Sorgal Maho was a year into higher education in Syria before the civil war forced her to flee to the other side of the world. Now she has an English language course under her belt and is enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in International Relations, at the University of Southern Queensland.
Her journey is just one example of thousands who join the University though its pathway programs, a suite of alternative entry options. “The English for Academic Purposes pathway introduced me to the educational system in Australia and improved my academic English skills,” she said. “It has always been a dream to go to university and this experience has been a pathway to what I want to do and who I want to be. It shows that nothing is impossible, especially if you have support from the people around you.”
Sorgal Maho shared her story during University of Southern Queensland’s World Access to Higher Education Day events on November 18, and the launch of USQ College – providing a reinvigorated focus on non-traditional pathways to education. USQ College offers alternative entry options for those who have not finished school, as well as people from non-English speaking backgrounds.
USQ College Director Associate Professor Marcus Harmes said the University of Southern Queensland had a long tradition of helping people find a way into their dream degree. “These students may not meet all of the entry requirements, come from a non-English speaking background, or be starting study later in life,” Associate Professor Harmes said.
“Pathways such as the Tertiary Preparation Program, diplomas, and language programs, equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for academic success. By bringing together all these indicatives through USQ College, we aim to help potential students achieve their ‘impossible’ goals.”
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