TAFE/VET Pathway
Turn your TAFE or VET study into a UNSW degree.
A pathway to UNSW that considers Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications from TAFE NSW and other Registered Training Organisations.
How it works
There are two ways your TAFE/VET qualification can be used to apply to UNSW. Below, we unpack everything you need to know.
Option 1
Apply for certain UNSW degrees and receive automatic credit for prior study
Option 2
Apply using a Selection Rank that meets the Lowest Selection Rank for your chosen degree
- Option 1
- Option 2
Map your qualification to a relevant UNSW degree
Some TAFE/VET qualifications are mapped to UNSW degrees. If your qualification appears on the eligibility list, you can apply for the mapped degree and receive automatic credit (Recognition of Prior Learning) for courses you’ve already completed through your TAFE/VET qualification and finish your degree in less time.
Who is eligible
You are eligible if you have completed a mapped:
- Diploma (AQF 5)
- Advanced Diploma (AQF 6)
How to apply
- Check whether your Diploma or Advanced Diploma is mapped to a specific UNSW degree on the eligibility list
- Have a copy of the transcript for your completed TAFE/VET qualification
- Apply through UAC and list the mapped UNSW degree as your first preference
- Your application will be assessed in the offer round you applied for
- If you’re successful in receiving an offer and choose to accept, you’ll automatically* receive Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for relevant VET study
*For the Bachelor of Design and Bachelor of Fine Arts, RPL is applied once you have selected your mapped specialisation.
Apply using a Selection Rank
UNSW can convert your TAFE/VET qualification to a Selection Rank. If your Selection Rank meets the Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) entry requirement for your chosen UNSW degree, you may be offered a place. Check whether you have completed a graded or competency-based TAFE/VET qualification and see which degrees you can apply for.
Who is eligible
You are eligible if you have completed a:
- Diploma (AQF Level 5)
- Advanced Diploma (AQF Level 6)
- Certificate IV (AQF Level 4)^
^Must have been graded, not competency based. A competency-based AQF Certificate IV may be considered for admission via Portfolio Entry.
Graded vs competency-based TAFE/VET qualifications
UNSW converts your TAFE/VET qualification into a Selection Rank.
| If you hold a competency-based: | If you hold a graded: |
|---|---|
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How to apply
Explore the UNSW's Degree Finder to check whether the degree you’re interested in has a lowest selection rank that aligns with your TAFE/VET qualification
Have a copy of the transcript for your completed TAFE/VET qualification
Apply through UAC and list the UNSW degree as your first preference
Your application will be assessed in the offer round you applied for
If you’re successful in receiving an offer and once you’ve accepted, you can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning
- Arts, Design & Architecture
- Business
- Engineering
- Law & Justice
- Science
Eligible UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture degrees
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Students who have completed a TAFE qualification under the following training packages are eligible for credit transfer into the Bachelor of Design:
- CUA60320 Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design
- CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design
- MSF50218 Diploma of Interior Design
- CUA50420 Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services
- SIR50217 Diploma of Visual Merchandising
- ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Game Art and Design)
- CUA51220 Diploma of Ceramics
- MST50119 Diploma of Applied Fashion and Merchandising
Learn more about the Bachelor of Design and download the sample study plan:
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Students who have completed a TAFE qualification under the following training packages are eligible for credit transfer into the Bachelor of Fine Arts:
- CUA60720 Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts
- CUA51120 Diploma of Visual Arts
- CUA50920 Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging
- CUA51220 Diploma of Ceramics
- CUA60620 Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media
- CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media
- ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Game Art and Design)
Credit transfer will also be considered for students who have completed a TAFE Diploma that supersedes one of the above.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Fine Arts and download the sample study plan:
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Students who have completed a TAFE qualification under the following training packages are eligible for credit transfer into the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours):
- MSF50218 Diploma of Interior Design
- CUA60320 Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design
- CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design
- MST60119 Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion and Merchandising
- MST50119 Diploma of Applied Fashion and Merchandising
- SIR50217 Diploma of Visual Merchandising
- CUA60720 Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts
- CUA51120 Diploma of Visual Arts
- CPP50921 Diploma of Building Design
- AHC50621 Diploma of Landscape Design
- BSB50620 Diploma of Marketing and Communication
- CUA50420 Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services
Students who have completed a qualification at Sydney Design School under the following training packages are eligible for credit transfer into the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours):
- MSF60112 Advanced Diploma of Interior Design
- MSF50222 Diploma of Interior Design
Credit transfer will also be considered for students who have completed a Diploma that supersedes one of the above.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) and download the sample study plan:
