Australian College of Applied Professions

Admission criteria and entry schemes

To be eligible for entry to ACAP’s courses you must meet the general requirements listed in one or more of the following categories, satisfy English language proficiency requirements and be selected in competition with other eligible applicants.

ATARs are no longer a necessary component of the ACAP admissions criteria. We assess undergraduate applicants on other applicable admissions criteria.

Also refer to UAC’s general information about university admission criteria.

Undergraduate applicants

Australian Year 12 students

If you are an Australian Year 12 student you are usually assessed on the basis of completion of a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (or equivalent). Applicants must participate in a screening interview (typically by phone though online can be arranged if required).

Entry requirements for ACAP courses vary depending on which course you are applying for.

Criteria that may apply in addition to completion of a senior secondary certificate of education (or equivalent)

All applicants must participate in a screening interview (typically by phone though online can be arranged if required).

Overview of entry requirements for domestic students.

If you have completed or partly completed any tertiary studies, you may be considered for admission on the basis of those studies.

For information about receiving credit for completing ACAP courses, call 1800 039 139.

Former and current ACAP students can apply directly to the institution for all ACAP courses.

Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia with overseas qualifications from countries where English is not the language of instruction must provide evidence of English language proficiency. The Academic IELTS score required to study at ACAP depends on the course in which you enrol.

Completed enabling courses

If you are under 21 years of age, have not completed Year 12 and are applying for higher education courses (eg bachelor degrees), you may be considered for admission based on the following studies:

  • completion of a Foundation Studies program from a recognised tertiary institution (supporting documentation will be required)
  • completion of a Certificate IV or above (or equivalent)
  • admission to an undergraduate degree at an Australian university (or eqv).

All applicants must participate in a screening interview (typically by phone though online can be arranged if required).

If you apply on this basis you may be required to enrol in a reduced number of units and have your progress closely monitored in the first term of study.

Choosing the right ACAP course.

If you are aged over 21 years by the start date of your selected trimester you will be considered for admission based on a screening interview (typically by phone though online can be arranged if required). Details are included in individual course descriptions.

Applicants under 21 years of age who have not completed Year 12

If you are under 21 years of age, have not completed Year 12 and are applying for higher education courses (eg bachelor degrees) you may be considered for admission based on the completion of a Certificate IV or higher qualification. If you apply on this basis you may be required to enrol in a reduced number of units and have your progress closely monitored in the first term of study.

If you are applying for a VET course (eg diploma, with the exception of Dip Counselling Skills, which is a higher education diploma), you will be considered for admission based on one of the following:

  • completion of a Certificate IV or higher qualification
  • completion of the Core Skills Profile for Adults at exit level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework in both literacy and numeracy.

All applicants must participate in a screening interview (typically by phone though online can be arranged if required).

Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia with overseas qualifications can contact ACAP to discuss eligibility for admission.

There are commonly accepted overseas secondary qualifications that ACAP may take into consideration. Check your qualification.

If you have qualifications from countries where English is not the standard language of instruction, you must provide evidence of English language proficiency.

Each year, ACAP offers both Undergraduate and Postgraduate scholarships to assist with the successful completion of ACAP courses. Find out more information on ACAP Scholarships.

Postgraduate applicants

Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science

A level 7 or higher qualification (AQF framework), and within the previous 10 years, the first year units from a psychology sequence accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (or if from a non-Australian institution, a first year in psychology with at least equivalent standing).

Students who have a level 7 or higher qualification (AQF framework) but do not meet the first-year psychology requirement must complete our Graduate Certificate of Psychological Science before enrolling.

Master of Social Work

A bachelor degree in social work (AQF 7) and at least one year of practice experience, or an equivalent bachelor degree (AQF 7) recognised by the Australian Association of Social Workers and at least one year of practice experience.

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

A bachelor degree in a cognate area (eg social sciences, psychology, community and welfare work, nursing, allied health, counselling) or a bachelor degree with evidence of at least one year of full-time study in social sciences or equivalent and a written statement outlining your interest in social work (500 words).

General information for Australian College of Applied Professions

Courses available

Undergraduate Postgraduate

Important dates

Academic calendar

Other scholarships & schemes