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:
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.
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. |
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.
^topThese 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 STAR Entry 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.
^topWhen 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.
^topSome 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.
| 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 |
You must supply the correct documentation with your application in the form of a statement of service on the employer's official stationery stating:
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:
Most institutions have special admission schemes specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Read the institution entries for details of special admission schemes.
^topIn 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:
The fields of study covered by the schemes are:
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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