Non-Award
Not ready to give up on your dream to study at university? The UNSW Prep Program is your second chance to study at a world-class university and launch a meaningful career in your chosen field.
Not ready to give up on your dream to study at university? The UNSW Prep Program is your second chance to study at a world-class university and launch a meaningful career in your chosen field. We encourage you to apply for the UNSW Prep program if you are keen to study at uni but didn't meet the cut-off for degree entry and faced challenges in years 11 and 12 that make you eligible for the UNSW ACCESS Scheme.
This part-time program is an alternative pathway to university for recent high school leavers aged between 17 to 19 years old. It's designed to help you gain the skills and confidence needed for academic success. You'll build your skills in research, critical thinking and essay writing so you're better equipped for university study.
Choose from four streams (Humanities, Engineering, Science and Business) and take on foundational subjects as well as a series of chosen electives. When you successfully complete the program, you will be eligible for entry into a UNSW degree program*.
*Exclusions noted under Future Careers tab.
Relaxed entry requirements
This program is designed for recent high school leavers aged who didn't achieve the results they hoped in Year 12 or their HSC. If you experienced difficult circumstances during Year 11 and 12 that impacted your study, UNSW Prep can get your plans back on track.
Four streams based on your interests
The UNSW Prep Program offers four streams which you'll choose based on what you'd like to study after completing the course: Humanities, Science, Business and Engineering. Each stream contains orientation courses where you'll learn the fundamentals of university study, as well as topic-specific content.
No tuition fees
There are no tuition fees for University Prep - it is fully funded by the Australian Government. However, there are some course-related costs you'll need to cover, including the Student Services and Amenities Fee and the cost of any course materials such as textbooks or calculators.
UNSW is a university for all
We provide opportunity, access and support to anyone who has earned it. If you're dedicated to pursuing further study, we'll give you the tools, encouragement and guidance to unlock your true potential.
The full university experience
UNSW has a vibrant student community with over 300 clubs, societies and social activities. You can use all the support services and facilities on campus, including career coaching, peer mentoring, mental health services and more.
Pathways for a brighter future
Thousands of students just like you have completed the UNSW Prep Program and gone on to study a wide variety of degrees* across our seven globally renowned faculties. Studying at UNSW will open you up to jobs and opportunities you may never have thought were possible.
*Exclusions noted under Future Careers tab.
To be considered for admission to this course you must:
The UNSW Prep Program is a pre-entry course to help you improve your academic skills before you start a degree, where you focus on one of the streams below based on your interests. After completing the program, you'll be eligible to study a degree in one of the four fields of study - here's where those pathways might take you:
At UNSW, you'll benefit from our hands-on, practical approach to learning which focuses on building employability for success in the workforce. UNSW has been recognised for producing the most employable graduates in Australia*. Our students also earn the highest graduate median salaries of Go8 universities^.
*AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards 2020,2021,2022,2023
Please note, UNSW Prep is not accepted for entry to the following programs at UNSW: