In order to undertake a course at university you must apply and meet the minimum entry requirements to be accepted. To identify these pathways contact the course coordinator as not all courses have the same entry requirements. 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. This includes 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 there are training providers that run preparation workshops to assist applicants prepare for sitting the STAT including universities and community adult education providers. To find out more contact the tertiary admissions body/centre in your State or Territory.
For further information see tertiary admission body/centres.
If an applicant does not have other qualifications then entry into university may be based on an applicant’s previous employment experience. Employment experience is often used by universities in conjunction with other entry pathways. In some cases this experience does not need to be related to an applicants proposed field or area of study. However this is dependent upon the university running the course. It is important to contact the course coordinator to find out if this method of entry is accepted.
Some universities 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 pathway provides applicants with the opportunity to demonstrate that they have the skills and abilities that will enable them to succeed at university. A Personal Competencies 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
foundation, bridging and university studies courses
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Many university institutions run foundation, bridging or university studies courses to enable students to progress to study at university. These courses are specifically designed for students who have experienced educational disadvantage, who wish to return to study after a significant absence or lack the formal qualifications to enter university. Students that graduate from foundation and university studies courses are eligible to apply for a range of undergraduate university courses.
special consideration/educational disadvantage
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The purpose of special consideration is to enhance an applicant’s opportunity for selection into university by providing an opportunity to explain ongoing circumstances that have affected their chance of gaining a place. This application is based on a demonstration of educational disadvantage which can be due to a wide range of factors such as:
- disability
- illness
- misadventure
- poor school facilities
- lack of other miscellaneous opportunities
Supporting documentation such as a medical certificate or a report from a health professional must be provided to support the application. If special consideration status is awarded an applicants tertiary admission rank, index or position number may be increased by as much as 10 points. However applicants must still meet the minimum entry requirements for their course.
Not all universities offer special consideration so it is important to contact your education provider to find out more information.