- 0.5 years (or part-time equivalent)
- External
- Feb, May, Sep
- View dates
Overview
- Develop integral university study skills through courses that have a First Nations focus with UniSQ’s Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP). If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person and you haven’t studied in a while or don’t meet entry requirement for a degree, this pathway is ideal.
- Develop the academic skills needed for university study. Complete three courses (subjects) online or face-to-face to develop your writing, general study and computing skills.
- Be supported by our College for First Nations every step of the way. Throughout your study, you'll be provided with academic, cultural and social support from our staff and fellow students.
- Choose to take advantage of our Intensive Workshop Series (also known as a Residential School). The series, hosting class sessions each day, is designed to assist you with your study and assessments.
- IHEPP is a free pathways program. There are a number of Australian Government scholarships that you can apply for during your studies.
Chance to share my stories
I’m able to get to know my students on a one to one level - which isn’t as common at one of the larger universities. Here, I have the chance to share my stories as an Aboriginal academic to build trust with students so they feel they can talk to me. In turn, this helps us both expand our knowledge and skills.
Tonia Chalk - Lecturer
Career outcomes
Upon completion of this program, you'll:
- enhance your core academic skills to think critically and write academically
- learn the skills you need to succeed at university and the confidence to follow your dream career
- be ready to apply for a range of UniSQ undergraduate degrees, with endless career opportunities.
What you'll study
To graduate from the Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program, you must successfully complete 2 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.
Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.
Degree requirements
You will also have the choice to attend an Intensive Workshop Series (also known as a Residential School). The series, hosting class sessions each day, is designed to assist you with your study and assessments during the Semester.
Financial support may also be available for ABSTUDY recipients to assist with travel expenses.
Following the Intensive Workshop Series, the remainder of the program is completed online.
Other study options
After completing the Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program, you can apply to study a UniSQ degree or a degree at another university.
Entry requirements
You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this pathway program.
- Identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
- Reached an age of at least 18 years in the year of the proposed enrolment.
- Applicants are required to complete a placement questionnaire.
To assist us in determining your level of reading, writing and understanding of mathematics, you will need to attend an Entrance Assessment Session. To find out more, contact us:
- Phone: 1800 005 137 (Freecall) or 07 4631 2133
- Email: cfn.support@unisq.edu.au
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.
Additional costs
This degree includes an on-campus residential school component that involves travel, accommodation, and meal expenses.
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.
ApplyYou can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2 or 3.
| Study period | Application closing date | Orientation | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1, 2025 | Monday 10 February | Monday 3 February | Monday 10 February |
| Trimester 2, 2025 | Monday 26 May | Monday 19 May | Monday 26 May |
| Trimester 3, 2025 | Monday 8 September | Monday 1 September | Monday 8 September |
| Trimester 1, 2026 | Monday 16 February | Monday 9 February | Monday 16 February |
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:
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.
Available 5 days a week
Chat now
Freecall
1800 269 500
Email us at study@unisq.edu.au
Frequently asked questions
UniSQ is committed to supporting our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through a range of academic, cultural and personal support services, including:
- College for First Nations - A dedicated hub offering mentoring, guidance, and culturally safe support throughout your studies.
- Indigenous Student Success Program - All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander UniSQ students have access to the Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP) which provides free tutoring for any degree or course at UniSQ.
- ASK Aunty - A study support hub for UniSQ on-campus and online Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
- Cultural Connections - An interactive program designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to connect with each other and meet with UniSQ staff.
- First Nations Student Success Officers - These officers support students to reach academic and career goals by fostering positive relationships and providing a culturally safe environment to study and connect with the College for First Nations.
If you are a First Nations person searching for an online pathway to university, you have come to the right place. Our Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program provides flexible study options with the opportunity to combine on-campus and online learnings. Study your pathway theory online and attend on-campus residential schools if required.
Studying online allows you to fit study into your life and access learning resources, forums, assessment information and study support from wherever you are.
So why study a pathway program online at UniSQ?
- 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.
Discover more about the different ways you can study at UniSQ.
We know that cost can play a big part in your decision to study. This pathway is a free program and there are a number of Australian Government scholarships that you can apply for during your studies.
UniSQ also offers a wide range of scholarships specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, including:
