While many students think the ATAR is how they get into university, there are other pathways. These include the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) and Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS). Let's see how the STAT works, how to register, and everything else you need to know about flexible pathways for Australian universities.
What Is the STAT?
The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is the standardised test for those seeking entry into Australian universities who don't meet other entry requirements.
Unlike early entry, where promising students without an ATAR may be granted entry, the STAT is a test of academic aptitude and readiness for tertiary study and is an excellent option for mature-age students or those without formal Year 12 qualifications. It's also an excellent option for those who've been away from education and are looking to return.
The STAT measures many general skills and critical thinking that would be useful for a university course rather than specific subject knowledge. It offers a flexible pathway for those who'd otherwise be unable to attend university.
So who is it for?
The STAT is a way to help universities assess a potential candidate when they don't have other qualifications. It's predominantly for:
- Mature-age applicants returning to study.
- Students without an ATAR or formal secondary school qualifications.
- Individuals with significant work experience.
- International students needing an alternative academic assessment.
The STAT allows students to demonstrate skills and academic readiness without relying on standard school-based results.
Just remember that not every university will accept the STAT for admissions. However, it is accepted by these universities.
- University of New England (UNE) – Mature-age and non-traditional entry applicants.
- Griffith University – Alternative entry for those without formal qualifications.
- University of South Australia (UniSA) – Used for pathway programs and mature-age applicants.
Always check with the university admissions office to verify whether they accept STAT results for your desired bachelor's degree.
STAT Structure and Sections
The STAT consists of two separate assessments measuring different academic skills. Both sections cover general reasoning abilities and critical thinking, which makes it a great fit for students regardless of their educational background.
1. STAT Multiple Choice
The STAT Multiple Choice section assesses your ability to comprehend and analyse verbal and quantitative information through 70 multiple-choice questions.
Key Skills Assessed
- Verbal Reasoning: Understanding, interpreting, and critically evaluating written material.
- Quantitative Reasoning: The problem-solving capacity using basic mathematical concepts and numerical data interpretation.
Test Format
- 70 questions divided equally between verbal and quantitative sections.
- Each question has four answer options, with only one correct answer.
- Duration: 2 hours, with no calculators permitted.
Example Question
- "Which of the following best summarises the author's main point in the provided passage?"
Scoring
- The Multiple Choice section is scored on a scale of 100 to 200.
- Higher scores reflect stronger critical thinking and reasoning skills.
2. STAT Written English
The STAT Written English section tests your ability to express complex ideas clearly and effectively through written communication. This section focuses on language use, structure, and argument clarity.
Key Skills Assessed
- Written Communication: Clarity, coherence, and organisation.
- Argument Structure: Ability to form logical and persuasive arguments.
Test Format
- Two essay prompts (students must respond to both).
- Each essay is marked for content quality and language use.
- Duration: 1 hour.
Example Prompt
- "Discuss the importance of lifelong learning in professional development."
Scoring
- Essays are scored on a scale of 100 to 200, focusing on clarity, depth, and structure.
Some universities require both the Multiple Choice and Written English sections, while others may only require one. Be sure to check the course requirements.
Who Is Eligible for the STAT?
The STAT is mainly for those who don't meet Australia's main university entry requirements. It's an alternative pathway into tertiary education for those without recent formal qualifications or Year 12 results. Let's see the typical profiles of those who might consider the STAT.
1. Mature Age Students
The STAT is a very common option for mature-age entry into bachelor degrees. This is a good option for those who haven't been in formal education.
- Applicants typically over 18 years old by the time the course begins.
- Those who have not completed secondary school recently.
- Individuals seeking admission based on work experience rather than recent academic results.
A 30-year-old seeking to return to study a Bachelor of Education could use the STAT as their primary entry pathway.
2. Students Without Formal Qualifications
The STAT is also an excellent option for domestic students without the necessary formal education for most university courses. This could include potential students who:
- Did not complete Year 12.
