UWA Pathway Programs
Our free, flexible university preparation programs give you entry to UWA, and the skills to step into your course with confidence.
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From potential to impact. From where you are to where you can go.
With small classes and tailored support, these university preparation programs strengthen your academic literacy, numeracy, critical thinking and field‑specific knowledge, so you can transition smoothly into your chosen degree.
If you’re looking for a way to bridge the gap between your academic background and a UWA degree that turns passion into a career with purpose, start with a free one-semester preparation program. You’ll achieve entry to a UWA bachelor’s degree ready to make your mark.
These are not one-size-fits-all enabling courses. These preparation programs are tailored and purpose-built, each mapped to a specific field of study and your future direction.
Whether you’re a mature age, high school or Indigenous student; passionate about STEM, committed to nursing or starting to explore your options, there’s a program to help you make your impact, your way.
Our Pathway Programs
UWA Catalyst – STEM Pathway Program
UWA Catalyst is a STEM‑focused pathway for students who want to make their mark in science and technology. Bringing together chemistry, mathematics and multidisciplinary study, the program builds the academic foundations and analytical capability needed for success in the Bachelor of Science. Ready to explore the unknown? UWA Catalyst is your launchpad.
UWA Thrive – Health and Nursing Pathway Program
UWA Thrive is for the next generation of healthcare professionals and aspiring nurses. This pathway builds the skills, confidence and academic foundations you need to succeed in health and nursing study, preparing you for a career that makes a real impact in your community. See yourself making a difference in people’s lives? Start shaping your future with UWA Thrive.
UWA Headway – University Pathway Program
UWA Headway is for inquisitive, adaptable and creative students ready to take the next step into university study. Focused on developing writing, research and communication skills to support success across a wide range of undergraduate degrees, from arts and business to education, music, design, communications and social work. You’ll gain the confidence and capability to make real headway in your field and turn passion into purpose.
UWA Bilya Bidi – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Program
If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student ready to take your next step into university, the UWA Bilya Bidi – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Program is your pathway forward. You’ll learn in a culturally safe, supportive environment that builds your academic skills, strengthens your confidence, and helps you shape your future study journey at UWA. Make your start, follow your path, and take your first step towards your undergraduate degree or contact the School of Indigenous Studies at sis@uwa.edu.au.
Program locations and study modes
Choose the study option that suits you. UWA Pathway Programs are offered across multiple Western Australian locations.Study on campus
You can complete UWA Pathway Programs face-to-face at:
- UWA Perth Campus
- Armadale Teaching Space
- UWA Albany Campus (School leavers only)
By studying on campus, you’ll have direct access to teaching staff, campus facilities, opportunities to connect with other students and university support services.
Study online
Our UWA Headway – University Pathway Program is available through a hybrid online delivery model.
This option is designed to support:
- Regional and remote students
- Students living outside of Perth metropolitan area
- Students balancing work, family and study commitments
You’ll complete learning activities remotely and participate in scheduled live tutorials.
Note: The online offering is not self-paced study. Attendance at compulsory live tutorials is required throughout the program.
How to apply
- Choose your program and check your eligibility
- UWA Catalyst – STEM Pathway Program
- UWA Thrive – Health and Nursing Pathway Program
- UWA Headway – University Pathway Program
- UWA Bilya Bidi – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Program
You can check your eligibility based on your individual circumstances below.
If you need support choosing the right Pathway Program for you, contact us at pathways@uwa.edu.au.
- Apply online
Year 11 students and non-school leavers
- Create a profile in UWA Apply and login to get started
- Select your course, entry pathway and upload supporting documents
- Save or submit your application
Year 12 school leavers
All current year 12 school leaver applications should be submitted through TISC. Follow the TISC applying online guide for detailed steps on the process.
- Accept your offer
You’ll receive the outcome of your application via email. If your application is successful, you can login to UWA Apply to accept your offer.
Eligibility
Entry requirements for students studying alongside Year 12
If you want to study a UWA pathway program while completing Year 12, you must meet the following requirements based on your Year 11 academic results.
If you're studying ATAR subjects
- You should be achieving mostly C grades or above.
If you're studying General subjects
- You should be achieving mostly B grades or above.
Applicants are generally expected to meet the following criteria:
- Mostly B grades in General subjects; or
- Mostly C grades in ATAR subjects
- A minimum B grade in General English or D grade in ATAR English (English is a compulsory subject)
- A school recommendation based on your Year 11 mid-year or end-of-year report
- A signed parent/guardian and student consent form
Applicants with a Certificate III in a relevant field of study may also be considered.
Additional requirement for the UWA Catalyst – STEM Pathway Program
To be eligible for the UWA Catalyst – STEM Pathway Program, you must have completed Mathematics Applications in Year 11.
General Mathematics does not meet the entry requirements for this program.
Entry requirements for all other applicants
To be eligible for admission and entry into a UWA Pathway Program you must meet the following entry requirements:
- Be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, permanent humanitarian visa holder, or other permanent visa holder.
- Be past the compulsory school age as defined by the Western Australian School Education Act 1999 in the year you wish to study in the program.
- Achieve a general English 'C' grade or ATAR English 'D' grade in Year 11 or 12, or
- Be a mature age student with a Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (A mark of 110 or greater in the STAT Written English component), or
- Complete the Duolingo English test with an overall score of 115, with no sub score below 100.
If you are applying for the UWA Bilya Bidi – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Program, the entry requirements are different.
For more information, visit the webpage or contact us at sis@uwa.edu.au.
Frequently asked questions
Which university preparation program should I choose?
UWA’s Pathway Programs are tailored, purpose-built university preparation programs, each mapped to a specific field of study and your future direction. Check the course pages to see where your course can take you or contact pathways@uwa.edu.au for advice.
What can I study after successfully completing UWA’s Pathway Programs?
UWA’s Pathway Programs demonstrate English language competence and meet the academic entry requirements for our 70 ATAR equivalency undergraduate degrees.
Whichever UWA preparation program you choose, you’ll be able to enter a range of UWA degrees. Choosing the Pathway Program mapped specifically for your future degree helps make sure you cover any prerequisite knowledge you might need.
If you’re aiming for a degree with a higher ATAR requirement, start with a Pathway Program, complete it successfully, and then check out the UWA Handbook for transfer options into other degrees.
Can I complete an enabling, bridging or preparation program at another university and use it for entry to UWA?
Yes. If you’ve completed an enabling program at an Australian university or affiliated college, you can use it to apply for an eligible UWA bachelor’s degree. You’ll need a weighted average mark (WAM) of 65 or higher, and you may also need to meet any additional entry requirements for your chosen course.
If you completed a WA university enabling program as part of WACE, attend a Broadway School, and achieve a WAM of 60 or higher, you can gain direct entry into one of our eligible courses.
Successfully completing an enabling program will also meet UWA’s English Language Competence requirement.
Your enabling program is considered equivalent to one full-time semester of study, and your academic transcript will include a final mark. If your program does not include graded marks, the completed units can still be used to support an application through Experience-based entry.
How to apply
- School leavers: Include your enabling program details in your TISC application
- Non‑school leavers: apply directly to UWA
Transferring to UWA
If you have completed a university preparation course or enabling program, at another university, you can still apply to UWA for your bachelor's degree.
Need some help? Get in touch
Pathways
Open 8.30am - 5.00pm (AWST) Monday to Friday
Visit UWA
Visit the Future Students Centre between 9.00am - 4.00pm, Monday to Friday, or book an appointment.