There are many different ways to get to the same destination, and that applies to university too. Sometimes students do not quite meet the entry criteria to go straight into a university course – maybe their ATAR was not high enough, or they did not attain the minimum study score in a prerequisite subject. The encouraging thing is that many universities have recommended pathway courses to degrees they offer.

Below are many of these pathway schemes offered in Victoria:

ACU Diplomas to ACU Degrees

Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers a number of 1-year diploma programs to domestic and International students at the Melbourne Campus. Completion of these diplomas takes students into the second year of various bachelor degrees.

Applications for these diplomas should be made through VTAC.

Box Hill Institute Pathways to ACU, Deakin, and La Trobe

Box Hill Institute places a strong emphasis on providing students with practical knowledge in their chosen area of study, preparing students for further study at Australian Catholic University (ACU), Deakin University, and La Trobe University.

Courses include business, nursing, sport development, accounting, commerce, and IT and some of these pathway courses are on offer to both domestice and international students.

For a list of pathway courses (some of which are guaranteed pathways) from Box Hill Institute to ACU, Deakin University, and La Trobe University, visit

Box Hill Institute to Universities.

Carlton College of Sport Diplomas to La Trobe University

Carlton College of Sport offers two 1-year diploma courses that may articulate into the second year of bachelor degrees at La Trobe University.

Diploma of Sport Coaching and Development into a number of sport-related degrees
Diploma of Sport Management (direct enrolment into the 2nd year of Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management)

Find out more at Carlton College of Sport.

Chisholm Institute to La Trobe University

Chisholm Institute, in partnership with La Trobe University, has a full pathway agreement related to the following degree:

Students can complete a La Trobe University Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse) at

Chisholm’s Frankston or Berwick Campuses - Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse Pathway).

Find out more at Pathways to Degrees from Chisholm Institute.

Deakin College to Deakin University

Deakin College is a direct pathway to Deakin University, providing domestic and international students with an experience that supports successful transition to further studies at the University. Deakin College offers:

Diploma programs that lead into a number of second year bachelor degrees at Deakin University include -

Deakin College courses are conducted on three Deakin University campuses in Victoria: Melbourne Burwood Campus, Geelong Waterfront Campus and Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus. Being located on campus enables students to access and enjoy all facilities and services, creating a smoother transition to their degree at Deakin.

Note: Domestic students apply through VTAC.

Find out more by browsing Deakin College.

Deakin University Pathway Options

Deakin University offers a number of pathway options for domestic students into its bachelor programs, including transferring between campuses, and transferring between courses. In other words, pathways through Deakin.

There are two courses that domestic students can apply for through VTAC. On completion of the Associate degrees, students have several options, including guaranteed transition and entry into a range of courses.

Associate Degree of Arts (pathways into Bachelor of Arts or Criminology or International Studies)
Associate Degree of Education (pathways into Bachelor of Education (Primary) or Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education, or the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education

Find out more at Pathways through Deakin.

Pathways from various TAFE Institutions to Deakin University

The Deakin Pathways Program seeks to encourage increased participation in higher education, as well as providing a supported student transition to higher education through supported VET programs. These pathways provide students with a seamless transition from TAFE Diplomas / Advanced Diplomas to Deakin University degrees. The TAFE institutions that Deakin has a partnership with are -

For further details in regard to the Deakin Pathways Program visit

TAFE to Deakin Pathways, and browse the useful pathways finder tool.

Alternatively, email pathways@deakin.edu.au for assistance or further advice.

Federation University Pathways to a Degree

Federation University offers a few pathway options to a bachelor’s degree.

Some Higher Education Diploma courses are offered that articulate into a bachelor’s degree. On completion of the diploma, students can go into the second year of the bachelor degree. These include –

Diploma of Business and Sports Management (Domestic students only)
Diploma of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Domestic students only)

The Federation Access Studies (FAST) program. On successful completion of this 6-month program, students are guaranteed a place in a wide range of Federation degrees. Open to domestic students only.

