Undergraduate Certificate in General Studies
Study overseas in any area you’re passionate about.
Are you looking to study abroad for one trimester, and want to receive an Australian qualification while you study?
If your answer is yes, then UniSC’s Undergraduate Certificate in General Studies may be the program for you!
UniSC’s Undergraduate in General Studies is a recognised 6-month (48 units) Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) award program.
This program is a great option if you have just finished high school and want to study abroad without committing to a 3- or 4-year degree program. It is also a good option, if you are currently enrolled at an overseas institution and only want to study abroad for a short time, while possibly earning an AQF qualification to use towards your home degree*.
* Subject to home institution approval.
Course flexibility while studying amongst the locals
To be eligible to graduate from this program, you are required to successfully complete 4 courses (48 units) over one trimester.
You will be required to enrol in 4 courses (or 48 units) from UniSC’s extensive course catalogue.
The courses on offer are taken directly from within several of UniSC’s undergraduate programs, which means you have the opportunity to enrol in classes with the locals, while having the flexibility to choose your preferred courses.
Head to the What will I study? tab to see all the courses you can choose from.
Graduate with an award and celebrate your achievements
Students who successfully complete the Undergraduate Certificate in General Studies program are eligible to
- Graduate with an (AQF) Certificate
- Participate in the UniSC Graduation ceremony, and/or
- Participate in the International Ceremony of Completion
Location
CRICOS code
Duration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2026 fees (A$)
Estimated total feeStart
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Start
-
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 4
- Total units
- 48
- Duration
- 6 months 6 months
- CRICOS code
- 108700H
- UniSC program code
- AR015
- Program coordinator
To be awarded the Undergraduate Certificate in General Studies, students are required to successfully complete 4 courses (48 units).
Students will undertake 4 courses (or 48 units) for one trimester and can choose from the:
- Undergraduate elective course options
Note: Any courses that have pre-requisite courses will need to be assessed and approved by UniSC International.
How to choose your courses
- Select your preferred courses from either of these lists
- Please ensure you read the elective courses and requisites information carefully.
- When you apply to UniSC, nominate the courses that you wish to undertake in your first trimester.
The standard course load for this program is 4 courses (or 48 units) for one trimester. We recommend you choose more courses at the point of application, to be prepared for possible timetable clashes.
Course approval
When we receive your complete application with your nominated courses, we will assess your eligibility and let you know by email which courses have been approved.
Remember, any course that is on the pre-approval list has already been approved by UniSC and you do not require further approval from us prior to enrolment.
For students applying via their home institution:
If you are currently enrolled at a tertiary institution, you need to check with your home institution about the possibility of credit transfer for courses studied at UniSC.
Choose your courses and have them approved by UniSC and your home institution before you arrive.
Entry requirements
For entry into most UniSC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.
Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.
Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that UniSC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.
If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.
English language requirements
You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
Special selection criteria
Available only to international students.
Additional entry information
Applicants from a non-English speaking background should refer to the English language requirements for further information.
Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12
The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.
Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12
The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.
Prior study or work experience
If you:
- have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
- have a TAFE/VET qualification
- have relevant work experience, or
- have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)
You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.
If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.
It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.
Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)
You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.
High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.
Further study pathways
This program provides a pathway to higher degree research, including Master's and PhD programs and prepares graduates for research-focused careers across health, biomedical science and related sectors.
- Estimated total tuition fee (A$, 2026)
- TBA
International fee-paying places
Annual tuition fees are based on 2025 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.
Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).
All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).
No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.
Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.
Need help with submitting your application?
UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.
Any questions? Contact us.
Note: All programs are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change. Applicants are encouraged to review the program information before enrolling at UniSC.
Need advice on what to study or how to apply?
Our Student Central team can help.
Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@unisc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.