- ATAR 50.00
- View full details
- 1 year (or part-time equivalent)
- External
- Jan, May, Aug
- View dates
- AUD 4,168
- (Indicative annual fee)
Overview
- The Diploma of Engineering and Technologies provides an alternative entry into UniSQ’s undergraduate engineering degrees. It’s designed to support your transition into university while building the skills and confidence you need to succeed in your engineering studies.
- The foundation courses in this diploma are free and allow you to develop university study skills, such as essentials in academic English and mathematics, while helping to reduce the overall study costs and easing into your study journey.
- Explore the core concepts that engineers use every day, including problem-solving, statistics, engineering design, drafting, engineering science, sustainability and engineering materials.
- From digital modelling and coding to emerging tools like AI and machine learning, you’ll also be introduced to the technologies shaping the future of engineering.
- By starting with this engineering diploma, you’ll experience what university study is like and earn credit for the first‑year engineering courses you complete, allowing you to transition smoothly into an associate or bachelor’s 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
The Diploma of Engineering and Technologies is designed to enable graduates to articulate into an undergraduate engineering degree, but if you want to get started in your career, you may be able to apply for entry-level engineering and technical roles including:
- engineering assistant
- technical assistant
- drafting assistant
- project assistant.
What you'll study
To graduate from the Diploma of Engineering and Technologies, 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.
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.
Other study options
If you’re interested in further study, after completion of this degree you can go on to study the Associate Degree of Engineering, the Bachelor of Engineering Technology or the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (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.
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.
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
- 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.
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 moreHow to apply
Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.
Apply| Location | QTAC code |
|---|---|
| External | 907155 |
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:
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.
Frequently asked questions
The cost to study an engineering diploma (also known as an engineering and technology diploma) will vary depending on the education provider you choose.
At UniSQ, the Diploma of Engineering and Technologies offers free engineering diploma foundational courses, giving you the opportunity to gain essential study skills and begin your degree with confidence – while reducing your overall study expenses. Find out more about how the free pathway diploma courses work at UniSQ.
An engineering and technology diploma is a shorter qualification (usually one year of full-time study) focused on practical, job-ready skills. It’s ideal for those wanting to upskill quickly or use it as a pathway into a bachelor's degree. UniSQ’s Diploma of Engineering and Technologies is a pathway program, giving you credit towards an engineering degree.
An undergraduate degree in engineering, such as an Associate Degree of Engineering or a Bachelor of Engineering Technology, is a longer qualification (typically three to four years of full-time study) that combines theory and practice, preparing you for advanced career opportunities, leadership roles, and postgraduate study. In short, the diploma offers a fast, affordable entry point, while the degree provides broader academic depth and long-term career growth.
Completing a Diploma of Engineering and Technologies equips you with practical, job-ready skills for a wide range of industries. Graduates often begin careers as engineering or technical assistants, draft assistants, or project assistants. These roles can provide hands-on experience in areas such as design, manufacturing, telecommunications, and construction.
After studying your engineering diploma online, you have the opportunity to venture into further study such as a Bachelor of Engineering Technology or related degrees. With experience and continued study, you can progress into supervisory positions, professional engineering roles, and leadership opportunities across sectors like energy, IT, and advanced manufacturing.
This diploma is offered in the External mode, which means that you will mainly study our Diploma of Engineering and Technologies online but may be required to come to the Toowoomba or Springfield campuses for some classes in person. Our flexible programs are designed to fit around you and your lifestyle, allowing you to balance your teaching diploma with work, family and other life commitments.
