Postgraduate Qualifying Program (PQP)
AQF Level: Postgraduate Pathway Program • CRICOS Code: 114577M
Build your pathway to postgraduate success.
The Postgraduate Qualifying Program (PQP) is designed for students who may not yet meet direct entry requirements for SPI postgraduate degrees. This program strengthens academic skills, research capabilities, and foundational data science knowledge — preparing you for confident progression into master’s-level study.
Your bridge to advanced postgraduate education starts here.
Overview
The Postgraduate Qualifying Program provides students with essential academic preparation for postgraduate studies, particularly in data science and related fields. The program focuses on academic writing, research skills, quantitative analysis, and data analytics fundamentals.
Students will develop:
Academic communication and intercultural skills
Research and postgraduate study techniques
Quantitative reasoning abilities
Foundational knowledge in data analytics
Successful completion of the PQP allows students to progress into selected SPI postgraduate programs, helping close academic gaps while building confidence for advanced study.
STUDY MODE
On campus
STUDENT
Domestic
International
COURSE
DURATION
26 Weeks
START DATE
04 Jan 2027
22 Mar 2027
9 Aug 2027
View all key dates
FEE
SCHOLARSHIP
Why Study the Postgraduate Qualifying Program at SPI?
Postgraduate Pathway
Direct progression opportunity to SPI postgraduate degrees upon successful completion.
Focused Academic Preparation
Strengthen academic writing, research, and study techniques for postgraduate success.
Foundation in Data Science
Gain essential quantitative and analytics knowledge even without prior formal training.
Supportive Learning Environment
Small classes, academic support, and practical learning approaches.
Career-Ready Skills
Develop critical thinking, analytical ability, and academic confidence.
Pathways After Completion
Graduates of the PQP may progress to:
Course Structure
The Postgraduate Qualifying Program consists of four compulsory units (24 credit points total):
Core Units
PQP100 — Academic and Intercultural Communications (6cp)
Develop academic writing, communication, and cross-cultural study skills.
PQP101 — Research Skills for Industry & Postgraduate Study (6cp)
Build research methodology, critical analysis, and academic literacy.
PQP102 — Principles of Quantitative Analysis (6cp)
Foundation in statistics, quantitative reasoning, and data interpretation.
PQP103 — Principles of Data Analytics (6cp)
Introduction to data analytics concepts, tools, and applications.
Key Dates (2026-2027 Intakes)
Stay informed about important academic milestones, including orientation, class commencement, enrolment deadlines, study breaks, and examination periods to help you plan your postgraduate journey effectively.
Trimester 3 — 2026
Orientation Week: 10 – 14 August 2026
Classes Commence: 17 August – 25 September 2026
Tuition Fee Due: 21 August 2026
Enrolment Deadline: 28 August 2026
Census Date: 11 September 2026
Mid Study Break: 28 September – 16 October 2026
Teaching Period (Weeks 7–13): 19 October – 04 December 2026
Study Break: 07 – 18 December 2026
Examination Week: 21 – 25 December 2026
Results / End of Term: 28 December 2026 – 28 February 2027
Trimester 1 — 2027
Orientation Week: 28 December 2026 – 01 January 2027
Classes Commence: 04 January – 12 February 2027
Tuition Fee Due: 08 January 2027
Enrolment Deadline: 15 January 2027
Census Date: 29 January 2027
Mid Study Break: 15 February – 05 March 2027
Teaching Period (Weeks 7–13): 08 March – 23 April 2027
Study Break: 26 April – 07 May 2027
Examination Week: 10 – 14 May 2027
Results / End of Term: 17 May – 04 July 2027
Public Holidays: 01 January – New Year’s Day; 26 January – Australia Day; 26 March – Good Friday; 29 March – Easter Monday
Trimester 2 — 2027
Orientation Week: 15 – 19 March 2027
Classes Commence: 22 March – 30 April 2027
Tuition Fee Due: 26 March 2027
Enrolment Deadline: 02 April 2027
Census Date: 16 April 2027
Mid Study Break: 03 – 21 May 2027
Teaching Period (Weeks 7–13): 24 May – 09 July 2027
Study Break: 12 – 23 July 2027
Examination Week: 26 – 30 July 2027
Results / End of Term: 02 August – 19 September 2027
Public Holidays: 25 April – ANZAC Day; 26 April – Substitute ANZAC Day; 14 June – Monarch’s Birthday
Entry Requirements
Admission to the Postgraduate Qualifying Program is based on applicants meeting the academic and English language requirements outlined below. All applications are assessed in accordance with SPI’s admissions policies and procedures.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following:
Completion of a post-secondary qualification equivalent to AQF Level 5 or 6; or
Completion of secondary higher education equivalent to Australian Year 12; or
Other recognised qualifications combined with relevant education, work experience, or professional background assessed on a case-by-case basis.
English Language Proficiency
English as a First Language – Applicants must hold citizenship or long-term residency (minimum of 10 years) in an English-speaking country recognised by SPI and have completed secondary or higher education in that country.
English Not as a First Language – Applicants are required to provide a valid English proficiency certificate as proof of English language competency.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following:
Completion of a post-secondary qualification equivalent to AQF Level 5 or 6; or
Other recognised qualifications combined with post-secondary education and relevant work experience assessed on a case-by-case basis.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:
English Language Tests
IELTS Academic: Overall score 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each band
PTE Academic: Overall score 50 with minimum 42 in each subtest
TOEFL iBT: Overall score 60 including:
Writing: 18
Reading: 8
Listening: 7
Speaking: 7
TOEFL PBT: Overall score 530 including minimum 4.0 in Writing
English test results must be valid and taken within three (3) years prior to commencement.
Alternative Evidence of English Proficiency
Applicants may also qualify through:
Completion of at least three years of higher education in an approved English-speaking country within the last two years; or
Confirmation that English was the sole language of instruction and assessment; or
Evidence of living and working in an English-speaking country for at least two years, supported by employer references.
For full admissions requirements please read the Student Admissions and Enrolment Policy and Postgraduate Qualifying Program (PQP) Admissions Criteria. For SPI Inherent Course Requirements, please refer to the SPI Inherent Course Requirements.
How to Apply
Ready to shape your future?
Take the next step with SPI’s industry-focused programs in business, data, and technology.