Think uni's not an option for you? Think again.
UNE’s Pathway Programs are a great starting point if you’re aiming for a bachelor’s degree but don’t yet feel ready for university study. These free programs are designed to help you build the academic skills you need in under a year, and they’re available fully online.
Become uni-ready
Get credit towards a degree
Free! No course fees whatsoever
Complete in just 8 months
Fully online study
We make university available for everyone!
UNE’s Pathway Programs are designed for those who may not feel academically prepared, want to ease into university study, or simply want to give uni a go — without the cost.
Our Foundation Program is a fee-free program that prepares you for university study and can give you credit towards a bachelor’s degree. The TRACKS Indigenous Foundation Program offers the same benefits and is specifically designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Foundation Program
A free, fully online course designed to prepare you for entry into an undergraduate degree. Build essential foundation skills for university and study a unit in an area of interest that can count towards your degree. Complete in as little as 8 months.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university entry pathways
The TRACKS Indigenous Foundation Program is a free university preparation course that can be studied full-time, on campus or online. Run by the Oorala Aboriginal Centre with personalised, tailored support and a community of experienced staff and other students on the same journey. Complete in as little as 8 months.
Entry options you need to know to study at UNE
There are many ways to gain entry to study at UNE, depending on your unique background, including your prior study, experience, and the degree you wish to pursue. Whether you're finishing school or changing careers, we'll help you take the next step.
Open Entry Diploma
Start your university journey with UNE's diverse range of diploma programs. These one-year courses (or part-time equivalent) don't require an ATAR and provide guaranteed entry into related bachelor's degrees. Choose from business, arts, science, agriculture and more.
Diploma in Accounting
Equips you with essential skills in financial reporting, personal financial management, budgeting, cost analysis, and using accounting information to support business decision-making. You'll also develop a solid understanding of economic principles relevant to business. This diploma provides a direct entry pathway into accounting and business-related degrees.
Diploma in Business
Develop core skills in interpreting financial information, understanding economic drivers, managing teams and organisations, communicating effectively in business settings, and applying key marketing principles. It provides a strong foundation and direct pathway into business, economics, and accounting degrees.
Diploma in Digital Marketing
Build key skills in analysing financial information, understanding economic and management principles, crafting effective business communication, and applying digital marketing strategies. You'll also explore the role of creativity in the digital space. This diploma creates a strong entry pathway into business, management, and marketing degrees.
Diploma in Agribusiness
Get introduced to the foundations of agricultural science, sustainable farming systems, and key economic principles. You'll explore topics such as food security, resource management, and agribusiness decision-making. This diploma paves the way to agriculture, science, business and agribusiness degrees.
Diploma in Agricultural Studies
Gain fundamental knowledge around agricultural science, sustainability, and scientific thinking. You’ll develop skills in environmental systems, chemistry, and data analysis, while exploring real-world issues like food security and sustainable land use. This diploma provides a basis for admission into degrees in agriculture, science, and animal science.
Diploma in Arts
Take on a broad range of units across history, languages, social sciences, philosophy, and creative industries. Develop critical thinking, communication, and cultural skills while exploring diverse disciplines. This diploma provides a flexible pathway into arts, humanities, and social sciences degrees.
Diploma in Information Technology
Develop foundational skills in programming, cybersecurity, data processing, and computational thinking. Gain practical experience through software development and data science units. This diploma provides a direct pathway into degrees in AI, computer science, and information technology.
Diploma in Music
Explore music theory and analysis, creative arts practice, cross-cultural music concepts, and digital music production. This diploma provides a broad foundation in music and media and creates a pathway into music and creative arts degrees.
Diploma in Music Technology
Gain a strong foundation in music theory, creative arts practice, and digital music production. Explore creative and technical skills across diverse musical styles and digital media. This diploma provides a pathway into music and creative arts degrees.
Diploma in Paralegal Studies
Develop a solid foundation in legal principles, professional skills, and the context of law to prepare you for a wide range of roles in the legal sector. This diploma equips you with practical knowledge and skills that can help you progress to further legal studies or advance your career.
Diploma in Zoological Studies
Develop a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, environmental science, and animal systems. You’ll build practical skills in scientific thinking, data analysis, and ecological understanding, with opportunities to explore topics like animal handling and biodiversity. This diploma is designed to provide a pathway into degrees in zoology, animal science, agriculture and science.
Diploma in Earth and Environmental Science
Explore the foundations of environmental and earth sciences through topics such as chemistry, geology, and data analysis. You’ll build skills in scientific investigation, quantitative reasoning, and ecological thinking while examining global systems and sustainability challenges. This diploma offers a strong pathway into science, environmental studies, and sustainability-focused degrees.
Diploma in Agricultural Studies
Gain fundamental knowledge around agricultural science, sustainability, and scientific thinking. You’ll develop skills in environmental systems, chemistry, and data analysis, while exploring real-world issues like food security and sustainable land use. This diploma provides a clear progression into degrees in agriculture, science, animal science, and zoology.
Which UNE Diploma will launch your future?
Explore your potential with UNE's extensive range of over 50 diploma programs. Whether you're starting fresh, building on existing knowledge, or changing careers, we have a pathway that matches your experience level and academic goals. Join students succeeding through our diploma pathways.
Why study with us?
TRACKS helped me develop skills in referencing and academic writing, as well as getting me used to using the learning platforms and studying at a higher educational institution.
Noni Hawkins, TRACKS graduate, Bachelor of Laws studentPostgraduate Pathways and Study Options
Already have a bachelor’s degree? UNE offers a wide range of postgraduate coursework and research options — including shorter qualifications like graduate certificates and diplomas. These are a great way to explore new fields or deepen your expertise to future proof your career, while also providing a pathway to further postgraduate study. And with savings of up to 87% on course fees, postgraduate study at UNE is more affordable than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions for Pathway Programs
Below are the top FAQs regarding pathways to university studies with UNE. We have carefully curated our answers to ensure that you understand everything this is to know about pathways studies with us at UNE.
To be eligible for the Foundation Program , you must fall under one of the following circumstances: You are not admissible to a course, and are seeking alternative admission to an...
Depending on the delivery method of your course or your units, there may be different study modes available to you.
Successful completion of the University's Foundation Program allows you to gain entry into most degrees with an ATAR requirement of 77.10 or lower. However, completion of the...
If you want to study with the University but do not currently meet the entry requirements for your preferred course, the Oorala Aboriginal Centre offers two alternative entry programs for...
UNE Offers a wide range of Science degrees that can help you get where you need to go. There are a number of alternative entry pathways for studying science if you don't meet the entry...
The University considers a part time study load as 7 units (42 credit points ) or less over the academic year. As the trimester system allows you the flexibility to study over three...
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