At the halfway mark of our school courses, it is important to recognise pathways for 2023 and beyond. Post-COVID, many Universities are preparing, organising and conducting Open Days, both live and on-line to provide prospective tertiary students current and up-to-date information about their post-school pathways.

University entry has historically been achievable by successful completion of Year 12 and gaining an ATAR score at the minimum level (or above) for a particular course. While this pathway continues to be an effective one for many, it is not the only way to access further education at university.

You may have:

not studied the prerequisite subjects for your chosen course
not achieved an adequate ATAR score for entry
left education early and want to return to studies
not studied for a long time (eg due to family duties) and want to return to studies.

New alternative entry points have recently been developed and are available to assist a broader field of applicants to access university-level education. Most universities within Australia are developing and offering a range of 'alternative entry pathways'.

8 alternative entry points to higher education

1. Enabling courses

Enabling courses can be used to develop entry level skills for university studies. These courses can provide foundational skills for successful university careers.

Enabling courses are often offered over one semester and are administered in smaller, highly supported groups that help you to acclimatise to the university environment and develop skills in academic studying and writing. Successful completion will often guarantee entry to your course of choice, including credit for one unit.

2. Enabling outreach courses

Some larger universities are now offering outreach services, similar to the enabling courses above, but with more assisted learning and smaller groups. You may be interested in these courses if you want to enter tertiary education using a highly supported entry point. Some universities work with community organisations and job search agencies to deliver the courses in more accessible locations.

3. Bridging courses

Similar to enabling courses, bridging courses give you an opportunity to further develop skills in prerequisite areas (e.g. science) before you enter your chosen course of study.

4. Special Tertiary Admissions Test

If you are 'mature age' (in many states, over 19 in the year of application) there are further options. You can sit a Special Tertiary Admissions Test, which is usually done in one day and which includes a general intelligence element and an essay. You will get a score that can be used instead of an ATAR in applying for a university course.

Local colleges often offer preparation courses to assist you to understand the test format and reduce anxiety in sitting the test.

5. Vocational education and training (VET) and TAFE pathways

Many universities and TAFEs have an agreed pathway arrangement where you can start a course at Certificate III or IV, continue to diploma level and transition into a specified university level course.

For many learners, this is a preferable process, as it offers short-term goals, an opportunity to re-enter study for a shorter period and an opportunity to gain confidence, while building skills and benefiting from clear progress points along the way. Sometimes a university will give credit for work (usually at diploma/advanced diploma) level and advanced standing into your course of choice, reducing your overall time in study.

6. Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

CRL (previously RPL or recognition of prior learning) is another approach if you have previous study or work experience (paid or voluntary), and can demonstrate certain skills in an area. Each institution has its own preferred method of applying CRL and should be contacted directly.

7. Portfolio entry

Whether you are a school leaver or mature entry candidate, portfolio entry allows you to apply for a place using a combination of courses, vocational education course results, training, endorsed programs, an introductory letter, resume and letters of support.

8. VET in schools

In high school, you may choose not to work towards university entry through an ATAR. Some students' learning styles are better supported in the Vocational Education & Training (VET) system. VET programs offered through your school may help you gain entry to your chosen field of study. For example, you may choose a VET course that could then create a pathway to university and there may be an opportunity to apply credits to a particular course.

If you are interested in any of the above options, it is important to talk to someone who can help you. Contact your local TAFE, Registered Training Organisation or university directly or discuss your needs with staff here at the College who can assist you to identify your best pathway to success.

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Our VisionRural educational excellence through innovation, passion and collaboration.

Term 2 Issue 4 · 09 Jun 2022

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Rural educational excellence through innovation, passion and collaboration.