How to get into uni without an ATAR
We know you have what it takes to study at university—and you don’t need an ATAR to prove it. Let’s explore the alternative pathways you can follow to get into the course of your dreams, no matter what.
There are a lot of reasons you might not have an ATAR.
Maybe you went to high school before the ranking system was used. Maybe you took vocational subjects in Years 11 and 12 because you wanted to learn a trade. Or maybe you left school early for a place in the workforce.
You can still get into university. Not only will we show you what your options are—but we’ll also help you take the first step.
What non-ATAR pathways can I take to get into uni?
1. Qualify for entry by completing undergraduate single subjects
This is best for:
Those who want to dip their toes into uni, but aren’t sure about the commitment yet.
How it works:
Say there’s an undergraduate degree you’ve got your eye on, but you don’t meet the entry requirements because you don’t have an ATAR.
You can find your preferred degree through us and qualify for entry by completing 2 to 4 single subjects from that degree instead. We call these ‘open access’ subjects—because anyone is eligible to enrol in them. And once you successfully complete your subjects online, you can move right into the full qualification.
We work with leading universities from across Australia to make this entry option possible for over a hundred degrees.
What to know:
- Subjects generally run between 10 to 16 weeks, depending on the university.
- If you realise after completing a subject that the study area isn’t for you, you’re free to walk away, because you’re not enrolled in the qualification yet. It’s a nice low-pressure way to take uni for a test run.
- To find out which subjects you can complete to get into a degree, just search for the degree on our website, and then scroll down to the course's entry requirements section. You can also ask us. It’s what we’re here for!
Quick links:
2. Enrol in an undergraduate certificate
This is best for:
Those who already have a specific career path in mind.
How it works:
If you have a clear vision for your future career and you’re certain about the qualification you want to get, an undergraduate certificate could be your perfect way in.
This short six-month qualification will introduce you to your preferred study area, by allowing you to take the first four subjects from a related bachelor degree. Once you finish, you can use it to satisfy the entry criteria for the degree, with full credit.
Most undergraduate certificates don’t have any entry requirements and are open to everyone, so there’s nothing standing in your way.
What to know:
- While the undergraduate certificate is designed to be an entry pathway into uni, it’s also a qualification in its own right—one that’s recognised by the Australian Qualification Framework.
- You can use an undergraduate certificate to get entry-level work in certain roles and industries.
- When you continue into the bachelor degree, you will already be 4 subjects in, allowing you to graduate sooner!
Quick links
- Read more about the undergraduate certificate
- Explore undergraduate certificates that lead into degrees
3. Complete an enabling course
This is best for:
Those who want to build their confidence and skills for uni.
How it works:
What if it’s been a long time since you studied anything, or you’d like to work on your academic know-how before deciding on a course?
An enabling course or uni bridging course may be the best option for you. Think of this supportive pathway as your soft introduction to university life. You'll learn all the core skills you need to be a uni student, like essay writing, referencing, how to navigate group work, and how to deliver presentations.
The main enabling course available through us is the University Preparation Program offered by the University of Tasmania, though there are also other short courses you can take to get ready for tertiary study.
What to know:
- Once you complete this 8-subject program, you’ll meet the general entry requirements for undergraduate study with the University of Tasmania. (Here are the courses you could go on to study).
- You may also be able to use this course to satisfy the entry requirements for undergraduate degrees with other universities. Get in touch with us for more information about this.
- The course is made up of 5 core subjects, and 3 electives. That means you can choose areas of interest, like academic writing, maths, or science skills, to prepare you for study in a particular discipline.
Quick links
What if you already have years of work experience?
4. Apply for recognition of prior learning
This is best for:
Those who are already skilled in their interest area or career, but want a formal qualification to back it up.
How it works:
If you didn’t finish Year 12, but you’ve spent years building up your skills in the workforce, then there is another entry option to consider: using your work and life experience to apply for recognition of prior learning.
Universities know that on-the-job training counts for a lot. So if you can provide evidence of relevant work experience during the application process, you may be able to earn credit and bypass entry requirements that way.
Likewise, if you’ve completed vocational education and training (VET) at a Certificate III, IV or Diploma level, you may be able to use this to gain admission into an undergraduate course.
What to know:
- Every university has different requirements around this, including how much work experience you need to have. Check the entry requirements listed under your chosen course to learn more.
Quick links:
What age can I go to uni without an ATAR?
It’s a common misconception that you need to be a mature-age student over 21 before you can get into uni without an ATAR. But that isn’t true.
You can explore non-ATAR pathways as soon as you leave high school, or even before the age of 18, provided you have your parents’ permission and the university’s approval. There’s no such thing as one ‘traditional’ path into uni anymore, and that counts no matter where you are in life.
Where can I get more advice about non-ATAR pathways?
Maybe after reading this, you’ve got an entry option in mind—or maybe you’re still thinking it over. Either way, it can help to chat with someone about your hopes and plans, because everyone’s next steps will be different.
Did you know Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that exists for this very purpose? It’s our mission to make uni easier for everyone to access.
We have a dedicated team of advisors who can give you advice about getting into uni, no matter your circumstances. They will clear your barriers to entry, so you can make your ‘someday’ happen today.
Book a free phone consultation to speak with an advisor at a time and date of your choosing. You can also connect through Messenger, WhatsApp and Chat.
