Future study
How CDU’s Tertiary Enabling Program can launch your new career

Not everyone takes the same path to university. At Charles Darwin University (CDU), we believe in second chances and your potential to excel. That's why we offer you a unique pathway to higher education: the Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP).
The TEP is a transformative bridge to university success, designed for those who didn't finish Year 12, didn't get the required ATAR or have been out of the classroom for a while and want to build their academic confidence.
CDU believes passionately in your potential to excel at uni life. The TEP is more than just a course – it’s a transformative bridge to uni success.
How have other students tapped into the TEP to get a start? Let’s take a look.
- Rikki was told her maths skills were not up to scratch to complete a Bachelor of Engineering successfully. She signed up to do the TEP and never looked back.
- Drew hadn’t planned on attending university but a desire for a career in education changed everything. He started his studies with CDU’s Tertiary Enabling Program and then graduated with a Bachelor of Education Secondary.
- Felex hadn’t finished high school and English wasn’t his first language, but our Tertiary Enabling Program helped him to advance into university.
- Jubilee had always dreamed of becoming a nurse, and she let nothing stand in her way. Not even the fact that she didn't meet the prerequisites for a nursing degree.
- Despite being the first in her family to attend university, Beth turned a Tertiary Enabling Program into a law degree.
- Sam missed out on the ATAR he needed to do the course you wanted, but he could still qualify to study health care with the TEP
- Sometimes life can interfere with your plans to go to uni. But as Priscilla discovered, CDU’s Tertiary Enabling Program can get you back in the groove.
- Sparky Matt first brushed up on his maths skills before tapping into scholarships to help him take a big step up the career ladder.
- Sizol flunked Year 12. But it didn’t stop her from aiming high and starting up her own consultancy after studying law at CDU. She couldn’t have done it without the TEP.
- Suzanne’s career counsellor at her old school recommended that she enrol in CDU’s TEP so she could study physiotherapy.
Laying the groundwork for success
Here’s why embracing CDU's Tertiary Enabling Program is one of the most empowering decisions you can make.
Bridge the gap and build your confidence: The TEP is tailored to develop your academic skills in critical thinking, essay writing, research and numeracy. As you master each component, your confidence will grow – replacing self-doubt with a strong belief in your abilities.
Try university without the pressure: The TEP offers a taste of university life in a supportive environment. You'll engage with university-level content and learn academic expectations with guidance at every step, allowing you to adapt to university life before committing to a full degree.
Discover your strengths and develop those skills: The TEP is a journey of self-discovery. You'll identify your academic passions, helping you choose the right degree. You'll also develop crucial skills like time management, effective research and exam preparation to benefit you throughout your degree and professional life.
Receive targeted support: You are not alone. CDU's TEP offers dedicated academic support through workshops, one-on-one sessions and access to learning resources. Our lecturers and tutors are committed to your success, providing personalised guidance to help you reach your full potential.
Choose from a range of degrees: Completing the TEP demonstrates your readiness for higher education, opening the door to a wide range of undergraduate degrees at CDU. Your ambition to become a nurse, teacher, business leader or environmental scientist can become a reality.
Embrace university life: You’ll be part of the vibrant and diverse CDU community from day one and connect with fellow TEP students, forming a supportive network that can last throughout your university journey.
Unlock your potential
If you've ever thought a university education was out of reach, CDU's Tertiary Enabling Program is your answer. It's an investment in yourself and a decisive step towards a future filled with new possibilities.
Don't let your past define your future. Take that courageous first step with CDU and unlock the incredible potential that lies within you.
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