How to get into uni without an ATAR

Explore the pathways that could put you on the path to a university degree without an ATAR entry requirement.

An ATAR isn’t the only way to start your dream degree at university. Many students start university each year without an ATAR, and you can too. Whether you finished school early, took a gap year, or have been working for years, there are plenty of pathways to help you start university.

What non-ATAR pathways can I take to get into uni?

There are several non-ATAR pathways you can take to get into uni. At 91ɫ��Ƭ, our non-ATAR pathways include schemes for non-recent school leavers, Indigenous Australians, military veterans, TAFE/VET graduates and more.

Non recent school leavers
Indigenous Australians
Military veterans
TAFE/VET graduates

Uni Prep Program

The Uni Prep Program is designed for students preparing for university learning or looking for an entry pathway into university.

The Uni Prep Program is a one year full-time pathway program (you can also study part-time and take longer) to introduce you to university-style learning. You’ll learn in a supportive environment and develop the skills you need to succeed at uni. There are four streams you can choose from:

Arts, Design, Architecture & Criminology (ADAC)
Science
Business
Engineering

Upon completion of the program, you can use your results to apply for eligible 91ɫ��Ƭ degrees or other degrees at other universities.
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

Be aged 20 years of age or older on 1 March, the year you begin the program, with no ATAR requirement.
Be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or hold a current Australian Permanent Resident visa (including Australian Permanent Resident Humanitarian visa).
Not have previously undertaken university studies or qualify for a 91ɫ��Ƭ degree.
Demonstrate English language proficiency if you did not undertake your secondary studies in English.
The Uni Prep Program is also available for 17 to 19 year olds with an ATAR requirement. Check out the entry requirements to see if you’re eligible.
Please note that the Uni Prep Program is to prepare you for university-style learning. Upon completion of the program, you may use your results to apply for eligible 91ɫ��Ƭ degrees.

Learn more about our Uni Prep Program

"The program gave me the space to discover what I was good at, and it helped me build confidence in myself and my ability to learn."

- Lucas Glover, PhD student

Indigenous Preparatory Programs

The Indigenous Preparatory Programs are designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples pursuing undergraduate study at 91ɫ��Ƭ, to help them prepare for university-style learning.

The Pre-Programs introduce you to university life within a culturally inclusive environment. They prepare you for your specific degree and help you understand what to expect as a student at 91ɫ��Ƭ.

It is a three week program, where you’ll attend classes and complete assessments with your chosen school or faculty. Upon successful completion, you may be offered a spot in a related undergraduate degree. You can choose from the following study areas:

Education
Social Work
Law & Justice
Science & Engineering
Business
Medicine & Health
The Pre-Programs run for three weeks at 91ɫ��Ƭ’s Kensington campus in Sydney.
There are no costs associated with applying for or completing Pre-Programs.
91ɫ��Ƭ and Nura Gili cover all costs for accommodation, meals and travel during the duration of the program.
The application process involves lodging an application via the (UAC), which incurs a processing fee.

Discover our Indigenous Preparatory Programs

"During this 3-week intensive program in December 2019, my love of the law was born...As a proud Dunghutti fella, I made a conscious decision to study at 91ɫ��Ƭ because I am passionate about social justice and creating opportunities for better outcomes for First Nations peoples."

- Matt Jarrett, Bachelor of Laws student

Read about Matt's pathway to Law

Indigenous Admission Scheme

The Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS) is designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples pursuing undergraduate study at 91ɫ��Ƭ.

The Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS) is an interview-based entry pathway. IAS looks at your life experience, work history, education, qualifications and volunteer contributions, not your ATAR. The interviews are semi-formal, with representatives from Nura Gili and your future faculty in attendance. You can choose from the following study areas:

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA)
Criminology & Criminal Justice
Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)
Nura Gili provides Indigenous students with comprehensive support, cultural inclusion and resources.
You must apply for your preferred degree via the (UAC) before completing the IAS application.
There are no costs associated with applying for IAS or sitting your interview, however, UAC charges a processing fee.
All applicants and students who participate or are involved in Nura Gili programs and/or activities are required to provide proof of their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity and heritage.

