Alternative entry
There are a number of alternative entry pathways available at most institutions.
- Tertiary preparation courses
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
- Alternative entry schemes and programs
- Professional/paraprofessional qualifications
- Employment experience
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians
- National VTE – university credit transfer guidelines
Tertiary preparation courses
Tertiary preparation courses are usually designed for applicants who haven’t completed Year 12 or who aren’t attempting Year 12 this year. Minimum age requirements usually apply and the length of these courses differs between institutions.
Most institutions will consider the courses offered by other institutions for admission purposes. However, we strongly advise that you check which tertiary preparation courses each institution considers.
For more information refer to the institution entries and contact your chosen institution/s.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Some institutions accept the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as an alternative method of admission for people who haven’t completed Year 12. Institutions will use the STAT score, in addition to any other information available, to assess your application. If you have no formal qualifications, you maybe eligible for entry to a course by sitting STAT.
For further details visit the STAT website.
Alternative entry schemes and programs
Some institutions have a scheme or program to provide an alternative pathway of admission to tertiary study. Applicants considered through these schemes don’t normally meet the usual minimum admission requirements of the institution, but meet special requirements determined by the institution.
For more information refer to the institution entries and contact your chosen institution/s.
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 examination.
For more information refer to the institution entries and contact your chosen institution/s.
Employment experience
Some institutions take employment experience into account when considering your application. Only periods of paid employment of one year or more will be considered. Unpaid or voluntary work will not be considered.
For more information refer to the institution entries and contact your chosen institution/s.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians
Most institutions have a special admission scheme specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
For more information refer to the institution entries and contact your chosen institution/s.
National VTE - 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.
For information on the conditions applying to the schemes, and a list of participating institutions and fields covered by the scheme, visit the Universities Australia website.
For more specific course information and to discuss your individual circumstance, check with the institution offering your course of interest.
