What is UNSW Transition Program Online?

The UNSW Transition Program Online is an accelerated university preparation program, delivered in partnership with OpenLearning. Designed for digital, this four-month, online program provides a direct pathway to UNSW Sydney.

With a choice of streams – Commerce, Actuarial Studies, Design and Architecture, Life Science, and Physical Science – you are preparing for future success at university. 

Intakes

March, May, August

Duration

4 months (16 weeks)

Progression

First Year, bachelor’s degree at university

Delivery mode

Online

Your journey with Transition Program Online

High School Year 12 progresses to UNSW Transition Program Online progresses to First Year at UNSW Sydney High School Year 12 progresses to UNSW Transition Program Online progresses to First Year at UNSW Sydney

Who is this program for?

Transition Program Online is for students who narrowly missed the academic requirements for direct entry into their chosen bachelor’s degree. Being online, it’s perfect for people who aren’t ready to leave home yet or need to gain confidence before starting university – you will progress toward university, with entry guaranteed once you pass the program. If you need more help with English, our online Academic English Programs can help you.  

Why study at UNSW Global?

In this supportive, connected experience, you will study in small groups, with lots of interaction between students and teachers. And the course material is equivalent to what you would learn in a physical classroom – but specially designed to be delivered online. 

Watch your online portfolio grow automatically as you learn. Participate in independent activities to develop the skills required for future learning at university. You’re assessed on the strength of all your work and activities throughout the course – not just one exam. 

To help you choose the best stream, and match it to your planned university degree, please read through the Program Structure. 

Your future at UNSW

When you successfully complete the Transition Program Online, and meet the grade point average (GPA) and English language requirements, you will be eligible for entry to a bachelor’s degree at UNSW Sydney.

One of Australia’s best universities and in the top 50 universities worldwide, UNSW is a world-leading teaching and research powerhouse. Thanks to a truly hands-on and career-focused educational focus, the university is ranked 27th in the world for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020) and has six subjects ranked in the top 20 (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021). 

If you do not meet the GPA required to enter First Year at UNSW, you may have the option to complete a Diploma Program before progressing to Second Year at UNSW.

Program structure

This pre-university program prepares you for undergraduate study. It is based on assessments, not exams, and 100 per cent online, so you can study wherever you are, in your own time zone. You will improve your academic and English language skills, while the stream you choose will prepare you specifically for your preferred degree.  

The added support you’ll receive here will give you the skills to be prepared for your next step as an undergraduate student at UNSW Sydney.  

For more information on each stream, see below. If you would like to study a stream not mentioned here, for example Arts and Social Science, please contact us for more information. 

  • Commerce or Actuarial Studies stream

    Make it your business to be the best. The Commerce stream is designed for students planning on studying a degree in Business, Accounting, Economics and Arts. The Actuarial Studies stream is for students with higher mathematical ability and intending to progress to a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies.

    Commerce or Actuarial Studies courses

    View an example of the courses you will be studying in your Transition Program Online:

    • Academic English
    • Accounting
    • Business Law
    • Computing for Business
    • Economics
    • Management
    • Mathematics for Commerce
    • Mathematics for Science
  • Design & Architecture stream

    Create a world the way you see it. The Design & Architecture stream is designed for students planning on studying a degree within Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture. This stream can lead you to a range of degrees including Architectural Studies, Interior or Landscape Architecture, Industrial Design, Design, Art Theory, Fine Arts, Planning, Construction Management and more.

    Design & Architecture courses

    View an example of the courses you will be studying in your Transition Program Online:

    • Academic English
    • Computing for Design
    • Design
    • Management
  • Physical or Life Science stream

    Feed your curiosity and change the world. Offering two paths, the Physical Science stream is designed for students wishing to undertake an Engineering or Science degree, while the Life Science stream is designed for those wanting to progress to a Biological or Health Science degree. This stream is for students with a higher mathematical ability and can take you to a broad range of degrees, including Engineering, Medicine, Aviation, Medical Science, Health & Exercise Science, Psychology and more.

    Physical or Life Science courses

    View an example of the courses you will be studying in your Transition Program Online:

    • Academic English
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Computing for Science
    • Mathematics for Science
    • Physics

Entry requirements

This program is recommended for those with strong English language proficiency and a mature and independent approach to learning.

For more information on the specific program entry requirements, view the Transition program entry requirements.

View entry requirements

In addition to academic and English language requirements, Transition Program Online may require specific subject minimum grade requirements or assumed knowledge depending on your intended stream.

Commerce Stream

Assumed knowledge – Mathematics

Commerce Actuarial Stream

Minimum grade required in – Mathematics

Life Science Stream/Physical Science Stream

Assumed knowledge – Relevant Sciences

You can find out more information about Streams under the Program structure tab.

Academic calendars

The academic calendar consists of important dates throughout your study period such as Orientation, census dates, study weeks, exam weeks and breaks for your program or course of study.

Transition Program Online fees

2023 tuition fees

$A15,960

Note: The tuition fee that you will pay depends on the calendar year in which you undertake your study in the course. Fees are reviewed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed, so it’s important to remember that indicative tuition fees shown above are not guaranteed. Any update to fees is effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are for tuition only – other fees and charges are not included.

Ready to apply?

To apply for the Transition Program Online, click the link below. 

Unsure of what you need to apply? Visit our How to apply page for a step-by-step guide.

TPO student - Divyanch from India
OpenLearning is a unique platform where I can connect, interact and consult my teachers, study coaches and my classmates and group members. My teachers and study coaches gives me a feeling of home, and care about my requirements, and this is very unique from other online learning platforms.

Divyansh Shekhar, India

UNSW Transition Program Online

Note: Open Learning Global Pty Ltd (trading as OpenLearning) proudly delivers the UNSW Transition Program Online under licence from UNSW and UNSW Global Pty Limited. The UNSW and UNSW Global trademarks are owned by UNSW and are used by OpenLearning under limited licence.

Only non-student visa holders are eligible for the program. International students studying the UNSW Transition Program Online are not eligible for student visas. International students can apply for a student visa once they progress to their next qualification in their chosen study destination.