Postgraduate entry through work experience
We recognise your work experience
If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, your Australian work experience could still get you into postgraduate study. At UC we recognise the skills you’ve gained on the job and can assess them as a pathway into courses like Graduate Certificates and Master’s degrees.
Your career experience can be your pathway into postgraduate study at UC. Depending on your background, we’ll look at your study history, your work experience — or both. We believe that professional experience is a strong sign of your ability to succeed at a higher level.
You only need to meet one of the three scenarios below to be eligible for entry into an approved postgraduate course at UC:
| Your prior study | Relevant work experience | General work experience | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree | 2 years | OR | 4 years |
| Certificate IV or Year 12 (or equivalent) | 3 years | OR | 6 years |
| No prior qualification | 7 years | OR | 10 years |
- Relevant experience: jobs directly related to the course you want to study.
- General experience: any type of paid work experience.
We also recognise skilled jobs using the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) guide. If your role is classed as:
Skill Level 1 (e.g. managers, highly specialised professionals): You may be eligible for direct entry, no minimum time required.
Skill Level 2 (e.g. technical or supervisory roles): You may be eligible with at least 2 years of experience in that role.
Our Admissions Team will review your role and responsibilities to confirm eligibility.
Check your course
Make sure the postgraduate course you want to study accepts work experience entry. View our list of eligible courses.
Prepare your documents
You’ll need
- A current resume outlining your roles, responsibilities, and dates
- Employer statements (on company letterhead) confirming your role, duties and responsibilities, type of employment (full-time or part-time), duration of employment, and referee contact details.
- Transcripts or certificates from any previous study
- A copy of your Defence Service Record (for current or former Defence members)
- Any other evidence of your experience (memberships, etc.)
- Proof of name change (if relevant)
Apply online
Submit your application directly to UC. Our Admissions Team will review your experience and confirm your eligibility.
Prefer to start with an undergraduate degree? We can assess your work and study history to help you gain entry or receive credit, so you can finish sooner.
Connect with our team to explore your study options, entry pathways and how your skills and work experience count towards entry into UC.