Program Overview

JCU Prep

Be equipped to pursue university study with JCU Prep. You’ll develop key academic skills and build the foundational knowledge required to meet subject pre-requisites. Successful completion can lead to direct entry to many JCU undergraduate degrees.

Fast Facts

• 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.
  • Online
  • Townsville
  • Cairns
• Commencing: The month(s) you can start the course. For courses offered at JCU Singapore and JCU Brisbane, see 'How to Apply'.
  • Online: January, May, September
  • Townsville: January, May, September
  • Cairns: 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.
  • Fee-Free
• 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
• 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.
  • The program is open to all students who meet the residency/citizenship requirements as per DESE Guidelines for Enabling Courses.

• QTAC Codes: Note the course QTAC code for the location you've chosen. You'll need to enter it as part of your QTAC application. T: Townsville. C: Cairns. O: Online. B: Brisbane or RATEP.

Course Detail

What to expect

Embrace flexibility and receive dedicated support in this pathway program designed to prepare you to begin a JCU Bachelor’s degree.

Open to both mature students and school leavers who are, or about to turn 18 years old, JCU Prep is the ideal stepping stone for those wanting to take on university study with confidence.

Your program of study will depend on your individual circumstances, and the degree you would like to progress into. Tailor your course selection so that you only study the subjects you need. You’ll be ready to enter further study on your own timeline, and with the academic skills for success.

If you have not previously completed high school or you are returning to study after a lengthy gap, it is likely that you will begin your JCU Prep journey with an Introduction to Academic Learning. Learn the fundamentals of time management, note-taking, research, essay structure and referencing conventions. You’ll develop the knowledge and skills to present academic arguments in multiple formats.

If you simply need to meet specific subject requirements, you can arrange your study plan to focus on these. Build a foundation for your degree with preparatory subject offerings in Science, Chemistry and multiple streams of Mathematics, preparing you to meet the knowledge requirements of your target degree.

Depending on the number of subjects you choose to complete, it may take as little as three months for you to build the necessary knowledge and skills for university study. JCU Prep will also assist you in locating JCU campus buildings and accessing the facilities, technologies and student support services designed to empower your success.

No matter which subjects you take, you’ll benefit from a supportive learning environment and personalised feedback designed to embrace your strengths and build a solid knowledge base. You’ll be guided by expert advice from teaching specialists who have significant experience in preparing students for tertiary study.

To get you started on your pathway journey, our dedicated Pathway Programs Student Support Advisors can provide you with everything you need to determine which subjects align with your study needs. Speak to our team today for further information.

Career Opportunities

JCU Prep is an enabling course designed to equip you for success in a variety of Bachelor’s degrees.

When you graduate with a JCU Bachelor’s degree, you’ll emerge into the workforce with targeted knowledge and skills designed to align with current employer demands. JCU graduates excel in roles within government, private and not-for-profit organisations, and embrace the diverse challenges associated with careers in rural and remote communities, major metropolitan areas and overseas markets.

The JCU Careers and Employability team can provide you with resume and application support, interview coaching and a Career Ready Plan while you are still studying. Benefit from subjects, services and industry connections designed to ensure that your JCU studies prepare you for a range of exciting career opportunities.

Fees and Scholarships

FEE-FREE Uni Ready courses provide students with preparatory studies to gain the skills they need to get into university, without being out of pocket.

The Australian Government will invest $350 million in additional Commonwealth Grant Scheme funding over 4 years, commencing on 1 January 2025, to deliver FEE-FREE Uni Ready courses to help more students prepare for university. This investment will provide more students with a high quality enabling pathway into higher education, focussing on students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: Fee-Free

A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.

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

Your application for JCU Prep depends on your previous educational and work experience:

• If you wish to use JCU Prep as a pathway into a JCU bachelor’s degree
  • You should apply for your preferred bachelor’s course through Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC), using the QTAC code for that course. If you do not meet the entry requirements, JCU may offer you a QTAC packaged offer, where you receive an offer into JCU Prep and your preferred bachelor’s course at the same time.
• If you want to start with JCU Prep, and:
  • You received an ATAR
    • If you completed Year 12 in the last three years and achieved an ATAR (or equivalent), you should apply for entry to JCU Prep through QTAC, using the QTAC code in the Fast Facts section above.
  • You didn’t receive an ATAR or you have previously studied with JCU
    • If you left school before Year 12, you completed Year 12 but didn’t receive an ATAR (or equivalent) or have previously studied one or more subjects at JCU, you should apply for JCU Prep directly, through our Online Application Portal.

Check the JCU application due dates page to ensure you meet the deadline for your chosen trimester.

You may be eligible for entry into a JCU course through your previous paid work experience. Explore how JCU recognises the experience you have gained through your career here to find out more.