U-STEP is UTT’s SPECIAL TERTIARY EDUCATION PATHWAY, designed for secondary school students who may not have the minimum five CSEC passes to continue their studies. U-STEP has been designed to give persons an alternative pathway into tertiary education. The dynamic portfolio of courses offered through U-STEP enables students to pursue and successfully enter a UTT programme. Students will be required to complete only the course(s) necessary to satisfy entry into their chosen programme. 

The courses offered are divided into four categories:

• Foundations: English A and Mathematics
• Science: Chemistry and Physics
• Technical: Mechanical Workshop, Electrical Workshop, Engineering Drawing
• Pre-professional: Criminology, Sports Science and Academic Writing

Benefits of pursuing U-STEP courses?

• Seamless entry to tertiary education at UTT.
• Access to the university’s resources.
• A dynamic learning environment with experienced instructors.
• Remedial centres for Mathematics, Writing and Science.

How do I use U-STEP to access my chosen UTT programme?

The programme to which you apply may refer your application to the U-STEP programme. You will be guided to take the courses needed to satisfy your entry requirements.

What programmes are available after completing U-STEP?

Students can enter any of UTT’s Certificate, National Engineering Technician Diploma (NETD) and specific Bachelor programmes after successfully completing U-STEP.

Are U-STEP courses GATE approved/funded?

U-STEP has been designed to allowstudentsto take and pay only forthe courses needed for entry into their chosen programme. GATE funding is therefore saved for their future undergraduate programme.

Cost of the U-STEP Pathway

The cost of each U-STEP course is TT $1800.00. Successful completion of relevant U-STEP courses are required to gain entry into a UTT programme. The pathway is not GATE funded.

Download FAQs

Blended learning - Full-time and Part-time Blended learning - A mixture of face-to-face; online classes

Duration of the U-STEP Pathway

This is dependent on the requirements of the student for the chosen career pathway

1. UTT John S. Donaldson Port-of-Spain Campus
2. UTT San Fernando Campus

• Candidates who have attempted CSEC examinations in Mathematics and English (A).
• Mature candidates who possess Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR).

NOTE: Candidates may be required to submit secondary school completion certificates, participate in an interview, and/or show evidence of extracurricular and or community activities aligned to their choice of programme specific pathways.

You can email ustep@utt.edu.tt for further information.