Explore our Indigenous Admission Scheme

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The Veteran Entry Pathway is designed for veterans and serving military personnel who are interested in pursuing undergraduate study at 91ɫ��Ƭ.

If you have previously or are currently serving in the Australian Defence Force, you will be eligible to receive a selection rank based on your service in the ADF. Choose your preferred degree and apply via the (UAC).
There are scholarships and internship opportunities available.
You may be eligible for credit for courses studied at another institution via recognition of prior learning (RPL), 91ɫ��Ƭ TAFE Pathways Programs or the .
Student Support Advisors provide personalised advice and support as you transition to university.

Discover our Veteran Entry Pathway

TAFE/VET graduates

The TAFE/VET Pathway is designed for students who have completed a Diploma or Advanced Diploma from TAFE and other Registered Training Organisations.

There are two ways your TAFE/VET qualification can be used to apply to 91ɫ��Ƭ.

91ɫ��Ƭ has mapped certain TAFE/VET qualifications to specific degrees. You can receive automatic credit (recognition of prior learning) for courses you've already completed, finishing your degree in less time.
91ɫ��Ƭ can assess your TAFE or VET qualification as an ATAR-equivalent selection rank for you to be considered for your chosen 91ɫ��Ƭ degree.
There are different degrees which you can apply for based on your TAFE/VET qualification. Check the TAFE/VET Pathway page linked below for more details.
You must apply for your preferred degree via .
You'll need to supply a transcript of your completed TAFE/VET studies as part of your UAC application.

Explore our TAFE/VET Pathway

"TAFE is a fantastic option if you want to get into university without worrying too heavily about your HSC results, my diploma gave me a score of 80 within the selection rank, as someone who left high school without an ATAR at all, I had no idea that my Diploma gave me this advantage."

- Jacob Cannataci, Bachelor of Media graduate

Read about Jacob's pathway to uni

Accepted qualifications

��accepts several qualifications for entry into an undergraduate degree. Click through below to see what we accept.

Visit here for more information about the accepted qualifications at 91ɫ��Ƭ.

TAFE/VET study
Higher education study
University preparation programs
Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test

TAFE/VET study

Certificate IV*
Diplomas
Advanced Diplomas

_{*Must have been graded, not competency based. A competency-based AQF Certificate IV may be considered for admission via Portfolio Entry.}

Higher education study

You may be eligible for admission based on the completion of at least one year of full-time study (or the part-time equivalent) at a non-university higher education provider.

If you have completed an equivalent of 0.75 FTE (full-time equivalent) or more of tertiary study in a single degree, you will be assessed for admission to 91ɫ��Ƭ on your tertiary study results OR your ATAR (or equivalent) - whichever is better. If your ATAR is more than 5 years old, you will be assessed only on your tertiary study.

University preparation programs

TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC)
Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation at TAFE Queensland
Open Foundation Program at the University of Newcastle

Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

If you don’t have these qualifications, you can apply through the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).
To be eligible for admission with STAT results, you must be 21 years old or older by 1 March in the year you start your undergraduate study at 91ɫ��Ƭ.
You must also achieve a minimum score of 157 in the STAT Multiple Choice and 150 in the STAT Written English.

FAQs

Yes, there are ways to get into university without an ATAR. We take into account other factors such as other qualifications, readiness to study and prior experience. Have a look through our many pathways and choose the option that best suits your circumstances.
If you already have work experience, you may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning. You can see what accepted qualifications are available at 91ɫ��Ƭ.

Your pathway to university starts here

An ATAR doesn't define your potential. If you’re returning to study or ready for a new direction, there are plenty of ways to get into uni without an ATAR. The right pathway can help you gain new skills and open doors to exciting opportunities. Discover your options at 91ɫ��Ƭ and take the first step toward your future today.