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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
March, July, October
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Duration
0.5 years full-time
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Location
Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore, Online
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Placement
No
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ATAR
N/A
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Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 5.5
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
PSP
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Course code
2307160
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Credit points
48
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Equivalent units
4
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Scholarships
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Indicative fee
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
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Start Date
-
Duration
0.5 years full-time
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Location
-
Placement
No
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ATAR
N/A
-
Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 5.5
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
PSP
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Course code
2307160
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Credit points
48
-
Equivalent units
4
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Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
-
CRICOS
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) or the double degree Bachelor of Engineering Systems (Honours), Bachelor of Business, 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.
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"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.
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 Harbour | Term 1, Term 3, Term 5 |
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3, Term 5 |
| Lismore | Term 1, Term 3, Term 5 |
| Online | Term 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 general admission requirements, applicants must ;
- be 18 years old or over:
- have successfully completed Australian year 10 studies or equivalent.
If applicants do not meet the above requirements, they may be required to:
- submit a Personal Competencies Statement addressing specific criteria as per this link; and or
- attend an interview; and or
- provide any additional documentation requirements as specified by the Dean 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.
To meet the English Language proficiency requirements, applicants must:
- be assessed in English at the level of Australian Year 10 or higher in one of the Recognised Countries* or higher and demonstrate evidence of attainment; or
- have achieved an International Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test score equal to or above IELTS 5.5 overall with no band less than 5.0; or equivalent scores in approved proficiency tests (see ELP IELTS Equivalency Schedule);
* 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
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 5.5 |
| Reading | 5.0 |
| Writing | 5.0 |
| Listening | 5.0 |
| Speaking | 5.0 |
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
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.
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.
Apply now
Preparing to apply
- Check requirements
- Get supporting documents ready
- Choose where and when from the available options
Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.
Early offer
If you're a current year 12 student you can register for our Early Offer program. You may be eligible to receive an early offer based on your School Principal's recommendation.
Apply now for your early offerChoose 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.
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Credit Transfer
Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.
Go to credit assessorEntry Pathway
We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.
Find a pathway