The ATAR can be very stressful and daunting, especially because it seems to be the only way to get into University in Australia. But the truth is, there are many other alternative pathways for you to get a university degree in Australia. Of course, it is not going to be easy, but hey, when is anything in life easy?
Whether it is because you changed your mind about University at the last minute, or you just did not get the ATAR you wanted, this article will list out all the other pathways that you can pursue instead.
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✍ Get Other Qualifications
✅Vocational Education and Training (VET)/TAFE Qualifications
Australian vocational education and training (VET) is also known as ‘Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET)’ and ‘skills training’. Australia’s TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutes are the largest provider of VET.
VET courses are designed and taught by industry experts to ensure that graduates are job-ready in the skills employers need. Many universities accept these qualifications for entry, sometimes assigning them an equivalent ATAR rank (e.g., James Cook University listed this approximation: Cert IV ≈ ATAR 74).
| Certificate | Duration | Career Outcome |
| Certificate I | 4 to 6 months | Competent Operator |
| Certificate II | About 1 year | Advanced operator |
| Certificate III | About 1 year | Qualified tradesperson or technician |
| Certificate IV | 12 to 18 months | Supervisor |
| Diploma | 18 to 24 months | Paraprofessional |
| Advanced Diploma | 24 to 36 months | Junior Manager |
There is a wide variety of areas of study you can choose from, such as agriculture, business and even legal studies. An Australian VET qualification can be a stepping stone towards further study or a higher education (university level) degree. In some fields of study, a VET qualification can even provide study credit towards a degree.
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📑 Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
STAT (formerly known as the Special Tertiary Admissions Test) is independently developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). It is a general aptitude test used by many universities for applicants without recent or sufficient academic results.
There are two different online assessments, STAT Multiple Choice and STAT Written English. You can sit them together or separately, depending on your admission requirements. A strong STAT result can supplement or replace a low ATAR for admission. Some courses even require a STAT result.
🧑🎓 Associate Degrees or Diplomas
An Associate degree is a short undergraduate program that is one level below a Bachelor degree. It is offered at the same study level as an Advanced Diploma offered by TAFE or vocational education and training (VET) providers, but is delivered by universities and other higher education providers.
It can be a pathway to a Bachelor degree, or help you move into work as a paraprofessional. A paraprofessional can assist professionals but cannot work as a fully qualified professional.
🛠 Alternative Entry Pathways
🔀 Transfer Pathways
If your ATAR did not meet the requirement of the course you wanted, you can start in a course with a lower ATAR requirement at the same or another university, and apply to transfer to your preferred course in future. After successfully completing a year (or sometimes even a semester), you may have sufficient credits in the required modules to transfer into your preferred course.
To apply for a transfer, it is best to discuss with the college and faculties involved for more information.
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👩💻 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Work Experience
For mature-age applicants, or those with significant industry or life experience, you may be able to apply for university with your work experience. Universities like University of Sydney may consider your work, training, or informal learning as part of your application, sometimes via a portfolio or interview.
🖋 Special Entry Schemes and Adjustment Factors
There are schemes for students from rural/remote areas, low-SES backgrounds, Indigenous students, or those who have experienced disadvantage to enter Universities with lower ATAR requirements. Various universities have different adjustment factors, so it is best to check the university site directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Conclusion
Hopefully this article has reassured you that Australian universities offer many alternative pathways for domestic students who did not achieve a high ATAR. Do not give up on your university dreams just because you do not have an ATAR, or did not get a good ATAR.
Of course, it is still prudent to work hard and achieve an ATAR that allows you to enter the University course that you are dreaming of. Our tutors at KIS Academics can help you achieve your academic goals!
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