Throughout their primary and high school education, students are being prepped for their 'college' years (senior secondary school or Year 11 and Year 12). They're taught study skills that are supposed to prepare them for the academic rigours of upper secondary school and exposed to a broad range of concepts across all subjects so they can better make an educated choice when they're finally allowed to choose the subjects they wish to study.
These subjects, however, are not only about what students are interested in but often the subjects that meet the requirements to provide the highest possible rank in the Year 12 certificate and the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
Yes. Thirteen years of school learning is building toward the ATAR — one score that, apparently, can make or break your future regarding higher, tertiary education.
Or does it?
This article, and others in this series, will examine the ATAR, what the ATAR score or rank really means, and whether students are being pushed into focusing too much on something that may, ultimately, mean very little.
Entry Requirements for University
Generally, an Australian university is 'easy' to get into compared to international tertiary institutions.
If you are an international student, when you apply for admission to Australian tertiary courses, you must:
- prove your English proficiency
- show a qualification equivalent to senior secondary study in your country
- provide the required documents (English test score, academic transcript or certificate, relevant visa)
- ensure you can afford the relevant fees.
For domestic students, each university sets its own entry requirements. However, in general, for Year 12 applicants, a university will require students to provide:
- Year 12 certificate (relevant to the state the student completed their studies in)
- ATAR rank (or the state equivalent)
- a tertiary English major at the Year 12 level.
But what if your Year 11 and Year 12 studies didn't quite go as well as you planned?
Things happen, but don't despair; it is possible to enter a university undergraduate degree course without a Year 12 certificate or ATAR.
Learn more about the ATAR and average ATAR scores.
What Uni Courses Can I Study Without an ATAR?
The simple answer is—just about any course you desire. Getting into university without an ATAR or a lower ATAR than you expected is entirely doable!
What about medicine or law?
The ATAR for some degrees is super high; however, if you bombed out in Year 12 for whatever reason, this should not count against you. In fact, the ATAR is only one part of the university admission requirements equation (some students can even be admitted through early entry). Other selection factors that can be taken into consideration when you apply for your uni courses include:
- your grade point average (GPA)
- individual results in subjects that are prerequisites
- admission interview
- references
- results from bridging courses you complete.
Taking a gap year or developing your skills in related work for a year or two can help. It also gives you a break from study to start your university studies fresh.
How Do I Access Alternative University Pathways?
Several university pathways are available that don't have prerequisites such as an ATAR rank.
Take a bridging program
Most universities offer bridging programs to help eligible students familiarise themselves with their degree requirements and prerequisites. If students complete one of these programs, they will receive a selection rank they can use to apply for entry to their desired undergraduate bachelor's degree program.
Enrol in a tertiary certificate or diploma program
This will not only give students extra experience that can be used towards their selection rank. If studies are undertaken in the same field as your preferred bachelor's degree, your university may award credit for some of your courses in the future. Undertaking a certificate or diploma study also allows students to determine if this is the career pathway they want to pursue.
Enrol in vocational education and training (VET) course of study
Like a tertiary certificate or diploma, a VET certificate can allow students to be assigned a selection rank. As VET courses of study are practical and competency-based, many employers consider these favourably should you decide not to apply for university.
Take the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT)
This two-hour aptitude test assesses students' capability for further tertiary study. You should check with your preferred university to see if they accept STAT results or have their own version.
Work and Life Experience
If it has been several years since you left high school and you've been working in another career, you can apply to enrol in a bachelor's degree program as a mature-age student. Several factors can help with your admission and selection rank, including the type of career you have had, professional association membership, or other qualifications.
Doing well in your Year 12 subjects and achieving a good ATAR score and rank is the best way to meet university admission requirements, but in the real world, this is not always possible, so it is good to know that you don't only have one chance.
Alternatives to University Tertiary Study
Earning a university degree is not the be-all and end-all of life. It has been many years in Australia since a university degree came with a job guarantee upon graduation. Furthermore, some employers look more favourably upon practical experience than a piece of paper that says you know the theory.
That is not to say that university study is a waste of time. Several career pathways require a university degree to progress or even to enter. However, many satisfying and well-paid career pathways do not require an undergraduate bachelor's degree.
Education or Working with Children
Why not consider childcare, education support work, tutoring or after-school care? You can work in all of these areas without needing further study. However, if you want to progress in these careers, In that case, you may consider a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or a Certificate III in Education Support — both of which can be undertaken part-time or full-time at a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institution.
Healthcare
A career in aged or disabled care, nursing or community support could be perfect for you. Again, as with education, you can increase promotion opportunities by enrolling in certificate or diploma-level courses at your local TAFE or online. In addition, if you are keen on fitness, working in the fitness industry as an instructor or personal trainer doesn't require a university degree. It is also one of the highest-paying, non-academic career pathways.
