Tertiary Preparation Program

The TPP helps you to attain the minimum selection rank (ATAR 70) required for entry into UQ and provides an alternative pathway to university if you were affected by extenuating circumstances or lower high school results. Places are limited due to CSP funding restrictions.

We encourage you to consider other potential pathways to UQ 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.

While holding a selection rank of 70 or above, or a Certificate III or higher does not exclude you from the selection process, you may not receive a place in the program due to the limited number of available places. You can view your maximum attainable selection rank relative to completed qualifications through the Attainable Selection Rank Information Sheet.

Please contact our Future Students team to discuss your options before submitting your TPP application. If, after considering this advice, you believe the TPP is the right pathway to UQ, we encourage you to continue with your application.

You will study either four or five courses. This includes Academic English and your choice of three or four elective courses that are tailored to meet entry requirements and prepare you for your undergraduate program.

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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 will turn 18 in the next twelve months) and meet the following academic requirements:

Current high school students or recent high school leavers

If you left high school less than five years ago, you're considered a recent high school leaver.

As part of your application, you must:

• Submit a Year 11 transcript with passing grades in an English subject and a Mathematics subject.
• Complete an online Digital Literacy Assessment^.
• Attend an interview with a UQ College 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-aged students

If you left high school more than five years ago, you're considered a mature-aged student.

As part of your application, you must:

• Complete an online Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) test* and Digital Literacy Assessment^. 
• Provide a brief statement outlining any work, study, or training you have completed since finishing high school. You should also include a resume and/or any certificates of completion.
• Attend an interview with a UQ College Academic Manager.

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.  

Eligibility 

• I am 18 years or older (or will turn 18 during the program)
• I am an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or New Zealand 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 and 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 have not completed a Certificate III (competency-based + STAT) or Certificate III (graded) or higher.

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.

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.

You will enrol in either four or five courses during TPP. We strongly recommend that you choose courses that will prepare you for your chosen undergraduate degree at UQ. It's important to check the program prerequisites when you choose your courses so that you can meet these 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'll learn in each course.

Core courses

Academic English


This core course focuses on developing academic language skills required to successfully read, write, listen and speak in academic contexts. As well as developing fluency and accuracy in each skill, learners will be introduced to core academic literacies including assignment writing, referencing, critical thinking and oral presentations.

Elective courses

Accounting, Biology*, Business Management, Chemistry*, Design, Economics, General Mathematics*, Health and Nutrition, Humanities and Social Sciences, Information Technology, Mathematical Methods*, Physics*, Psychology, Research

Find out more about elective courses

* This course may be a prerequisite for some UQ undergraduate programs. Check study.uq.edu.au for details.

TPP is a 'streamed' program. A stream means the core and elective courses (subjects) that relate specifically to your target undergraduate degree at UQ. During orientation, you will select four or five elective subjects that align with the academic prerequisites for your UQ degree.

Select the relevant faculty of study below to find out what electives best suit your degree:

Your final result in a course will be based on all assessment items. These may include:

• Individual and group assignments
• Research projects
• Laboratory practicals
• Seminar presentations
• Exams

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

All courses are graded on the UQ 7–point scale:

The table below shows the selection rank that you can achieve from the TPP. This is based on your Grade Point Average (GPA) from completing the full program (4 or 5 courses). There is an incentive for high achievers to preference UQ on QTAC applications.

Please contact UQ Admissions for advice regarding selection ranks if you do not complete the program with at least four courses.

What is the Tertiary Preparation Program?

The TPP is an enabling program that will help you gain a Tertiary Selection Rank. It is designed for domestic students who are 18 years or older or have completed Year 12, but not achieved their desired ATAR.

How much will the program cost?

The Tertiary Preparation Program is fully funded by the Australian Federal Government and therefore there is no cost to yourself. All study materials will be provided. You just need to bring your own device. 

What is the teaching style in the program?

Classes are 50 minutes long and most are conducted in a workshop or seminar style, with classwork completed individually, in pairs, or in small groups. Generally, there are between 15 to 20 students per class.

Are there any research tasks in the program?

Courses such as Biology, Behavioural Science, Humanities, and Social Science include research tasks that must be completed. There is also a course you can choose called Research which gives you the opportunity to research an agreed topic of your own choice within a chosen discipline. You will develop practical skills and apply key terminology and principles that will be able to utilise throughout your tertiary studies.

Are there any exams in the program?

Yes, you will have multiple exams across the courses in the program.

Where is the Tertiary Preparation Program taught?

