UniPrep course
Our free university preparation course is open to anyone who hasn't been at school for a while, to students completing high school, or to recent school leavers who didn't get the result they’d hoped for. If you successfully complete UniPrep, you'll be eligible to start many of our degree courses. It's the start of a new you!
Why study at ECU?
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A great student experience
As an ECU undergraduate, you can expect the best overall student experience of any of the 38 public universities in Australia. More about QILT.
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The highest quality teaching
ECU is one of the best unis in Australia for teaching. We've had 18 straight years of 5-star ratings in the Good Universities Guide to prove it!
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One of the world's young guns
We're ranked one of the world's best universities under 50 years old, and we've already established a global reputation for such a young institution.
What does UniPrep cover?
UniPrep gets you ready for university level study by teaching you the skills required for academic success – with an emphasis on you becoming an independent learner.
That includes information/communication technology skills, academic research and writing, mathematical concepts and techniques, and a wide range of interpersonal communication skills.
You'll also be introduced to life at ECU and have access to course and career advice to help you make informed decisions about selecting a degree.
How a high school 'dropout' discovered the magic of physics
ECU student Nathan Pittaway loves Physics. He's now living his dream thanks to discovering he really could get into university after working for years - via UniPrep.
Flexible study options
With UniPrep you can:
- study over 6 months full-time or 12 months part-time
- choose to attend classes on-campus, study online, or a combination
- study a condensed version of the course on-campus over summer – from late November until the end of January
Exams for most subjects are in late January/early February, so it's possible to graduate the course in time to start an undergraduate degree in Semester 1.
UniPrep for High Schools
This program is delivered in partner high schools over Years 11 and 12 or just during Year 12. The course:
- runs during school hours and complements the study pathways of students
- complements students' senior school commitments by enhancing academic skills development, integrating university experiences and providing accessible pathways to tertiary study
- equips students with transferable career skills to follow their passion at university
- a tailored experience day at an ECU campus, exploring discipline-specific workshops and facilities tours
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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No. While most courses are available to people who successfully complete the UniPrep course, some courses have specialist entry requirements. It's best to speak to our Future Students team to confirm your eligibility, as this can change depending on enrolment numbers and external factors.
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In this case, you're more than welcome to apply for our UniPrep General program that runs every semester. While this is a slightly longer course, it has prepared many of our students well for university for many years.
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No, this is a more intensive program that requires you to be on-campus to ensure you get the most out of it. There will, however, be online components that you'll need to engage with.
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Yes. The course equates to a full-time study load for income support purposes, as long as you're enrolled in a minimum of three units.
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Yes, absolutely, as long as you meet the entry requirements, you're eligible to study at any of ECU's campuses.
Please also read the answer to the first FAQ above.
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The general UniPrep course is the only version you can study entirely or partially online.
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You won't be able to start a degree course until you've successfully completed your UniPrep units, but you can try to pass those units in the general course that starts in Semester 1 in late February. And you'll be credited for the units you've already passed.
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We're allowing you to apply, based on your first semester results. All you need to do is provide a copy of your Year 12 Semester 1 results with your application for the course. See the UniPrep course page for information on other UniPrep entry requirements you may need to meet.
Inspired to become a nurse
Miss Kellie McDiarmid didn't complete year 10. But she studied UniPrep and was then able to complete a Nursing degree while being a solo mother to four children.
Need some help deciding what to study?
Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.
Creative thinkers start here
Experience UniPrep at ECU.
Explore your options
Explore your options through the following media
Do you have any questions about UniPrep?
Student stories
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I was nervous about how I would go at uni
Starting with UniPrep was the perfect way into university for me, teaching me all the things I needed to know for university and getting me ready. I was nervous about how I would go at uni and thought I would struggle.
But through good habits, routine and hard work I have been able to get consistently good grades which I am happy with.
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UniPrep was a great pathway into my undergraduate course
I chose ECU after a lengthy consideration of which university could provide me with the best designed course in my chosen field.
ECU combined psychology and business with a major in HR that I felt would give me the best employability skills.
I genuinely believe that UniPrep offered by ECU provided me with both the opportunities to investigate my chosen career, and also gave me the transferrable skills I now apply every day.
The support and encouragement I have received from my lecturers and tutors has been incredible. ECU has been an amazing experience for me academically.
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My ECU studies have taught me that hard work pays off
My study experience has been amazing and I am grateful for the connections I have built with friends from my futsal team, who I now consider my family.
I first began my journey with ECU through the Indigenous University Orientation Course. This pathway gave me the guidance and time to help me pick a career I am passionate about.
The lecturers offer great support and will always do their best to help you out when you need.
My ECU studies have taught me that hard work pays off and I am proving that more and more each semester, as I get closer to the end of my studies.
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.