Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
40Course code
Overview
The Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP) is a free program that helps build your academic skills, knowledge and confidence for studying at university.
During the program, you will develop the skills and strategies for managing university life and study.
You will study key areas such as:
- foundations for success;
- academic language and learning;
- foundation maths;
- bioscience;
- perspectives in humanities.
TEP is for you if:
- it has been a while since you last studied and feel like you now need to refresh your skills;
- you did not achieve an adequate Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or equivalent;
- you have not completed other eligible qualifications that meet the minimum entry requirements for most CDU undergraduate courses.
Fees
TEP is free for Australian and New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and Humanitarian Visa holders. You can study on-campus or externally online.
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) Australian Citizenship; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident visa holder who will be resident within Australia for the duration of the unit.
2022: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
2023: Information about fees and charges will be published no later than 1 December 2022.
Why study at CDU?
Whether you learn on campus or online, you will be studying with a proud multi-sector university that’s a leader in research and flexible study delivery. CDU is innovative, industry-relevant and student-centred. Our students are at the heart of all that we do.
- Benefit from smaller class sizes for more personalised attention
- Online learners receive the same support as their on-campus peers
- Enjoy inclusive, welcoming learning environments
- Utilise our deep connections with industry, businesses and communities in the Northern Territory, across Australia, and beyond
What will I study?
The Tertiary Enabling Program is a four unit program which is one semester long if undertaken full time. It consists of three core units and one elective which can be undertaken either on campus or externally studying online. Successful completion of the program prepares students to undertake tertiary study at Charles Darwin University.
Course structure
- 2023 HE unit offerings are not yet available however will be published no later than 1 November 2022.
- Always refer to the Course Catalogue for the latest information about your course prior to enrolment.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
Core Units (3 units) | 30cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 30 credit points as detailed below. TEP021 Foundations for Success (unit title change 2022) |
Specialist Elective (1 unit) | 10cp | Specialist Elective unit totalling 10 credit points as detailed below. TEP025 Bioscience |
40cp | Total Credit Points |
Study plan
- 2023 HE unit offerings are not yet available however will be published no later than 1 November 2022.
- Always refer to the Course Catalogue for the latest information about your course prior to enrolment.
Students commencing in Semester 1 - Full time
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
Year 1 | |||
TEP021 Foundations for Success (unit title change 2022) | CO | ||
TEP022 Academic Language and Learning | CO | ||
TEP023 Foundation Maths | CO | ||
TEP025 Bioscience OR TEP026 Perspectives in Humanities (unit title change 2022) | SE |
Students commencing in Semester 1 - Part time
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a part time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
Year 1 | |||
TEP021 Foundations for Success (unit title change 2022) | CO | TEP023 Foundation Maths | CO |
TEP022 Academic Language and Learning | CO | TEP025 Bioscience OR TEP026 Perspectives in Humanities (unit title change 2022) | SE |
Intensive Period 4 (INT-4)
If you are studying TEP part-time in semester 1 2022 and you would like the opportunity to complete TEP prior to semester 2, then you may be interested in the Dry Season Intensive (INT4) offering, which will enable continuing students to complete TEP023 Foundations Maths and either of the electives (TEP025 Bioscience or TEP026 Perspectives in Humanities). Please note that new students must begin their studies either in Semester 1 or Semester 2 2022 as the Dry Season Intensive (INT4) is for continuing students only. Please keep in mind that as these units are intensives, and that you will require 20 hours per week for each unit. If you choose to complete two units, then this will require 40 hours per week of study over the six week period.
Students commencing in Semester 2 - Full time
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
Year 1 | |||
TEP021 Foundations for Success (unit title change 2022) | CO | ||
TEP022 Academic Language and Learning | CO | ||
TEP023 Foundation Maths | CO | ||
TEP025 Bioscience OR TEP026 Perspectives in Humanities (unit title change 2022) | SE |
Students commencing in Semester 2 – Part time
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a part time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
Year 1 | |||
TEP021 Foundations for Success (unit title change 2022) | CO | ||
TEP022 Academic Language and Learning | CO | ||
Year 2 | |||
TEP023 Foundation Maths | CO | ||
TEP025 Bioscience OR TEP026 Perspectives in Humanities (unit title change 2022) | SE |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible for the Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP):
- you must be 17 or over by the census date of the relevant semester.
- you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen (residing in Australia), permanent resident or Humanitarian Visa holder.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student

Course details
Additional information
Contact details
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How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
Domestic applications
Applying for ZTEP01 at CDU is a simple online process.
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