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Pathways

Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program

Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHPP)

Entry requirements
Study mode
  • External
Campus
  • -
Duration
  • 6-8 months full-time or 12-18 months part-time
Start
  • Feb, Sep
Note: This program has a compulsory on-campus residential school component.

Overview

  • This pathway program has been developed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in developing the academic skills needed for university study.
  • If you do not have the right school qualifications or it has been some time since you studied, UniSQ’s Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP) is the perfect way to start studying at university. 
  • Our College for First Nations will provide you with support at every step. While studying in the IHEPP you are provided with academic, cultural and social support from our staff and fellow students. There is free access to printers and computers when you need them in our computer lab.
  • You will also have the choice to attend an Intensive Workshop Series (also known as a Residential School). The series, hosting class sessions each day, is designed to assist you with your study and assessments.
  • You will study three courses (subjects), online or face to face, all with an Indigenous focus, to develop your writing, general study and computing skills.
  • IHEPP is a free pathways program. There are a number of Australian Government scholarships that you can apply for during your studies. You may also be eligible to apply for ABSTUDYand will need to contact Centrelink to find out more. 

Further study

After completing the IHEPP you can apply to study a UniSQ degree or a degree at another university.

Career outcomes

  • As part of this program you'll enhance your core academic skills to think critically and write academically, providing you with everything you need to succeed at university, and the confidence to follow your dream career.
  • As a stepping stone to further university study, successfully complete IHEPP and be ready to apply for a range of UniSQ undergraduate degrees, with endless career opportunities.

Entry requirements

  • Identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
  • Reached an age of at least 18 years in the year of the proposed enrolment.
  • Applicants are required to complete a placement questionnaire.

To assist us in determining your level of reading, writing and understanding of mathematics, you will need to attend an Entrance Assessment Session. To find out more, contact us:

Degree structure

To complete this program students must complete 3 units (courses). Most courses (similar to ‘subjects’) are valued at 1 unit.

Courses to be studied Units
Core courses 3
Total 3

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for an example of courses to be studied.

Intensive Workshop Series (Residential Schools) 

As a student of IHEPP, you will also have the choice to attend an Intensive Workshop Series (also known as a Residential School). The series, hosting class sessions each day, is designed to assist you with your study and assessments during the Semester. Financial support may also be available for ABSTUDY recipients to assist with travel expenses.

Following the Intensive Workshop Series, the remainder of the program is completed online.

Fees

Australian citizens are offered a fee-free place in this program provided they meet the residency requirements.

Regional students attending the on-campus Residential school component includes travel, accommodation and meals. 

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

Intakes

Select to start your degree in one of the following intakes:

Study period  Application closing date Orientation  Study period start date Finish date
Trimester 1, 2025  Monday 10 February Monday 3 February  Monday 10 February  Friday 9 May
Trimester 3, 2025 Monday 8 September Monday 1 September Monday 8 September Friday 5 December 

More information on applying key dates is available.

Further information

Discover further information on applying to study at UniSQ that is relevant to you.

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Got questions?

 

Begin your study journey today with the university rated 5/5 stars for graduate starting salary* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide, 2025

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