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
Our EmpowerED University Preparation Program is ideal for applicants who don't meet the admission requirements to enter an undergraduate degree at Griffith. Choose from our flexible study options: on campus or online through timetabled classes or our on-demand online program that you can work through at your own pace, in a way that works for you.
EmpowerED University Preparation Program (9954)
This timetabled version of the 60CP program is offered full-time and part-time and is available at our Gold Coast, Logan and Online campuses.
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
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.
EmpowerED University Preparation Program (9961)
This version of the program is offered full-time or part-time via Griffith GO, our 100% online, on-demand version that lets you start when you're ready, study at your own pace and learn from anywhere.
Structure
You'll be set up for success through two compulsory courses covering university preparation, academic study skills, communication, research, maths, and science essentials with an overarching focus on preparing you for future career, including the opportunity to craft a personalised employability plan.
The program consists of the following two compulsory courses (60CP):
- 9110EPP Foundations for University Success (30CP)
- 9112EPP Professional Pathways (30CP)
Attendance Information
Our on-demand online program allows you to work through at your own pace, in a way that works for you. It is fully online self-paced learning delivered through on-demand content. You will have access to 24/7 online support.
This program uses a non-standard academic calendar and has a variation to the standard trimester and key dates. You can commence in a Learning block at the beginning of any month, giving you greater flexibility in planning your studies. This is how they align to our trimesters:
- January to May Learning Blocks = Trimester 1.
- June to September Learning Blocks = Trimester 2.
- October to December Learning Blocks = Trimester 3.
So, although you have the freedom to begin your studies in any month, it's important to note how these learning blocks correspond to trimesters as you will see this language used in your application and throughout your studies at Griffith. Visit the Online On Demand Calendar for the available learning blocks.
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.
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 (9954)
Gold Coast, Logan and Online campuses
Submit your application via QTAC or direct to Griffith via the application form below. Direct admission is available to non-school leavers only.
Applications for Trimester 1 2026 close 15 December 2025.
Applications for Trimester 2 2026 close 22 June 2026.
Submit application for EmpowerED University Preparation Program
How to apply for EmpowerED University Preparation Program (9961)
Online on demand
Submit your application direct to Griffith via the application form below. Direct admission is available to non-school leavers only.
You can commence in a Learning block at the beginning of any month. Visit the Online On Demand Calendar for the available learning blocks.
Submit application for EmpowerED University Preparation Program
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.