Diploma in
Employment Pathways

Entry requirements

Key information

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Applications for 2027 are now open. If you are interested in studying this Diploma, please see the entry requirement section below or contact the Pathways Diploma team to discuss your eligibility

Prerequisites

None

Duration

1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent)

Start dates

February

Annual fees

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available.

About these fees.

Assumed
knowledge

None

Practical
experience

Available

Delivery mode*

In person
(Bedford Park)

Overview

Overview Careers Program of study Student support

How to apply

Learn real skills, get support that suits you, and prepare for work.

The Diploma in Employment Pathways is Australia's first post-secondary diploma designed for students with intellectual disability.

Combining university study with practical skills development and a 50-hour work placement, the diploma prepares students for meaningful employment. Participants receive tailored support, and opportunities to engage with community and industry partners, building confidence, independence, and a pathway to the workforce.

Your career.

Graduates gain skills to enter open employment. The program equips students with practical work experience, communication skills and career planning abilities, allowing them to explore areas of interest and create meaningful employment opportunities.

Potential occupations

Event assistant
Inclusion advisor
Office administration support
Research advisor
Customer service assistant

Potential employers

Event agencies
Education providers (e.g., universities, schools)
Local government offices
Community organisations
Disability services provider

What will you study to start your career?

The one-year Diploma in Employment Pathways combines academic study with practical skills development.

Students engage in topics designed to build workplace readiness, personal development, communication, and study strategies.

The curriculum includes career planning, applied learning activities, and preparation for a 50-hour work placement, helping students gain confidence, independence, and employability skills for meaningful participation in the workforce. Students will have the opportunity to focus on areas of special interest with their choice of option topics.

Option topics are available in the following areas:

Tourism & Events
Sports & Active Recreation
Disability & Community Inclusion
Psychology
Creative Writing

View the Handbook for more information.

Practical experience

A key component of the one-year diploma is a 50-hour work placement, providing students with hands-on experience in real workplace settings.

Placements allow students to apply their academic learning, develop practical skills, and build confidence in contributing to employment environments. Students receive ongoing support from Flinders staff and community partners to ensure a quality experience.

Get inspired.

Discover more about Flinders University’s Diploma in Employment Pathways.

Diploma in Employment Pathways

Hear from Diploma students Tyler and Matthew.

No. 1 in Australia
for reduced inequalities

^{Times Higher Education (THE University Impact Rankings 2025 for UN SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities)}

Ranked in the top 2%
of the universities in the world

^{The World University Rankings 2023 as a percentage of the total number of universities in the world according to the International Association of Universities}

Five stars in
Health Services & Support
for full-time employment, learner engagement and student support

^{The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate)}

Discover South Australia.

Where world-class education meets laid-back coastal living. With pristine beaches, acclaimed wineries, and vibrant festivals at your doorstep, South Australia offers an unmatched student experience.

Discover South Australia

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Get support.

Need support?

International Student Services (ISS) is the first point of contact for international student support. The university also offers everything from cultural, health, and wellbeing services, to academic support.

Get support from Flinders

Campus tours

Take a virtual tour of our campuses, guided by your fellow international students.

Discover our campuses

FUSA

Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you'll find out about events, club memberships, and extracurricular activities.

Learn more about FUSA

Accommodation.

Adelaide has many accommodation options for international students. You can choose to live on campus, at our city accommodation provider The Switch, or in rental accommodation.

Explore accommodation

Scholarships.

Flinders University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to support international students pursue their educational and career goals.

View Scholarships

Flinders offers a vibrant, fun, supportive uni experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Need support?

From cultural, health and wellbeing services, to study and financial support, enrolment advice and more, we’re here to help.

Get support

Find a scholarship

Student clubs

Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you’ll find out about events, club memberships and extracurricular activities.

Learn more about clubs

Campus facilities

Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with retail and food outlets, library spaces, study and chill spaces and more.

Explore our campuses

Entry requirements

Speak to us about alternative entry options available for this course. Applicants can apply for this course if they meet standard admission requirements including Year 12 qualifications, higher education transfers, TAFE/VET qualifications, foundation studies or STAT.

