In order to undertake a course at TAFE you must apply and meet the minimum entry requirements to be accepted. To identify these pathways contact the course coordinator at TAFE. Examples of the most common alternate entry pathways into university include:
Refer to the following worksheet to assist you identify the entry requirements of a particular course:
The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a two hour aptitude test designed to assess a range of competencies that are commonly considered important for success in tertiary study. The test appraises an applicant’s ability to understand the material provided and to think critically about issues rather than to assess their knowledge of specific academic subjects. Many tertiary institutions across Australia use STAT as part of their admissions process.
In each State and Territory of Australia many training providers run preparation workshops to assist applicants prepare for sitting the STAT including universities and community adult education providers. To find out more about sitting the STAT and/or preparation courses you need to contact the tertiary admissions body/centre in your State or Territory.
For further information see tertiary admission bodies/centres.
If an applicant does not have other qualifications, entry into some TAFE courses may be based on an applicant’s previous employment experience. Employment experiences are often used by TAFE in conjunction with other entry pathways such as the STAT and personal competencies. In some cases previous employment experience does not need to be related to an applicants proposed field or area of study. However this is dependent upon the TAFE institute running the course.
Not all TAFE courses offer this pathway so it is important to contact the course coordinator at TAFE to find out if this method of entry is accepted.
Some TAFE institutes which accept the STAT for entry also consider applicants on the basis of a Personal Competencies Statement. Broadly speaking a Personal Competencies Statement is an outline of the general skills and abilities that an applicant possesses to undertake tertiary study. This entry pathway provides applicants with the opportunity to demonstrate that they have the skills and abilities that will enable them to succeed at TAFE. The Statement may also include an applicants demonstrated experience and/or an interest in a particular field, industry or work place. Examples of the skills that may need to be included in a Personal Competencies Statement include:
- reasons for choosing a preferred course
- steps that have been taken to prepare for tertiary study
- communication skills
- sources of support
- capacity for independent study
Some TAFE institutes run bridging courses that provide students with knowledge relating to particular subject area. These courses are designed for students who do not meet the prerequisites of a particular course or wish to return to study after a significant absence and 'brush up' on a particular area(s) of knowledge before entering tertiary education. To identify if you need to attend a bridging course and which bridging courses meet the course pre requisites contact the course coordinator.
For further information see preparation and bridging courses.
special consideration/educational disadvantage
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The purpose of special consideration is to enhance an applicant’s opportunity for selection into TAFE by providing them with an opportunity to explain ongoing circumstances that have affected their chance of gaining a place at TAFE. The application is based on demonstrating educational disadvantage in life which can be due to a wide range of factors such as financial hardship, disability, illness, misadventure, poor school facilities or lack of other miscellaneous opportunities.
Applicants must provide supporting documentation such as a medical certificate or a report from a health professional to support their application. If an applicant is awarded special consideration status their tertiary admission rank, index or position number may be increased by as much as 10 points. However they must still meet the minimum entry requirements for the course they have applied.
Not all TAFE institutes offer special consideration so it is important to contact your education provider to find out more information.