University pathways
TAFE NSW Institutes offer a range of diplomas and an associate degree which provide for entry into Australian universities.
There are a number of ways to gain a bachelor degree. TAFE NSW Institutes have developed strong links with many leading universities to offer the following pathways:
TAFE NSW Institutes are also an accredited Higher Education provider and also offers higher education courses including associate and bachelor degrees in specialist subject areas.
Read more about Degree courses.
Foundation program
TAFE NSW Institutes offer international students the Tertiary Preparation Certificate or TPC (Certificate 4) as an entry qualification to bachelor degree courses. In this way the TPC provides the same benefit as a Foundation program.
Students enrolling in the TPC study a core of units including English language and learning, study skills, team skills, ethical practice in study and information technology.
In addition, elective units are selected from the following academic study areas:
- English: Literature, Media Studies, Creative Arts
- Mathematics: General Mathematics, Statistics, Advanced Mathematics, Calculus
- Science: Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Health
- Humanities: History, Legal Studies, Political.
Electives available may vary according to the TAFE NSW campus where you study.
Entry requirements
To apply for the TPC, students must satisfy the following entry requirements:
- Year 11 or equivalent
- Academic IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL (iBT) 51 or Certificate 3 in Advanced English for Further Study at TAFE NSW or equivalent
On completion of the TPC, students obtain a Tertiary Entrance Score (TES). Entry to University degree courses is assessed on the basis of the TES.
The Universities Admission Centre (UAC) uses the TAFE calculated TES to assist universities in making offers of places to TPC graduates.
Further information about international students applying through UAC can be found at Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) website
Universities in other states and territories also accept the TES for entry into courses.
Find out more about the Certificate 4 in Tertiary Preparation.
Diploma-to-Degree
TAFE NSW Diploma-to-Degree (D2D) university pathway programs allow students to enter a Bachelor Degree program with guaranteed credit at leading Australian universities.
For example:
- Students who successfully complete the Advanced Diploma of Accounting at TAFE NSW Institutes can gain entry into the Australian Catholic University and receive up to 1.5 years credit towards a Bachelor of Commerce degree (a three-year course).
Why should I choose a D2D program?
- Graduate with double qualifications: a TAFE NSW Diploma and a Bachelor Degree
- Take advantage of lower TAFE NSW semester tuition fees, which is an affordable way to gain a Bachelor Degree
- Your high-level academic and applied practical skills as a graduate will be of value to future employers.
Which universities offer a TAFE NSW pathway program?
- Australian Catholic University (ACU)
- Charles Sturt University (CSU)
- Southern Cross University (SCU)
- University of Western Sydney (UWS)
To see available Diploma-to-Degree pathways, select a 'Subject area' on the courses page and click 'Search'. D2D pathways appear towards the bottom of the search results page.
How to apply for a Diploma-to-Degree pathway
To apply for a Diploma-to-Degree pathway, you need to complete two application forms, a TAFE NSW application form and a university application form. Below are the steps you should follow to submit an application.
How to apply for D2D
Complete an application
You can apply online or download, complete and sign a TAFE NSW application form.
If you apply online, you still need to complete a paper university application form.
- Download and complete the paper application form for the relevant university (below), and scan it to your computer folders.
- Complete the TAFE NSW online application.
- Upload the university application form with your other documents (e.g. academic transcript, English language test results) to your online application.
If you have already started an online application you can check its progress by logging in to the online application system
| University partners | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University | Application form | |||
| Australian Catholic University (ACU) CRICOS Provider 00004G NSW | Download (pdf 69 KB) | |||
| Charles Sturt University (CSU) CRICOS Provider 00917K | Download (pdf 287 KB) | |||
| Southern Cross University (SCU) CRICOS Provider NSW 01241G | Download (pdf 87 KB) | |||
| University of Western Sydney (UWS) CRICOS Provider 064013K | Download (pdf 285 KB) | |||
Articulation (credit transfer)
TAFE NSW Institutes have articulation (credit transfer) agreements with a number of Australian universities. This means your previous studies at TAFE NSW Institutes may be recognised by these universities.
In most study areas, TAFE NSW Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas help you gain entry to university and give you between one-year and two years credit towards a bachelor. However, unlike D2D programs these credit transfer agreements don't automatically guarantee you a place at university.
Courses
International students can choose from over 300 courses in Sydney and regional locations.
Search from
Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Bachelor Degree.
Select from these options to see which courses meet your needs.
For further general information about qualifications, work placement, articulation, facilities and equipment, assessment methods and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) visit about TAFE NSW.
University pathways
Do you need help?
Ask a question online or contact
DEC International or an authorised agent
for help with choosing a TAFE NSW course or enrolling.
Downloads
Find out about TAFE NSW Institutes, study options, the study experience, and how to apply.
Full Course List 2013
Brochure and Course Guide
English courses
Certificate & Diploma courses
Higher Education Flyer
Associate Degree of Accounting Flyer
Degree courses
See more and translated documents
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ESOS Framework
The Australian Government wants international students to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding study experience in Australia.
Read more about the ESOS Framework.
Agent search
DEC International has a worldwide network of representative agents who can help you complete and submit your application to study.
These representatives must provide you with accurate and up-to date information and advice regarding programs, courses, application procedures, living and studying in Australia. They can also assist with your visa application. If you wish to apply through an agent it is recommended that you use an agent on this list. If you choose to use another agent who is not published on this list, then TAFE NSW is not responsible for the accuracy of the advice provided to you.
TAFE NSW English Language Centre agents
TAFE NSW English Language Centres also engage agent representatives and details of these agents can be found on the English Language pages for each of the listed Institutes. These agents may recruit students for intensive English language courses but not for any other courses at TAFE NSW.
- Crows Nest (Northern Sydney Institute)
- Kingscliff (North Coast Institute)
- Liverpool (South Western Sydney Institute)
- Newcastle (Hunter Institute)
- Port Macquarie (North Coast Institute)
- Ultimo (Sydney Institute)
- Wollongong (Illawarra Institute)
