Tertiary preparation program
Applications now open
Applications for Term 2, 2027 are now open.
Our Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) unlocks access to our courses while developing your skills for uni success. It’s ideal for those who don’t have an ATAR, didn’t complete Year 12, completed it a while ago or aren’t eligible for direct entry into a diploma or degree at any institution1.
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 (TPP) study plans
The TPP 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 science.
The TPP offers two study plans, TPP Foundation and TPP Intermediate.
TPP Foundation
In TPP Foundation, you will study 12 micro-units across four terms in subjects covering Humanities, Science and Mathematics.
Eligibility
To be eligible for La Trobe’s TPP Foundation program, you must:
- be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident
- have not previously received, and do not currently have, an offer to study a diploma or degree at any institution
- be 18 years or older by 31 December in the year before you start the program, or are 17 years old and have completed Year 12
- have completed Year 10 or an equivalent level of education
- have an IELTS score of at least 6.0 in each band, or an equivalent English language qualification if English is your second language.
Not sure if you’re eligible?
Not sure which program is right for you or if you meet the eligibility requirements? Contact tep@latrobe.edu.au to discuss your study options.
TPP Intermediate
We recommend all students take TPP Foundation to ensure they are well-skilled for success in their future course.
If you’re a confident learner and completed Year 12 in the last five years, you can request entry into TPP Intermediate.
In this program, you will study 6 micro-units and complete them across two terms. You can select a discipline stream from either Humanities, Science or Mathematics.
Eligibility
To be eligible for La Trobe’s TPP Intermediate program, you must:
- Meet all TPP Foundation eligibility criteria, and;
- Have completed Year 12 in the last five years and have attached evidence of completion to your application.
We will assess your previous educational experience, and you will be offered Intermediate if you qualify.
Benefits
- Gain valuable and transferable skills for university success.
- Access to dedicated care from our award-winning teaching team, ensuring you’re supported all the way through.
- Unlock a La Trobe Entrance Score and access to our undergraduate courses.
- TPP Foundation meets prerequisites for La Trobe courses requiring a VCE 25 in English and VCE 20 in General Maths.
- All TPP Intermediate streams meet the prerequisite for La Trobe courses requiring a VCE 25 in English. TPP Intermediate Maths Stream additionally meets the VCE 20 in General Maths. Check your destination course for other requirements and prerequisite requirements for entry such (e.g., completion of the CASPer test for teaching courses).
How to apply
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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.
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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.
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Wait for your offer
Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive an outcome shortly after application dates have closed.
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.
Want to know more?
Important information
1The Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) is a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for students who are not eligible for direct entry into a diploma or degree at any institution. If you’re eligible for direct entry, you may not be eligible for the TPP and your offer or enrolment may be withdrawn.