Pathway opportunities
Swinburne has program options for students to commence degree studies via an entry pathway program or a more skills-based learning style.
UniLink diplomas provide a fast track option into a wide range of degrees at Swinburne. A two-year associate degree is a practical course that prepares you for work or further study. You could also progress from vocational training to a degree on completion of a TAFE diploma or advanced diploma at Swinburne, because you automatically achieve credit that accelerates you into later stages of a degree course.
UniLink (higher education diploma)
UniLink diplomas are accredited as an award-level higher education diploma and provide a direct academic pathway to second-year university. They are equivalent to first-year university and will prepare you for second-year entry to your chosen bachelor degree.
UniLink programs are available in Business, Design, Engineering and Information Technology. The course content is based on first year of a bachelor degree, but classes are smaller and you have more one-on-one time with your teachers. This additional support helps you adjust to university study. They are offered to domestic students as Commonwealth Supported Places.
Associate degrees
Associate degrees are two-year qualifications based on hands-on skills and practical outcomes. These courses are a good starting point for tertiary study and provide a pathway for further study.There's the option to progress to a bachelor level – meaning you could achieve a bachelor degree in the same time as through direct entry by completing an extra year of study. You can study associate degrees across business, information technology and digital media, health, and engineering.
Guaranteed Entry Scheme
The Guaranteed Entry Scheme (GES) gives Swinburne diploma and advanced diploma students guaranteed entry into a Swinburne undergraduate degree.You'll receive credit for your studies, fast-tracking you into later stages of the degree. You can take up your offer after you complete your TAFE course, or you can defer your offer and start your uni studies when it suits you.
Pathways Direct
If the degree you're interested in isn't offered through GES, you could consider Pathways Direct where you can apply for direct admission into a Swinburne degree.
The level of credit granted depends on the relevance of your TAFE qualification to the degree you'd like to enrol in.
Credit transfer
If you have completed a qualification at another institution you may be eligible to receive credit and enter a Swinburne degree with advanced standing.
How it works
| Pathway options | Do I need to apply? |
How do I apply? | When will I get my higher education offer? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed Entry Scheme | No. | Eligible students will automatically receive an offer. | When you start your TAFE studies. |
| Pathways Direct | Yes. | You submit an application when you complete your diploma or advanced diploma. | If your application is successful, you will receive your higher education offer when you complete your TAFE studies. |
| Credit transfer | Yes | You submit a course application and exemption form with supporting documents (such as unit outlines and results certificates). | If your application is successful, you will receive an offer. Details and credit approval is automatically finalised at enrolment or shortly after. |
