There’s more than one way to get into your dream university course. TAFE Queensland has a range of pathway options that can get you started on your university degree sooner. 




Alternative programs

If you didn’t finish Year 12, complete the required prerequisites, or get the rank you needed, don't worry. TAFE Queensland can help you get into your preferred university degree through a variety of alternative programs.


Improve your rank

Completing any TAFE Queensland certificate III, certificate IV, diploma, advanced diploma, or associate degree may improve your OP score or QTAC selection rank and allow you to get into your dream university degree. Another added benefit of studying this way is that you can start working in your industry straight away, using your certificate or diploma skills while you finish off your degree.

Course QTAC selection rank* Maximum QTAC selection rank (using PLA)
Certificate III 68 (approx. OP 15) 82 (approx. OP 9)
Certificate IV 74 (approx. OP 12) 89 (approx. OP 6)
Diploma 82 (approx. OP 9) 91 (approx. OP 5)
Advanced Diploma / Associate Degree 91 (approx. OP 5) 98 (approx. OP 2)


Course Maximum QTAC selection rank (not using STAT^) Maximum QTAC selection rank (using STAT^)
Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation 91 (approx. OP 5) 98 (approx. OP 2)


* Based on grade point average (GPA) equivalent of 4.
^ The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

NOTE: QUT and Griffith University currently allocate a minimum rank of 87 (approx. OP 7) and 91 (approx. OP 5) for a completed Diploma and Advanced Diploma respectively. 

Transition from OP to ATAR

From 2020, the Overall Position (OP) for Queensland year 12 students will be replaced by the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). This means that ATARs will be introduced for students who start Year 11 in 2019 and graduate from the end of 2020. The ATAR is used nationally for tertiary admissions and indicates a student’s position relative to other students. It will be used for tertiary admissions from 2021 for Queensland students. The Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC) will calculate ATARs for Queensland school leavers.

QTAC website Learn more


Diploma-to-degree pathways

Our diploma-to-degree pathways allow you to complete a diploma and bachelor degree in the time it usually takes to complete a degree alone. You'll graduate at the same time as those who took a more traditional path, but with academic knowledge backed up by real-world skills. Studying this way may save you time and money, and will give you a head start in the job market allowing you to put your diploma skills into practice in the industry while you complete your degree qualification.

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Credit transfers

If you study a qualification at TAFE Queensland you may be eligible to receive credit towards your chosen degree. This is called a credit transfer and can save you time and money off your university studies.


Study a degree with TAFE Queensland

At TAFE Queensland we deliver contemporary degrees in a practical, job-focused learning environment. Through our university partnerships our students get the best of both worlds — the theoretical side of a university degree, with the applied-learning style that makes TAFE Queensland graduates so highly sought after by employers.

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