You will be studying at The University of Queensland St Lucia campus, so you will feel like a UQ student.

Does the TPP course run parallel to the UQ semesters?

Yes, the TPP is taught over two semesters, with dates roughly aligning with UQ semester dates. This helps to give our students an insight into the wider university life.

How do I apply for the Tertiary Preparation Program?

For recent high school leavers 

• Have completed Year 11 and at least started Year 12
• Demonstrated a pass in a Year 11 English and Mathematics subject
• Be 18 years old or turning 18 during the program

No High School Certificate or over 5 years since completing high school 

• Complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy assessment as part of your application. The purpose of the LLN is to assess your current level of competency in English and Mathematics, alongside providing an indication of your ability to flourish within the learning environment of the Tertiary Preparation Program.
• Submit a statement of what study/work you have completed since high school (eg. a resume and/or certificates of completion).

Apply here

Is there any flexibility for late applications?

Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. In the past, some students with late applications have been admitted to the program. If you wish to be granted late entry, please contact uqcenquiries@uqcollege.uq.edu.au.

When will I receive my Offer Letter?

The Offer Letter will be sent by the UQ College Admissions team once all the required documents are submitted and reviewed. 

When do I need to complete an LLN assessment?

If it has been over five years since you were at high school, you will need to complete a Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment. This will help us understand how we can support you in the program. We ask that you complete the LLN within one week of being given the link so that we can process your application as soon as possible. Without the LLN results, we cannot make you an Offer into the program. 

How do I best prepare for the LLN assessment?

We advise that you take your time completing the assessment. It will take approximately 90 minutes to complete the three sections. We recommend that you find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted and use either a desktop or laptop computer. It cannot be completed on a mobile phone.  

Can I redo the LLN assessment if I don’t meet the required level?

If you did not reach the required level, UQ College will contact you to offer advice and potentially ask you to retake the assessment.

What is a Grade Point Average?

A Grade Point Average (GPA) is the average result of all grades achieved by a student during a course of study at a tertiary level. UQ College uses a 7-point GPA score.

What is the highest Tertiary Selection Rank I can achieve with the program?

If you take five courses in the Tertiary Preparation Program and pathway onto The University of Queensland, you will be given five bonus ranking points and potentially score a maximum Selection Rank of 93. If you choose to study at a different university, you will potentially score a maximum Selection Rank of 88.  

What minimum score do I need to get into UQ?

To find out what ATAR/Rank you require to study at UQ, please visit study.uq.edu.au.

What happens after I finish the Tertiary Preparation Program? Do I get a guaranteed place at UQ?

You will need to apply for your desired UQ Undergraduate degree through QTAC. Advice on how to do this will be provided by UQ College Student Services when it is time to put in your QTAC preferences.

Can I study part time?

There is currently no option to study part time. The minimum number of courses you can take is four.

What is a course?

A course is like a subject at school. You will study either four or five courses within the Tertiary Preparation Program. You will generally study two core courses and three elective courses. Elective courses are selected to meet the prerequisite requirements for your chosen undergraduate program.

A Humanities stream is also recommended for students who intend to study in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

When do I choose my courses and electives?

When you accept your Offer, the Admissions team will send you an enrolment confirmation along with subject selection details. Subject selection must be done before the start of the program See more information about the courses you can choose. If assistance is needed, you can contact timetable@uqcollege.uq.edu.au for help with subject selection.

Do I get credit for some elective courses towards my bachelor’s degree?

No, you won’t receive credits towards an undergraduate degree. The program is designed to provide you a University Selection Rank. It will also help you meet the program prerequisites at UQ.   

How many hours do I need to spend on campus?

Generally, you will need to be at the UQ St Lucia campus five days a week where you will spend approximately 20 hours in class. In addition, there will also be homework and assignments to complete. At the end of each semester, you will have exams.

Do I have access to learning advisers and school tutors?

UQ College has a Learning Centre located in Building 39a. You can book one on one tutoring with our learning advisors as well as your teachers. The learning advisers also run weekly study workshops on topics such as Study Skills, Exam Preparation Skills, and Time Management Skills.

If I struggle with mental health problems, stress, or personal issues, does the college provide counselling?

UQ College has dedicated counsellors who are available free of charge for all UQ College students to make appointments. 

Can I get access to WiFi on campus?

If you are a currently enrolled student, you can access UQ's wireless network .

Will we have any opportunities to become part of any UQ student programs?

All UQ College students have access to over 200 student clubs and programs and are welcome to participate in all UQ student activities.