CDU’s Pathway Courses (also called enabling, preparatory or bridging courses) are free for domestic students and are designed to help you develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you’ll need to succeed in your studies.
Thinking of studying a Pathway Studies course with CDU?
Here’s a handy guide to help you decide which is the best course for you.
| My goal | Pathway Studies course |
|---|---|
| I want to start my university journey, but I don’t currently meet the entry requirements. | Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP) |
| I identify as First Nations, and I’m taking my first steps towards studying at CDU. | First Nations Pathways to University Programs |
| I meet the requirements to go to university and want to explore areas of study OR I’m already enrolled at CDU, but I need support with specific subject areas (such as maths, human anatomy and physiology or education) or study skills (academic writing, online learning navigation, AI tools for study or time management). | UniBoost |
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What are CDU’s Pathway Studies courses?
These courses are designed to help you get into university, and once you’re there, thrive in a supportive learning environment.
Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP)
Our Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP) is an alternative pathway into university that can help you meet entry requirements for most undergraduate degrees offered at CDU while also building your study skills and confidence.
If you fall short of meeting the entry requirements or just haven't studied in a while, TEP is perfect for you.
Study options: Online, on campus, part-time, or full-time. Can be completed in as little as 16 weeks, although students with other time commitments should consider studying across two or more semesters.
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First Nations Pathways to University Programs
CDU's pathway programs help First Nations students get ready for university in a culturally safe space.
Our programs will prepare you with academic skills and confidence, and introduce you to study and career opportunities in your chosen stream. You'll also have First Nations mentors, tutors and support services to help you succeed.
Once you complete your program, CDU offers a mix of online or on-campus courses at several locations. You can apply for a range of courses with exit qualifications at certificate, diploma or degree level, or even jump straight into studying law.
Study options: On campus, full-time, six months.
UniBoost
UniBoost is a pathway program that can strengthen your skills and knowledge to help you successfully navigate university.
Whether you’re about to enrol or have already started, UniBoost lets you explore what the course is about before you commit, and then helps you thrive at university.
UniBoost covers everything from subject-specific support (brushing up on maths skills, anatomy and physiology, education concepts) to essential study skills (academic writing, navigating online resources, using AI tools effectively, and core time management skills).
UniBoost will start taking enrolments from Semester 1, 2026.
Study options: For the latest offerings, see the UniBoost study plan.
"This program will absolutely reduce the shock and panic you might experience when starting a new course. It's more like calmly wading into a pool rather than jumping off into the deep end."
- Roy decided to prepare himself for first-year studies in
Anatomy and Physiology before starting his Biomedical Science course at CDU
CDU pathway course success stories
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Norlisha's pathway to Indigenous health research
Norlisha had been working in health research for several years, with the thought of study always at the back of her mind. Not knowing how or where to start, Norlisha says it took quite a while to take that first step. Then, she discovered CDU's First Nations Introduction to University Program.
Read more -
I'm the first in my family to go to uni: Beth's story
Beth took the first step in her journey to becoming a lawyer, by completing CDU’s free Tertiary Enabling Program. These days, Beth is well on the way to achieving her dream; she’s finishing her law degree online, while working as a legal intern in Brisbane.
Read more -
From young mum to psychology graduate: Sherkeira’s decade-long journey with CDU
Learn moreMeet Sherkeira, from Alice Springs in Australia's Red Centre – a First Nations mum with a remarkable story that proves that sometimes in life, the best things happen when things don’t go to plan.