Tertiary preparation program

Applications now open

Our Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) unlocks access to our courses while developing skills to set you on a path to uni success, ideal for those who don't have an ATAR, haven't completed Year 12 or completed it some time ago.

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Getting Started with TPP

Unlock a La Trobe Entrance Score

Earn an alternative rank to an ATAR as a pathway into your dream course*.

Apply for and start uni with confidence

Your tailored program will develop study fitness, build academic and communication skills and prepare you to overcome study challenges.

100% online, free and flexible

Study online and at your own pace, with access to dedicated tools, services and support whenever you need them.

What you’ll study

Our nationally awarded tertiary preparation program consists of approachable and engaging micro-units spanning a variety of interesting subjects to prepare you for success. Each micro-unit requires approximately 8-10 hours of independent study per week during a six-week term at La Trobe.

You’ll explore topics like:

  • Academic culture, writing and presentations
  • Thinking mathematically and mathematical communication
  • Critical reasoning and inquiry
  • World-changing ideas in science

Tertiary Preparation Program

Foundation

La Trobe’s TPP program provides a direct pathway into university for students who don’t have an ATAR.

In this free online program, you’ll study 12 micro-units (Foundation program) and complete them across four terms.

The TPP program aims to build your confidence and give you the foundational academic skills required for university study, within a flexible online learning environment.

You’ll study a series of core micro-units across the humanities, mathematics and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

The TPP meets prerequisites for La Trobe courses requiring a VCE 25 in English and VCE 20 in General Maths. (Check your destination course (check your destination course for other Maths requirements and prerequisites). You’ll 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).

Eligibility

To be eligible for La Trobe’s TPP Foundation program, you must:

  • Be over 18 years of age by 31 December in the year prior to commencing in the program (or 17 if you have completed year 12).
  • Be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen, or Permanent Australian Resident.
  • Have completed a minimum of year 10 secondary school studies or equivalent (if not, please contact TEP@latrobe.edu,au for more advice).
  • If English is your second language, have an English entry level IELTS score of a minimum of 6 across all bands, or equivalent.
  • Must not have an existing university offer and must not be eligible for a university offer.

Benefits

  • Unlock a La Trobe Entrance Score and access to our undergraduate courses.
  • The Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) is completely online and free.
  • Access to dedicated care from our award-winning teaching team, ensuring you’re supported all the way through.
  • Gain valuable and transferable skills for university success.

TPP Intermediate

We recommend all students take the TPP Foundation program to ensure they are well-skilled for success in their future course.

However, if you’re a confident learner and completed year 12 in the last five years, you can request entry into the Tertiary Preparation Program (Intermediate) – our shorter 60-credit-point program, consisting of six micro-units.

We will assess your previous educational experience, and you will be offered Intermediate if you qualify. You can request this program in your application and must provide evidence of Year 12 completion.

How to apply

  • Prepare and complete your application for the Tertiary Preparation Program

    Prepare any supporting documentation, including proof of your highest educational attainment and/or English language skills if you did not complete schooling in Australia, United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland.

  • Complete the right program for you

    TPP Foundation is the best preparation for future study success, however students who have completed high school within the last five years can request an expedited study (TPP Intermediate).

    Please also consider required prerequisites for your destination course. TPP Foundation and Intermediate both provide the equivalent of a 25 in English required for most La Trobe courses and the opportunity to meet the equivalent of a 20 in general maths.

    If you apply for TPP Intermediate, to support your application, you must provide evidence of your completion of high school within the last five years, such as a transcript or completion certificate.

  • Wait for your offer

    Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive an outcome shortly after application dates have closed.

    Complete this form to receive info about studying at La Trobe.

FAQs

You'll be able to apply for all* undergraduate courses, 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

* You’ll 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).

The TPP program is offered at no cost and is free for all eligible students.

There are some selection guidelines for entry into the program.

You must:

  • be over 18 years of age by 31 December in the year prior to commencing in the program (or 17 if you have completed year 12).
  • be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen, or Permanent Australian Resident.
  • have completed a minimum of year 10 secondary school studies or equivalent, and
  • have an English entry level IELTS score of a minimum of 6 across all bands, or equivalent (if English is not your first language).

No, La Trobe’s TPP program is a 100% online tertiary pathway program, which means you can study whenever and wherever – provided there’s an active internet connection.

As a La Trobe student, you’ll gain access to all student services at any of our courses, including the Library, Counselling and clubs and societies.

You’ll gain access to our dedicated support services at every step from enrolling into subjects to academic development and transitioning into their dream course. Support provided via Zoom catch ups to help and ease the transition to university.

Students have access to online academic support through their subject facilitators, and to all student facilities and support services online or on-campus, depending on which suits you the most.

Our dedicated academic staff will be there to support you throughout your learning journey.

No. While many TPP students opt for three micro-units (which meets Centrelink requirements for full-time study), you have the flexibility to set your own pace and take fewer subjects.

Just a moment

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