You don't need to have studied specific subjects at school to apply for the majority of our undergraduate courses. We assume you have a minimum level of knowledge in certain subject areas before you start your course - we call this 'assumed knowledge'.

You can still apply if you don't have the assumed knowledge for your course, but we strongly encourage you to undertake bridging courses to get the knowledge you'll need.

Prerequisites

Some of our courses have prerequisite subjects instead of, or in addition to, assumed knowledge.

That means you must have studied and met the required grade in the required subjects to gain entry to these courses.

If you don’t have the prerequisite subjects or are unsure whether your subjects meet the prerequisites check the list of equivalent subjects on this page.

What's the assumed knowledge or prerequisites for my course?

All of our courses have assumed knowledge, or for some courses a prerequisite, of English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C).

Check your course information to find out if there is any other assumed knowledge or prerequisites for your course.

I don't have the assumed knowledge for my course

If you don't have the assumed knowledge you might have trouble keeping up in your classes.

You can do extra studies to help you catch up on what you've missed.

English

You can successfully complete a year of vocational or tertiary study (university or TAFE) to satisfy the assumed knowledge or complete one of the other options listed in our assumed knowledge/prerequisite equivalent subjects.

Maths

We recommend that you complete bridging or preparatory studies before or during your first semester.

We offer mathematics bridging programs or you can complete one of the other options listed in our assumed knowledge equivalent subjects.

Discover mathematics bridging programs

I didn't complete Year 12 in Queensland

Check our assumed knowledge equivalent subjects to see if you have equivalent knowledge if you've completed:

  • Year 12 in another state
  • the International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • studies at university or TAFE.

Assumed knowledge equivalent and prerequisite subjects

If you plan to complete preparatory studies before your course commences or want to make sure your previous studies meet our prerequisite or assumed knowledge guidelines, check our guide to equivalent subjects for secondary school subjects, tertiary and bridging studies.

English equivalent subjects

Secondary school studies

Qualification/StateEquivalent
International Baccalaureate

One of:

  • English A: Literature
  • English A: Language and Literature
  • English B
ACT

One of:

  • English
  • Language and Literature
  • World Literature
  • English A: Language and Literature
  • English A: Literature
  • English as a Second Language (ESL).
NSW

One of:

  • English Standard
  • English Advanced
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • English Extension 1
  • English Extension 2.
QLD (OP)

One of:

  • English
  • English as a Second Language
  • English Extension
SA and NT

One of:

  • English
  • English Studies
  • English Communication
  • English as a second language studies
  • English as an Additional Language.
TAS

One of:

  • English Literature
  • Writers Workshop
  • World Literature
  • English Studies
  • English Communications
  • English Writing.
VIC

One of:

  • English
  • English (ESL)
  • Literature
  • English Language.
WA

One of:

  • English (ESL) General
  • English Course
  • English Literature
  • English for ESL students
  • English as an Additional Language or Dialect (Stage 3)
  • English (Stage 2 or Stage 3).

Tertiary and bridging studies – all B Education courses

InstitutionEquivalent
QUT QCF315 Literature Studies
TAFE Queensland UNL14 Senior English
Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation

Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (10765NAT)
Successful completion of both Language and Learning units:

  • ATPALS001   Apply academic learning skills; and
  • ATPALS002   Apply advanced academic learning skills to develop an academic argument.

Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (11240NAT)
Successful completion of both academic learning skills units:

  • NAT11240001   Apply academic learning skills; and
  • NAT11240002   Apply advanced academic learning skills to develop an academic argument.
CQUniversity

Both of:

  • LNGE40049 Essay Writing for University
  • LNGE40064 Technical Writing for University
Griffith University College

One of:

  • COM200A Communication Skills 1 and COM201A Communication Skills 2
  • FND101 Academic Communication Skills 1 and FND102 Academic Communication Skills 2.
University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) TPP101 Academic Skills for Success
Unilearn/Open Universities Australia (OUA) UNL14 Senior English

Tertiary and bridging studies - all other courses

InstitutionEquivalent
QUT

One of:

  • Completion of at least one year full-time (or equivalent) of study at degree level with a passing grade point average (GPA).
  • QCF315 Literature Studies
TAFE Queensland

Completion of at least one year full-time (or equivalent) of study at diploma or advanced diploma level with a passing grade point average (GPA).

UNL14 Senior English

Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation

Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (10765NAT)
Successful completion of both Language and Learning units:

  • ATPALS001   Apply academic learning skills; and
  • ATPALS002   Apply advanced academic learning skills to develop an academic argument.

Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (11240NAT)
Successful completion of both academic learning skills units:

  • NAT11240001  Apply academic learning skills; and
  • NAT11240002  Apply advanced academic learning skills to develop an academic argument.
CQUniversity

One of:

  • Language and Learning
  • Both of:
    • LNGE40049 Essay Writing for University
    • LNGE40064 Technical Writing for University
Griffith University College

One of:

  • COM200A Communication Skills 1 and COM201A Communication Skills 2
  • FND101 Academic Communication Skills 1 and FND102 Academic Communication Skills 2.
UQ College UPRENG401 Employ English language skills commensurate with academic purpose
University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) TPP101 Academic Skills for Success
University of Southern Queensland (USQ)

One of:

  • Focus on Study
  • Studying to Succeed.
Unilearn/Open Universities Australia (OUA) UNL14 Senior English
Other tertiary institutions Completion of at least one year full-time (or equivalent) of study at degree, diploma or advanced diploma level with a passing grade point average (GPA) within Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom or United States of America (USA).

