Tertiary Pathway Program

Notre Dame's Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP) is designed to prepare you for entry into many University undergraduate degree programs. The skills, knowledge and experience that you will develop during the semester are essential for successful transition to university.

Upon successfully completing the Tertiary Pathway Program you will be guaranteed entry into many undergraduate degree programs in Arts and Sciences, Counselling, Behavioural Science, Communications and Media, Politics and International Relations, Business, Education, Health Sciences and Philosophy and Theology.

The Tertiary Pathway Program does not guarantee entry into Nursing and Midwifery, and is not a pathway for Law, Medicine and Physiotherapy .

The Tertiary Pathway Program is free for Australian and New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and holders of humanitarian visas. The program is also offered to international students wanting to gain entry to an undergraduate program at The University of Notre Dame Australia.

The Tertiary Pathway Program is offered at our three campuses; Fremantle, Sydney and Broome.

• Is this pathway for me?

  Are you a mature age student, school leaver, want a refresher program before starting an undergraduate degree or an international student wanting to study at the University of Notre Dame? Well, this is the right program for you!

• Intensive TPP Summer Term Fremantle 2026

  If you have strong academic results but do not meet the direct entry requirements into undergraduate studies, you may be eligible for an intensive 4-week pathway program on the Fremantle campus over the Summer Term.

  Intensive TPP will run from Monday 5th January – Friday 30th January 2026.

  The program will be taught in 2 x block weeks: two courses in each block week. Tutorials will be delivered on campus and attendance is mandatory across the four weeks.

  Classes commence at 8:30 – 10:30 AM and 10:30 – 12:30 PM daily for the four weeks. There are exams in the program for the Essential Maths course which will run during the week of 2nd February.

  All students will complete the following 5 courses:

  Program Code: 0137 Tertiary Pathway Program

  First block (2 weeks)

  • Learning for University (embedded in the program)
  • Academic Writing
  • Research Skills and Information Literacy

  Second block (2 weeks)

  • Essential Maths
  • Communication Skills

• TPP 2026 Program Structure

  • Program duration: One semester full time, 2 semesters, part-time.
  • How many courses: 5 courses
  • Study mode: On-campus, online only for rural or remote students or students with special circumstances
  • Timetable: Students attend tutorials 2-3 days per week, depending on the timetable they select. There are 8 hours of teaching in total per week, 2 hours per course.
  • Intake: Semester 1 and Semester 2

  You will complete 5 courses. Each course is specifically designed to help develop key skills necessary for university studies.

  All students complete:

  • Learning for University (during Orientation week)
  • Academic Writing
  • Essential Mathematics
  • Research Skills and Information Literacy

  And ONE elective from the following depending on the discipline you are going into:

  Course Name	Intended Undergraduate School
  Foundations of Human Biology	Health Sciences
  Communication Skills	Arts & Sciences, Business, Education (Early Learning, Primary or Secondary), Philosophy & Theology

• Mode of study

  Courses in the Tertiary Pathway Program are offered in both internal (on campus) and external (online) modes. However, online study is mainly for students who live in rural and remote communities and / or students with special circumstances.

  Please speak to our friendly Academic Pathway Advisors to work out what works best for you.

  Internal Mode
  Internal mode (on campus) will provide you with immersive learning experiences that facilitate your engagement with the University’s community. The structures provided by internal mode will help you establish routines that are necessary to navigate university successfully.

  External Mode
  External mode (online) will provide you the opportunity to join a scheduled online tutorial (via ZOOM). External mode is for rural and remote students who cannot travel to the campus. You will learn collaboratively with your online tutor and classmates. The tutorials are asynchronous to the ones taught on campus and attendance is compulsory. This is NOT an online option that you study at your own pace.

  Program Code
  0137

  CRICOS Code
  083629J

• Assessment

  Learning is assessed in one or more of the following ways:

  • written assignments
  • oral presentations
  • reflective activities
  • group projects
  • quizzes and final examinations

  You will be given the opportunity to reflect on your personal learning needs and create relevant learning goals. Assessment tasks across the courses comprise a mix of formative, summative and peer review.

• Program completion

  Successful completion of all the requirements of the Tertiary Pathway Program meets the minimum entry requirements for study in many undergraduate degrees. When a place is offered the student can commence their degree the following semester.

• Course descriptions

  ENAB0100 Learning for University
  This course is designed to orient students to university education as well as to satisfy the requirements of the Tertiary Pathway Program. The course develops independent learning and the skills required for success in higher education. The course promotes effective study techniques, organisational skills, and strategies for effective listening, reading and critical thinking for university purposes.

  ENAB0010 Communication Skills
  Pre-requisite – ENAB0100 Learning for University
  This course examines the culture and expectations of higher education and promotes effective communication skills for a variety of learning environments.  The course develops knowledge of English (structure, form and function) and the application of grammar, punctuation and sentence construction.  Students also develop effective communication skills and the knowledge, skills and processes of information technology used for academic purposes.

  ENAB0020 Essential Mathematics
  This course is designed to develop students' ability to interpret and solve mathematical problems using a variety of mental and written techniques. Students will develop their understanding and skills with whole and decimal number theory and mathematical problem solving strategies. These will include calculating with whole and fractional numbers, algebra, geometry, statistics and graphing. Problems that are relevant to students' daily lives or workplaces will be emphasised. Students will learn correct terminology and standard notation for recording mathematical processes. Students will work individually and in groups to complete exercises in each of the content areas.

  ENAB0030 Research Skills and Information Literacy
  Pre-requisite: ENAB0100 Learning for University
  This course provides foundational information literacy and academic research skills required for academic success in undergraduate education.  The course also promotes effective academic study by exposure to core information literacy concepts, the use of academic information resources in a variety of formats and effective academic research skills.

  ENAB0040 Academic Writing
  Pre-requisites: ENAB0100 Learning for University
  This course develops the ability to write effectively for a range of academic purposes.  An emphasis is placed on learning to incorporate research material into a range of academic texts by paraphrasing, quoting, summarising and applying correct referencing protocols.  The course will also develop technical writing skills for a range of academic purposes.

  ENAB0080 Foundations of Human Biology
  This course aims to familiarise students who wish to enter into a health-related discipline to the form and function of the human body. Students will examine the topics of cells and metabolism, body systems, and regulation and control. A broad understanding of the content will be developed alongside improved skills in note-taking and applicable mathematics. Students will utilise this opportunity to reflect upon their vocational aim to enter the health profession, as well as familiarise themselves with key terminology required for their chosen undergraduate course of study.

• Entry requirements

  Admission into the Tertiary Pathway Program is assessed on an individual basis. Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements for their intended undergraduate degree will need to demonstrate potential for success within the Tertiary Pathway Program.

  At Notre Dame we know that you're a person, not a number. We consider who you are, what you have done and what you want to do with your life. So if you are looking to study at the University there are a number of entry pathways available to you.

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