Each year, thousands of adults across Australia make the decision to study at university as mature age students. You’ll undertake a tailored, one-year program to prepare you for your program of choice. Learn the fundamentals of university study and get set up for success in your degree.
Set yourself up for success with the University Preparation Program (UPP) – an alternative pathway to university for people aged 20 or older. This one-year program invites adults without any formal qualifications, such as the HSC, to undertake a series of courses that will prepare you for an easy transition into the degree of your choice.
You’ll be introduced to university-style learning in a supportive environment and improve your academic skills before you start a degree. Essay writing, notetaking, giving presentations, critical thinking, researching and sitting exams are among the many skills you will learn.
Upon completion of the UPP, you can use your results to gain early entry into an extensive range of courses* at UNSW or apply to programs at other universities.
*Exclusions noted under Future Careers tab.
Key features
No qualifications required This program is designed for adults over 20 years old who do not have any formal qualifications. If you didn’t complete your HSC, get an ATAR or simply weren’t ready to take on university right after high school graduation, UPP is an opportunity to gain the foundation you need to achieve your goals.
Four streams based on your interests The UPP 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 the UPP – 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.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
UNSW is a university for all
We provide opportunity, access and support to anyone who has earned it. As a mature age student ready to take control of your future, 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 UPP and have gone on to study a wide variety of degrees*, from education to biological science, engineering and construction management. University study opens up career opportunities you may never have thought were possible.
To be considered for admission to this course you must:
be aged 20 or over on 1 March 2024 (younger students aged between 17 and 19 can apply for UNSW Prep).
be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or hold a current Australian Permanent Resident visa (including Australian Permanent Resident Humanitarian visa).
The University Preparation Program (UPP) is delivered over three terms (four for the Engineering stream). The UPP has four streams (study areas) that students can choose from:
Humanities
Science
Engineering
Business
You’ll complete courses in person, with allocated independent study to be completed in your own time.
Full program structure
Your study load and program structure will depend on your chosen stream.
Humanities
3x10 week terms (Feb-Apr, Jun-Aug, Sep-Nov)
2-5 hours per week
Suitable for those who want to study a degree in humanities, such as history, languages, literature, education, fine arts, architecture or social policy.
Science
3x10 week terms (Feb-Apr, Jun-Aug, Sep-Nov)
5-8 hours per week
Suitable for those who want to study a degree in psychological science, biology, earth and environment, chemistry or physics.
Business
3x10 week terms (Feb-Apr, Jun-Aug, Sep-Nov)
5-8 hours per week
Suitable for those who want to study a degree in commerce, marketing or other aspects of economics.
Engineering
4x10 week terms (Feb-Apr, Jun-Aug, Sep-Nov. Plus, Feb-Apr the following year)
6-9 hours per week
Suitable for those who want to study a degree in engineering, including civil, electrical and mechanical engineering.
The UPP is a pre-entry program to help you improve your academic skills before you start a degree. Areas of study for degrees following the UPP include:
Science: Psychology or general science, such as biological, earth and environmental sciences, chemistry and physics.
Business: Commerce, marketing, accounting, economics, information systems or management.
Engineering: Civil, electrical, mechanical and other branches of engineering.
Humanities: History, languages, literature, education, fine arts, architecture and social policy.
After completing the UPP, you’ll be able to apply for a wide range of degree programs at UNSW and other universities. If you choose to study 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^.
Applications open in August and on-time applications close towards the end of September for the following year’s admission. An on-time application costs $70. You can apply as late as January in the admission year (if places are still available) but the application costs $200*.
*The information in this publication is correct at August 2023. The university reserves the right to alter any program or admissions requirements herein without prior notice.
Need more information about the application process?
Tutition fees for the UPP are covered by the Australian Government. Please note this is subject to change – please check fee details prior to application.
There are other costs associated with study that you will need to cover:
Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) ($78.25 per term, part-time), letting you access all the services available for students at UNSW.
Students can apply for SA-HELP, a Commonwealth loan scheme that assists eligible students to pay all or part of their SSAF.
Cost of any course materials such as textbooks or calculators.
Entry Requirements
Fees
1-1.5-year program
