Guaranteed Entry Scheme (GES)
- What is the Guaranteed Entry Scheme?
- How does it work?
- How much exemption will I get?
- What degree course can I enter?
- When can I take up guaranteed entry?
- Pathways Direct and the Guaranteed Entry Scheme - what's the difference?
International Students
If you are an international student looking for information about pathways, please visit our International website.
What is the Guaranteed Entry Scheme?
The Guaranteed Entry Scheme gives you guaranteed entry in to an undergraduate course when you enrol in a Swinburne diploma or advanced diploma.
Under this scheme you will receive credit for your diploma or advanced diploma studies, fast-tracking you into later stages of an undergraduate degree.
Your guaranteed entry is subject only to satisfactory completion of your TAFE course and must be taken up within four years of commencing that course.
How does it work?
When you satisfactorily complete of your diploma or advanced diploma, you'll automatically be eligible for a place in a Swinburne degree course, with credit granted for units completed during your TAFE studies.
All students entering diploma or advanced diploma courses will receive information on the Guaranteed Entry Scheme during their first semester. Information will be provided:
- Via email
- In student bulletins
- At information sessions
Please note that participation in the scheme does not in any way limit the future options available to students at the end of the TAFE course.
How much exemption will I get?
Under the scheme you'll be granted credit towards your degree for units completed during TAFE studies. The credit will be at least:
- 100 credit points for Swinburne diplomas (approximately one year of study)
- 150 credit points for Swinburne advanced diplomas (approximately one and a half years of study)
What degree course can I enter?
All Swinburne diploma and advanced diploma courses are covered by the Guaranteed Entry Scheme.
Where there is more than one guaranteed entry degree available for a particular TAFE course, students will be asked to nominate the degree program they wish to enter.
When can I take up my guaranteed entry?
You must take up your guaranteed entry offer within four years of commencing your TAFE program, regardless of the study mode (full-time or part-time). This will help ensure that you're only guaranteed entry into the most up-to-date undergraduate courses.
What's the difference between Pathways Direct and the Guaranteed Entry Scheme?
The Guaranteed Entry Scheme and Pathways Direct both allow you to more easily make the transition from TAFE to university.
The table below highlights the differences between the two programs:
| Guaranteed Entry Scheme | Pathways Direct | |
| Do I need to apply? | No. | Yes. |
| How do I apply? | There's no need. Eligible students are guaranteed entry to an undergraduate course. | You submit an application when you complete your diploma or advanced diploma. |
| How do I know if I'm eligible? | You have been offered a place in any diploma or advanced diploma. | You have completed your diploma or advanced diploma and met specific pathway conditions. |
| Credit exemptions | 100 credit points for Swinburne diplomas. 150 credit points for Swinburne advanced diplomas. | Amount of credit exemption varies. |
| When do I know I'm guaranteed a place in an undergraduate degree? | When you start your TAFE studies. | If your application is successful, you'll receive your undergraduate offer when you complete your TAFE studies. |
