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English Language Preparatory Courses for Domestic Students

How to apply
Entry requirements
Duration
  • 0.5 years (or part-time equivalent)
Location
  • External
Start
Fees

Overview

  • Are you in Year 10 or 11 of high school and interested in going to university? If you need to improve your English language and literacy skills before taking the next step in your study journey, UniSQ’s English Language Preparatory Courses for Domestic Students is for you. 
  • This free English language preparatory program develops your linguistic and academic English skills and helps you transition into UniSQ’s UniPrep program.  
  • Learn to understand the way the English language works to become an effective communicator and advance your reading and writing skills in preparation for introductory university courses. You’ll be supported in developing academic literacy, with a focus on reading, understanding figures and graphs, constructing an essay and spoken presentations.  
  • Benefit from small class sizes and the opportunity to build your confidence and make new friends. 
  • The program includes two levels of English study. We’ll work with you to determine what level is best for you, depending on your current English language skills or your IELTS results.  

Took their time

The UniSQ teachers really took their time with me, helping me by providing assistance, and being available to offer explanations and help me with my English.

Maria - Pathways

Career outcomes

Upon completion of this English language program, you will develop your English language skills so you can take the next step in your study journey. Many global companies use English as their primary language, so strong English skills can enhance your job prospects and career growth. It will also improve your English for social, cultural and personal purposes. 

Why study Pathways at UniSQ?

Free program

Develop your linguistic and academic English skills with the security of our free program.

Small class sizes

Benefit from small class sizes and get to know your teachers and peers easier.

Learn from the best

Rated 5/5 stars for skill development and teaching quality in communications.
(Good Universities Guide, 2025)

What you'll study

To graduate from the English Language Preparatory Courses for Domestic Students, you must successfully complete 4 units of study.

Degree structure

A pathway university program comprises courses designed to help you build the academic skills and subject knowledge, providing a supportive introduction to university-level study.

Students must complete at least one of the following courses:

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

Other study options

This course aims to prepare you for entry to university. When you successfully complete this English language preparatory course, you can go on to study UniPrep

Entry requirements

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

  • Resident status: applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds living in Australia.
  • Minimum academic requirements: enrolled in Year 10 or 11 in a partner school and an IELTS of 4.5 or equivalent. 
  • English language entry requirements: Placement in the program is determined by results of an English language placement test. You will be placed in an appropriate level (Pre-Intermediate or Intermediate) according to results on the placement test.
    • Pre-Intermediate: IELTS entry score - 4.5, IELTS exit score - 5.0
    • Intermediate: IELTS entry score - 5.0, IELTS exit score - 5.5

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

If you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen (resident in Australia), holder of either Australian Permanent Residency or Australian Permanent Humanitarian visas, you have access to fee-free places in this program.

Fee-free places are granted for the duration of the program.

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
ELDS

You can select to start your study in Session 1 or 2.

Study period  Application closing date Orientation  Start date
Session 1, 2026  Monday 16 March Monday 9 March  Monday 16 March 
Session 2, 2026 Monday 6 July Monday 29 June Monday 6 July 

More information on application key dates is available.

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
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Phone

Freecall
1800 269 500

Email

Email us at study@unisq.edu.au

Appointment

Book an appointment

Frequently asked questions

UniSQ's English Language Preparatory Course is completely free for eligible domestic students. This free course gives you access to academic support for your studies, course materials and teaching staff who are dedicated to helping you improve your English proficiency to become prepared for university level study.

If you are an Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen, an Australian Permanent Resident or an Australian Permanent Humanitarian visa holder, you will be eligible for a Commonwealth supported, fee-free place in this English prep course.

The duration of an English bridging course will vary depending on the education provider you choose.

At UniSQ our English Language Preparatory Course will take you a little over three months to complete (14 weeks). You can choose two different intakes throughout the year - March and July, which allows you to choose a start date that fits in with your work and life commitments. 

Yes! The English Language Preparatory Course at UniSQ is offered in external mode, which means you can learn your course theory completely online. This allows you to fit your pathways study into your life and access learning resources, forums and study support from wherever you are.

  • We have 40+ years of experience delivering flexible study options via online learning.
  • You won’t be alone – over 75% of UniSQ students choose to study online.
  • Visit your online classroom anywhere, anytime, 24/7.
  • We know what we’re doing! UniSQ’s fastest growing cohort is online.

After you have successfully completed our English bridging course, you will be eligible to transition into the UniPrep program which focuses on developing your academic skills, preparing you for the academic expectations at university. 

The UniPrep pathway provides you with the knowledge to meet the English subject pre-requisite you need for UniSQ degrees, which ensures you are eligible to apply for a range of specified UniSQ undergraduate degrees. Our pathway programs are your stepping stone to your dream degree. Get in touch with us today to discuss what your options are!