Fee-Free UniReady
Get the skills to step straight into Swinburne.
Your free pathway to university
Finish school without an ATAR? Want to change careers but haven’t studied before? Our Fee-Free UniReady course is for you – because university is for everyone.
This course will give you all the skills you need to enter university, with flexible study on-campus and online, supportive classes and no prerequisites to apply.
Duration
15 weeks
(1 semester)
ATAR
Not required
Location
On-campus
(Hawthorn)
Outcome
Direct entry into degree courses
Foundational
Build the skills and confidence you need to enter and succeed at university.
Flexible
On-campus class timetables that work around your lifestyle.
Supportive
Get one-on-one help from teachers and Success Coaches when you need it.
Inclusive
Gain a direct pathway towards your goals regardless of your background.
Your direct pathway to a degree
What will I learn?
This course is taught by experienced Swinburne teachers and includes four subjects focused on foundational skills.
Foundational skills
All students take these subjects
- Academic Writing and Communication
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Digital Literacy and Research
- Mathematics for University
What degrees can I enter?
On successful completion, students can enter the Bachelor degrees below.
Direct entry
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology
- Bachelor of Science
What is the commitment?
Fee-Free UniReady has a total length of 15 weeks (one semester).
Weekly hours
Total estimated study hours each week
12 hours
Face-to-face learning on-campus
18 hours
Supported or self-guided study
When do I start?
The Fee-Free UniReady course is available for the Semester 1, 2026 intake.
Start date
Semester 1, 2026
Monday, 2 March
Who can apply?
You’re eligible for the Fee-Free UniReady course if you:
- are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, a Permanent Resident of Australia, or a Humanitarian or Pacific Engagement visa holder
- live in Victoria for the duration of your study
- are 17 years or older
Please note that places are limited, so don’t wait to apply!
Frequently asked questions
You must be:
- an Australian or New Zealand citizen, a Permanent Resident of Australia, or a Humanitarian or Pacific Engagement visa holder
- live in Victoria for the duration of your study
- are 17 years or older
Places are limited, so apply early.
Yes. You will just need to make sure your other commitments work around the 12 hours of face-to-face on-campus learning per week.
You’ll have access to one-on-one help from teachers and dedicated Success Coaches, along with academic and career support. Learn more: swinburne.edu.au/student-support-services
Expect around 30 hours per week, including:
- 12 hours of on-campus learning
- 18 hours of supported or self-guided online study
Yes. Swinburne is committed to inclusion and accessibility. Visit swinburne.edu.au/accessibility-services
Email us, book a one-on-one or contact the Future Students team by calling 1300 794 628 (option 2).