Federation Access Studies (FAST)
If you thought that university was not for you because you don’t have the academic background or the study skills, or if you have finished year 12 but do not have the entry requirements you need to start a degree, the Federation Access Studies program (FAST) may be the pathway for you.
Course essentials
Entry requirements
Locations
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Course overview
FAST is a single semester course designed to teach you how to study effectively, including how to write for academic purposes, research, use university systems and how to apply all of these skills to your study. When you successfully complete FAST, you will be ready to undertake degree level study at Federation University.
FAST also offers an elective maths course for students who want to study an Engineering degree. Successful completion of the Introduction to Technical Maths course satisfies the entry requirements to apply for an Engineering degree.
When you have successfully completed FAST you are guaranteed a place in one of Federation University's undergraduate degrees.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Preparatory
Course co-ordinator
Michelle Briede
Berwick (on campus) - Kelly Hart
Gippsland (on campus) - Jordyn Presley
Mt Helen (on campus) - Liam Frost-Camilleri
Online - Jordyn Presley
Career paths
Your career options will depend on the course of study you wish to pursue following successful completion of FAST.
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
Students eligible for a FEE-FREE Uni Ready place will not be charged a tuition fee for this enabling course.
Commonwealth Supported Places are subsidised by the Australian Government. The tuition fee is called the student contribution amount.
Other fees
You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Other study costs
You can also expect to pay general costs for books, equipment and stationery of up to $250 during the course.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 2, 2026
20 July 2026
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Semester 1, 2027
1 March 2027
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Semester 2, 2027
19 July 2027
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat. Testing.
- Online learning is only an option if you’re not studying on an international student visa. Testing
Contact hours
On-campus students can expect to be engaged in the following number of contact hours:
Full-time = 13 hours per week. Part-time = 7 hours per week.
In addition to classes, Higher Education study requires independent study. As a guide, students should allow 10 hours a week per subject including class contact hours, independent study, and completion of assessment tasks.
Online students: Online students may study entirely online without attending classes. Online times are available each week for regular access to staff. As a guide, students should allow 10 hours a week per subject including contact with staff, independent study, and completion of assessment tasks. If you intend to enrol in FAST as an online student alongside full-time work and/or carer responsibilities we encourage studying part time.
- Understanding University Learning15 credit pointsATSGC1369
- Introduction to Tertiary Studies15 credit pointsFASTP1011
- Academic Writing15 credit pointsFASTP1015
Elective
Meet us at Open Day
Open Day is your chance to explore all that Federation has to offer. Meet current lecturers and students, ask course questions, learn about our support services and explore campus spaces.
We’ve got heaps of activities, tours and presentations planned. Basically, we want you to get a real feel for Federation. The atmosphere. The opportunities. The community.
Oh – and there’s no need to pack a sandwich. Lunch is on us.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (year 12)
- A study score of at least 18 in any English; and a study score of at least 22 in any English (EAL) and;
- Year 10 Mathematics (or equivalent)
Please note: all applicants who have not met the English and Maths pre-requisites through Year 12 results will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy test to determine their eligibility for admission. In order to qualify for entry into FAST for Engineering, applicants need to complete the Technical Maths entry test.
Applicants must be 18 years of age at commencement of the semester. Applicants must not be currently undertaking Year 12 concurrently while completing FAST.
Mathematical Methods or Specialist mathematics:
This only applies for entry into Federation University degrees that have the pre-requisite of mathematical methods or specialist methods (these require successful completion of our Introduction to Technical Maths subject, unit code EDMTH1000).
Students who have completed Foundation maths will still be able to enter FAST (general). They will not be able to enter FAST (for engineering and mathematical sciences). If students wish to study engineering or any mathematical science degree they will be required to have a minimum of Maths: General maths (3&4) or Maths: Methods/Specialist (1&2).
Entry requirements (non year 12)
Admission criteria for applications with a Vocational Education and Training study
Successful completion of a relevant VET qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
Admission criteria for applications with work and life experience
All applicants that have not met the English and Maths pre-requisites through Year 12 results will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy test to determine their eligibility for admission In order to qualify for entry into FAST for Engineering, applicants need to complete the Technical Maths entry test.
Applicants must be 18 years of age at commencement or have completed Year 12 or equivalent.
How you apply will depend on your current situation – school leaver, tertiary background or life experience – and whether you’re also applying for courses at other institutions. Visit our how to apply page to find out more.
Ready to fill out your application? You might need these codes:
- VTAC application
- Yes
- VTAC code
- 3701810081, 3701810931, 3701811871, 3701811881 - Berwick (on campus)
3700710081, 3700710931, 3700711871, 3700711881 - Gippsland (on campus)
3700510081, 3700510931, 3700511871, 3700512011, 3700512031 - Mt Helen (on campus)
3700810081, 3700810931, 3700812031 - Online - Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- FS0
Satisfactory completion of FAST will guarantee entry into a wide range of Federation University Australia Higher Education courses at degree level. Graduates may receive credit for one university level first year subject (unit) for particular degrees.
Please contact us for further information regarding eligible courses and to discuss your study pathway.
Below requirements relate specifically to TAFE Gippsland students.
• TAFE students who hold a Diploma (enter uni 2nd year) may take 2 FAST courses concurrent with their
Diploma if they wish and if they apply for FAST will be accepted (no need to do entry tests).
• TAFE students who hold a Cert IV (enter uni 1st year) may take 2 FAST courses concurrent with their Cert
IV if they wish and if they apply for FAST will be accepted (no need to do entry tests).
• TAFE students who hold a Cert III may take 2 FAST courses on completion of their Cert III if they wish and
if they apply for FAST they will need to do entry tests.
• MEM40119 Certificate IV in Engineering for students whose destination Course is the EG8 Bachelor of
Engineering have guaranteed entry into FAST.
Hear from our staff
Hi, I'm Kelly Hart. I'm a lecturer in education. I teach across various education courses with our pre-service teachers as well as the Master of Specialist Teaching and the FAST program too. The FAST program is a one-semester pathway program and we help students prepare and learn everything that they need to know to succeed at university. I also provide English support sessions for our international students and that's actually part of what I love about all of our programs, just the level of support that we have for all our students. We have so many options to get help along the way through past sessions, peer mentors, studios, city writing space and learning skills advisors and so much more. So students always know there's plenty of support whenever they need it. And a fun fact about me, I lived in China for nine years and I speak fluent Mandarin.