Undergraduate study

An undergraduate degree is the first level of university study in Australia. It includes qualifications such as diplomas, associate degrees and bachelor degrees. These programs build your foundational knowledge and help you develop the skills needed for entry level careers or future postgraduate study. 

You are considered an undergraduate student when you are enrolled in one of these qualifications and working toward your first university degree. Many people choose undergraduate study straight after high school, while others begin later in life as a mature-age student when changing careers or starting a new path.

The term ‘undergraduate degree’ refers to a level of study that comes before postgraduate qualifications like masters and doctorates. If you are unsure which undergraduate option is right for you, get in touch and we can help you understand the choices available and guide you toward the best fit for your goals. 

Undergraduate study is the first level of university and includes qualifications such as diplomas, associate degrees and bachelor degrees. These programs build your foundational knowledge and prepare you for entry level roles or further study. Postgraduate study comes after this stage and includes qualifications like graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, master degrees and PhDs. These programs deepen your skills in a specific area and are usually taken once you have completed a bachelor degree.

When comparing the difference between undergraduate and postgraduate study, the main difference is in the depth and purpose. Undergraduate vs postgraduate degree options serve different points in your learning journey. Undergraduate study introduces you to a field, while postgraduate study allows you to specialise and advance your expertise. Postgraduate qualifications are not higher in status but are simply the next level in the education pathway.

There are ways to reduce the cost of study in Australia, although fully fee-free courses are limited. While UniSQ degrees are not free, students looking for free online study Australia options or study online Australia free courses can still access a range of government supported programs that make study more affordable.

Most UniSQ undergraduate degrees offer Commonwealth Supported Places, where the Government covers part of your fees. You can also use HECS HELP to defer the remaining amount, so you do not need to pay upfront. Scholarships are available to assist with study costs, including support for regional students, equity groups and high achieving applicants. These options are important to understand if you have been wondering how to study for free in Australia or whether Australian citizens get free university.

An undergraduate certificate is a short university level qualification that introduces you to study in a specific field. It usually takes around six months of full time study to complete and is designed to build foundational skills, boost your confidence and prepare you for further study. If you have been wondering what an undergraduate certificate is and if it’s considered university level learning, it is. It sits within the Australian Qualifications Framework and can be a first step into higher education.

A bachelor's degree is a longer and more comprehensive qualification that normally takes three to four years. When comparing an undergraduate certificate vs bachelor's degree, the main difference is depth. A bachelor's degree provides full professional preparation, while an undergraduate certificate offers a shorter, focused introduction. They are not the same, but the certificate can often be used as a pathway into a bachelor degree.

You can use an undergraduate certificate to gain job ready skills, strengthen your application for further study, or meet entry requirements for a higher qualification.

UniSQ degrees can be study online, on campus or a mix of both. However you choose to study, you’ll experience the same level of support and opportunity to connect with your lecturers and peers. Below we explain what each study mode means for you. 

Online 

Online study means you can access your lectures and tutorials from home or wherever you are. All of your study materials are available online through your personal UConnect student portal – you won't need to come on campus at all while studying these subjects. 

On campus 

If you choose to study on campus, you can attend lectures, tutorials and workshops in person. UniSQ has campuses in Toowoomba, Springfield and Ipswich. Not all degrees are offered at all campuses, you can see what campuses your degree is offered at via the UniSQ website. Even if you choose to study on campus, you can access your study materials online through your personal UConnect student portal. 

External 

External study means that most of your study is done online, including lectures and tutorials, however, there is an element of in-person learning. You will have the opportunity to gain practical skills through on-campus residential schools or during industry placements.  

Diplomas, associate degrees and bachelor's degrees are all undergraduate qualifications, but they differ in length, depth and the career or study pathways they create. If you have been wondering what a diploma degree is or whether a diploma is an undergraduate degree, the answer is yes. A diploma usually takes around one year of full-time study and gives you practical, foundational skills in a specific area. It can also provide credit toward a bachelor degree if you choose to continue studying.

An associate degree sits between a diploma and a bachelor's degree. It usually takes two years of full-time study and offers broader knowledge than a diploma. When comparing associate degree vs diploma, the associate degree typically gives you more depth and can offer a clearer pathway into the later years of a bachelor's degree with credit.

A bachelor's degree is a longer qualification, usually completed over three years of full-time study. It offers the most comprehensive understanding of your field and is often required for professional careers. When looking at diploma vs bachelor's vs master or considering what degree is the lowest to highest, the usual order is diploma, associate degree, bachelor degree and then master degree. Each level serves a different purpose, and none is simply “better,” as the right choice depends on your goals.

If you are unsure which degree suits your plans, get in touch and we can help you understand the differences and choose the study level that supports your next step.