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  • Undergraduate
  • Degree

Diploma of Agriculture and Environmental Science Studies

How to apply
Entry requirements
Duration
  • 1 year (or part-time equivalent)
Location
  • External
Start
Fees
  • AUD 4,768
  • (Indicative annual fee)

Overview

  • The Diploma of Agriculture and Environmental Science Studies introduces you to key principles and foundational knowledge required to start a career in agtech or environmental science.
  • Develop essential academic and digital skills while becoming familiar with the expectations and study culture of university life.
  • This diploma makes starting university more affordable, with four core foundation courses provided at no cost to support your transition into uni and reduce your overall study expenses.
  • You’ll go on to study courses from your chosen agriculture or environmental science degree, covering core concepts and skills in areas such as agricultural and animal science, technologies and automation in agriculture, environmental and climate science, or field skills for wildlife, game and pest management.
  • This diploma provides a supported pathway into UniSQ undergraduate agriculture or environmental science qualifications, with credit towards your degree.

A great introduction

I think studying a pathway has been a great introduction to the university environment and it has been an advantage to get used to how things work at UniSQ before I start my degree.

Veronica - Pathways

Career outcomes

Upon completion, you may be eligible to apply for direct entry into a range of UniSQ undergraduate degrees, including the Bachelor of Agricultural Technology or Bachelor of Environmental Science, to continue your study and gain deeper knowledge in your chosen field.

Completing the Diploma of Agriculture and Environmental Science Studies can help you move into a range of entry‑level and support roles across agriculture, environmental and natural resource sectors. These roles typically involve assisting technical, scientific or field‑based teams and may suit you if you’re planning to work while continuing your undergraduate studies.

Depending on your interests and the courses you complete, you may be prepared for roles such as:

  • agricultural technician (assistant level)
  • agricultural or farm assistant
  • agribusiness or rural industry support officer
  • environmental field or project assistant
  • conservation or land management support officer
  • wildlife or ecosystem monitoring assistant
  • sustainability or environmental data collection assistant.

Why study a Pathways Diploma at UniSQ?

Save money
The foundational study skills courses in this diploma are free (no tuition fees or HECS-HELP debt).
Sample your future degree
The first‑year courses provide insight into your chosen discipline and count as credit toward your future UniSQ undergraduate degree.
Quality student support
You'll have access to a range of support including academic advising, personal counselling, career guidance, and study skills workshops.

What you'll study

To graduate from the Diploma of Agriculture and Environmental Science Studies, you must successfully complete 8 units of study.

Degree structure

A pathways diploma combines free foundational courses with first-year undergraduate courses in specific discipline areas. Once completed, you can use the diploma as a pathway into a select undergraduate degree and you may be able to gain credit towards your qualification, if you decide to keep studying.

OR

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previous studies. This could reduce the number of courses you need to study to complete your degree.

Degree requirements

You may be required to attend on-campus residential schools at UniSQ Toowoomba as part of this degree. During these sessions, you will attend face-to-face practical classes and workshops, use the laboratory facilities and specialised equipment, and engage with staff and fellow students.

Other study options

If you’re interested in further study, after completion of this pathway diploma you can go on to study the Bachelor of Agricultural Technology or Bachelor of Environmental Science depending on the courses you have completed and if you meet all the entry requirements.

Entry requirements

There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience and relevant personal attributes.

To be eligible

Select the highest level of education you have or will be completing to find the entry requirements that applies to you.

You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

ATAR 50.00
This is the lowest adjusted score to which UniSQ made an offer in Trimester 1, 2025. Meeting the lowest adjusted score doesn't guarantee admission.

An Australian Year 12 high school qualification, or equivalent.

All applicants

You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:

  • IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 5.5 and a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.

Entry pathways

There are many pathway programs available to fast-track your way to a UniSQ degree and gain the confidence to study along the way.

Need help deciding which pathway is right for you? Contact our friendly team who can assist with any questions you might have.

Fees and scholarships

Commonwealth supported AUD 4,768
The Federal Government contributes to the cost of your degree, and you need to pay a student contribution.
  • Eligible domestic students can study the initial foundation courses at no cost. To access the free courses you'll need to complete a FEE-FREE Uni Ready Commonwealth Assistance Form. Visit the Pathway Diplomas website for more details.
  • The estimated 2026 annual fee above is based on the current average rate of the courses aligned to the discipline of your diploma for your first year of study. The fee does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee
  • This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
  • We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
  • Further details are available on the Fees website.

Additional costs

You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.

This degree includes an on-campus residential school component that involves travel, accommodation, and meal expenses.

Payment options

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP.

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Services Australia.

UniSQ Scholarships

We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!

Find out more

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

Apply
Degree code
DOAE
Location QTAC code
External 906245

You can also apply to study at UniSQ via the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) website by clicking the location link in the above table.

Select to start your degree in Block 1, 3 or 5:

Study period Application closing date Orientation Start date
Block 1, 2026 Monday 12 January Monday 12 January Monday 19 January
Block 3, 2026 Monday 4 May Tuesday 5 May Monday 11 May
Block 5, 2026 Monday 24 August Monday 24 August Monday 31 August

More information on application key dates is available.

There are several special admission schemes that use adjustment factors to boost your ATAR or selection rank with additional points, to improve your chances of getting into your preferred degree.

You may be eligible for these admission schemes based on:

  • your background and personal circumstances
  • where you live
  • the subjects you studied at school.

You do not have to apply for these adjustments as they will be automatically applied by QTAC when your application is assessed.

Preparing to apply

You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:

Each degree has unique entry requirements so it’s essential to know the specifics for your chosen degree.

Application dates can vary so be sure to check our key dates to get all the details.

Apply online directly to UniSQ for your chosen pathway program.

After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. You will be notified via email the outcome of your application within 10 business days.

Follow the link in your email from UniSQ or log in to the application portal to accept your offer.

Find out more

Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.

Live Chat

Available 5 days a week
Chat now

Phone

Freecall
1800 269 500

Email

Email us at study@unisq.edu.au

Appointment

Book an appointment

Frequently asked questions

Graduates of the Diploma of Agriculture and Environment Science Studies at UniSQ can explore roles in agtech, environmental monitoring, natural resource and wildlife management, and sustainable farming practices. Many students also use an agriculture diploma as a pathway into an agriculture and environment degree, expanding their career prospects in agribusiness and environmental policy.

The duration of an agriculture diploma or environmental science diploma will vary, depending on the education provider you choose.

At UniSQ, our Diploma of Agriculture and Environment Science Studies typically takes one year of full-time study to complete. You can select the number of courses per study period to speed up or slow down your study (complete in 3 years with part-time study). This flexible structure allows you to balance study with work or personal commitments while gaining essential skills in agriculture and environmental science.

The University of Southern Queensland is highly regarded for its focus on sustainability, regional development, and hands-on learning. By enrolling in the Diploma of Agriculture and Environment Science Studies, you’ll benefit from UniSQ’s strong industry connections, flexible study options, and emphasis on practical agricultural training combined with environmental science expertise.

Yes! A pathway from an agriculture diploma to a bachelor degree is an excellent stepping-stone.

The Diploma of Agriculture and Environment Science Studies at UniSQ is a pathway into higher-level qualifications. Successful graduates can transition into a Bachelor of Agricultural Technology or Bachelor of Environmental Science, giving you advanced knowledge in sustainable agriculture, environmental management, and climate change adaptation.