Pathways into university

If your ATAR isn't what you hoped, or you never planned to get one, you still have options. SATAC reminds students that the ATAR is just one pathway, and that many courses offer alternative entry pathways. This guide outlines common routes and how to explore them.

This guide is general information written in our own words, based on the official sources listed at the end. ATAR rules, scaling, dates and course requirements differ between states and change from year to year, so always check with your admissions centre, institution and school. We don't predict ATARs, publish cut-offs or recommend particular schools, tutors or courses.

Why pathways exist

Universities want students who can succeed in their courses, and the ATAR is only one way to show that. Previous study, work experience, preparation programs and other evidence can also show readiness. Many students who enter university through pathways go on to do well.

VET qualifications

QTAC explains that institutions may consider completed vocational qualifications at Certificate III level and higher as a stand-alone basis for admission, including for people who aren't school leavers. Policies vary by institution. Some TAFE diplomas also offer credit towards related degrees.

In Queensland, a completed Certificate III or higher can also count as one of the five inputs into an ATAR, as QTAC explains.

Bridging and preparation courses

QTAC notes that completing approved bridging, pathway or preparation courses can lead to entry to your preferred course. Many universities run free or low-cost preparation programs for people without the required rank or background. Bridging courses can also help you meet a prerequisite you didn't study at school.

Courses that don't use the ATAR

QTAC points out that most TAFE courses, and some university preparation and other courses, don't require an ATAR for entry. Some degrees select mainly on portfolios, auditions or interviews.

University diplomas and college programs

Many universities and affiliated colleges offer diplomas that lead into the second year of a related degree if you achieve the required results. Check carefully how credit and progression work.

Starting in a related course

Some students begin in a related course with a lower entry rank, achieve good results and then apply to transfer. Rules for internal transfers vary, so check with the university.

Access and equity schemes

If your studies were affected by circumstances beyond your control, you may be eligible for an equity or access scheme that adjusts your selection rank. See our selection ranks guide.

Admissions tests

Some admissions centres use tests for certain applicants. QTAC, for example, mentions the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) in relation to some ranks. Check whether a test is relevant to your situation.

Mature-age and later entry

You can apply to university at any stage of life. Institutions have entry options for people who finished school some time ago, often based on work experience, prior study or preparation programs. SATAC notes that institutions may assess you differently depending on how long it's been since Year 12.

Getting a new ATAR

In some states you can study further to qualify for a new ATAR. QTAC explains that in Queensland, students can complete additional subjects to qualify for a new ATAR, with minimum requirements and rules about which results count. Check your state's rules and whether institutions accept a later ATAR for your intended course.

Gap years and working

Taking time to work, travel or volunteer is a valid choice, and many students defer an offer to do so. Check each institution's deferment policy before accepting.

Apprenticeships and work

University isn't the only path to a rewarding career. Apprenticeships, traineeships and work combined with study can lead to well-paid, skilled careers. Careers advisers can help you compare options.

How to explore

• Talk to your school's careers adviser.
• Contact university admissions or future student teams.
• Attend open days and information sessions.
• Search the admissions centre's course search for alternative entry options.
• Look at TAFE course pages for pathway and credit arrangements.

Keep perspective

It's normal to feel disappointed if results don't go as planned. Give yourself time, talk to someone you trust and remember that there are many routes forward. See our exam stress guide for support options.

Questions to ask about a pathway

Before choosing a pathway, ask: does it guarantee entry to the degree, or only consideration? What results do I need? How much credit will I receive, and will it extend my total study time? What does it cost, and is government support available? Getting clear answers in writing avoids surprises later.

Stories of change

Many people change direction after school. Some start in one field and move to another, others return to study years later. It's common to take a less direct route, and the skills and experience you gain along the way often help.

Try the study planner

Our free study planner shows how many weeks you have until your first exam, splits your weekly revision hours between your subjects and suggests what to focus on in each phase. It also includes a simple selection rank adder for after results. It runs entirely in your browser, nothing you enter is sent anywhere, and it doesn't try to predict your ATAR.

Where our information comes from

Factual statements in our guides are based on official and expert sources, including the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC), the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC), the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC), healthdirect, the Australian Government's movement guidelines and ReachOut. We link to each source at the end of the page and rewrite everything in our own words.

Rules change every year

ATAR rules, scaling, adjustment schemes, key dates and course requirements are reviewed regularly and can change from one year to the next. A rule that applied to an older sibling or a friend in another state may not apply to you. Treat our guides as a starting point, and confirm anything important with your admissions centre, your school and the institutions you're applying to.

Talk to your careers adviser

Your school's careers adviser is one of the most useful people you can talk to in Year 11 and 12. They know your state's system, current key dates, early offer schemes, access schemes and pathways, and can help you plan subjects and preferences. Book a time early, bring your questions and follow up after results.

For parents and carers

Parents and carers can help most by staying calm, keeping perspective and offering practical support: quiet study space, regular meals, encouragement to sleep and move, and help keeping track of key dates. Learning the basics of how the ATAR and selection ranks work makes it easier to support decisions without adding pressure.

Tell us what you think

We review our guides regularly against their sources. If you notice something out of date, have a question we haven't answered or spot an error, please let us know through our contact page. We read every message and correct mistakes promptly.

A quick checklist

If you remember only a few things from our guides, make them these: the ATAR is a rank, not a mark; choose subjects you enjoy and need for prerequisites; study actively and spread your revision; protect your sleep; check adjustment schemes and key dates; order preferences by what you really want; and remember there's more than one pathway to where you want to go.

Looking after yourself

Doing well in senior school isn't only about study hours. Sleep, movement, food, friends and downtime all affect how well you learn and how you feel. If stress or low mood is building, talk to someone you trust, your school counsellor or your GP. Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) and Lifeline (13 11 14) are available 24/7, and in an emergency call 000.

Key points

• The ATAR is one pathway into university, not the only one.
• VET qualifications, bridging courses and diplomas can lead to degrees.
• Access schemes, tests and later entry options exist.
• Talk to careers advisers and admissions teams to explore options.