Find out more at Pathways to Federation University.

Kangan Institute Pathways to University

Kangan Institute has partnered with leading universities in Australia to give students guaranteed pathway options to higher education.

Diploma programs including in accounting, business, early childhood education, IT,

logistics, management, nursing, dermal therapy, building & construction lead into Bachelor degrees, with up to one year’s credit) at a number of universities including –

Find out more at Kangan Pathways to University.

La Trobe College to La Trobe University

La Trobe College is an alternative entry option to La Trobe University and provides a complete university experience within a personal and supportive environment and a fast-track pathway to an extensive range of degree options.

La Trobe College offers a range of Diploma courses, which are equivalent to La Trobe University's first year bachelor degree. Upon successful completion, students enter second year of their Bachelor Degree, choosing a degree from the university's five faculties.

La Trobe College pathway courses include -

Find out more at La Trobe College .

La Trobe University

Pathway Options to La Trobe University

One-Year Diplomas

La Trobe University offers a range of 1-year diplomas that, on successful completion, are guaranteed to articulate into certain bachelor degrees with some (or all) credit for units already completed in the diploma. Students will be able to apply through VTAC. These include –

Find out more at La Trobe University Diplomas.

Associate Degrees

These two year courses pathway into bachelor degrees with credit. They can be applied for through VTAC.

Prepare for La Trobe

La Trobe’s Tertiary Preparation Program is for students who –

have not completed high school
completed high school some time ago
completed high school without an ATAR

Students can complete a range of free online micro-subjects, each micro-unit requiring approximately 8-10 hours of independent study per week during a six-week term at La Trobe.

The Tertiary Preparation Program will give students the skills to thrive at university, as well as an ATAR equivalent score they can use when they apply. Eligible students equivalent score they can use when they apply. Eligible students will be able to apply for all bachelor’s degrees except:

Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours), (Regional Entry), Bendigo
Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours), Bendigo
Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical), Bendigo
Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical), Albury-Wodonga

Students will also need to meet any other requirements for entry, such as prerequisites or additional entry criteria (e.g. completion of the CASPer test for teaching courses).

Monash College to Monash University

A Monash College Diploma offers a direct pathway into second year at Monash

University. Six diplomas are on offer that can lead students to a number of Monash University degree courses. Students should note that entry requirements into Monash College and Monash University do apply.

Diploma courses on offer include –

Diploma of Art and Design
Diploma of Arts (3 streams: psychology OR sociology OR media communication)
Diploma of Business (there is a business stream OR commerce stream)
Diploma of Education Studies
Diploma of Engineering
Diploma of Information Technology
Diploma of Science

Find out more at Monash College.

Pathway Options to Monash University

Diploma of Tertiary Studies (DoTs)

The Diploma of Tertiary Studies (DoTS) is designed as an alternative pathway to university study. The one-year full-time course is particularly suited to domestic students requiring additional learning support in their first year of study. The DoTS pathway equips students with the skills to write essays, undertake research, solve problems, think critically, develop projects, and communicate their ideas more effectively.

This pathway opportunity is offered at the Peninsula campus of Monash University. Providing a direct pathway to Monash University, successful completion of DoTS allows students to apply to progress to the second year of a number of Monash University degrees. When applying for DoTS, students will have the flexibility to choose a stream that interests them from Business, Education or Nursing. It is this stream that forms the first year of their degree and determines which Monash University degree they can pathway into. Students should note that they must meet the VCE prerequisites and a minimum ATAR required.

The pathways courses are –

Diploma of Tertiary Studies (Business) leads to:

Bachelor of Business Administration(at the Peninsula Campus)

Bachelor of Business (at the Caulfield Campus)

Diploma of Tertiary Studies (Education) leads to:

Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Early Childhood and Primary Education Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Primary Education

Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Primary and Secondary Health and Physical Education

Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Secondary Health and Physical Education

Note: Students are required to achieve the standard in a situational judgement test prior to gaining admission to the Bachelor of Education (Honours). Once enrolled in the BEd (Hons), students will be required to achieve the standard in the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students.

