Diploma in General Studies

This program is a great option if you have just finished high school and want to study abroad without committing to a 3- or 4-year degree program. It is also a good option, if you are currently enrolled at an overseas institution and only want to study abroad for a short time, while possibly earning an AQF qualification to use towards your home degree*.

* Subject to home institution approval.

Course flexibility while studying amongst the locals

To be eligible to graduate from this program, you are required to successfully complete 8 courses (96 units) over two semesters.

Each semester you will be required to enrol in 4 courses (or 48 units) from USC's extensive course catalogue.

The courses on offer are taken directly from within several of USC's undergraduate programs, which means you have the opportunity to enrol in classes with the locals, while having the flexibility to choose your preferred courses.

Head to the What will I study? tab to see all the courses you can choose from.

Graduate with an award and celebrate your achievements

Students who successfully complete the Diploma in General Studies program are eligible to

• Graduate with an (AQF) Diploma
• Participate in the USC Graduation ceremony, and/or
• Participate in the International Ceremony of Completion

Apply for credit and complete your program in one semester ^#

USC offers eligible students the opportunity to apply for the Diploma in General Studies with up to 50 percent credit transfer^#, which gives students the opportunity to complete the program in one semester.

^# To be eligible, students with recognised prior tertiary studies must apply for and receive credit transfer into the Diploma in General Studies.

• Students can apply for credit for up to 4 courses (or 48 units)
• If 4 courses of credit transfer are granted, students will be required to successfully complete the remaining 4 courses (48 units) at USC to graduate
• Eligibility of credit transfer can only be assessed once an application has been received

For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.

Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.

Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.

If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.

If English is not your first language, you also need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may like to enrol in one of our English Language Programs.