Course Overview

About This Course

The Tertiary Preparation Program (Health Sciences) is for international students who want to pursue academic studies in health sciences. It gives students the opportunity to develop the effective English language communication skills and the relevant content knowledge needed by health practitioners. In particular, students explore the language and terminology of health sciences, a variety of materials centred around health science content, cultural awareness and responsiveness, communication with patients or clients and their relatives, the Australian health care system and the social determinants of health, and critical thinking and problem solving. Emphasis is placed on working independently and as a team member, on self-directed study and on building confidence, and students also receive support and specific preparation for external English language proficiency tests. To complete the program a student must pass all eight units, totalling 80 credit points, covering academic English for health sciences, English language communication skills, health science and communication, health care in Australia, biology for health science, and proficiency test preparation. All units are delivered in campus attendance mode. The program is non-AQF, takes one year full time and is offered at ACU's Melbourne campus, with a February start date. It provides a pathway for international students to enter specified undergraduate degree courses within the Faculty of Health Sciences, which are listed in Schedule 4 of the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy. Students holding a Student Visa need to complete the program in the minimum duration, study at least one subject on campus each semester, and must not undertake more than 33 per cent of the program online. Supplementary assessment is not available in this course.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

1200 Mair St, Ballarat, VIC 3350

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students

An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy. To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the equivalent of year 11 (completion of senior high school in countries where this is not considered equivalent to an Australian year 12), and must have a minimum English language proficiency level of IELTS 6.0 with no individual score less than 6.0, or an accepted equivalent.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

International students

International applicants must meet the same requirements: completion of the equivalent of year 11 (completion of senior high school in countries where this is not considered equivalent to an Australian year 12), and a minimum English language proficiency level, plus compliance with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy and its English Language Proficiency provisions.
Accepted English language results are IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 and an individual score of 6.0; PTE 50 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills; TOEFL internet-based total of 60 with a minimum of 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 12 in listening and 13 in reading; the ACU English Language Test at C+ (63-64%); or C1 Advanced with an overall score of 169 and a minimum score of 169 in all tests.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Tertiary Preparation Program (Health Sciences) typically pursue further studies in health-related fields, preparing them for roles in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations. They may also find opportunities in health education, patient support, and health administration, where effective communication and cultural awareness are essential. This program equips students with foundational skills for successful academic and professional pathways in the health sciences sector.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Professional Body

Relevant National Health Practitioner Board / AHPRA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

VETASSESS / relevant health board

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units9 units

ACOM103

Academic English for Health Sciences 1

ACOM105

English Language Communication Skills

ACOM115

Academic English for Health Sciences 2

ACOM121

Proficiency Test Preparation

PHCC104

Ethics and the Good Life

ACOM122

Health Science and Communication 1

ACOM123

Health Care in Australia

ACOM124

Biology for Health Science

ACOM225

Health Science and Communication 2

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Which undergraduate degrees can I enter after completing the Tertiary Preparation Program (Health Sciences)?

Successful completion of the Tertiary Preparation Program (Health Sciences) enables you to meet the academic and English requirements for the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, Bachelor of High Performance Sport, Bachelor of Nutrition Science, Bachelor of Physical Activity and Health Science, and a range of double degrees including Bachelor of Biomedical Science/Bachelor of Applied Public Health, Bachelor of Exercise Science/Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Psychological Science, and others. For the Bachelor of Nursing, you will still need to provide an external proficiency test result to meet English language entry requirements.

Will I receive any credit towards my degree upon completing this program?

Yes, students who successfully complete the Tertiary Preparation Program (Health Sciences) gain a one unit credit into their degree.

What are the English language entry requirements for the Tertiary Preparation Program (Health Sciences)?

The English language entry requirements are: IELTS 6.0 (6.0 minimum per band), iBT 60 (12L, 13R, 21W & 18S), ACU C+ (minimum 63%), PTE 50 (minimum 50 in each of the communicative skills), or CAE 169 (minimum 169 in all tests).

What campuses is the Tertiary Preparation Program (Health Sciences) available at, and when can I start?

ACU offers the program at its Melbourne campus, with a February intake, over one year full time. The 2027 handbook notes the course is not offered at Brisbane or North Sydney in 2027.

What topics will I study during the Tertiary Preparation Program (Health Sciences)?

Students will explore the language and terminology of health sciences, a variety of materials centred around health science content, cultural awareness and responsiveness, communication with patients or clients and their relatives, the Australian health care system and social determinants of health, and critical thinking and problem solving. Emphasis will be placed on working independently and as a team member, self-directed study, and building confidence. Students will also receive support and specific preparation for external English language proficiency tests, including a complimentary scored PTE Academic full practice test.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

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