Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (STEM)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2023
This degree is only available to Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
DUUS
SATAC Code
428003 (Internal)
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
Entry Scores
2023 Guaranteed Entry
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2022 Cut-Offs
View full entry requirements
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria:
Recent secondary education
- Completed a secondary education qualification equivalent to SACE, such as an interstate year 12 or
international qualificationOR
Tertiary education
OR
- Successfully completed equivalent to a minimum of half a year of full-time study, of a higher education program at Certificate III or above, at a recognised higher education provider or registered training organisation
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry through completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
This program is not recommended for students who have previously completed UniSA Foundation Studies (MFFS).
Please note there have been some changes to the entry requirements.
Contact College.Certificates@unisa.edu.au for further information.
Degree overview
- Based at the City West campus, with the flexibility to also study online
- Fast-tracked six month qualification
- Unique pathway to many STEM-related undergraduate degrees offered by UniSA
- Join one of the World’s Top Young Universities1
- Build on academic skills and personal confidence while being guided by world-class teaching staff
- Access to state-of-the-art learning facilities
1 Ranked #46, 2022 THE Young University Rankings, Ranked #29, 2021 QS Top 50 Universities Aged Under 50.
Snapshot
The UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (STEM) is a university preparation program. The six-month higher education qualification offers you a unique pathway to a suite of STEM-related undergraduate degrees across UniSA, or other higher education providers*.
You will undertake four courses specifically designed to build both academic skills and personal confidence, within a supportive learning environment. The College offers introductory discipline specific courses with dedicated study support provided by leading educators.
Upon successful completion of the Undergraduate Certificate (STEM), you will graduate with this qualification. You can use this qualification to gain entry into a number of STEM-related destination degrees using your competitive GPA (Grade Point Average), provided you've met any relevant prerequisites.
There is another Undergraduate Certificate option offered through UniSA College to suit your area of interest:
*Undergraduate program entry requirements must be met to obtain admission into these degrees
Destination Degrees
Upon successful completion of the Undergraduate Certificate (STEM), you can use this qualification to gain entry into a number of destination degrees using your competitive GPA (Grade Point Average), provided you've met any relevant prerequisites. See below the full list:
- Construction Management
- Construction Management (Honours)
- Data Analytics
- Engineering (Flexible Entry)*
- Engineering (Honours) (Civil) / Business*
- Engineering (Honours)(Civil and Construction Management)*
- Engineering (Honours)(Civil and Structural)*
- Engineering (Honours)(Electrical and Electronic)*
- Engineering (Honours)(Electrical and Electronic)/ Business*
- Engineering (Honours)(Electrical and Mechatronic)*
- Engineering (Honours)(Mechanical)*
- Engineering (Honours)(Mechanical)/ Business*
- Engineering (Honours)(Mechanical and Advanced Manufacturing)*
- Engineering (Honours)(Mechanical and Mechatronic)*
- Engineering (Honours)(Surveying)*
- Information Technology
- Information Technology (Games and Entertainment Design)
- Information Technology (Mobile Application Development)
- Information Technology (Networking and Cybersecurity)
- Information Technology (Software Development)
- Software Engineering (Honours)
- Environmental Science
- Science*
- Outdoor and Environmental Leadership
*the bachelor program prerequisites must be met to obtain admission into these programs
In addition to what is listed above, you can also choose a number of alternative degrees including:
What you'll learn
You will get a taste of university and learn the skills you need to study for your degree, including:
- writing academic assignments
- effectively managing your time
- how to reference
- effectively collaborating with fellow students
The six-month program will consist of four subjects in total. This includes one core course combined with an option of four health related discipline areas, plus two electives.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (STEM)
The Undergraduate Certificate (STEM) provides you with a fast track pathway into undergraduate degrees, in the areas of STEM, for those who do not meet the traditional entry requirements for direct entry.
It will help prepare you for university study by building your academic skills, prerequisite knowledge, and overall confidence. You will experience life as a UniSA student, being taught by UniSA staff and having access to the full range of support services that the University provides.
Online study
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit you. You can:
- study online for all or part of this degree, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for teamwork and communication
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as attending seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.
UNLOCK YOUR UNSTOPPABLE CAREER
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR 2023
Applying to study with us:
- go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
- you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application
Alternative Pathways
Completion of this program will provide a pathway into the majority of UniSA bachelor degrees. Please note that some bachelor programs have program prerequisites which must be adhered to. These prerequisites can be fulfilled via a combination of successfully completed SACE Stage 2, and Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies courses.
This program will not provide a direct pathway into some degrees. Please contact College.Certificates@unisa.edu.au for further information.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
Study on Demand with Australia's University of Enterprise
UniSA Online – 100% online degrees designed specifically for online learning.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- career services and mentoring
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
You will have full access to the UniSA College study space, found at the City West Campus – David Pank Building. Here you will find a dedicated ‘common room’ where students can study in a comfortable environment, with access to computers, lounges, and a small kitchen.
You may also experience our other campuses which are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, and laboratories.
Your program director
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
