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 2026 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.

Pathway to further study

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

Program offerings

ACU's Uni Step-Up Online program is designed for Year 11 students in regional areas to get a head start on a degree and university study. The 2026 program will be delivered online with ACU.

Download our 2026 Online program for full details

Who can apply for Uni Step-Up Online?

To participate in Uni Step-Up, 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 Business, Bachelor Accounting and Finance, Bachelor of Business Administration/Bachelor of Laws and other 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, or the Bachelor of Paramedicine.

Exercise and Sports 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 Nutrition Science, and other dual degrees

How do I apply?

Applications for Uni Step-Up in 2026 are now open and will close on Sunday 22 February 2026, 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 two short answer questions.

Apply now or contact usu@acu.edu.au for more information

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.

Applications for the 2025 program are now closed. Information on the 2026 program will be released in early 2026. The 2026 program will be delivered at ACU's Ballarat campus during the July 2026 and January 2027 school holidays and may include the following offerings

  • Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedicine
  • Occupational Therapy

Who can apply?

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

Register your interest below or contact wp.vic@acu.edu.au for more information

Register your interest for Uni Step Up

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

Applications for the 2025 program are now closed. Information on the 2026 program will be released in early 2026. The 2026 program will be delivered at ACU's Blacktown campus during the July 2026 and January 2027 school holidays and may include the following offerings

  • Nursing and Midwifery
  • Exercise and Sports Science
  • Business
  • Criminology

Who can apply?

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

Register your interest below or contact wp.nsw@acu.edu.au for more information

Register your interest for Uni Step Up

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

Applications for the 2025 program are now closed. Information on the 2026 program will be released in early 2026. The 2026 program will be delivered at ACU's Blacktown campus during the July 2026 and January 2027 school holidays and may include the following offerings

  • Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine
  • Criminology

Who can apply?

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

Register your interest below or contact wp.qld@acu.edu.au for more information

Register your interest for Uni Step Up

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

Applications for the 2025 program are now closed. Information on the 2026 program will be released in early 2026. The 2026 program will be delivered at ACU's Blacktown campus during the July 2026 and January 2027 school holidays and may include the following offerings

  • Nursing and Midwifery
  • Exercise and Sports Science
  • Business

Who can apply?

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

Register your interest below or contact wp.vic@acu.edu.au for more information

Register your interest for Uni Step Up

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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