Gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to enter an undergraduate degree
These fee-free uni-ready programs give you the opportunity to experience university life while building your confidence and academic study skills. You'll gain fundamental knowledge and skills—including the essentials of critical reading, writing and referencing—in a supportive learning environment.
Fee-free uni-ready preparatory programs that build your confidence and academic study skills.
Guaranteed admission into a range of Griffith degrees in the next trimester (subject to entry requirements). May also gain credit towards your degree.
From start to finish, draw on strong student support, valuable learning experiences and dedicated academic assistance.
Develop foundational knowledge and skills, setting you up for success in your future bachelor studies.
Program information
EmpowerED University Preparation Program
The EmpowerED University Preparation Program (9954) is a free 60CP preparatory program for applicants who don't meet the admission requirements to enter an undergraduate degree at Griffith.
Structure
You'll be set up for success through four compulsory courses on university preparation, academic study skills, communication and academic research, and mathematics essentials. You can also tailor your study by choosing two elective courses in key subject areas such as science or leadership and innovation. You can even opt for a course dedicated to preparing you for career success, including the opportunity to craft a personalised employability plan.
The program consists of the following four compulsory courses (40CP):
- 9100EPP University Preparation
- 9200EPP Learning Strategies for University Success
- 9300EPP Academic Communication
- 9400EPP Maths Essentials
You must also complete two elective courses (20CP) from the following:
- 9500EPP Science Fundamentals
- 9600EPP Innovation, Creativity and Leadership
- 9700EPP Career Pathways
Attendance information
Choose from our flexible study options: on campus or online through timetabled classes or our on-demand online program.
Standard trimesters
This program is offered full-time and part-time at our Gold Coast, Logan and Online campuses. There are two intakes per year and will take six months to complete this program on a full-time basis:
- January to July
- July to December
Each course is delivered in a 6-week block model with 2 x three-hour workshops per week. For the full calendar, including orientation and commencement dates, visit Academic Calendar Key Dates.
On-demand Online
Our on-demand Online program allows you to work through at your own pace, in a way that works for you. This program uses a non-standard academic calendar and has a variation to the standard trimester and key dates.
EmpowerED for School Leavers Program
The EmpowerED for School Leavers Program (9960) is a free, fast-tracked 40CP preparatory program designed for school leavers graduating Year 12 in 2025 who don't meet the admission requirements to enter an undergraduate degree at Griffith or have recently decided to pursue university.
Structure
With this fast-tracked program, you can complete your studies in time to start an undergraduate Griffith degree by Trimester 1.
This quicker version of EmpowerED is made for recent Year 12 leavers who already have a strong study foundation. You'll gain fundamental knowledge and skills - including the essentials of critical reading, writing and referencing - in a supportive learning environment.
In addition to these fundamental skills, you’ll explore your career aspirations and gain confidence in maths essentials preparing you for university and beyond.
The program consists of the following compulsory course (40CP):
- 9000EPP Pathway to University Success (40CP)
On-demand Online
Our on-demand Online program allows you to work through at your own pace, in a way that works for you. This program uses a non-standard academic calendar and has a variation to the standard trimester and key dates.
The EmpowerED for School leavers program is fully online self-paced learning delivered through on-demand content. You will have access to 24/7 online support.
There is one intake to gain admission into an undergraduate program at Griffith University from Trimester 1 2026:
- 24 November to 13 February 2026
Entry requirements for EmpowerED programs
EmpowerED University Preparation Program
Entry requirements
To be eligible for admission to this program you must:
- be at least 17 (at commencement of intake) or have completed* Year 12 in an Australian high school (or equivalent)
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, a Pacific Engagement visa holder or the holder of a permanent resident/humanitarian visa
- meet the University's English Language Proficiency requirements.
[*] Students currently enrolled in Year 12 are not eligible for admission.
Year 12 students graduating this year are only eligible to apply for the EmpowerED for School Leavers Program (9960) which commences after the last day of school.
