A Degree Transfer Program (Science) is a university pathway qualification equivalent in content and academic level to the first year of a Bachelor of Science degree. Designed to bridge the gap between secondary schooling and full university entry, it equips students with the foundational knowledge in natural and physical sciences — including biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics — needed to succeed in second-year university study. Upon successful completion, students gain guaranteed or preferential entry into the second year of a partnered bachelor's degree in science-related fields such as Biomedical Science, Environmental Science, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics.

This program is ideal for domestic and international students who have completed Year 12 or an equivalent qualification but did not achieve the ATAR required for direct entry into a science degree, or for students who studied outside Australia and need to align their academic preparation with Australian tertiary standards. It is also suited to students returning to study after a gap, or those who want a more supported and structured transition into university-level science before committing to a full bachelor's degree.

Employers who recruit graduates from science pathways include government research bodies such as the CSIRO and ANSTO, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, environmental consultancies, hospitals and healthcare providers, mining and resources companies, food science and agricultural enterprises, and academic institutions. The program is offered across Australia by university colleges, pathway providers, and registered higher education institutions, each with formal articulation agreements that guarantee credit transfer into bachelor's degrees at partnering universities.

To enter a Degree Transfer Program in Science, applicants typically need to have completed the equivalent of Australian Year 12 (or Year 11 in some cases, depending on the provider and program level). For domestic students, an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) may be required, but many pathway programs are designed specifically for students who did not achieve direct university entry scores. Some providers accept a minimum ATAR in the range of 50–70, while others use alternative admissions criteria such as the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), prior VET or TAFE study, or a portfolio of relevant work experience. Prerequisites in Year 12 mathematics and at least one science subject (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) are commonly required or strongly recommended, particularly for students intending to pursue science-specific majors.

For international students, English language proficiency is a key requirement. Most providers require a minimum IELTS overall score of 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent in TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge English), with some programs requiring higher scores for specific streams. Students who do not yet meet English language requirements may be able to combine an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course with their pathway program as a packaged enrolment. International qualifications are assessed against Australian Year 12 standards; for example, the International Baccalaureate (IB), A-Levels, and overseas secondary certificates are all considered, with minimum grade thresholds varying by provider.

Applicants from non-traditional backgrounds — including those who left school more than two years ago or who have not completed formal Year 12 — may still be eligible for entry. Some providers accept relevant work experience, completed Certificate III or IV qualifications, or adult entry assessment processes as alternative pathways. Credit transfer from previously completed TAFE or VET qualifications at Diploma level or above may also reduce the duration of the program. Students should check individual provider requirements, as entry criteria vary across institutions and program streams.