What is an undergraduate certificate?
It's the shortest university qualification you can get—and it will open so many different possibilities for your future. Find out what an undergraduate certificate is, and why you might like to enrol in one.
If you’re looking for a way to ease into university study, an undergraduate certificate is a fantastic stepping stone.
This six-month course is designed to help you get started at university without entry requirements, so you can progress into your preferred degree. But you can also enrol for other reasons, especially if you want to upskill.
Keen to learn more about this qualification, including whether it’s recognised?
Here are your most asked questions answered.
What is an undergraduate certificate?
An undergraduate certificate is a short, introductory university qualification that you can enrol in without prior study experience. It’s made up of four subjects and takes just six months to complete if you study full time.
You can earn an undergraduate certificate to upskill and then graduate, or you can use it to enter a bachelor degree.
Is an undergraduate certificate a recognised qualification?
Absolutely. You might not have heard of it because it’s fairly new on the scene, but it’s a formally recognised qualification.
It was introduced by the Australian Government in 2020 to enable more people to go to university during the COVID-19 pandemic. But it has become such a popular way for those all backgrounds to start university, it is now a permanent part of the Australian Qualification Framework.
What level is it on the Australian Qualification Framework?
The undergraduate certificate sits one level below a diploma, associate degree, and bachelor degree. This means you can use an undergraduate certificate to satisfy the entry requirements for any of these qualifications.
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So why is an undergraduate certificate worth studying?
Entry is easier
As we mentioned, undergraduate certificates have fewer entry requirements than other university courses. In fact, most of them have no entry requirements at all and are open to everybody. If you’ve never studied at uni before and you’re ready to take that step, it’s a nice place to start your journey.It’s a great way to test out a bachelor degree
Think of an undergraduate certificate as a university taster course. It’s actually made up of the first four subjects from a related bachelor degree. You can use the course to see what studying in your chosen field is like, without committing to years of study.
After six months, you’re free to carry on into a higher qualification, or you can head into the workforce with strong foundational knowledge—not to mention a nationally recognised qualification.
It gives you a pathway into a degree
If you don’t have an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or strong academic history, you can enrol in an undergraduate certificate as a pathway into a higher qualification. Once you finish your certificate, you can use it to satisfy the entry criteria for a related diploma, associate degree or bachelor degree.
Your certificate can also count as credit towards that degree.
What areas can you study?
There are currently undergraduate certificates available across these areas. Click to browse what you're interested in:
- Architecture and construction
- Art and design
- Business and management
- Community services
- Education and teaching
- Health
- Humanities and social sciences
- Information technology
- Law
- Marketing and communication
- Psychology
- Science
You can expect to study four core topics in your field, giving you a vital introduction to a new industry.
Can you earn your undergraduate certificate online?
Yes, you can study online or face-to-face on campus. If you’re not sure where to start, Open Universities Australia can help you find the best online course for you with over 25 different universities.
Here are a few of the ways we will give you the guidance and support you need to take the next step. We offer advice on:
- Your study goals and course preferences: You can contact us for unbiased, free advice on different universities and undergraduate certificates. If you prefer us to call you, book a consultation at a time and date of your choosing.
- Making university manageable: Set yourself up for success from the start. We can show you how to plan a study load that matches your lifestyle and learning style.
- Enrolling and applying for HELP loans: Leave the confusing bits to us. We’ll help you navigate enrolment and study fees with ease.
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