Maths equivalent subjects

Secondary school studies

Mathematical Methods
Qualification/StateEquivalent
International Baccalaureate

One of:

  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics: Application and Interpretation
ACT One of:
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics II
  • Specialist Mathematics.
NSW

One of:

  • Mathematics 2, 3 or 4 unit
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics Extension 1
  • Mathematics Extension 2.
QLD (OP) Maths B (4, SA)
SA and NT

One of:

  • Mathematics 1
  • Mathematical Studies.
TAS

One of:

  • Mathematics
  • Algebra and Geometry
  • Analysis and Statistics
  • Mathematics Stage 2 or 3
  • Mathematics Methods Senior Secondary 5C.
VIC
  • Mathematical Methods
WA

One of:

  • Applicable Mathematics
  • Calculus
  • Mathematics II.
General Mathematics

You can also meet the assumed knowledge requirements for General Mathematics by completing any of the studies listed for Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics.

Qualification/StateEquivalent
International Baccalaureate Mathematical Studies
ACT Mathematical Applications
NSW

One of:

  • General Mathematics
  • Mathematics in Practice
  • Mathematics in Society.
QLD (OP) Maths A (4, SA)
SA and NT

One of:

  • Quantitative Methods
  • Mathematical Methods.
TAS

One of:

  • Mathematics Applied
  • Maths Applied
  • Mathematics Applied Senior Secondary 5C.
VIC Further Mathematics
WA

One of:

  • Mathematics I
  • Modelling with Mathematics
  • Mathematics IV.
Specialist Mathematics
Qualification/StateEquivalent
International Baccalaureate Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL)
ACT Specialist Mathematics
NSW Mathematics Extension 2
SA and NT Specialist Mathematics
TAS Mathematics Specialised
VIC Specialist Mathematics
WA Mathematics Specialist

Tertiary and bridging studies

Mathematical Methods
InstitutionEquivalent
QUT

Mathematical Methods Bridging Program

TAFE Queensland

One of:

  • UNL32 Senior Mathematics
  • TPEEA002 Engineering Maths A and TPEEA003 Engineering Maths B
  • completed Diploma of Information Technology (for IT courses only).
Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation

Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (10765NAT)

Successful completion of all three Pure Mathematics units:

  • ATPPMA001 Solve pure mathematics problems involving trigonometry and algebra; and
  • ATPPMA002 Solve pure mathematics problems involving statistics and functions; and
  • ATPPMA003 Solve pure mathematics problems involving calculus.

Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (11240NAT)

Successful completion of all three Pure Mathematics units:

  • NAT11240021 Solve pure mathematics problems involving trigonometry and algebra; and
  • NAT11240022 Solve pure mathematics problems involving statistics and functions; and
  • NAT11240023 Solve pure mathematics problems involving calculus.
CQUniversity MATH40252 Technical Mathematics for University
Griffith University Maths B Bridging Course
Griffith University College

One of:

  • BUS104 Mathematics
  • MTH001A Advanced Mathematics 1
  • FND105 Advanced Mathematics.
UQ College

One of:

  • Pre-University Mathematics B
  • QLD194MTH01A Apply Mathematical Concepts to Solve Problems.
University of Southern Queensland (USQ)

One of:

  • Maths Tertiary Preparation Level D
  • TPP7183 Mathematics Tertiary Preparation 3.
University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)

One of:

  • TPP104 Mathematics
  • TPP115 Mathematical Methods for Science & Engineering.
Unilearn/Open Universities Australia (OUA) UNL32 Senior Mathematics
Other tertiary institutions

One of:

  • any subject at degree or advanced diploma level containing algebra, calculus and statistics
  • any unit equivalent to the QUT unit MXB100, MZB101, or EGD105.
General Mathematics

You can also meet the assumed knowledge requirements for General Mathematics by completing any of the studies listed for Mathematical Methods.

InstitutionEquivalent
QUT

One of:

TAFE Queensland

One of:

  • UNL31 Introductory Mathematics
  • A completed diploma in the same area. For example, a completed Diploma of Business (Accountancy) for business courses.
Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation

Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (10765NAT)

Successful completion of both General Mathematics units:

  • ATPGMA001 Use and apply mathematics in real world contexts; and
  • ATPGMA002 Use and apply financial mathematics, probability and statistics in real world contexts.

Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (11240NAT)

Successful completion of both General Mathematics units:

  • NAT11240012 Apply general mathematics in real world contexts; and
  • NAT11240013 Apply statistical and algebraic theory in real world contexts.
CQUniversity

MATH40237 Fundamental Mathematics for University.

Griffith University College

One of:

  • BUS105A Statistics
  • FND104 Essential Mathematics.
UQ College Pre-University Mathematics A
University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
  • One of:
    TPP7181 Mathematics Tertiary Preparation 1
    TPP7181 Mathematics Tertiary Preparation
    TPP7182 Mathematics Tertiary Preparation 2.
University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) TPP105 Statistics
Unilearn/Open Universities Australia (OUA) UNL31 Introductory Mathematics
Other tertiary institutions
  • Any subject at degree or advanced diploma level containing algebra, calculus and statistics.

Physics equivalent subjects

Secondary school studies

Qualification/StateEquivalent
International Baccalaureate Physics
ACT Physics
NSW

One of:

  • Physics 2 unit
  • Physics
  • Science 3 or 4 unit.
QLD (OP) Physics (4, SA)
SA and NT Physics
TAS

One of:

  • Physics
  • Applied Science - Physical Sciences.
VIC Physics
WA

One of:

  • Physics
  • Physical Science.

Tertiary and bridging studies

InstitutionEquivalent
QUT

One of:

  • PVB101 Physics of the Very Large
  • QUT CPE course Physics Bridging.
TAFE Queensland EA011 Science
UNL71 Physics          
Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation

Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (10765NAT)

Successful completion of all three physics units:

  • ATPPHY001 Demonstrate the application of motion and force to physics problems; and
  • ATPPHY002 Demonstrate the application of mechanics and optics to physics problems; and
  • ATPPHY003 Demonstrate the application of theory to electromagnetism and nuclear physics problems.

Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (11240NAT)

Successful completion of all three physics units:

  • NAT11240018 Demonstrate the application of motion and force to physics problems; and
  • NAT11240019 Demonstrate the application of mechanics and optics to physics problems; and
  • NAT11240020 Demonstrate the application of theory to electromagnetism and nuclear physics problems.
CQUniversity PHYS40110 Introductory Physics
Griffith University College

One of:

  • FND003 Physics
  • PHY0011 Physics A.
University of Southern Queensland (USQ) TTP7160 Preparatory Physics
Unilearn/Open Universities Australia (OUA) UNL71 Physics
Other tertiary institutions Any physics subject at degree or advanced diploma level.

Chemistry equivalent subjects

Secondary school studies

Qualification/StateEquivalent
International Baccalaureate Chemistry
ACT Chemistry
NSW

One of:

  • Chemistry 2 unit
  • Chemistry
  • Science 3 or 4 unit.
QLD (OP) Chemistry (4, SA)
SA and NT Chemistry
TAS Chemistry
VIC Chemistry
WA Chemistry

Tertiary and bridging studies

InstitutionEquivalent
QUT

One of:

  • CVB101 General Chemistry
  • QUT CPE course Chemistry Bridging.
TAFE Queensland UNL21 Chemistry
Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation

Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (10765NAT)

Successful completion of all three chemistry units:

  • ATPCHE001 Demonstrate the practical and theoretical application of introductory chemistry; and
  • ATPCHE002 Apply principles of chemical reactions and systems in theory and practice; and
  • ATPCHE003 Demonstrate the application of theory relating to electrochemistry and organic chemistry.

Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (11240NAT)

Successful completion of all three chemistry units:

  • NAT11240007 Demonstrate the practical and theoretical application of introductory chemistry; and
  • NAT11240008 Apply principles of chemical reactions and systems in theory and practice; and
  • NAT11240009 Demonstrate the application of theory relating to electrochemistry and organic chemistry.
CQUniversity CHEM40079 Introductory Chemistry
Griffith University College

One of:

  • Chemistry
  • FND002 Chemistry.
University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) TTP103 Chemistry
UQ College UPRCHE401 Investigate chemical science problems (Chemistry)
Unilearn/Open Universities Australia (OUA) UNL21 Chemistry
Other tertiary institutions

One of:

  • any chemistry subject at degree or advanced diploma level
  • any unit equivalent to the QUT unit PCB140.

Biology equivalent subjects

Secondary school studies

Qualification/StateEquivalent
International Baccalaureate Biology
ACT

One of:

  • Biology
  • Human Biology
  • Biological Sciences
NSW Biology
SA and NT Biology
QLD (OP) Biology (4, SA)
TAS Biology
VIC Biology
WA

One of:

  • Biology
  • Human Biology

Tertiary and bridging studies

InstitutionEquivalent
QUT BVB101 Foundations of Biology
TAFE Queensland UNL44 Biology
Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation

Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (10765NAT)

Successful completion of both biology units:

  • ATPBIO001 Apply science inquiry to solve biology problems relating to cells and multicellular organisms; and
  • ATPBIO002 Apply theory of ecosystems and genetics in biology

Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (11240NAT)

Successful completion of both biology units:

  • NAT11240005 Apply science inquiry to solve biology problems relating to cells and multicellular organisms; and
  • NAT11240006 Apply theory of ecosystems and genetics in biology.
CQUniversity BIOL40108 Introductory Biology
Griffith University College

One of:

  • BIO001A Biology
  • FND001 Biology.
University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) TTP109 Biology
UQ College UPRBIO401 Investigate biological science problems (Biology)
Unilearn/Open Universities Australia (OUA) UNL44 Biology