are applied to the built environment, engineering, and other closely related disciplines. You will learn about the work of designers and how they evaluate problems and generate solutions.

This course is recommended if you wish to progress to programs related to Architecture, Design, and Engineering.

Economics

In this course, you will explore macroeconomic and microeconomic issues and develop an understanding of how decision makers within the economy (consumers, firms, governments) use limited resources to satisfy the level of demand.

Students will also develop an ability to make economic decisions based on an analysis of economic information.

General Mathematics

Covering basic algebra, regression analysis, geometry, measurement, financial mathematics, statistics, graphs and network analysis. This course gives you the everyday maths skills needed for a non-mathematically based tertiary program.

Health and Nutrition

This course introduces the multidimensional nature of health and wellbeing, and how it is influenced by diet and exercise. You will gain an understanding of the function of nutrients in the body, the challenges facing the food system and how the body responds to exercise. Students will also apply this knowledge to develop a personal diet and exercise plan to improve or maintain their own health and fitness.

Humanities and Social Sciences

This course examines topics such as global strategies and perspectives, and creative arts and history to develop skills in critical and creative thinking, research and evaluation, argument mapping, problem solving and reflective learning.

This course is recommended if you wish to progress to programs within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Information Technology

In this course, you will develop foundational knowledge of computer systems and practical programming skills using Python, SQL, and HTML/CSS. You will apply these skills to design and develop an information management application for a small business.

This course is recommended if you wish to progress to programs related to Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Science or Data Science.

Mathematical Methods

In this course, you will develop your understanding of the mathematical concepts of algebra, calculus and statistics that will equip you with the necessary skills to solve real-life mathematical problems. Topics include linear equations, computation, sequences and series, logarithmic functions, trigonometry, differential and integral calculus, statistics and probability.

To meet prerequisite entry requirements, this course is recommended for students wishing to progress into Commerce, Science, Biomedical Science, Information Technology and Engineering programs.

Physics

This course provides the theoretical and experimental basis to engage in classical and modern understandings of the universe. You will study force and motion, thermodynamics, electricity, gravitational and electromagnetic fields, waves, radioactivity and modern physics. The practical work in the course will give you experience in laboratory techniques and analysis.

This course is recommended if you wish to progress to Engineering or Science programs.

Research

This course provides students with the research skills needed for success as an undergraduate student. Research helps students develop specific techniques and methods for good assignment writing at university. In this course, you will investigate a topic of your own choice by selecting and analysing relevant literature. This will help you develop critical thinking skills, which will benefit any undergraduate program of your choice.

This course offers students a high degree of autonomy over their chosen area of investigation, while following a prescribed research pathway.

Gaining a selection rank from the TPP

The table below shows the selection ranks you can achieve based on your Grade Point Average (GPA) from completing the full UQ College Tertiary Preparation Program.

The GPA that you achieve across all 4 or 5 courses that you select will determine what your selection rank is.

The maximum possible selection rank that the TPP allows is 93. There is an incentive for high achievers to preference UQ on QTAC applications. See the table below for details.

Please contact UQ Future Students for advice regarding selection ranks from the incomplete TPP.

GPA to Selection Rank Table

	Selection rank
Grade Point Average (7-point-scale)	4 courses	5 courses (Non-UQ degree programs)	5 courses (UQ degree programs)
6.75 - 7.00	86	88	93
6.50 - 6.74	86	88	91
6.25 - 6.49	85	87	89
6.00 - 6.24	84	86	87
5.75 - 5.99	83	86	86
5.50 - 5.74	82	85	85
5.25 - 5.49	81	84	84
5.00 - 5.24	80	83	83
4.75 - 4.99	79	82	82
4.50 - 4.74	78	81	81
4.25-4.49	77	79	79
4.00 - 4.24	75	76	76
3.75 - 3.99	70	71	71
3.50 - 3.74	66	67	67
3.25 - 3.49	62	63	63
3.00 - 3.24	58	59	59
2.75-2.99	54	55	55
2.50 - 2.74	50	51	51
2.25 - 2.49	45	46	46
2.00 - 2.24	45	45	45
<2.00	45	45	45

Assessment items may include exams, individual and group assignments, research projects, laboratory practicals, and seminar presentations. Your final result in a course will be based on all assessment items. All courses are graded on the UQ 7–point scale:

SCALE	GRADE	RANGE
7	High distinction	85 – 100%
6	Distinction	75 – 84%
5	Credit	65 – 74%
4	Pass	50 – 64%
3	Marginal Fail	47 – 49%
2	Fail	25 – 46%
1	Low fail	0 – 24%

Your teachers will monitor your academic progress throughout the program and provide you with regular feedback and guidance. Students also have access to dedicated Learning Advisors for UQ College who support students with assessment preparation, study skills and time management strategies.

The TPP allowed me to get into UQ. Without the TPP and the support I had from UQ College, I wouldn’t have achieved the results that I did.
UQ College offered so much support both academically and emotionally through learning advisors, counsellors and the teachers that it made balancing study, work and personal life way more manageable.
I will forever advocate for the Tertiary Preparation Program and hold a special place in my heart for UQC.