Program Overview

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Diploma of Higher Education

Gain a solid foundation for university study as you build academic skills, confidence and knowledge. Take classes relevant to your study goals and get a taste of university life in this qualification designed to help you meet the entry requirements of your desired degree. Enter university prepared for success after this one-year course.

Fast-track your degree

Eligible courses can transfer credits to a JCU bachelor's degree

Ready for success

Gain the strategies, skills and qualification needed for university study

Develop your potential

Find your study strengths

Fast Facts

You’re an international student if you intend to study on a student visa, are not a citizen of Australian or New Zealand, are not an Australian permanent resident, or don’t hold an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.

International

Location

JCU campuses or study centres where you can study this course. 'Online' means the course can be studied off-campus using a combination of online resources, printed material or other technologies. Some online courses include on-campus workshops and travel for professional placements.

• Townsville
• Cairns
• Singapore

Commencing

The month(s) you can start the course. For courses offered at JCU Singapore and JCU Brisbane, see 'How to Apply'.

• Townsville: January, May, September
• Cairns: January, May, September
• Singapore: January, May, September

Fees

Indicative, annual cost of your course. Some courses are supported by the Australian Government with the government paying some of your fees. This is the Commonwealth Supported fee. The tuition fee is the fee payable if Commonwealth Support does not apply. You can defer your fees if eligible with HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP. The Student Services & Amenities Fee is a required payment from most students.

$33,640.00+

+Fees quoted are Australian fees. Singapore fees may be different, please visit for details.

Estimated annual tuition and student services and amenities fee for a full-time study load.

Scholarships and financial aid available if eligible.

Currently displaying fees for 2025, which are subject to change in following years.

Duration

The time it will take you to complete the course as a full-time student. Also specifies if the course is available part-time. This section will indicate if some online courses may have a longer duration due to their different delivery method.

1 year full-time

Refer to _ for course duration in Singapore.

Entry Requirements

This is usually a score given to Year 12 students upon completion of their studies. Non-school leavers can have their qualifications and work experience assessed to obtain an equivalent score. The score displayed is the minimum adjusted ATAR/rank that was required for entry. Some subjects are required for entry into a course. Whereas assumed knowledge indicates a minimum level of knowledge

Business major - English (Units 3/4,C); all other majors - nil

If your native language is not English, you must meet the minimum English language requirements for this course

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View the international entry requirements for this course

CRICOS Code

CRICOS code indicates the course has been approved for delivery to overseas students in Australia, and appears on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

C

Course detail

What to expect

Pursue the education that will equip you for your future career and gain the knowledge and skills to match your passion. The Diploma of Higher Education is a one-year university qualification that will allow you to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the discipline of your choice (excluding Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science).

Graduates who successfully complete the Diploma of Higher Education meet the entry requirements necessary to enter into many JCU bachelor’s degrees. As a graduate, you will possess the key study skills, foundational knowledge and strategies that you’ll need to find success in your university studies.

Study a variety of introductory and first-year degree subjects, designed to help you build on core knowledge and foster skills of academic enquiry. These can include subjects on academic writing, academic research, mathematics and learning in a digital environment. You will enrol in a specific study plan created to suit your chosen major, which will build your discipline-specific knowledge base. Benefit from support staff dedicated to students of this degree and the award-winning JCU Learning Centre.

Upon completion of the Diploma of Higher Education, you may be eligible for advanced standing within your bachelor’s degree or receive credit for some of the subjects that you completed as part of the diploma, allowing you to finish your degree sooner.

View the handbook for more information and entry requirements for each major.

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment,and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Diploma of Higher Education.

Majors

You will study a range of core subjects, plus choose one major. There are a variety of majors to choose from. Before you enrol in this degree, you must speak to a pathways team member to discuss your study plan.
Not all majors can be studied at all campuses.

Business Studies

Gain the skills necessary to enter the JCU Bachelor of Business. Study core subjects that prepare you for university study and select from a variety of specialised business subjects.

Graduates can enter the Bachelor of Business or other equivalent business-related degrees.

Education

Build fundamental education skills and gain essential knowledge in science and maths, educational psychology and science and sustainability in education.

Choose from a wide variety of major and elective subjects to commence your teaching studies. You will graduate confident and prepared to begin an undergraduate education course.