Diploma of Tertiary Studies (Nursing) leads to: Bachelor of Nursing (Peninsula Campus)

Visit DoTS to find out more.

Diploma of Higher Education (DoHE)

The Diploma of Higher Education (DoHE) is designed for domestic students who want to study a Bachelor of education, or a course in science, inclusive of mathematics or related areas at Monash University, but did not get the ATAR they need, or they did not quite meet the entry requirements for entry, having perhaps missed a prerequisite, particularly mathematics.

On successful completion of this one-year, full-time course, students can apply to enter the second year of education, education/science, or several mathematics and

science courses, and gain credit for the subjects they have already studied.

The Diploma of Higher Education is offered at the Clayton campus. Students should note that they must meet the VCE prerequisites and a minimum ATAR required.

The pathways courses include –

Diploma of Higher Education (DoHE) Arts Stream leads to:
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Criminology
Bachelor of International Relations
Bachelor of Media Communication
Diploma of Higher Education (DoHE) Education Stream leads to:
Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Primary and Secondary Education
Bachelor of Education (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Education (Honours) and Bachelor of Business
Bachelor of Education (Honours) and Bachelor of Science

Note: Students are required to achieve the standard in a situational judgement test prior to gaining admission to the Bachelor of Education (Honours). Once enrolled in the BEd (Hons), students will be required to achieve the standard in the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students.

Diploma of Higher Education (DoHE) Science Stream leads to:

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Education (Honours) and Bachelor of Science

Diploma of Higher Education (DoHE) Learning Design & Technology Stream to:

Bachelor of Learning Design and Technology

Visit DoHE to find out more.

Pathway Diplomas and Associate Degrees to RMIT University

RMIT offers a diverse range of pathway programs to assist students in reaching their study and career destination. The pathways at RMIT provide opportunities for students to transfer from one program to another, receive recognition for their existing skills and knowledge, and can be credited towards a degree. RMIT offers numerous packaged pathways (i.e., diploma into degree programs) – and students are encouraged to browse the Pathways link below and find out more.

An excellent pathway program for students keen on teaching is the – Diploma of TeacherEducation Preparation.

This course has been created for those domestic students who may not meet the entry requirements of the Bachelor of Education, and focuses on the education environment, inclusive education, approaches to learning and the teaching profession.

This qualification may provide career opportunities in the education support sector, including education support worker, teacher assistant or integration/teacher aide.

Successful completion of the diploma provides a guaranteed entry into one of the Bachelor of Education streams, and a couple of business undergraduate degrees.

Other Diploma courses that articulate into Bachelor degrees include –

There are many more diploma and Associate Degree courses, which can also be found on VTAC, including Nursing, Project Management, Screen & Media, and Youth Work.

Visit RMIT Pathways and Packaged Pathways.

Pathway to Degrees at Swinburne University

Fee-Free UniReady Program

Finishing school without an ATAR? Want to change careers but haven’t studied before?

Our

Fee-Free UniReady course is for you – because university is for everyone.

This free 15-week course will give domestic participants all the skills they need to enter university, with flexible study on-campus and online, supportive classes and no prerequisites to apply.

During the course, all students will study four subjects focused on foundational skills. On successful completion, students can then go on into one of the following bachelor degree

Associate Degree in Applied Technologies
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Aviation Management
Bachelor of Business
Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)
Bachelor of Design
Bachelor of Health Sciences
Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology
Bachelor of Media and Communication
Bachelor of Science

Find out more at Fee-Free UniReady Program.

Pathways from TAFE

Students who complete a Victorian TAFE (vocational education) diploma or associate diploma, will receive guaranteed entry into a relevant Swinburne bachelor degree.

Visit Guaranteed entry from TAFE to find out more.

