Pathways to university
You don’t have to meet traditional academic requirements to pursue a career you’re passionate about. If getting a degree is part of your plan, start exploring our university pathway programs that can take you from diploma to degree in no time.
What are pathways?
Pathways allow you to progress through qualification levels towards a degree. You’ll start with a certificate or diploma which, once successfully completed, help you to meet the entry criteria for a related bachelor degree.
Depending on how closely your completed study matches your destination degree, you may also receive academic credit that allows you to complete your degree sooner.
What are my pathway options?
Let’s break it down so you can confidently choose a pathway to a degree that’s right for you.
A TAFE qualification can equip you with the skills you need to enter your chosen field. At Swinburne, you can also use your completed TAFE studies – such as a diploma, advanced diploma or some certificates – to meet the entry requirements of a bachelor degree.
In many cases, your completed TAFE studies will also give you academic credit that can take time off the duration of your bachelor degree. The exact amount of academic credit you receive will depend on how closely your TAFE studies match your destination degree.
To view all your options from a TAFE diploma or certificate to a Swinburne degree, explore the Pathway Planner.
Did you miss the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or prefer smaller class sizes with a more supportive style of learning? UniLink is a great way to start your university studies.
These 8-month diplomas are designed to seamlessly transition you into a range of related bachelor degrees. Once you successfully complete your UniLink diploma, you are guaranteed a place in one of the aligned degrees.
Depending on your completed diploma and the major you choose for your degree, you may also receive academic credit of up to one year, reducing the time required to complete your degree.
To explore bachelor degrees and see which UniLink diploma will get you there, try our Pathway Planner.
Are you an international student wishing to study an undergraduate degree at Swinburne, but haven’t met our English language or academic entry requirements? Our Swinburne Foundation Program is the perfect pathway for international students to complete before commencing a bachelor degree with us.
This 8-month program will teach you the fundamental academic skills needed before gaining you entry into the first year of a bachelor degree. Prior to commencing the program, you must have successfully completed Australian Year 11 or an equivalent overseas qualification.
The Postgraduate Qualifying Program (PQP) is designed for international students who would like to undertake postgraduate studies at Swinburne, but haven't met our academic or English language entry requirements.
Upon completion of the 6-month program, you’ll be guaranteed entry into the first year of a master degree in study areas including business, IT or media and communication.
Before undertaking the PQP, you must have completed a higher education program equivalent to AQF level 6, such as an advanced diploma or associate degree.
If you have not met the maths requirement to enter your chosen degree, MathsLink is a great option. MathsLink General and MathsLink Methods are six-week bridging programs for students who require VCE Units 3 and 4 of Further Mathematics or Mathematical Methods. Completing MathsLink allows you to meet the maths prerequisite for bachelor degrees in science, aviation, information and communication technology, and engineering.
Find the best pathway for you
Pathway planner
Know which degree you want to study?
Credit calculator
You may be eligible to receive credit for previous study.
One-on-one appointment
Speak to our staff to find the right journey for you.
Frequently asked questions
Pathway programs are definitely part of Swinburne. In fact, you’ll be studying on the same campus, with access to the same facilities, services and events as your degree peers – making you a part of our Swinburne community.
We try to make pathway programs as accessible as possible so entry requirements may be less specific compared to traditional degree qualifications. Entry requirements are clearly listed on all our course webpages.
There are pathway options available in most study areas, however some degrees have more specialised entry requirements. You can check if there’s a pathway to your chosen course by using our pathway planner.
A UniLink diploma does not add any additional time (or cost) to your study plan. After your UniLink diploma, you’ll merge into the related bachelor degree, with academic credit of up to one year.
Yes. And for some people, it’s even better as you get more contact hours, smaller class sizes, and more one-on-one time with your teachers in your pathway course. You’ll also be studying with a mix of local, international and mature age students, giving you a true uni experience from day one.
Successful completion of a pathway guarantees you entry into a related Swinburne bachelor degree. Our handy pathway planner can help you figure that out ahead of time.
Our UniLink pathways are designed to provide a smooth and seamless connection from your diploma to a related bachelor degree.
Pathways are a great way to test the waters while you’re figuring out the right course or your future career. The class sizes are smaller so you get more support, there are more contact hours with teachers and the flexible intake allows you to schedule your study around your life. Plus, once you graduate from a TAFE certificate or diploma, you’ll be ready to work in your chosen industry sooner than your degree peers!
The great thing about completing a pathway program is that it’s shorter than a degree. So, if you’ve decided a degree is no longer your thing, or you’re ready to get out there and work in your chosen field, you can. You can always come back and study your degree at a later date or give other courses a go (remember to check how many credits you can get by using our credit calculator).
If you’ve completed a TAFE diploma or advanced diploma, you’re guaranteed entry into a relevant Swinburne bachelor degree. Or, if you’ve completed other studies outside of Swinburne, you could receive credit towards a degree with us. Learn more about transferring to Swinburne from another institution.
Keep on exploring
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Year 11 & 12 Hub
Preparing to make the exciting leap from school to university? Consider this your hub for everything you need to know – from exam prep to helpful resources on preferencing Swinburne.
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Year 9 & 10 Hub
It’s never too early to consider your options for life after high school. Whether you’re about to choose your Year 10 or 11 subjects, or you're still not sure what your next steps should be, discover what study at Swinburne could look like for you and what you can do now to get started.
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Transferring to Swinburne
Receive credit for units completed in other courses at other institutions. Check out our credit calculator to see how much credit you may be awarded.
Ready to transfer to a degree?
Use our course search to find the degree that's right for you.