Fast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Online: January, May, September
- Townsville: January, May, September
- Cairns: January, May, September
Fees
No Fee
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Currently displaying fees for 2025, which are indicative only of the upcoming year's.
Duration
1 year full-time
Entry Requirements
The program is open to all students who meet the residency/citizenship requirements as per DESE Guidelines for Enabling Courses.
QTAC Codes
- 319019
- 319010
- 329010
Course detail
Embrace flexibility and receive dedicated support in this pathway program designed to prepare you to begin a 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Bachelor’s degree.
Open to both mature students and school leavers who are, or about to turn 18 years old, JCU Prep is the ideal stepping stone for those wanting to take on university study with confidence.
Your program of study will depend on your individual circumstances, and the degree you would like to progress into. Tailor your course selection so that you only study the subjects you need. You’ll be ready to enter further study on your own timeline, and with the academic skills for success.
If you have not previously completed high school or you are returning to study after a lengthy gap, it is likely that you will begin your JCU Prep journey with an Introduction to Academic Learning. Learn the fundamentals of time management, note-taking, research, essay structure and referencing conventions. You’ll develop the knowledge and skills to present academic arguments in multiple formats.
If you simply need to meet specific subject requirements, you can arrange your study plan to focus on these. Build a foundation for your degree with preparatory subject offerings in Science, Chemistry and multiple streams of Mathematics, preparing you to meet the knowledge requirements of your target degree.
Depending on the number of subjects you choose to complete, it may take as little as three months for you to build the necessary knowledge and skills for university study. JCU Prep will also assist you in locating JCU campus buildings and accessing the facilities, technologies and student support services designed to empower your success. This enabling course is subject fee-free, meaning you'll only be required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee.
No matter which subjects you take, you’ll benefit from a supportive learning environment and personalised feedback designed to embrace your strengths and build a solid knowledge base. You’ll be guided by expert advice from teaching specialists who have significant experience in preparing students for tertiary study.
To get you started on your pathway journey, our dedicated Pathway Programs Student Support Advisors can provide you with everything you need to determine which subjects align with your study needs. for further information.
JCU Prep is an enabling course designed to equip you for success in a variety of Bachelor’s degrees.
When you graduate with a 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Bachelor’s degree, you’ll emerge into the workforce with targeted knowledge and skills designed to align with current employer demands. JCU graduates excel in roles within government, private and not-for-profit organisations, and embrace the diverse challenges associated with careers in rural and remote communities, major metropolitan areas and overseas markets.
The JCU Careers and Employability team can provide you with resume and application support, interview coaching and a Career Ready Plan while you are still studying. Benefit from subjects, services and industry connections designed to ensure that your JCU studies prepare you for a range of exciting career opportunities.
Handbook year | Information valid for students commencing in 2025 |
Course code | 100330 |
Course type | Enabling/Bridging course (non-AQF course) (Entry level course) |
Owner | Academy |
College | Academy |
Award Requirements
Admission Requirements
Pre-requisites | The program is open to all students who meet the residency/citizenship requirements as per DESE Guidelines for Enabling Courses. |
Minimum English language proficiency requirements | Not applicable |
Academic Requirements for Course Completion
Credit points | 24 credit points as per course structure |
Course learning outcomes | On successful completion of JCU Prep graduates will be able to:
|
Inherent Requirements
Inherent requirements | Inherent requirements are the fundamental abilities, attributes, skills and behaviours needed to complete the learning outcomes of a course while preserving the academic integrity of the university’s learning, assessment and accreditation processes. Students and prospective students must be able to demonstrate that they have acquired or have the ability to acquire the inherent requirements for their degree. For more information refer to Inherent Requirements page. |
