What is PASS?

PASS brings students together in a supportive and collaborative study environment. Sessions are attached to selected first-year and core units and are led by trained PASS Leaders – students who previously excelled in the unit and know what it takes to succeed.

You’ll review key concepts, tackle tricky problems and develop effective study techniques in a relaxed, friendly space. PASS isn’t about being lectured to, it’s about learning with your peers.

PASS sessions are:

  • free, fun and informal

  • open to everyone enrolled in supported units

  • run weekly on campus or online.
     

Why join PASS?

Students who attend PASS regularly perform better, feel more confident and enjoy their studies more.

PASS helps you:

  • understand core concepts faster

  • prepare for quizzes, labs and exams

  • learn how to study the unit, not just what to study

  • connect with classmates and build your academic confidence.
     

How PASS works

Most PASS sessions run on campus, with some online options for flexibility. Each session is designed to help you learn through collaboration, not lectures. You’ll work together on key topics, share ideas and learn strategies that make studying more effective.

Schedules vary by unit and semester.

Here’s what to expect:

  • Who leads it: Trained PASS Leaders (fellow students, not teaching staff).

  • What happens: Group activities, problem-solving, revision for quizzes and exams and study strategy tips.

  • Who can attend: Anyone enrolled in a supported unit. All levels welcome.

  • Where: Mostly on campus, with some online options for flexibility.

  • Cost: Free and voluntary.

  • What it’s not: PASS doesn’t re-teach lectures, give out answers or edit or mark your work. PASS helps guide you through your studies with an expert in your area.
     

Which units have PASS sessions?

Units supported in Semester 1, 2026 will be announced in February 2026. 
You can also check your unit’s Canvas page for details about times, locations and updates.

Not every unit offers PASS every teaching period. If your unit isn’t listed, check back later or talk to your unit convenor to find out if it will be offered in a future semester.

More information

If you have any questions or need support, contact the PASS team at pass@swinburne.edu.au

Find a study group

The easiest way to find a study group is to see which ones are already scheduled in your school. 

Facilitated study groups
  • ACC10007 – Financial Information for Decision Making
  • MGT10009 - Contemporary Management Principles
Facilitated study groups
  • *ENG10003 – Engineering Mechanics
     

WISTEM - Women in STEM Study Group – for those enrolled in units above denoted with an asterisk (*), a second Study Group has opened. All years are welcome to join.  

Facilitated study groups
  • BIO10004 – Anatomy and Physiology
  • STA10003 – Foundations of Statistics

Facilitated study groups
  • *COS10004 – Computer Systems
  • *COS10009 – Introduction to Programming
  • *MTH00007 – Preliminary Mathematics
  • *MTH10012 – Calculus and Applications
  • *MTH10013 – Linear Algebra and Applications
  • *TNE10005 – Network Administration
  • *TNE10006 – Networks and Switching
     

WISTEM - Women in STEM Study Group – for those enrolled in units above denoted with an asterisk (*), a second Study Group has opened. All years are welcome to join.

No study groups offered in your unit of study?

You can form your own study group with your friends and classmates. Simply agree on a time and book an available study space.

Book a study space
Find a student mentor

Our Peer Mentoring Program can connect you with an experienced student from your area of study. They can help you develop skills and connect with Swinburne services.

Learn how

Want to speak with a student mentor?

There’s a lot to adjust to when you start university. Like the majority of other students, it’s probably your first time away from home, your friends and your support network. It can all seem overwhelming and daunting at first, but our student mentoring services will help you settle into life at Swinburne.

Find a student mentor