Simone's Student Life Story

About Simone

A new direction after a job loss

When Simone's employer went into liquidation, the Fee Free Uni Ready Program gave her a one-semester bridge back into study — faster and more affordable than a certificate or diploma pathway.

A step ahead in the degree

Having already handled enrolment, IDs, Canvas and the campus layout through Uni Ready, Simone moved into her Bachelor of Science with essay writing, referencing and maths refreshers already under her belt.

A pathway into STEM

Now focused on biochemistry and chemistry with her sights set on forensic science, Simone was recently awarded the Peter and Vaclav Havlicek Chemistry Scholarship, valued at $30,000 over her degree.

Career crossroads

Simone was left facing a major decision about her career when the company she had been working for full time went into liquidation. Feeling lost, she began by researching short courses as a mature-aged student returning to study. With an interest in science, Simone found the existing pathways to a degree seemed out of reach in both cost and time.

'Discovering the Fee Free Uni Ready pathway seemed too good to be true,' Simone says. To be able to complete the course in one semester, rather than a traditional pathway via certificate and diploma, meant Simone could be working toward her degree much faster. The fact it was Fee Free was an added bonus given Simone was no longer employed.

Profile photo of Simone

A step ahead

Simone has since completed the Fee Free Uni Ready course and has moved into a Bachelor of Science, where she says the course gave her a big advantage over traditional first-year students.

Firstly, having already completed the administrative tasks of enrolling in university and getting her IDs, to getting familiar with the campus layout and using the learning management system Canvas throughout the Uni Ready course, Simone's transition into the Bachelor of Science was seamless.

Major benefits that helped Simone's confidence from the Fee Free Uni Ready program included assistance with essay writing, academic referencing and refreshers for mathematics subjects.

Pathway to STEM success

Simone's focus is now on biochemistry and chemistry subjects where she hopes to get into the field of forensic science upon graduation. Given women are still well underrepresented across STEM fields, and in particular forensic science, Simone understands the competition to get in and is determined to succeed.

Simone says the support she has received from Swinburne has been incredible. From the passionate teaching staff to Student HQ – she says it is very easy to find support in any area of your study journey. Swinburne is one big community where everyone feels welcome and supported.

In addition, Simone has recently been awarded the Peter and Vaclav Havlicek Chemistry Scholarship valued at $30,000 over the three years of her degree. This scholarship supports underrepresented students such as Simone, and those who are at an educational disadvantage.

"This program gives you a good insight into if you are ready for uni. It will help you decide if going on to a degree is right for you. You've got nothing to lose."

Simone , Fee Free Uni Ready Program