General Studies

Develop the skills to analyse, synthesise and evaluate information and evidence drawn from a wide range of sources. Diversify your skillset and choose from the full range of elective subjects across the entire Diploma of Higher Education Program.

This major provides the flexibility to explore your interests while still providing a pathway into a JCU bachelor degree.

Health

Gain the basic skills and knowledge to succeed in a health-related JCU bachelor degree. Study the fundamentals of health-related subjects which could include anatomy, physiology, chemistry, psychology, pharmacy and sport and exercise nutrition.

Choose from a wide range of elective subjects and tailor your study plan so you can articulate into your target degree.

Information Technology

Learn from world-class lecturers to develop knowledge in one of the fastest-growing industries in Australia. Gain essential knowledge in mathematics and choose from a wide selection of electives.

Benefit from the flexibility to select subjects that interest you, including design thinking, programming, problem solving and interactive media and web technologies.

Psychological Science

Only available at JCU’s Singapore campus, this major will prepare you to enter JCU’s Bachelor of Psychological Science.

Explore the fundamentals of psychology through introductory core subjects. You will gain a basic understanding of psychological principals, critical thinking in psychology, counselling and mental health.

Science

Gain the knowledge and skills to progress towards a world-class JCU science degree. JCU students access cutting-edge facilities and learn the practical application of theoretical concepts in their chosen electives.

This major provides a pathway to an undergraduate science degree. Depending on your study plan, you will learn the fundamentals of science theory. Students complete the prerequisite maths and science subjects required for admission to many JCU degrees.

Social Work

Gain an insight into the world of social work. Build a fundamental understanding of human rights and social issues, human behaviour and the basics of psychology.

Select from a range of elective subjects to tailor your study plan. This major is a pathway to the Bachelor of Social Work or a social sciences degree.

Society and Culture

Explore contemporary social and cultural concepts including political science, Indigenous studies, innovation, and the making of place. You can choose from a range of subjects that will prepare you for a JCU undergraduate degree.

Graduates are equipped to apply their knowledge of diversity and interpersonal skills to communicate ideas, evaluate information and create solutions.

Career Opportunities

Develop the necessary skills to become a successful university student. Begin your dream career with a recognised qualification and pathway to your preferred Bachelor degree.

The JCU Diploma of Higher Education is a pathway into university if you don’t have the academic entry requirements for your preferred undergraduate course. It also provides an example of what university study will be like prior to enrolling in a full degree.

Some subjects completed as part of this diploma may be eligible for credit towards a subsequent JCU undergraduate degree.

Handbook

Visit the JCU Course and Subject Handbook.

Fees and scholarships

Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD33,640.00

Courses are charged per year of full-time study. International course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.

A Student Services and Amenities Fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.

Student Visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their Student Visa (except Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian citizens). Costs depend on the length of study and the number of dependants accompanying the student. For more information see Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Scholarships and financial aid are also available for international students.

Pathways to JCU

JCU offers multiple Pathways to University. If you do not meet the entry requirements for this Diploma, consider exploring our available Pathways options.

Contact our friendly team today to discover which pathway is right for you.

How to apply

Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.

Gather the documents you need to apply and submit an application via JCU's online application portal.

Real stories

• Student

Rebecca Ottone

Diploma of Higher Education

I’m so happy that I went for the Diploma of Higher Education as it better prepared me for study. The lecturers and tutors have been so approachable, and the coursework has been designed to support your entry to academia. My peers were from a variety of backgrounds so everyone brought something to the table.

• Alumni

Andrew Samuel

Diploma of Higher Education

The diploma of higher education was challenging academically, but, as I have come to understand, deliberately so. My undergraduate degree has proven to be the most extraordinary and challenging pursuit of my life to date, and the diploma prepared me well for this environment.

• Alumni

Ayarat (Phoebe) Burke

Diploma of Higher Education

JCU’s Diploma of Higher Education prepared me for my first year of university. Without it, I would not know how to research, nor how to study at a tertiary level. Thanks to the diploma, I graduated from my Bachelor degree and am now working as a Media Designer for one of the largest tourism groups in Cairns.

• Lecturer

Dr Rhian Morgan

Diploma of Higher Education

We’re focused on setting people up for success. Our subject coordinators are all teaching specialists and discipline experts, which means students get the best of both worlds. Our aim is to serve our region by empowering people to pursue their aspirations.

Real-world experience

Road to success Discover your pathway to university and opportunities Learn More

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