If you’re considering UniReady in Schools, or studying UniReady after high school, you’re probably wondering where it could take you.
UniReady in Schools and UniReady are Curtin University’s supportive UniReady enabling programs, designed to help you begin your tertiary education if you’re on the general pathway at school, studying VET certificates I-III, changing direction or simply exploring your interests. UniReady in Schools is studied while you’re in high school, while UniReady is a study option after graduating high school.
Both programs offer similar benefits and act as a bridge between where you are now and where you want to be. But there are differences in the way they are studied and the units that are offered.
In this article, you’ll discover what you can expect from both the schools program and UniReady, how they prepare you for university-level study, and the Curtin degrees you can apply for once you’ve completed them.
When you decide to study either the schools program or UniReady, you’re choosing a supportive, confidence-building entry into university life. On both programs, you’ll be able to:
These benefits mean you can step into tertiary education knowing what to expect – and what is expected of you. You’ll feel empowered to start your career journey as a uni student, with the support you need.
UniReady in Schools (URIS) is operated and delivered by participating high schools as a subject option for senior school students. The URIS timetable and fees are set by each individual school, with some schools offering URIS across years 11 and 12, and others offering URIS in year 12 only.
To study URIS, your school must be a URIS participating school. We recommend you contact your school for more details.
If you choose to study UniReady after graduating high school – or you want to return to study after a break, you can complete the UniReady program at Curtin University.
At Curtin, there are options to study:
Studying UniReady is normally free.
To apply, you can:
UniReady in Schools comprises four units, with two core English units and two optional units. The optional units are chosen by your participating school.
See the UniReady section below for more details on what you’ll study in these units.
UniReady also comprises four units – two English units, one maths unit and one optional unit based on your interests.
These units develop the core writing, reading and communication skills you need for university-level work, including assessments and exams. You’ll learn how to conduct library and journal research, collaborate in group tasks, refine your academic writing, reference correctly and create presentations.
When you complete these two units, you’ll meet Curtin’s English language requirement for admission into a bachelor degree.
Numeracy Essentials gives you an understanding of equations, algebra, fractions and percentages, and teaches you to analyse and present data using tables and graphs in Microsoft Excel.
Mathematics for Science covers more advanced concepts such as functions and matrices. Choose this option if you’re aiming for an undergraduate degree that requires ATAR Mathematics Applications as a prerequisite.
Your optional unit is a chance to try out an area of interest, discover your strengths and test whether a particular study area feels right. And, if you choose to study something entirely different after UniReady, that’s perfectly fine – UniReady is designed to give you room to explore. Your options include:
Explore anatomy, physiology, human cell biology, homeostasis and epidemiology.
Examine how people interact within society, including the interplay between culture, environment and technology.
Learn about Aboriginal history, lore, art, governance and reconciliation.
Discover the fundamentals of economics, marketing, law and accounting, and apply economic modelling to business scenarios.
Gain a broad understanding of computing, physics, chemistry, data science and astronomy.
If you only need to meet Curtin’s English language requirement – and don’t need the full UniReady qualification – you can complete the two English units only through the UniReady Academic English Competency program.
Once you’ve completed your UniReady enabling program – congratulations! With this qualification you’ll be eligible to apply for many Curtin undergraduate courses with a 70 ATAR equivalent, giving you access to diverse study and career opportunities across Western Australia and beyond.
For Kalyisahg Mohammed Farid, UniReady opened the door to a double degree in nutrition and health promotion.
UniReady was a very supportive stepping stone into university that I needed after going through a lot of stress and receiving a poor ATAR in Year 12. I was determined to be able to study what I wanted, and it only made sense to at least try”
I feel like UniReady eased me into university life. I didn’t want to have to move from Port Hedland to Perth to study, so I studied the program online, which was great. I now study a double degree in disciplines I am passionate about – and mentor new UniReady students, too.
Kalyisahg Mohammed Farid
Bachelor of Science (Nutrition), Bachelor of Science (Health Promotion)
A UniReady qualification can be the bedrock for many different careers. Here are study areas and courses you can apply for – and the pathways they may create for your future.
If you enjoy design, creativity or imagining how spaces could look and feel, a UniReady qualification can lead you into design-focused degrees where creativity meets problem-solving.
Career pathways include architect, interior designer, sustainability consultant, project coordinator and urban planner.
From digital media and film to fine art and design, the creative industries are buzzing with new ideas as technology changes how stories are told. These flexible courses allow you to explore your own artistic style while gaining the professional skills you need for a creative career.
Career pathways include advertising executive, graphic designer, animator, film and game designer, illustrator, curator, content creator, fashion designer, actor and journalist.
If you’ve ever dreamed of running your own online store, designing an app, investing in property or building a brand, Curtin’s business degrees can help you turn your ideas into action. You can customise your business course to align with your career aspirations.
Career pathways include business owner, investor, marketer, manager, economist, accountant and business developer.
If supporting the next generation inspires you, a UniReady qualification can take you into teaching and education degrees that explore learning, wellbeing and emerging trends like AI mentors and enquiry-based learning.
Career pathways include teacher, education assistant, youth educator, community education officer.
1 Some secondary education majors such as mathematics, chemistry and physics have ATAR subject prerequisites that cannot be met with a UniReady qualification alone. If you don’t yet meet the prerequisites, there are other Curtin pathways available to you once you’ve finished your UniReady program.
If you’re passionate about wellbeing, helping people and clinical practice, a UniReady qualification can take you into Curtin’s hands-on health degrees – from labs and clinics to rural placements.
Career pathways include medical scientist, health and safety advisor, fitness and performance consultant, health promotion officer, human resources consultant and social worker.
2 You need to have studied the Mathematics for Science unit to apply for this course. If you studied the schools program or Numeracy Essentials, you could start in the Bachelor of Science (Health Sciences) and apply to course-switch once you’ve completed the required units.
If you’re interested in the natural, physical or digital world, your UniReady qualification can help you enter a wide range of science degrees across computing, the environment, biology, chemistry and Earth sciences.
Career pathways include agronomist, geologist, marine scientist, systems designer, food technologist, computer programmer, mining surveyor and surveyor.
3 You need to have studied the Mathematics for Science unit to apply for this course. If you studied the schools program or Numeracy Essentials, you could start in the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Science and apply to course-switch once you’ve completed the required units.
You may meet Curtin’s admission criteria for degrees with a 70 ATAR equivalent if you’ve completed an enabling, foundation or preparation program through an Australian university.
Curtin’s UniReady enabling programs provide genuine opportunities to study a degree and pursue a career you’re passionate about. Whether you complete the program in high school or after you’ve graduated high school, you’ll open doors to the careers and employment you’ve always dreamed of – and can start your degree course feeling prepared and supported.
Begin by exploring what you enjoy day-to-day, try our FindUQuiz to learn more about yourself and which courses and careers could suit you; and contact our friendly Future Student Advisors to chat through your options.
Curtin’s Undergraduate Discovery Day is your chance to see how a UniReady enabling program can help you figure out what you want to do and be the first step in a tangible career plan. Come along to chat with current students who’ve taken the same path and ask any questions you may have.
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