- Do not have an ATAR score.
- Have completed non-standard education pathways (e.g., homeschooling).
Remember that when it comes to specific creative programs, your portfolio may be more beneficial for admission than other formal qualifications.
A student without an ATAR applying for a Bachelor of Arts at Griffith University.
3. International Students
The STAT is mainly for domestic students, but some universities accept the STAT for international students. These are typically international students who:
- Lack of standard Australian qualifications.
- Need to demonstrate English language proficiency and academic readiness.
English language requirements may still apply for Written English performance alongside IELTS or TOEFL results.
4. Career and Work Experience Entry
Certain vocational learners who've completed VET or TAFE programs or those with relevant work experience can also use the STAT to demonstrate some of their transferable academic skills. This could include:
- Healthcare workers seeking to study a Bachelor of Nursing.
- Tradespeople applying for a Bachelor of Construction Management.
5. State-Specific Eligibility Criteria
Remember that the STAT eligibility requirements vary between Australian states and universities. Always check individual university admission policies since not every institution accepts STAT results.
- NSW & ACT: Typically managed through UAC (Universities Admissions Centre).
- Victoria: Handled via VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre).
- Queensland: Managed through QTAC for non-ATAR entry applicants.
How to Register for the STAT
Registering for the STAT is fairly straightforward. There are slightly different processes depending on your state.
1. Where to Register?
Students must apply through state-based admissions centres, such as:
- UAC (NSW & ACT)
- VTAC (Victoria)
- QTAC (Queensland)
- SATAC (South Australia)
2. Key Registration Details:
- Application Period: Registrations open throughout the year but close before major test dates.
- Testing Formats: Available both online and in-person, depending on the institution.
- Test Fees: Typically range from $150 to $250, depending on the test type and location.
3. Final Steps
- Confirm your eligibility and preferred test format.
- Prepare identification documents and pay the registration fee.
- Receive a confirmation email with your test date and location.
Register early, as spots may fill quickly during peak admission periods.
Preparing for the STAT
The key to doing well on your STAT is preparation. Knowing what you'll be tested on and preparing adequately for it will ensure you perform to the best of your ability.
1. Study Materials
- Official Practice Tests: Available from test providers like ACER.
- Sample Questions: Access free resources through state admission centres.
- Writing Guides: Use essay practice tools for the Written English section.
2. Preparation Tips
- Verbal Reasoning: Practice reading comprehension and summarisation exercises.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Focus on basic math concepts and logical puzzles.
- Written English: Practice structuring essays with clear arguments and supporting evidence.
Speaking of preparation, there are also preparation or bridging courses that prospective university students can take.
3. Key Strategies
- Take timed practice tests to build confidence.
- Focus on time management and stress reduction techniques.
Create a study schedule to balance all test sections.
Understanding the STAT Scoring and Results
The STAT scores are calculated separately for each test component, which means the Multiple-Choice and Written English section scores are reported independently.
The scores for the Multiple-Choice section are between 100 and 200, and the written English section also has scores between 100 and 200.
Universities will often list these scores as requirements for specific courses and you can retrieve your scores from the admissions centre where you booked your test.
You can retake the STAT to improve your results; your scores are typically valid for two years.
STAT vs SEAS: Key Differences
In addition to the STAT, Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS) offer alternative pathways into university. There are some key differences between the two, and considering an SEAS may be worthwhile.
- The main difference is that the STAT measures academic readiness, while the SEAS considers personal circumstances and disadvantages that may have affected your educational performance.
- The STAT means you take assessments, whereas a SEAS normally includes supporting documents like financial records, medical certificates, or personal statements.
- The SEAS are for students facing financial hardship, disability, or attending a low-SES school, while the STAT is for those without the most common qualifications required for university entry.
- The STAT gives universities a score they can use for admission ranking, while the SEAS adjust the selection rank, modifying a student's ATAR.
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