Entry is also available through a portfolio and interview process focusing on skills, experience, and why you want to study. You do not need an ATAR.

Thinking about applying? Contact the Pathways Diploma team for more information and guidance with your next steps.

How to apply

Check the entry requirements.

Download portfolio entry form.

Download entry form

Contact the Pathways Diploma team for expressions of interest and more information.

Email: pathwaysdiploma@flinders.edu.au
Phone: (08) 8201 2151

Contact Pathways Diploma team

Apply via Flinders Direct Application Portal - applications are open now. When applying, ensure you select 'Direct Applicant' as your category.

Key dates

24 June, 2026

Applications open.

You can apply to study via the Flinders direct application portal.

4 December, 2026

Applications close.

Applicants will be contacted to arrange an interview

8 February, 2027

Course commences.

Have a question?

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Do I need to finish Year 12 to do a Diploma in Employment Pathways?

No, you do not need to have completed Year 12 to enrol in the Diploma in Business at Flinders University. We offer flexible entry pathways for students, including those with prior work experience or other qualifications. Our admissions process considers a range of factors, so even if you haven’t completed Year 12 you may still be eligible to apply. We encourage you to reach out to our admissions team to discuss your specific situation and find the best path forward for your studies.

How long does it take to complete?

A Diploma in Employment Pathways can be completed in one year of full-time study, or about two years of part-time study. Some courses offer accelerated study options.

ATAR and Selection Rank profile

The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2026. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made 
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published

ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds	ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors	Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer	<5	<5
Median rank to receive an offer	<5	<5
Lowest rank to receive an offer	<5	<5

Student Profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2026 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

Applicant background (Semester 1, 2026)	Number of students	Percentage of all students
Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	0	0
Vocational education and training (VET) study	N/P	N/P
Work and life experience	N/P	N/P
Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	0	0
Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test)	0	0
Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways)	0	0
International Students	0	0
All students	9	100%

We’re here to help you every step of the way.

If you would like to talk to one of our friendly advisors about applying to university or to discuss your study options and pathways, please contact us.

1300 354 633

Book a chat

Apply

Diploma in
Employment Pathways

Entry requirements

Key information

This course is not available to International students.

Learn real skills, get support that suits you, and prepare for work.

Your career.

What will you study to start your career?

Practical experience

Get inspired.

No. 1 in Australia
for reduced inequalities

Ranked in the top 2%
of the universities in the world

Five stars in
Health Services & Support
for full-time employment, learner engagement and student support

Discover South Australia.

Get support.

Need support?

Campus tours

FUSA

Accommodation.

Scholarships.

Need support?

Student clubs

Campus facilities

Entry requirements

How to apply

24 June, 2026

Applications open.

4 December, 2026

Applications close.

Applicants will be contacted to arrange an interview

8 February, 2027

Course commences.

Have a question?

Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made 
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published

Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

Follow Flinders

Flinders Chat

Diploma in Employment Pathways

Entry requirements

Key information

This course is not available to International students.

Learn real skills, get support that suits you, and prepare for work.

Your career.

What will you study to start your career?

Practical experience

Get inspired.

No. 1 in Australia for reduced inequalities

Ranked in the top 2% of the universities in the world

Five stars in Health Services & Support for full-time employment, learner engagement and student support

Discover South Australia.

Get support.

Need support?

Campus tours

FUSA

Accommodation.

Scholarships.

Need support?

Student clubs

Campus facilities

Entry requirements

How to apply

24 June, 2026

Applications open.

4 December, 2026

Applications close.

Applicants will be contacted to arrange an interview

8 February, 2027

Course commences.

Have a question?

Notes: <5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published

Notes: <5 – the number of students is less than 5 N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

Follow Flinders

Flinders Chat

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Diploma in
Employment Pathways

No. 1 in Australia
for reduced inequalities

Ranked in the top 2%
of the universities in the world

Five stars in
Health Services & Support
for full-time employment, learner engagement and student support

Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made 
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published

Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students