Tertiary Preparation Program

 

course duration

Duration
30 weeks full time

 
 
 

dates

Dates
Next Intake
Start Date: 16 February 2026
Applications Open: 4 August 2025
 
 

fees

Fees
Enrolments are fully funded by the Federal Government.

There is no cost to students. 

 

entry criteria

Entry criteria
See eligibility criteria

 

Overview

The Tertiary Preparation Program is delivered over 30 weeks and enables you to learn the core academic skills required for entry into undergraduate study at The University of Queensland. It is delivered face-to-face at UQ St Lucia. 

This program is designed for domestic students turning 18 or older who may or may not have completed high school and are seeking a certain selection rank to enter university.  The maximum selection rank that can be achieved after completing the TPP is 93.

With small class sizes, our teachers are able to provide a high level of personal attention, helping you develop the confidence and study structure for academic success. You’ll be able to hit the ground running when you progress to your undergraduate degree.

 

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the Tertiary Preparation Program, you must be an Australian citizen or a 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 will turn 18 in the next twelve months) 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.   

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 aged students

(left high school more than 5 years ago) 

  • Complete an online Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) test* as part of your application. 

  • 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.

 

Tertiary Preparation Program courses

You will either four or five courses during the Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP). We recommend that you choose courses that will prepare you for your chosen undergraduate degree at UQ. It's important to check the UQ undergraduate program prerequisites when you choose your courses so that you can meet the subject prerequisites when you apply.

Once you're enrolled in the program, you'll have the opportunity to choose your courses. Here is some more information about what you will learn in each course.

 

 

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.

 

Gaining a selection rank from the TPP

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

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

 

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:

SCALEGRADERANGE
7High distinction85 – 100%
6Distinction75 – 84%
5Credit65 – 74%
4Pass 50 – 64%
3Marginal Fail47 – 49%
2Fail25 – 46%
1Low fail0 – 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.

Jessica Sparrow - Australia

 

Need more information?

Below is a recording from one of our Tertiary Preparation Program Info Sessions.

View Frequently Asked Questions

Contact us

Get in touch

 +61 7 3346 6770

Current students
studentadmin@uqcollege.uq.edu.au

Future students, agents and partners
enquiries@uqcollege.uq.edu.au 

UQ College
The University of Queensland
The Sir Llew Edwards Building
University Drive
St Lucia QLD 4072 Australia

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