When it comes to taking your first step towards university there are many different options available. USQ offers flexible study pathways to help you develop your academic skills, get a taste for university life and build your confidence. Read on to find out more about our pathway programs and how they can help you reach your career goals. If you’re not sure which program is best for you or how university study fits within your career plan, contact the Student Services team to book an appointment with a USQ Career Development Practitioner.

1. The truth
about your
career plan
Let’s separate fact from fiction…
PATHWAYS TO UNIVERSITY

2. ‘A journey of 1000
miles begins with a
single step.’
Lao Tzu

3. ‘A journey of 1000
miles begins with a
single step.’
Lao Tzu.
Sounds easy enough, doesn’t it?

4. So, a university degree is part of your career
plan, but you may be wondering if it’s possible.
When it comes to taking your first step towards university, there
are many paths in front of you. These paths are designed to
make tertiary education an accessible option for everyone.
While it’s great to have options, deciding which path is right for
you can be tough. You might be receiving conflicting advice or
maybe you’ve heard one of the many myths about getting into
university. Either way, we’re here to help set the record straight
and support you in taking that all-important first step on your
career journey … earning your degree!

5. True or false?
There are lots of different pathways for studying
at USQ, meaning there is at least one pathway that
will be suitable for me.

6. True

7. All of USQ’s pathway programs include access
to great teaching staff and facilities, located in
a supportive, friendly learning environment.
No matter what your study background is, how old you are,
where you come from or your family dynamic, if you want to
study, USQ can help you.

8. True or false?
I can still get into university after high school, even
if I chose not to get an OP.

9. True

10. If your career goals have changed and
university is now part of your plan, USQ has an
entry pathway for you!
Our Accelerated Entry Pathway Program (AEPP) is
designed specifically for current Year 12 students who have
chosen not to receive an OP or who are worried that they
may not receive the OP they need to begin university straight
after school.

11. True or false?
People like me don’t end up at university…
I’m too old to go to uni!

12. False

13. People like who?
You’re never too old to learn new things and you are certainly never too old to go
to university. Did you know that more than 70% of our students are over 26, and
60% of USQ students are the first in their families to attend uni?*
At USQ, we have people of all ages, backgrounds, education levels and nationalities
studying on-campus and online. But they are all here for the same purpose …
to gain the knowledge and skills they need to start their new career.
*USQ, 2016, Student population profile: At a glance; Department of Education and Training, 2015, Higher Education Information
Management Systems (HEIMS) data.

14. True or false?
I didn’t finish high school.
There is no way I could get into uni.

15. False

16. Just because you didn’t finish school doesn’t
mean you can’t study at uni.
It may have been a while since you last opened a textbook, but that’s okay. At
USQ, our pathway programs, such as the free Tertiary Preparation Program, are
designed to help you develop your writing, computing and general study skills, as
well as building your confidence to approach further studies.
These pathway programs can lead you to study in your desired field and to kick-
start a whole new career.

17. ‘Life never stops
teaching.
Be sure you never
stop learning.’
Michael Josephson

18. True or false?
I really want to start my new career, but I’m not
sure if university is for me.
Surely there’s a way I can ‘try before I buy’?

19. True

20. We know that deciding to study at university is
a big decision and you want to make sure it’s
right for you.
That’s why we have different pathway options, such as the Foundation Diploma
of University Studies, to give you a feel for university life and provide a strong
foundation for academic and career success.
At USQ, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to try their hand at uni, so
why not give it a go? What have you got to lose? And more importantly, how much
do you have to gain?

21. ‘What we learn
becomes part of who
we are.’
Kathy Jeffords

22. True or false?
Because English is not my first language I cannot go
to university.

23. False

24. If English is not your first language, there is no
need to worry.
USQ’s English language programs are designed to equip students with the skills
required to be successful in their university studies.
The added bonus is that the skills you’ll gain by completing an English language
program will also help you when it comes to starting your new career.

25. True or false?
Once I start a pathway program at USQ I can’t
change my career direction.

26. False

27. Whatever your career goals, a USQ pathway
program will be a great addition to your résumé.
Not only do our pathway programs provide an entry point to a wide variety of
degrees, but they also show prospective employers that you’re willing to try new
things and are committed to reaching your goals.
If your career aspirations have changed or you have questions about how your USQ
pathway program can help you achieve your goals, the Career Development
Practitioners at USQ Student Services can help.

28. CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 29.8.1 01.2017 Graphics © Shutterstock
social.usq.edu.au
For more information about USQ’s pathway
programs and support in choosing the
program that’s right for you, contact Student
Services to make an appointment with one of
USQ’s Career Development Practitioners.