Pathways to university
Let's start your unique path to university – together.
Page introduction
You know that study will open doors for you. But you’re not sure how to take the first step.
That’s where our range of pathways to uni come in.
As a not-for-profit dedicated to helping students access education, Open Universities Australia offers a variety of unique avenues towards further education, no matter your study history.
We’ve helped thousands of students find alternative pathways to university that made the impossible, completely possible. Now it's your turn. You just need to find your way using the entry pathways below.
So, let’s find your entry pathway to university – together.
Multiple pathways. Endless possibilities.
We have 3 kinds of entry pathways to university to choose from:
Open Access
Empowering you to start small with no ATAR.
Undergraduate Certificates
Clearing your path for a qualification in just six-months with fewer barriers to entry than a degree.
Open Degree Pathways
Granting you fast-tracked entry into multiple degrees using a set study path with fewer hurdles.
Open Access
How does studying just a few single subjects sound? You won’t have to meet entry requirements or commit to a full degree just yet – all the while being funded by FEE-HELP – a Government loan that helps you study now, and pay later.
We call it Open Access – just one of our alternative pathways to uni.
It’s a unique arrangement we have with the Australian Government and leading universities across Australia to get people of all walks of life started at uni, no matter what.
The best part? Choose an open enrolment subject and you can become a student in a matter of minutes.
Explore open enrolment subjects in your interest area
If you’re thinking about a degree in: | We recommend a couple of introductory subjects from: |
|---|---|
Business – including accounting, marketing, and finance | |
Teaching – including primary school and high school specialisations | |
Psychology – including mental health and counselling | |
Health – including nursing, public health, or nutrition | |
The Arts – including history, literature, and languages | |
IT – including cyber security, programming, and game design | |
Law – including legal studies and criminal justice | |
Science – including biology, agriculture, and environmental science |
Undergraduate certificates
Finish with a qualification in just six months, or gain credit towards a bachelor degree – with minimal to no entry requirements. That’s the beauty of an undergraduate certificate as an entry pathway.
After just four subjects, you’ll graduate with a genuine qualification to showcase to employers.
If you decide you’d like to keep studying, your undergraduate certificate will shave time and money off your eventual degree.
Choose an undergraduate certificate, and you may be eligible to study within a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). In a CSP, the government covers part of your fees. This is the only pathway type in which CSPs are available.
Explore undergraduate certificates as pathways
Undergraduate Certificate in Communication
UndergraduateGRF-COM-CTF
Begin your comms journey – build confidence, skills, and future pathways
Take your first step into communication. You’ll build core skills in writing, digital media, and critical thinking. Explore how communication shapes society. Graduate with the confidence to continue your studies or boost your career versatility.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Undergraduate Certificate in Health Sciences
UndergraduateCUR-CHS-CTF
Take your first step towards a career in health—including nursing
Start building your foundational knowledge of human health and healthcare. Explore human bodies. Get to know health practice. For graduates of this online health course, the pathway to health careers and further studies is open wide.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Undergraduate Certificate in Education Support
UndergraduateTAS-EDS-CTF
Help students to learn, gain confidence, and engage in the classroom
Learn core education support skills and play a vital role in the classroom. You’ll work on supporting children and adults with learning difficulties at school. Communicate clearly. Be inclusive. Collaborate. Prepare for work in the education sector.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Undergraduate Certificate in Business Law
UndergraduateCUR-BLW-CTF
A foundation in business law that you can build on
The first step in studying business law at a university level—your career in commerce starts here! You’ll explore markets and legal frameworks, then dive into companies and contracts and law with a business focus. Work towards a career in business law.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Undergraduate Certificate in Architecture
UndergraduateCUR-HAR-CTF
Take your first steps in architecture
Study 4 core subjects in architecture design, methods, and technology—and get entry and credit in Curtin’s Bachelor Degree. Explore connections between architecture and everyday life. Be introduced to international standards and indigenous perspectives.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Undergraduate Certificate in Creative Arts and Health
UndergraduateTAS-CAH-CTF
Use your passion for the arts to help patients thrive
Discover how creative outlets such as music, theatre and dance can improve individual and community wellbeing. Learn how to deliver patient-centred arts programs. Graduate with job-ready skills that apply to numerous health and community settings.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Open Degree Pathways
With an Open Degree Pathway, you’ll follow a pre-determined set of four subjects that pave a path for entry into bachelor degrees with Participating Universities.
These subjects will be credited towards your eventual degree – saving you time, money, trial and error. Think of it as a guided path to success using an alternative pathway to uni.
Achieving your goals with Open Degree Pathways is as easy as 1, 2, 3:
Lock in your path without entry requirements.
Choose which Participating University you’d like to study your bachelor degree with after successfully completing your pathway subjects.
Jump the application queue for entry into your desired degree with a Participating University. Your completed pathway subjects act as your fast pass.
Explore Open Degree Pathways
UndergraduateTAS-BUS-PTH
Climb the business ladder in more ways than one.
Do you see business opportunities at every corner? Make a deal with yourself to succeed. This set of subjects are available without entry requirements. If completed successfully, it can set you on the path for a variety of qualifications in business.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Mental Health Open Degree Pathway
UndergraduateTAS-MTH-PTH
The path for a compassionate future in mental health
Are you ever-curious and compassionate? A future in mental health is yours for the taking. This set of subjects are available without entry requirements. If completed successfully, it can set you on the path for a variety of qualifications in mental health.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Frequently asked questions about pathways
Are pathway programs available online through Open Universities Australia?
All pathways offered through Open Universities Australia are delivered by leading Australian universities online. This means that you can get your alternative pathway to uni study sorted from the comfort of home, and continue your studies online once you complete your pathway – if you wish to continue studying towards a certificate, diploma or degree.
Can I gain entry into a full degree after completing a pathway program?
Yes, you can enter into a full degree after successfully completing alternative pathways to university. Depending on the pathway you have taken, your completed subjects may even shave time off your desired degree – as well as helping you gain entry.
Can I get financial assistance or HECS-HELP for these programs?
Through Open Universities Australia, entry pathways to university can be paid for using HECS-HELP, if you're eligible. In this scenario, the Australian Government pays for some of your studies, and gives you a loan to pay for the rest. You repay your HECS-HELP loan through tax when you're working full-time and earning over a certain amount. Find out more about HELP loans.
Do I need any prior qualifications to start a pathway program?
In general, entry pathways require no prior qualifications. You don't even need to have finished high school or have an ATAR. We recommend looking at each of the entry pathways offered by Open Universities Australia to see the specifics.
Who should consider a pathway course?
Alternative pathways to university offer a way to get started for anyone and everyone. In particular, if you don't meet entry requirements, or don't have an ATAR, they're worth considering.
Need help choosing the right course?
Need help choosing the right course?
Speak to a student advisor about:
Enrolling and planning your studies
Finding a study option that suits your needs
Understanding your funding options
Find out more about studying through us:
Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us