10 reasons to study adult tertiary preparation

Our Adult Tertiary Preparation (ATP) course is specifically designed for people who want to study at university, but do not have the entrance rank they need to gain entry.

The Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (11240NAT) gives you a selection rank and helps you fulfil the subject prerequisites for university entry. 

Haytham Trueheart Harbus is studying ATP at TAFE Queensland to enrol in university to become a school teacher.

Top reasons to study ATP at TAFE Queensland

1. Get qualified for less

You may be able to study ATP without financial barriers. If you're eligible, you may be able to access a concession, subsidy or low cost training. Use our eligibility calculator to learn more about what you'll pay for your training.

2. Get back in the (study) game

ATP is the perfect course for you if you've been away from formal education for several years, or just aren't quite ready to tackle tertiary education. You'll learn the skills needed for successful tertiary study including time management, problem solving, mathematics, research and assignment writing, exam strategies, and seminar presentation skills. You'll build the confidence you need to tackle tertiary education with ease.

3. Get an entry score for uni or improve your rank

The Queensland ATP program offers comparable Year 12 level subjects for adult learners wishing to gain tertiary admission. Our ATP program is fully accredited and widely accepted by universities, training providers and employers as an alternative to Year 12.

If you also sit QTAC’s Special Tertiary Admissions Test, a STAT result can be combined with the results from this certificate to improve your selection rank.

4. Tick off your uni prerequisites

Complete all the prerequisite units (like Year 12 English or Maths) you need to gain entrance to your preferred university course.

5. Class flexibility

We know you have other commitments such as work, family and hobbies. You can fit your studies around your other commitments by choosing to study on campus or online, either full time or part time.

Keep in mind though that approximately 15 to 20 hours of independent study per week (outside of class time) will be required of full-time students enrolling in this qualification, and approximately 10 to 15 hours of independent study per week will be required of part-time students.

6. Study with like-minded adults

Your classmates will be people just like you. ATP isn't like high school at all. It's an adult learning environment where you will always be respected and supported.

7. Choose your specialisation

To complete this course you need to complete 9 units in total, including 3 core units and 6 elective units. You must complete a minimum of 3 specialisations, one of which is the Language and Learning specialisation. The remaining 6 elective units may be completed in a number of different combinations.

You can specialise in:

• Language and learning
• Computing
• Mathematics
• Psychology

8. QTAC help

QTAC is the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre, which coordinates the placement of students in higher education courses throughout the state. Students can apply for entry at their university of choice by application to QTAC or via direct application to the university.

We'll help you out, if you need, when submitting your application to QTAC.

9. Free career advice

Furthering your education opens up so many more career pathways for you. Our teachers are more than happy to explain your options and connect you with the right people to get you on the path to greatness.

10. Future study success

Almost all ATP students who go on to apply for a place in a higher education course are accepted into a course of their choice. Many former ATP students have been accepted into university and TAFE courses and have gone on to do great things.

Bonus: students who complete ATP subjects are far more likely to succeed at degree and diploma level courses than the average student population.