The Murdoch University Preparation Course (MUPC) is a university pathway program delivered by Murdoch College for international students who do not yet meet the direct academic requirements for their preferred undergraduate degree at Murdoch University. It provides a longer, three-trimester pathway and includes additional English-language support compared with the faster Foundation Studies route.

Key benefits include:

• Provides a pathway from secondary education into the first year of a Murdoch University undergraduate degree.
• Allows students who have not achieved the required high-school results for direct entry to strengthen their academic preparation.
• Provides additional time to develop English and university-study skills.
• Enables students to change their intended degree stream.
• Combines English/academic communication units with discipline-focused subjects.
• On successful completion, students can generally progress to Year 1 of eligible Murdoch University bachelor degrees.
• The course is particularly useful for students who need a more gradual pathway rather than the accelerated preparation option.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The MUPC contains 9 units:

• 3 English/academic communication units
• 6 discipline units selected according to the student's intended Murdoch University bachelor's degree.

The published course information includes subjects such as:

English and academic communication:

• Foundation of Academic English
• Essential Australian Studies
• Introduction to Academic Communication

Mathematics:

• Introductory Mathematics
• Mathematics for Science

Information technology:

• Information Technology for Academic Studies
• Computer Science

Science and engineering:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology

Arts and media:

• Introduction to Media
• Media Production

Business and legal studies:

• Accounting
• Management
• Economics.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The MUPC does not have formal specialisations in the same sense as a degree. Instead, students choose discipline subjects according to their intended undergraduate pathway.

Available study areas include:

• English and academic communication
• Business
• Legal studies
• Mathematics
• Science
• Technology
• Arts
• Media.

Programme Highlights

• CRICOS code: 069100D.
• 3-trimester pathway.
• 45 teaching weeks.
• 9 units.
• Standard intake in February, June and October in 2026.
• Delivered at Murdoch University's Perth campus.
• Designed for students entering university after Year 11 or equivalent.
• Provides additional English-language and academic preparation.
• Offers discipline subjects aligned with the student's intended bachelor's degree.
• Can provide progression to Year 1 of eligible Murdoch University undergraduate degrees.

Career Outcomes

The MUPC itself is a preparation pathway and does not provide a professional qualification or direct graduate occupation.

Its principal outcome is progression to an eligible bachelor's degree at Murdoch University. After completing the subsequent bachelor's degree, students can pursue careers related to their chosen discipline.

Successful MUPC completion with a final mark of at least 50% in all subjects generally meets the progression requirement for Murdoch University bachelor's courses with an entry requirement equivalent to ATAR 70 or lower.

Higher requirements apply to certain courses, including Law, Nursing and other professionally regulated or competitive programs.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest 2026 information shows that the standard MUPC has a 3-trimester structure and February, June and October intakes.

Important progression conditions include:

• General eligible bachelor progression: final mark of at least 50% in all MUPC subjects.
• Bachelor of Laws: minimum overall final mark of 78% and minimum 70% in Introduction to Academic Communication.
• Bachelor of Nursing: access is limited; students must commence in Semester 2 at the Mandurah Campus and achieve IELTS 7.0 in all bands or an equivalent before commencing Nursing.
• Veterinary Science and Education have specific pathway restrictions. The standard MUPC does not provide unrestricted progression to every Murdoch University course.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require an Australian Student visa (subclass 500) to undertake the MUPC.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs states that Student visa holders must be enrolled in an eligible course and hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment when the visa is decided. Students must also hold Overseas Student Health Cover unless an exemption applies.

Important current conditions include:

• Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
• Students can generally work unlimited hours when their course is not in session.
• Students must comply with the conditions attached to their individual visa.
• OSHC must cover the required period of stay.
• The visa is temporary, with its duration determined by the course and relevant visa requirements.