Uni Step-Up

Uni Step-Up is your chance to experience university life by studying two first-year university units while you're in year 11. You'll get a head start at university, develop uni-level study skills, and discover more about your potential degree.

Uni Step-Up is delivered in two formats at Australian Catholic University. An on-campus program is delivered during the winter and summer school holidays, and an online program for regional students through the year.

Applications for the 2025 Uni Step-Up Online program are now open.

Why study Uni Step-Up?

Get a head start

Uni Step-Up is a great way to test out a subject area and develop your skills in academic writing and referencing. You'll learn to use university systems and support services to help you get ready for university life.

There is no cost

Uni Step-Up is HECS-free and there is no cost to participants. All tuition costs and resources are covered by ACU.

Earn university credit

The units delivered in Uni Step-Up are the same units delivered to first-year undergraduate students. This means that you will receive credit for your Uni Step-Up units if you continue to study in a related course at ACU.

Tailored support

As a Uni Step-Up student, you'll be guided through your studies by our team of dedicated university lecturers and Uni Step-Up coordinators. You'll also receive guided mentoring by our team of experienced ACU students throughout your studies.

Pathway to further study

Participants who successfully complete two units become eligible to receive an early offer to a mapped ACU course.

Offerings

ACU's Uni Step-Up Online program is designed for students in regional areas to get a head start on a degree and university study.

Download our 2025 brochure for full details

Who can apply for Uni Step-Up Online?

To participate in Uni Step-Up Online, you must be in Year 11 and meet one of the following criteria:

  • live in a regional or remote area
  • or
  • identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

What can I study?

Business

A career in business means opportunities. With ACU, you will get more than your usual business degree. You'll learn how to lead in business to create positive and sustainable change.

The units delivered in this Uni Step-Up program can lead to further study in the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor Business Administration, Bachelor Accounting and Finance, and a number of dual degrees.

Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine

Caring for others gives more than it takes. Your career in nursing, midwifery, or paramedicine means a career helping others. You will have the knowledge, skills and attitude to improve people's wellbeing. And be there to provide vital care when they need it most.

The units delivered in this Uni Step-Up program can lead to further study in the Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Paramedicine, and a number of dual degrees

Sports and exercise science

Study behavioural and health science to create a world of wellness. Exercise science courses will equip you for a future developing healthy minds, bodies and even healthy policies. You'll be able to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities. Help people achieve peak performance, optimal health and wellbeing. If you're passionate about sport, exercise and health - this is for you.

The units delivered in this Uni Step-Up program can lead to further study in the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, Bachelor of High Performance Sport, Bachelor of Nutrition Science, and a number of dual degrees

How do I apply?

Apply now to secure your place. Applications for Uni Step-Up Online in 2025 are now open. Applications will close on 23 February 2025 or when the program is full.

To apply for Uni Step-Up you will need to provide a copy of your most recent school report, and answer these two short answer questions:

  • Why do you want to study in the Uni Step-Up program? (100-200 words)
  • What skills and qualities do you believe are needed to study at a university level? (100-200 words)
Apply for Uni Step Up Online

ACU's Uni Step-Up program is designed for students in year 11 to get a head start on a degree and university study.

The 2025 program will be delivered in the July 2025 school holidays and the January 2026 school holidays.

The Uni Step-Up 2025 program will include the offerings below:

  • Brisbane campus (QLD): Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedicine
  • Blacktown and Strathfield campuses (NSW): Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedicine, Business, Exercise and Sports Science, Criminology
  • Melbourne campus (VIC): Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedicine, Business, Exercise and Sports Science
  • Ballarat campus (VIC): Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedicine

Who can apply for Uni Step-Up

To participate in Uni Step-Up, you must be in Year 11 and meet one of the following criteria:

  • Attend a widening participation partner school
  • or
  • live in a regional or remote area
  • or
  • identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
  • or
  • living or studying in the Blacktown (NSW) local government area.





Further Information

To access further information including key dates, subject outlines, and frequently asked questions about the program, please download the flyers provided in the table above.

Please get in touch with your local Uni Step-Up team at:

Victoria - wp.vic@acu.edu.au
New South Wales - wp.nsw@acu.edu.au
Queensland - wp.qld@acu.edu.au

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Parents can help

A strong support network is important. Find out ways you can help the student in your life prepare for study at ACU.

Ways you can assist

Clemente Australia

Clemente offers marginalised members of the community the opportunity to study humanities at a university level in a supportive and empowering environment.

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