Reasonable adjustments | Reasonable adjustments may be made to assist students manage additional circumstances impacting on their studies provided these do not change the academic integrity of a degree. Reasonable adjustments do not alter the need to be able to demonstrate the inherent requirements of the course. |
Course Structure
CORE SUBJECTS
Select 24 credit points from List 1 below:
List 1:
:03 Introduction to Academic Learning
:03 Developing Academic Skills
:03 Mathematics A1
:03 Essential Maths
:03 Preparatory Maths
:03 Essential Science
:03 Preparatory Chemistry
:03 Learning in a Digital Environment
:03 Cultural Intelligence for Professionals
Location
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
External | |
Cairns | |
Townsville |
Candidature
Expected time to complete | 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent |
Maximum time to complete | 2 years |
Maximum leave of absence | 1 year Please refer to the Coursework Enrolment Procedure |
Progression
Course progression requisites | Nil |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | No |
Course includes mandatory fieldwork | No |
Special assessment | Nil |
Professional accreditation | Nil |
Supplementary exam for | Not Applicable |
Credit
Eligibility | Not eligible |
Maximum allowed | Not applicable |
Currency | Not applicable |
Expiry | Not applicable |
Other restrictions | Not applicable |
Award Details
Award title | Not applicable – this is a non-award course |
Approved abbreviation | Not applicable – this is a non-award course |
Exit with lesser award | Not applicable – this is a non-award course |
Course articulation | JCU offers direct entry into a range of degree courses on successful completion of the course. Admission is dependent on the student’s academic achievement and the entry requirements of the specific degree. |
Special awards | Not applicable |
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: No Fee
A Student Services and Amenities fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.
JCU offers multiple Pathways to University. If you do not meet the entry requirements for this Diploma, consider exploring our available Pathways options.
Contact our friendly team today to discover which pathway is right for you.
Your application for JCU Prep depends on your previous educational and work experience:
If you wish to use JCU Prep as a pathway into a JCU bachelor’s degree
You should apply for your preferred bachelor’s course through (QTAC), using the QTAC code for that course. If you do not meet the entry requirements, JCU may offer you a QTAC packaged offer, where you receive an offer into JCU Prep and your preferred bachelor’s course at the same time.
If you want to start with JCU Prep, and:
- You received an ATAR
If you completed Year 12 in the last three years and achieved an ATAR (or equivalent), you should apply for entry to JCU Prep through , using the QTAC code in the Fast Facts section above. - You didn’t receive an ATAR or you have previously studied with JCU
If you left school before Year 12, you completed Year 12 but didn’t receive an ATAR (or equivalent) or have previously studied one or more subjects at JCU, you should apply for JCU Prep directly, through our .
Check the JCU application due dates page to ensure you meet the deadline for your chosen trimester.
You may be eligible for entry into a JCU course through your previous paid work experience. Explore how 91³Ô¹ÏÍø recognises the experience you have gained through your career here to find out more.
Real stories
-
Student
Sarah Lewis
JCU Pathways
Coming to JCU was a great transitional experience for me after 4 years serving in the military. The JCU Pathways program gave me the opportunity to make great friendships and connections. I have had support since day one from the Indigenous Education and Research Centre. JCU gives me the freedom to be who I want to be.
-
Student
Jordan Dickson
JCU Pathways
The JCU Pathways program was more than just a stepping stone; it was a comprehensive journey. It enriched my academic understanding and honed my skills in research, critical analysis and collaboration. Owing to the nurturing environment of faculty and peers, I transitioned into a bachelor's with clarity and enthusiasm.
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Lecturer
Andrew Higgins
JCU Pathways
JCU Prep is great way to start tertiary study. The friendly and supportive staff are experts in their subject areas. JCU Prep subjects focus on Academic Skills, IT, Literacy and Numeracy and will help you prepare for further study in areas like Nursing, Teaching, Science and Engineering.
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Advisor
Elena Rhind
Pathways Advisor – Centre for Education and Enhancement
JCU Prep is a flexible program tailored around students. A supportive study framework assists you to meet the entry requirements of your chosen bachelor’s degree. In as little as three months, you can gain the required skills and subject knowledge, while becoming familiar with JCU’s campuses, facilities and services.