Tertiary Preparation Program (Health Sciences)
Course information for - 2025 entry
International
- International
- International
Offered at 3 locations
- Brisbane
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Brisbane
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Duration
-
1 year full time
- CRICOS Code
- 073628D
- Fees (first year)*
- $20000
- Start dates
- February 2026, May 2026, February 2027, May 2027
Overview
This course is for international students who want to pursue academic studies in health sciences.
Students will be given the opportunity to develop effective English language communication skills and relevant content knowledge that are needed by health practitioners.
In particular, students will explore:
- the language and terminology of health sciences
- a variety of materials centred around health science content
- cultural awareness and responsiveness
- communication with patients or clients and their relatives
- the Australian health care system, and social determinants of health
- critical thinking and problem solving.
Emphasis will be placed on working independently and as a team member, self-directed study, and building confidence. Students will also receive support and specific preparation for external English language proficiency tests.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Tertiary Preparation Program (Health Sciences), a student must complete 80 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Additional course information
Course Structure
Students are required to complete a total of 80 credit points, consisting of:
- Academic English for Health Sciences 1
- English Language Communication Skills
- Communicating as a Health Professional 1
- Proficiency Test Preparation
- Academic English for Health Sciences 2
- Introduction to Health Care in Australia
- Introduction to Science for Health Professionals
- Communicating as a Health Professional 2
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must
- have completed the equivalent of year 11 (completion of senior high school in countries where this is not considered equivalent to an Australian year 12)
- have a minimum English language proficiency level of IELTS 6.0, with no individual score less than 6.0, or equivalent
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.
English language requirements
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must:
- have completed the equivalent of year 11 (completion of senior high school in countries where this is not considered equivalent to an Australian year 12)
- have a minimum English language proficiency level of:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Overall score: 6.0 Individual score of: 6.0
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- 50 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills
Test of English as a Foreign Language – Academic (TOEFL)
- Internet based total of 60: minimum 21 writing, 18 speaking, 12 listening and 13 in reading
ACU English Language Test
- C+ (63-64%)
C1 Advanced
- Overall score: 169. Minimum score of 169 in all tests
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (see English Language Proficiency)
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Further study
This course provides a pathway for international students to enter specified undergraduate degree courses within the Faculty of Health Sciences. Applicants should refer to Schedule 4 of the Admissions to Coursework Programs Policy for a list of those courses.
Fees
Course costs
- Unit fee: $2500
- Average first year fee: $20000
- Estimate total cost: $20000
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
International applicants
Deferment
No deferment available.
Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.
Staff Profile
Liz Leighton
Teacher, Tertiary Preparation Program (Health Sciences)
Liz Leighton is a TESOL teacher with over 30 years’ experience. She has taught in both Australia and the UK at primary, secondary and tertiary level. Liz has extensive experience of teaching Academic English at ACU, having taught across direct entry and pathways programs. She has a keen interest in curriculum development. Whilst studying for her Master of TESOL and Applied Linguistics, she became passionate about developing strategies that can assist students with reading academic texts. She currently teaches across the Academic Literacy units on the Health Sciences Tertiary Preparation Program.
Testimonial
Choosing to study the Tertiary Preparation Program (Health Sciences) at ACU has been one of the best decisions I have made in my study journey. TPP helped me improve both my English skills and my understanding of fundamental knowledge in Health Sciences, which has been immensely helpful since starting my Bachelor of Nursing.
TPP allowed me to familarise myself with the study system in Australia and the course content was designed very well to prepare students for their future studies. The unit assessments and teaching methods helped me feel prepared for the Bachelor of Nursing program.
The staff and teachers were extremely helpful. They responded quickly to concerns and enquiries, provided information for every possible need, and delivered classes very well.