EmpowerED for School Leavers Program
Entry requirements
To be eligible for admission to this program you must:
- be at least 17 (at commencement of intake)
- be currently completing Year 12 in an Australian high school (or equivalent) or have completed within the last two years
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, a Pacific Engagement visa holder or the holder of a permanent resident/humanitarian visa.
- meet the University's English Language Proficiency requirements.
Meeting English Language Proficiency requirements
To be eligible for admission to this program you must meet the University's English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements. Most applicants will meet ELP requirements via the completion of secondary studies (Year 10 or higher) in Australia or another country that has been defined as having English as their first language in Admission Schedule: English Language Proficiency. If English is not your first language, and you have not met ELP via another means, you will need to have sufficient English skills to achieve an overall score of 6.0 and a minimum of 5.5 in all subtests of an IELTS test.
Transitioning to education or nursing post-completion of EmpowerED
If you are interested in applying for the Diploma of Education, Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Nursing Science (Logan campus) or the Bachelor of Nursing after completion of the EmpowerED program, and did not complete all your schooling in Australia, you will need to refer to the higher English Language Requirements on the programs Degree Finder entry.
Apply now
How to apply for EmpowerED University Preparation Program (60CP)
Submit your application via QTAC or direct to Griffith via the application form below.
Direct admission is available to mature applicants only.
Applications for Trimester 1 close 15 December 2025.
Applications for Trimester 2 close 22 June 2026.
Submit application for EmpowerED University Preparation Program
How to apply for EmpowerED School Leavers Program (40CP)
This new program will commence in Trimester 3 from 24 November 2025 and finish 13 February 2026.
Applications are submitted direct to Griffith via the application form below.
Applications for Trimester 3 close 21 November 2025.
Transitioning from EmpowerED to an undergraduate degree
Guaranteed admission
If you successfully complete your EmpowerED program with a GPA of 4.00 or above, we will facilitate your transition into an undergraduate degree at Griffith University via guaranteed admission* in the following trimester. If you’re eligible, we will send you a link to apply directly to the university for a wide range of degrees.
If your desired undergraduate degree is not included in the guaranteed admission, that’s okay! Visit Applying for other programs upon completion.
Guaranteed admission applies to rank only. You must still meet all other requirements for admission, such as additional prerequisites. For eligible degrees, refer to the list below. This list is subject to change and annually reviewed.
Eligible for Guaranteed Admission in 2026
Selection Ranks upon completion of EmpowerED
Below shows examples of the selection ranks you can achieve from successfully completing the full EmpowerED program.
Grade Point Average (on a 7-point scale) | Selection rank EmpowerED for School Leavers | Selection rank EmpowerED University Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| 6.95+ | 82.95 | 86.95 |
| 6.50-6.90 | 82.00 | 86.00 |
| 6.25–6.49 | 81.00 | 85.00 |
| 6.00–6.24 | 80.00 | 84.00 |
| 5.50–5.74 | 78.00 | 82.00 |
| 5.00–5.24 | 76.00 | 80.00 |
| 4.50–4.74 | 74.00 | 78.00 |
| 4.25–4.49 | 72.00 | 77.00 |
| 4.00–4.24 | 70.00 | 75.00 |
Applying for other programs upon completion of EmpowerED
If you wish to apply for a Griffith program not included in the guaranteed admission, that’s okay too. We will assess you on the completion of your EmpowerED program and award a rank based on the volume of study and the overall GPA you achieved. You must still meet all other requirements for admission such as additional prerequisites.
Griffith will facilitate your transition for most degrees^ upon completion of the EmpowerED program. For degrees not included in guaranteed admission but still available for direct admission, refer to the list below.
^Exemptions apply for competitive programs and those with additional entry requirements where admission is via QTAC or UAC only. If the program is not listed on this page, you will need to apply via QTAC or UAC. For all program details including the admission requirements, visit the Degree Finder.