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Pathways FAQ

Why university?

Why should I study for a university qualification when I already have a TAFE qualification and/or years of work experience?

By continuing your learning at Monash, you will show employers the high level of determination and personal responsibility you have for your own career path. For some careers it is also necessary to have an accredited higher qualification to advance or secure promotion. TAFE qualifications and/or work experience is a good, solid start, but undertaking higher education can lead to a recognised qualification that is also a springboard to postgraduate learning opportunities.

Monash courses are recognised and accredited by many professional organisations. This ensures that when you graduate your qualification will meet the 'now and future' requirements of the industry and employers. These include: CPA Australia, Engineers Australia, Public Relations Institute of Australia, Australian Psychological Society, Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, Victorian Institute of Teaching, Australian Computer Society, Nurses Registration Board of Victoria, Australian Association of Social Workers and Pharmacy Board of Victoria.

For example (from the field of accounting):
A student completes a diploma in accounting at a TAFE college and works successfully as a bookkeeper for a suburban accountant. After a year, they decide that they would like to work as an accountant in a larger firm. Accountancy, like most professions, requires industry accreditation, so the student decides to go back to study. They enrol in a Bachelor of Accounting course at Monash. When they graduate they gain Associate Member status with CPA Australia.

By taking that extra step with Monash, the student has:

  • Diversified their learning experience
  • Entered university life, met new people and made new contacts
  • Improved their employability - by holding dual awards they have prepared themselves for all occupational segments of the international and national workforce
  • Acquired a range of academic skills that will serve them well in their professional life, regardless of future career changes

Because of their experience at TAFE and in the workforce, the student was better prepared and equipped to handle the study challenges of a university course.

What industries could I work in during and after my studies at Monash?

Dual award students (pathway and higher education awards) work in a wide range of careers and industries - it's all up to you! Your university studies are often the catalyst for career decisions.

What career assistance can I get at Monash?

Monash wants graduates to be 'graduates of choice'. Monash University Employment and Career Development teaches vital skills for students to manage their own careers through numerous practical and theoretical programs.

Entry requirements

Does Monash recognise a TAFE qualification in meeting entry requirements?

A completed TAFE qualification at Certificate IV level or above, with graded/scored results, may be considered for assessment for entry to a Monash course. Some faculties may have additional entry requirements such as interviews, admission tests and folios.

Does Monash have agreements with TAFE providers?

Agreements do exist with TAFE providers but not all courses have direct links.

We recommend you talk to the student recruitment office or your faculty course coordinator  for more information.

What are the minimum English language requirements?

For entrance into the University you must also satisfy our English language requirements. These are additional to the academic requirements of the University or specific course requirements.

Should I sit an external admissions test as part of my selection – such as STAT, GAT or UMAT?

Aptitude tests are used at Monash as an alternative entry pathway and as an additional selection criterion . General aptitude tests can identify applicants with the ability to succeed at university, who may have been prevented from showing this ability in their previous education, or who do not have any recent educational qualifications that can be considered. Please note that not all courses accept aptitude tests.

The Undergraduate Medicine Admissions Test (UMAT) is compulsory in the selection of students into medicine and some health science degree programs.

What other questions could I ask University representatives?

  • What prerequisite studies do I need for this course?
  • What is the overall grade average required to gain entry to this course?
  • Do you accept competency-based assessment?
  • What is the minimum number of units required to be competitive for selection?
  • Will prior work experience assist my application?
  • What is the minimum entry requirement based on my Year 12 studies to enter Monash College, the Diploma of Tertiary Studies or study single units?

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Can I apply for credit, and how much credit will I get if I proceed to study an undergraduate degree?

You can apply for credit and recognition of prior learning (RPL) to build both your educational and career success without losing credit or time from previous studies. Credit and RPL will be approved based on a number of factors, including how you have addressed course content and the essential skills required to complete specific units - this includes mastery of content, thinking and laboratory skills (if relevant) obtained from previous studies.

Monash recommends discussing credit and your educational background with specific faculty and University staff prior to submitting credit/RPL application forms.

Course options at Monash

What is a pathway course?

A pathway course is a course that can be used as a 'stepping stone' to commencing a university degree course. Pathway programs can also be taken by students who do not meet direct entry requirements.

At Monash, these 'pathways' include single units, Monash College diplomas, the Indigenous Non-Award Pathway, Diploma of Tertiary Studies and Monash University Foundation Year (for international students only).

How many years will my course take and how much will it cost?

This depends on how many units you are required to take at Monash to graduate with a Monash degree. Once credit exemptions have been approved, the faculty hosting the course will tell you how many units you are required to study in order to graduate.

The Monash Course Finder entry for your chosen course will indicate the annual cost of the course.

Can I do this course part-time or study online?

Monash has a range of options, from starting dates (February or July), flexible study modes (full-time, part time or by online/ off-campus education ), to choice of campus. We recommend you talk to the student recruitment office  or your faculty of choice  for more information. Please note that study modes and commencement dates may vary between courses.

International students studying in Australia on an Australian student visa are required to study full-time and on-campus. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship  has more information regarding student visa regulations and conditions.

What campus will I study at?

Monash has 8 campuses. There are six in Australia , one in Malaysia and one in South Africa . Not all courses are offered at all campuses. The Monash Course Finder  entry for your chosen course will indicate the campuses where the course is offered. You can also narrow your search options by campus when using Course Finder.

When does the course start?

Undergraduate and postgraduate courses start in February (Semester 1) and July (Semester 2) of each year. Not all courses have two start dates each year. The Monash Course Finder  entry for your chosen course will indicate when commencement is possible. Monash College has a trimester system, with start dates in February, June and October.

How many single units can I take at Monash?

You can apply for several single units, but permission to attempt single unit study  is granted on a unit-by-unit basis for each specific unit and for one semester only (unless the unit is for the full year). Places may not be available in all units.

Financial assistance

Is there any financial assistance available?

For domestic students, Access Monash  is a program of alternative entry pathways, special admissions schemes, scholarships and bursaries, all aimed at providing fair and equitable access to a world-class education. Monash has substantially increased the number of scholarships and bursaries available to students, including introducing the new Monash College Access and Equity Bursaries.

International students are automatically assessed for merit scholarships and have access to other international scholarships and bursaries.

Applications

How do I apply?

Domestic student applications, with the exception of single units, most off-campus learning courses and mid-year intakes, must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).

International students  can apply directly.

What is an offer and what happens when offers are announced?

An offer is an invitation to attend and enrol into a particular course. If you are accepted into a course at Monash, you will receive an offer.

Offers for domestic students are released online by VTAC  and in local newspapers for the main February (first semester) intake each year. VTAC will send you details of your offer in the mail. The Monash offer will contain all enrolment information and details of information sessions you must attend. Monash will also send you an enrolment pack specifying date, time and the enrolment process. You will be notified if enrolment can be done online or if you will need to attend in person. Each faculty and course is different. Failure to enrol on the given date and time, may mean you offer will lapse.

All offer details for international students will be mailed with an Accept your Offer  pack. For students using the services of an education agent, notification of an offer is also sent to the agent.