Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS)

Overview
Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) is an enabling course that provides a pathway for people wishing to gain entry to and succeed in higher education.
STEPS is suitable for you if you want to undertake tertiary study and may:
- be returning to study or work after some time away
- need to meet prerequisite subjects for your desired diploma or degree
- want additional support to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to enter and undertake further study successfully.
After successfully completing STEPS, you can apply for entry to a CQUniversity diploma or degree through the CQUniversity direct entry process (for those courses where direct entry is available). View the Requirements for Direct Entry. Alternatively, you can apply through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) or other state-based university admissions centres for courses at CQUniversity or other institutions.
Register your interest
If you are interested in keeping informed about timelines and information sessions for our STEPS course, please register your interest in an upcoming STEPS information session.
Got more questions?
Visit our STEPS webpage for frequently asked questions or to book a personal chat.
Study Experience
- Student Support
- Guaranteed Pathway
- Flexible Study Options
- No Tuition Fees
Career Opportunities
Upon completion of STEPS, students can apply for direct entry to a CQUniversity undergraduate course where direct entry is available. Alternatively, students may choose to apply for admission to other institutions that recognise STEPS.
Structure & Availability
The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.
Available Locations
Your Course
You must complete at least three units (18 credits):
- 1One core unit
- 2At least two electives
Core Unit
You are required to complete the following core unit.
Electives
The electives you take will depend on your individual circumstances and the course you want to study after completing STEPS. Your STEPS Access Coordinator will work with you to determine your study plan.
Most students complete between two and five electives.
The STEPS course takes between one and six terms to complete with two terms being average.
Additional Information
Requirements
To Be Eligible
STEPS is designed for students who do not already hold an undergraduate qualification. If you already hold an undergraduate qualification, please contact the STEPS admin team, who can advise you on possible study options.
If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, South Africa or the USA, please note that STEPS does not meet the English Language Proficiency requirements for CQUniversity undergraduate courses. You will be required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University prior to admission to an undergraduate course.
To be eligible to apply for STEPS, you must meet the following requirements.
Fees & Scholarships
Course Fees
STEPS is free of tuition fees; however, there are minimal costs associated with textbooks, stationery, photocopying and printing.
We believe a quality education can be for everyone – regardless of background, location, or life circumstances. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries that can give you a helping hand with a range of expenses and enhance your employability.
How to Apply
How to Apply
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Your Application Options
Follow These Steps
Start Your Application
Use the Apply button below to start your application via our online application portal.