Nathan smiling sitting cross-legged with notebook and pen

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, July, October

  • Duration

    0.5 years full-time

  • Location

    Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore, Online

  • Placement

    No  

  • Course abbreviation

    PSP

  • Course code

    2307160

  • Credit points

    48

  • Equivalent units

    4

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

    Commonwealth supported

    Free course. There is no student contribution amount.

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

  • Duration

    0.5 years full-time

  • Location

  • Placement

    No  

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

Unleash your potential with our Preparing for Success Program (PSP). It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking a career change or didn't graduate from high school; university is a real option for you.

This flexible, fee-free course has been designed with you in mind. Open to Australian residents over the age of 18, you can study on campus or online, full-time over three months or up to one year part-time. The course is taught in six week blocks so you can focus on one or two units at a time. Graduates gain direct entry into a range of Southern Cross University degrees*.

This award-winning program teaches you how to manage your time, write essays, undertake research and apply mathematical concepts, providing the skills you need to succeed at university and progress towards a new career. 

Apply online today for this fee-free course.

Please note:

  • *Some courses also have additional entry requirements such as an interview or English language requirements. Please refer to the relevant course page for further information.
  • For students completing the Preparing for Success Program who plan to gain entry into the Bachelor of Engineering Systems (Honours), if admission is offered on the basis of completion of the PSP, students need to achieve a Distinction or above in their maths unit UNIP1003 Problem Solving with Maths. 
  • For students completing the Preparing for Success Program (PSP) who plan to gain entry into the Bachelor of  Midwifery, if admission is offered on the basis of completion of the PSP, students need to achieve a Credit average or above in the program.
Student Nathan smiling at camera with students in background

"I learnt a lot of valuable skills. It prepared me to undertake a Bachelor degree because I learnt how to write essays, reference and manage my time."

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).

The course comprises four units. Three compulsory units focus on individual and group management skills essential for successful university performance, effective research strategies and written communication, and practical numeracy skills. Students choose an elective unit depending on which degree they wish to pursue after completing the PSP: Issues and Inquiry in Arts and Business for students going into arts or business degrees, or Studying Science for students going into health or education degrees.

Location Teaching period
Coffs HarbourTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5
LismoreTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5

Career Outcomes

This program provides an alternative entry pathway into Southern Cross University. The course is suited to school leavers or TAFE students who have taken the vocational strand of learning but would now like to go to university. The course is also valuable for those who have spent time away from the academic environment for family, career or personal reasons and who wish to revise their skills before undertaking a university degree.

Students who successfully complete the Preparing for Success Program are guaranteed a place in a Southern Cross University course*.

Please note that some degrees have extra application requirements such as an interview or audition. Check the individual degree you are interested in for details.

*Some courses also have additional entry requirements such as an interview, refer to the course overview above and also to the relevant course page for further information. 

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

To satisfy both general admission and English Language Proficiency Requirements, applicants must have achieved one of the following;

  1. successful completion of Australian year 10 or equivalent taught and assessed in English in one of the Recognised Countries* or higher; or
  2. achieved an International Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test score equal to or above IELTS 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 or comparable as determined by the Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic Quality)(see ELP IELTS Equivalency Schedule);
  3. Applicants may be required to:
    1. submit a Personal Competencies Statement addressing specific criteria as detailed on the Southern Cross University website; and or
    2. attend an interview; and or
    3. provide any additional documentation requirements as specified by the Director of SCU College.

Note: Applicants who already hold a Bachelors or higher level qualification (greater than or equal to AQF 7) are not eligible for admission into the program.

* Recognised Countries;

Australia, American Samoa; Botswana; Canada; Fiji; Ghana; Guyana; Ireland; Jamaica; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; New Zealand; Nigeria; Papua New Guinea; Singapore; Solomon Islands; South Africa; Tonga Trinidad and Tobago; United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland); United States of America; Zambia; Zimbabwe

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

Course requirements

To meet the requirements of this course students must complete the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points) comprising:

  • 3 core units (36 credit points), and
  • 1 option unit (12 credit points).

Participation

Students who do not participate in a unit before the census date will be deemed to be inactive and un-enrolled from the unit. Participation is determined by presence on the online learning site, and by submitting their first assessment (Assessment 1).

Exclusion

The Chair of the College Board may exclude a student for a maximum of one (1) study period where a student has received Absent Fail Grades for all units attempted in a period of study.


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

UNIP1001Managing Your Study
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3,5
N/A
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
N/A
Lismore
Term1,3,5
N/A
Online
Term1,3,5
N/A
UNIP1002Communicating at University
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3,5
N/A
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
N/A
Lismore
Term1,3,5
N/A
Online
Term1,3,5
N/A
UNIP1003Problem Solving with Maths
Summer Term
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term2,4
N/A
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term2,4
N/A
Lismore
Summer Term
Term2,4
N/A
Online
Summer Term
Term2,4
N/A
Select one of the following two units:
UNIP1004Studying Science
Summer Term
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term2,4
N/A
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term2,4
N/A
Lismore
Summer Term
Term2,4
N/A
Online
Summer Term
Term2,4
N/A
OR
UNIP1005Issues and Enquiry in Arts and Business
Summer Term
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Summer Term
Term2,4
N/A


Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes

Core Units

UNIP1001Managing Your Study
UNIP1002Communicating at University
UNIP1003Problem Solving with Maths

Option Unit

Select one (1) unit from the following:
UNIP1004Studying Science
UNIP1005Issues and Enquiry in Arts and Business

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

Preparing to apply

  1. Check requirements
  2. Get supporting documents ready
  3. Choose where and when from the available options

Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

Choose where you want to study

Coffs Harbour

Gold Coast

Lismore

Online

Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway