UniLink Bridging Program
Overview
Swinburne's UniLink Bridging Program is a pathway program designed to equip international students with the knowledge, skills and capabilities required for entry into a UniLink diploma.
Complete the UniLink Bridging Program if you:
- have completed a qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12, but did not meet the entry requirements for a UniLink diploma
- would like to transfer from another Australian education provider to a UniLink diploma, but don't meet the entry requirements
- don't have the prerequisite subjects for design, engineering or science courses
With smaller class sizes, you will receive additional support from teachers to help develop your confidence and ability to communicate in a university setting.
Transitioning into a UniLink diploma
Upon completion, you can continue with further tertiary study by going straight into a UniLink diploma.
Skills you’ll learn
- Commercial awareness
- Digital literacy
- Concept development
- Creative problem-solving
- Communication
- Teamwork
Your career opportunities
After completion of the chosen UniLink diploma and subsequent bachelor degree, graduates may find employment in a wide range of industries and associated areas, including:
- Arts and communication
- Business
- Design
- Engineering
- Health science
- Information technology
- Science
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Why choose UniLink Bridging Program?
Seamless and guaranteed connection to your degree
24/7 support for Academic English and skill development
Smaller class sizes and one-on-one time with teachers
Flexibility with three intakes a year
Admissions
Successful completion of Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
Non-Year 12 entry
Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.
Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
Successful completion of a qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 5.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 5.0.
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes EAP 4 Upper Intermediate with overall 65%, and all skills 60% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
Course structure
As part of the UniLink Bridging Program, students must successfully complete four units comprising:
Transitioning into a degree
The UniLink Bridging Program is recognised as an entry requirement to a UniLink diploma, that will provide advanced standing when students progress to a bachelor degree.
*Some bachelor degrees require at least one additional semester of full-time studies to complete.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Academic and Communication Skills B
Core unit |
COM00003 |
|
Information Technology
Core unit |
COS00005 |
Complete two units from one discipline. Students should choose:
- the Design discipline for entry into Diploma of Design (UniLink)
- the Engineering / Science discipline for entry into Diploma of Engineering (UniLink) or Diploma of Science (UniLink)
- the General discipline* for entry into any other UniLink diploma.
*Students must complete one core unit between CMS00001 and MTH00011.
Students are advised to choose these electives, as they might serve as pre-requisites for your progression into a diploma or bachelor course.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Global Communication
Core unit |
CMS00001 |
| Elective units | |
|
Design Fundamentals
Elective unit |
DDD00002 |
|
Drawing and Illustration
Elective unit |
GRA00004 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
General Mathematics
Core unit |
MTH00011 |
|
Foundation Mathematics
Core unit |
MTH00012 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Global Communication
Core unit |
CMS00001 |
|
General Mathematics
Core unit |
MTH00011 |
| Elective units | |
|
Design Fundamentals
Elective unit |
DDD00002 |
|
Product Development, Design and Technology
Elective unit |
DPD00001 |
|
Drawing and Illustration
Elective unit |
GRA00004 |
|
Introduction to Management
Elective unit |
MGT00002 |
|
Marketing
Elective unit |
MKT00003 |
|
Foundation Mathematics
Elective unit |
MTH00012 |
|
Society and Culture
Elective unit |
SOC00004 |
2024 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Published student tuition fees for 2025 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Finances
- check your bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for HECS-HELP
You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:
- are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365.00
Future scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online!