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.
If you don’t have an ATAR or meet entry requirements, you can choose to study our free and flexible Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP) and in as little as 16 weeks you’ll gain entry to most CDU undergraduate degrees. TEP can be studied online or on campus part-time or full-time.
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.
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).
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.
Take the next step
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.
How to apply
Apply with your Grade Point Average (GPA)
You can apply based on your GPA if you have completed at least 0.5 years of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education course.
The minimum GPA is 2.24 for most courses at CDU.
Apply with an Australian Tertiary Admission Ranking (ATAR)
You will meet the entry requirements to most courses with a minimum ATAR (or equivalent) of 60; however, some courses are more competitive and may have a higher cut-off score.
To see the specific ATAR cut-off score, find your course and check under the entry requirements tab.
ATAR related adjustments
CDU offers two point schemes:
- University Equity Scheme for Year 12 completers from selected schools
- Universities Language, Literacy and Mathematics Scheme. Offered to Year 12 completers who studied specific subjects at school.
| Adjustment type | Number of points |
|---|---|
| University Equity Scheme | 5 |
| Universities Language, Literacy and Mathematics Scheme | 2 or 4 |
| Total maximum points | 9 |
Any adjustments will be applied to the university aggregate (not the ATAR) from which selection ranks are calculated.
Use your employment and life experience
If you have not received an ATAR (or equivalent) or other qualifications, you can submit a Personal Competencies Statement and/or Employment Experience.
This will allow you to demonstrate that you have the skills and qualities needed to be successful at university.
Information on how to write the Personal Competencies statement can be found on the SATAC website.
Complete an enabling course
For domestic students who don’t meet course entry requirements, or need a hand to get into the swing of study, we offer a free Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP), or Preparation for Tertiary Success (PTS) for Indigenous students.
With TEP or PTS, you’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence you’ll need to succeed at university.
You can complete the program online or on campus in as little as 16 weeks. You will then meet the requirements to apply for entry to most CDU undergraduate degrees.
CDU also accepts similar bridging programs offered at universities around Australia.
Start with a TAFE qualification
Studying with CDU TAFE will give you the opportunity to develop industry-standard skills in your chosen area of study.
Once you have completed a national TAFE qualification at Certificate III or above, you will meet the minimum entry requirements to most undergraduate courses at CDU.
Sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you are 18 years and older, and apply for a CDU course that accepts special entry, you can sit the STAT or be considered based on a previous STAT result.
You will need a score of 135 or more received after 2009 or 145 or more before 2009 to be eligible for entry into most CDU courses.
International students
At the CDU International College, we offer pathways designed to ensure you get the most out of your studies.
Attend classes at the modern CDU Waterfront campus in Darwin City, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive CDU student support.
Specialised language development, a well-rounded curriculum and smaller class sizes provide the support necessary to meet your goals and prepare for the real world.
Programs at the CDU International College are delivered by UP Education, an education provider that partners with leading universities in Australia and New Zealand to provide learning pathways for international students, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to excel at English language universities.