Alternative entry

Did you know that there are lots of ways to get into university? You may not meet the usual requirements (read secondary studies, tertiary studies and overseas qualifications for more information about the usual requirements) or you may have missed out on an offer and are looking to improve your competitiveness. All of UAC's participating institutions have alternative entry provisions or schemes for applicants. These include schemes for:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians
• elite athletes
• Year 12 students whose studies have been affected by different events
• people who have been employed in jobs related to their chosen course.

Whatever your personal situation, it is worth looking into the various alternative entry provisions or schemes to see if you meet their requirements.

For information on alternative entry at each of our participating institutions check under ‘Admission requirements. Read Other institution entry schemes for links to institution's schemes and programs.

Preparation courses for tertiary entrance

Some institutions offer tertiary preparation courses that are usually designed for applicants who have not completed Year 12 or who are not attempting Year 12 this year. Minimum age requirements usually apply. The length of these courses differs between institutions.

Most institutions will also consider the courses offered by other institutions for admission purposes. You are strongly advised, however, to check which tertiary preparation courses each institution considers.

Preparation studies for tertiary entrance
Australian National University, University Preparation Scheme
Australian National University, Foundation Studies Program
Canberra Institute of Technology, Certificate in Pre-tertiary Studies
Griffith University, Certificate of Adult Tertiary Preparation
Southern Cross University, Foundation Program (for Indigenous Australians)
Southern Cross University, Preparing for Success Program
University of Canberra, UC-Prep
University of Canberra, Ngunnawal Centre Foundation Program
University of Canberra, UC-Connect
University of New England, Pathways Enabling Course
University of New South Wales, University Preparation Program
University of New South Wales, Foundation Studies
University of Newcastle, Open Foundation Course
University of Newcastle, Newstep
University of Newcastle, Aboriginal Bridging Course
University of Newcastle, Open Foundation
University of Newcastle, International Foundation Program
University of Sydney, University Preparation Course
University of Sydney, Foundation Program
University of Sydney, International Preparation
University of Western Sydney, Uni Start
University of Wollongong, University Access Program
University of Wollongong, STEP to UWO (for senior secondary students)
University of Wollongong, Foundation Studies
University of Wollongong, University Entrance Diploma
UWSCOLLEGE, University Foundation Studies
TAFE NSW Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC)
For further information check each institution's entry.

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Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Some institutions accept the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as an alternative method of admission for people who have not completed Year 12. For further details read STAT and also check each institution's general information.

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Alternative entry schemes and programs

These are schemes or programs developed by institutions to provide an alternative pathway of admission to tertiary study. You may not meet the minimum admission requirements of the institution, but may meet special requirements determined by the institutions. Examples of such schemes are Southern Cross University's Regional Entry Report Scheme or UNE's Schools/Colleges Recommendation Scheme.

Additional schemes for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants only are listed under 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians' below.

For links to more information about these and other schemes check Other institution entry schemes.

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Professional/paraprofessional qualifications

When considering your application, institutions may take into account professional or paraprofessional qualifications such as hospital-based nursing certificates or professional body awards that require you to pass an examination.

For more information check each institution's general information and the course descriptions in the course search.

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Employment experience

Some institutions will take employment experience into account for admissions purposes. For more information about the institutions refer to the institution entries. Only periods of paid employment of one year or more will be considered.

This includes continuous employment with one employer, or periods of employment undertaking the same job with different employers. Unpaid and voluntary work experience will not be considered.

The institutions listed in the shaded box below use employment experience as part of the selection criteria:
• for some or all of their courses
• for applicants who are not 2008 Australian Year 12 students unless otherwise specified below.

Institution	Employment experience
Australian Catholic University	All courses
Australian Maritime College	Most courses, exceptions are Bachelor of Engineering courses
Charles Sturt University	All courses, all applicants
Griffith University	Contact the institution on Freecall 1800 334 733
La Trobe University	Most courses
Southern Cross University	Most courses, exceptions are B Laws and Double Law degrees
University of Canberra	All courses
University of New England	All courses
University of Newcastle	Not considered for all programs. For more information call (02) 4921 5311.
University of Technology, Sydney	All Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and Law courses. Otherwise considered only as part of an applicant's personal statement
University of Western Sydney	Most courses

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Do you have to provide documentary evidence?

You must supply the correct documentation with your application in the form of a statement of service on the employer's official stationery stating:

• job title
• period served including start and end date, and hours worked, such as full-time or part-time 20 hours per week
• major tasks required in the job (sample of work experience documentation).

Personal references that do not state the above mentioned items cannot be assessed. Group certificates, offers of employment, payslips and resumes will not be accepted.

If you are self-employed you must supply a copy of your business certificate of registration and a letter from your accountant or solicitor stating:

• how long you have been continuously engaged in the business
• nature of the business.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

Most institutions have special admission schemes specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Read the institution entries for details of special admission schemes.

Additional schemes for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants only
Institution	Name of admissions scheme
Australian Catholic University	Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme
Australian National University	Indigenous Australian Admission Scheme
University of Canberra	Ngunnawal Foundation Program
Macquarie University	Warawara Alternative Entry Program
Southern Cross University	Testing and Assessment Program for Indigenous Australians
University of New England	ISP (Australian Aboriginal Admissions Scheme)
University of New England	TRACKS
University of New South Wales	Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Admissions Scheme
University of Newcastle	Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Admission Scheme
University of Sydney	Cadigal Scheme
University of Technology, Sydney	UTS Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning Alternative Admission Program
University of Western Sydney	Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Schemes
University of Wollongong	Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Alternative Admissions Program

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National UTE - university credit transfer guidelines

In addition to local credit transfer arrangements between providers of vocational and Technical Education (VTE) - formerly Vocational Education and Training - and individual universities.

If you hold a completed Diploma in a related area of study, participating institutions agree to grant a minimum of:

• 33 per cent credit in a three-year degree
• 25 per cent credit in a four-year degree.

The fields of study covered by the schemes are:

• agriculture and horticulture
• building and construction management
• business studies
• computing studies
• engineering
• geology and geoscience
• library and information studies
• nursing
• social work and social welfare
• surveying and geomatics
• teacher education (early childhood education)
• tourism and hospitality
• visual arts and design

For information on the conditions applying to the schemes, and a list of participating institutions, visit the Universities Australia website at www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au/content.asp?page=/policies_programs/teaching_learning/credit_transfer/scheme/index.htm.

For more specific course information and to discuss your individual circumstance, check with the institution offering your course of interest.

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