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  • Undergraduate
  • Degree

Diploma of Construction Studies

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

Overview

  • If you are new to university and interested in starting a career in construction, the Diploma of Construction Studies is a great way to gain foundational knowledge and provides a pathway into UniSQ’s Associate Degree of Construction.
  • The foundational courses in this degree are free, helping to reduce your overall study costs and support your transition to university study.
  • You’ll learn how to study at a university level, including essentials in academic English and tertiary mathematics.
  • This construction diploma also introduces methods of construction, materials used, and management strategies for residential development and construction, and allows you to select additional engineering courses to suit your interests and career goals.
  • The courses you study can then be counted as credit towards a future undergraduate construction 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

Graduates can take credit from this diploma and transition into UniSQ’s Associate Degree of Construction to gain further experience and advancement opportunities.

The Diploma of Construction Studies is a standalone qualification that may lead to entry-level positions , such as:

  • site and construction operations roles
  • assistant roles to the site supervisor
  • project administrator, project support officer or other office-based roles
  • entry-level draftsperson / CAD assistant
  • assistant estimator or cost control assistant
  • building surveying 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 Construction Studies, you must successfully complete 8 units of study.

Degree structure

A pathway diploma combines free foundational courses with first-year undergraduate courses in your chosen study area. Once completed, you can transition directly into select undergraduate degrees and may receive credit for what you’ve already studied. View the Pathway Diplomas website to learn more about how you'll study and be able to progress to your next qualification.

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 will be required to attend a week-long residential school at UniSQ Springfield or Toowoomba campus 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 Associate Degree of Construction (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.

This information applies if you’ve previously completed or started higher education study at university.

If you’ve done any study at UniSQ or another university, you may be eligible to apply based on your previous studies. We’ll use the best selection rank from your previous studies when assessing your application.

If you have completed a qualification from a TAFE or qualified private provider, you can use your Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) awards of: 

  • certificate III 
  • certificate IV 
  • diploma or  
  • advanced diploma  

to apply to study with UniSQ. 

We will review your academic history to determine if you’re eligible for admission. We’ll convert your TAFE or VET qualification, past school results and any relevant work experience into a selection rank. This selection rank will determine which degrees you meet the entry requirements for.

If it’s been over two years since you completed secondary education and you haven’t pursued any vocational education training (VET) or higher education since, you’re still eligible to study at UniSQ. 

You don't need to have an ATAR or come straight from high school to study at uni. Your work experience and other adjustment factors may help you meet UniSQ's entry requirements.

Let us help you navigate through our entry options – start a conversation, whenever suits you.

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
DOCS
Location QTAC code
External 907125

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

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Phone

Freecall
1800 269 500

Email

Email us at study@unisq.edu.au

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Frequently asked questions

Graduates of a construction diploma or Diploma of Construction Studies Australia can explore a range of entry-level roles in the building and construction industry. Common career opportunities after Diploma of Construction Studies include working as an assistant for a construction supervisor, site manager, project coordinator, or estimator. Many employers value the practical skills gained through construction studies, making this qualification a strong entry point into both residential and commercial construction projects.

A construction diploma focuses on practical, hands-on training and industry-ready skills, while a degree in construction studies provides a deeper academic foundation with broader theoretical knowledge. A Diploma of Construction Studies in Australia is typically shorter in duration and prepares students for immediate employment in technical or supervisory roles. In contrast, a bachelor’s degree in construction management often leads to advanced positions in project management, engineering, or research within the construction sector.

Yes! Successful completing a construction studies diploma at UniSQ provides you with the opportunity to continue your studies by gaining entry into the Associate Degree of Construction. This pathway helps you build on your construction studies foundation while opening doors to higher-level qualifications and leadership roles in the industry.

The courses in our Diploma of Construction Studies are offered in an external mode, allowing you to learn most of your subject theory online and complete some practical experience in person during a week-long residential school at UniSQ Springfield or Toowoomba campus. Our flexible programs are designed to fit around you and your lifestyle, allowing you to balance your construction diploma with work, family and other life commitments.