UniLink Diplomas

UniLink diplomas are an option for both domestic and International students who miss direct entry to a degree or who would benefit from a more supportive style of learning. They are equivalent to the first year of university and can provide a pathway to the second year of a related Swinburne University bachelor degree. Students who successfully complete their diploma course are guaranteed a place in a range of business, information and communication technologies, and science degrees.

Domestic students can apply for the diplomas and packaged diplomas; International students must apply for the packaged diplomas.

UniLink diplomas are available in the areas of:

arts and communication – leads to media & communication, games & interactivity, criminal justice & criminology, arts, health science, aviation management, etc.
business – leads to arts, business, business information & communication technology, aviation management, media & communication, etc.
design – leads to architecture, design, interior architecture, games design, industrial design, etc.
engineering – leads to aviation, aviation management, engineering, etc.
health science – leads to biomedical science, exercise & sport science, health science, psychological sciences, science, aviation management, etc.
information technology leads to cyber security, data science, information & communication technology, computer science, games & interactivity, etc.
science leads to science

Students wishing to undertake a UniLink course can apply through VTAC and must attain an ATAR of approximately 40 -50, and meet any prerequisites, to be eligible for consideration.

For more information about the range of UniLink courses on offer, visit UniLink Diplomas.

University of Melbourne -

Uni Ready Enabling Program

Want to study Science or Commerce at the Uni of Melb, but don’t yet meet the

entry requirements? The Uni Ready Enabling Program could be your next step.

Open to domestic students who have completed secondary school (or equivalent) with an ATAR of 70 or higher. To be eligible for entry to this course, students must have completed the following subjects and achieved these minimum scores:

Units 1 & 2 (Year 11) in VCE Mathematical Methods. Satisfactory completion only required.
Units 3 & 4 (Year 12): A study score of at least 25 in VCE English/English Language/ Literature or at least 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL).

Students who have completed Units 3 & 4 VCE Mathematical Methods (or equivalent) with a study score of 25 or more are not eligible for the Uni Ready Enabling Program.

Applicants entering the Science Pathway and intending to progress to the Bachelor of Science must have completed Units 3 & 4 in VCE Biology, Chemistry or Physics with a study score of at least 25.

Applicants who belong to one or more of the following priority groups (supporting documentation required) will be prioritised in selection:

Students living in low socio-economic areas
Students living in a regional or remote location
Indigenous students
Students with a disability

Find out more at Uni Ready Enabling Program.

Victoria University – Pathway Options

Victoria University offers a range of diplomas to degree programs. Pathways in arts, business, education, engineering and science, health and biomedicine, law and justice, and sport and exercise are available.

Examples of pathways include the -

Diploma of Accounting may pathway into the
Bachelor of Accounting OR Bachelor of Business
Diploma of Business (Enterprise) may pathway into the Bachelor of Business
Diploma of Cyber Security may pathway to the Bachelor of Cyber Security
Diploma of Information Technology may pathway to the
Bachelor of Information Technology
Diploma of Nursing may pathway to the Bachelor of Nursing
Diploma of Beauty Therapy may pathway to the Bachelor of Dermal Sciences
Diploma of Education Studies -
Successful completion earns you a place in the second year in one of these specialised courses:

Bachelor of Education Studies: to lead learning programs outside the traditional classroom

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education: to teach and care for children from birth to five years

Bachelor of Arts: choose to study fine art, communication, digital media, history, sociology and more.

After completing additional requirements, students may also be eligible for: Bachelor of Education (P-12): to teach all age groups – from Prep to Year 12 Bachelor of Education (Primary): to teach in primary schools.

Browse Education & early childhood pathways for more information regarding teaching pathways.

Find out more at Pathways to VU.

Victoria University offers a range of pathways into university degrees through partnerships with a variety of providers. VU recognises the value of certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas and wants to recognise other qualifications by guaranteeing entry or providing credits into future studies.

Browse Pathways into VU from our partners

Swinburne - New Courses

St. Joseph's College