University course information

Key Terms

Advanced Diploma An advanced diploma provides industry-ready skills. Obtaining an advanced diploma typically requires 1.5-2 years of learning.

Associate Degree A qualification requiring two years of full-time study, or part-time equivalent. An associate degree can count towards a full bachelor degree.

Assumed Knowledge Some university courses assume that students have studied certain subjects at school. It’s best to do these recommended subjects at high school, so you can avoid falling behind.

If you haven’t done one or more of these subjects, you may be able to do a bridging course.

Bachelor Degree The standard university award recognised worldwide for successfully completing an undergraduate course.

Bridging Course A program of study that can assist you in meeting the admission criteria of your chosen course.

Commonwealth Supported Place A university place awarded to eligible students where the Australian Government pays for most of the cost. You pay a portion of the cost, known as the student contribution.

Defer Deferral guarantees you a place at uni, but delays your enrolment for up to two years. You could use this time to take a gap year, volunteer, or work and save some money.

Double degree Two degrees studied at the same time. Double degrees typically take less time to complete than if each degree was completed separately.

Fee-paying place A place in a course for domestic students where the student pays tuition fees to the University without the Australian Government contributing to the cost of study.

Honours Additional research and coursework at an advanced level.

pre-requisite requirements Prerequisites are designed to make sure you have the knowledge and skills needed for success in your studies. You must meet these requirements before you can enrol in particular units. For example, some undergraduate courses need applicants to have successfully completed certain prerequisite subjects in Year 12 to be eligible for entry. If you don’t have the right prerequisites, there may be alternative entry options such as completing a TAFE course or a university bridging course.

Undergraduate degree Tertiary education that leads to your first qualification from a university, usually a bachelor degree.