Great People Skills
A sales career, an administration officer, or a real estate agent are all great options. Real estate agents regularly rank in the top ten highest-paying jobs that don't need a degree, and while Certificate III or IV programs of study will help workers gain promotion, it is often job experience and performance that see you advance in rank.
Hand-on Work
Any of the trades provide great options. You can apply for a position without prior qualifications; however, an apprenticeship, along with TAFE study, will see you advance more rapidly and be more employable. Interestingly, electricians and construction workers come in first and third, respectively, when we look at the highest-paying career pathways that don't require university study.
Technology Careers
Your career opportunities are almost limitless and include website design and development, cybersecurity, digital marketing management, software engineering, ethical hacking, coding, etc. You can advance your skills by undertaking a degree at a university or a TAFE diploma or certificate course. Still, realistically, the information technology industry advances so rapidly that everything you learn will be outdated before you finish your course.
We can't change our past, but can change our future by working in the present.
The point of this article is to show you that your life will not be over if you don't do as well in high school as you would have liked. You can go about getting into uni without an ATAR. You can achieve extraordinary things by applying yourself and thinking outside the box. You may be pleasantly surprised at where life takes you in the process.
Alternative Pathways: How to Get into Uni without an ATAR
Many students worry that missing out on a high ATAR or not having one means they can't go to university, but it's not the end of the world. Whether you're returning to study after some time, didn't complete Year 12, or need a different way into university, there are luckily multiple pathways for gaining admission into Australian universities.
Here, we have six of the main ones.
1. Vocational Education and Training (VET) Pathway
VET qualifications, especially through programs like TAFE and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Many universities will accept Certificate IV, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma qualifications for entry into undergraduate degrees.
Eligibility Criteria
- Completion of a Certificate IV, Diploma, or Advanced Diploma from a recognized VET provider.
- Meeting any prerequisites for the desired university course.
Steps to Apply
- Enroll in a VET qualification relevant to your chosen field.
- Complete the program and receive a recognized certificate.
- Apply to the university using your VET qualification as part of the application process.
- Check if you qualify for credit transfer, as many diplomas offer advanced standing.
Students seeking practical skills while working toward university entry.
2. University Preparation Programs (UPP)
As the name suggests, university preparation programs (UPP) help students prepare for university. Typically, these programs are for students who don't have an ATAR but need to develop academic skills.
These programs include introductory coursework and focus on study techniques.
Eligibility Criteria
- No ATAR required.
- Completion of Year 12 (in some cases) or age-based eligibility.
Steps to Apply
- Research universities offering preparation programs.
- Apply directly through the university’s admissions portal.
- Complete the preparation program with passing results.
- Gain entry into the university’s undergraduate program.
Students who want a confidence boost before starting a degree.
3. Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is the national exam designed to assess students' abilities without using their secondary school results (such as an ATAR).
It mainly tests verbal reasoning, mathematics, and critical thinking.
Eligibility Criteria
- Typically for students aged 20 years or older.
- Suitable for those without formal qualifications.
Steps to Apply
- Register for the STAT via your state's admissions centre (e.g., UAC, VTAC).
- Prepare using practice materials and study guides.
- Sit the test on your scheduled date.
- Submit the STAT score with your university application.
Mature-age students or those seeking a test-based entry.
4. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is how universities can assess candidates' work experience, professional skills, and industry knowledge for admission or credits towards a degree.
Eligibility Criteria
- Significant work experience or non-formal learning.
- Proof of competency in the relevant subject area.
Steps to Apply
- Compile evidence of your work experience (certificates, resumes, portfolios).
- Submit an RPL application to your chosen university.
- Attend an interview or provide additional documentation if required.
- Receive credit towards the degree or direct admission based on your experience.
Professionals with relevant industry skills seeking degree-level recognition.
5. Bridging Courses for Subject Gaps
Bridging courses helps students meet the requirements for specific degrees when they haven't studied one of the required subjects, typically Mathematics or Science.
These are short, focused courses specifically designed to fill knowledge gaps.
Eligibility Criteria
- Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent).
- No ATAR required but subject-specific gaps must be identified.
Steps to Apply
- Identify the prerequisites for your desired course.
- Enroll in a bridging program for the subject you need.
- Complete the course successfully.
- Use your bridging course results for university admission.
Students missing key subjects for a chosen degree.
6. Internal Transfer After First Year of Study
Students who don't meet the entry requirements for a course can always start in a lower-entry program before applying for an internal transfer if they've demonstrated strong performance.
Eligibility Criteria
- Completion of at least one semester or one year of study.
- Meeting the required GPA for transfer eligibility.
Steps to Apply
- Enroll in a course with lower entry requirements.
- Complete the first semester or year with high grades.
- Submit an internal transfer application.
- Transfer into your desired degree program.
Students confident in their academic potential despite low initial entry scores.
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