Steps to uni for non-school leavers

You are a non-school leaver if you:

• have never attempted an Australian Year 12 qualification
• attempted an Australian Year 12 qualification in 2024 or earlier
• attempted an International Baccalaureate (IB) in 2024 or earlier.

Entry to university as a non-school leaver is based on your results for Year 12 studies, the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or tertiary courses you have commenced or completed. It is not based on your age.

It's important to provide details of previous study to UAC in your application, including all completed secondary studies, and complete or incomplete tertiary study (Certificate III or higher). Most institutions will offer you credit for previous study.

Some studies and qualifications are not taken into account by institutions, so you don't need to include them in your application. These include:

• Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificates I and II
• Statements of Attainment
• TAFE Statements
• courses delivered by Australian private providers that are not accredited.

Only courses accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework, or by the relevant state/territory accreditation authority, will be taken into account. Qualifications undertaken with private providers won't be assessed without proof of accreditation for the particular course. Some institutions will consider a number of pathways, as well as any previous work experience. In both cases you should contact the relevant institutions directly.

Assessment of your relevant work experience depends on individual institutions’ entry criteria. Institutions will either consider all of your qualifications, studies and experience and give each a different weight, or focus only on your highest qualification.

If you don't have an ATAR, qualifications or relevant work experience, you might like to consider our pathways to university and entry schemes to prepare for tertiary study.

If it’s been a while since you last studied, rest assured there's a range of services available at all our participating institutions to support you in your studies. These services may include orientation programs, mentoring, student learning units, help with developing study skills, IT support and counselling. In terms of financial support, you may be eligible for scholarships and government payments.

Your Career is an Australian Government website designed to provide clear and simple careers information for people of all ages and circumstances.

It also offers tailored support to school leavers (aged 15 to 24) transitioning to work, training or further education. Explore the School Leavers Information Kit and tune in to monthly webinars for tips on getting job ready, finding the right course or apprenticeship and more.