Year 11 & 12 Hub

When it comes to higher education, the word “pathways” refers to the ability to move through qualification levels, with successful completion of one qualification considered as an entry requirement to the next qualification. For example, a diploma or certificate might have more flexible entry requirements than a degree, but once successfully completed, allow you to meet the entry criteria to further study (sometimes with academic credit so your second course takes less time to complete). 

A common myth about uni is that, in order to pursue a certain course or career, you need a certain academic history or a perfect linear plan. The truth is that whatever your big life goals, there's a pathway into them (you just might need a little help finding it).

So then what kind of pathways are there? Well, if you don’t have the maths requirements you need for your dream course, there’s MathsLink. And if you didn’t get into the bachelor degree you have your heart set on, there are UniLink diplomas (an eight month course that allows you to progress into the second year of a bachelor degree upon completion). Or, if you’re thinking you may complete Year 12 unscored, there’s options abounds. Because we believe education should be available to everyone, regardless of circumstances. 

Want to know what pathway options exist for the course or courses you’re interested in? Try our Pathway Planner to see.
 

Are you eligible for special consideration? 

If there are circumstances or obstacles which have impacted your studies and your academic results, you may be eligible for special consideration via the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS).

SEAS considers a range of factors that may have the ability to affect your performance and results, like your financial situation, your health, or your living circumstances.
 

SEAS categories are: 

Category 1 – Personal information and location

Category 2 – Disadvantaged financial background

Category 3 – Disability or medical condition

Category 4 – Difficult circumstances
 

Because the past few years have been particularly challenging, many students are likely to meet one or more categories that may qualify them for special consideration. We recommend talking to your school about applying for SEAS.

Scholarships aren’t just awarded for academic achievement, they’re also awarded to promote gender equity, to counter personal hardship, to assist with financial needs, to recognise community and volunteer work. There are scholarships available to students from a refugee or migrant background, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and for students relocating from a rural or regional area.

The Moondani Toombadool Centre is the department responsible for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters at Swinburne, including student support, Indigenous teaching, learning and research, and celebrations like NAIDOC Week.

As a Swinburne student, you’ll have access to community and support through Moondani Toombadool, like the Indigenous Study Success Program, the Indigenous Student Lounge and more.

Looking at applying to study with Swinburne? Before you do, take a look at the exhaustive list of scholarships available to Indigenous students, they cover everything from study supplies to relocation and more.

If you’re a student living with a disability, medical or mental health condition, or carer responsibilities, you are eligible for support at Swinburne called AccessAbility.

First, you’ll need to register for AccessAbility. Then you’ll work with an AccessAbility advisor to develop an Education Access Plan to make sure your studies and student life work for you. Your advisor will also be able to connect you with all the support services you might need throughout your studies.

Swinburne students can access a wealth of free and easy advice and assistance because we know that your mental health, physical health, and stress levels are all tied into how you do in your studies (and in your life altogether). Access support services like psychology and counselling, financial advice and assistance, study help, our medical and sexual health clinic, and more. On campus or virtually. 

Before you commence your studies, make sure you’ve had a look at the government financial assistance that may be available to you, like ABSTUDY, Austudy, and Youth Allowance, HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, SA-HELP, as well as loans, grants, fees and discounts.