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Students who have completed a TAFE qualification under the following training packages are eligible for credit transfer into the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Honours):
- AHC50621 Diploma of Landscape Design
- AHC50416 Diploma of Horticulture
- AHC50422 Diploma of Public Horticultural Management
- AHC50520 Diploma of Arboriculture
- CPP50921 Diploma of Building Design
- MSF50218 Diploma of Interior Design
- AHC51019 Diploma of Sports Turf Management
Credit transfer will also be considered for students who have completed a TAFE Diploma that supersedes one of the above.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Honours) and download the sample study plan:
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Students who have completed a TAFE qualification under the following training packages are eligible for credit transfer into the Bachelor of Social Sciences:
- CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services
- 10761NAT Diploma of Aboriginal Studies for Professional and Community Development
- CHC50143 Diploma of Youth Work
- BSB50620 Diploma of Marketing and Communication
- PSP50116 Diploma of Government
- BSB50520 Diploma of Library and Information Services
- BSB50320 Diploma of Human Resource Management
- BSB50720 Diploma of Paralegal Services
- BSB50920 Diploma of Quality Auditing
Credit transfer will also be considered for students who have completed a TAFE Diploma that supersedes one of the above.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Sciences and download the sample study plan:
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Students who have completed a TAFE qualification under the following training packages are eligible for credit transfer into the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours):
- CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
- CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services
- CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services (Case Management)
- CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling
- CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
- CHC51115 Diploma of Financial Counselling
- CHC50413 Diploma of Youth Work
- PSP50116 Diploma of Government
- CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health
- BSB50720 Diploma of Paralegal Services
- CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Services Management
- HE20528V01 Bachelor of Community Services
Credit transfer will also be considered for students who have completed a TAFE Diploma that supersedes one of the above.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) and download the sample study plan:
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Applicable for the following Social Work (Honours) double degrees:
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (4034)
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Bachelor of Arts (4045)
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Bachelor of Social Sciences (4046)
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Bachelor of Law (4787)
Students who have completed a TAFE qualification under the following training packages are eligible for credit transfer into any Social Work (Honours) double degree:
- CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
- CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services
- CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling
- CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
- CHC51115 Diploma of Financial Counselling
- CHC50413 Diploma of Youth Work
- PSP50116 Diploma of Government
- CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health
- BSB50720 Diploma of Paralegal Service
- HE20528V01 Bachelor of Community Services
Credit transfer will also be considered for students who have completed a TAFE Diploma that supersedes one of the above.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) double degrees and download the sample study plan:
Eligible UNSW Business School degrees
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Students who have completed a TAFE qualification under the following training packages are eligible for credit transfer into the Bachelor of Information Systems.
- ICT60220 Advanced Diploma of Information Technology
- ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology
Diploma of Information Technology (ICT50220) students who specialise in the following specialisations may be eligible for additional credit transfer:
- Advanced Networking
- Cloud Architecture
- Business Analysis
- Database and Data Management
- Telecommunications Network Engineering
Credit transfer will also be considered for students who have completed a TAFE Diploma that supersedes one of the above.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Information Systems and download the sample study plan:
Eligible UNSW Engineering degrees
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Students who have completed a TAFE qualification under the following training packages are eligible for credit transfer into the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Surveying):
- CPP50121 Diploma of Surveying
- CPP50221 Diploma of Spatial Information Services
Credit transfer will also be considered for students who have completed a TAFE Diploma that supersedes one of the above.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Surveying) and download the sample study plan:
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Students who have completed a TAFE qualification under the following training packages are eligible for credit transfer into the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical):
- UEE62220 Advanced Diploma of Electrical Engineering
- UEE50420 Diploma of Electrical Engineering
- UEE60220 Advanced Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering
- UEE50520 Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering
Credit will also be considered for students who have completed a Diploma that supersedes one of the above.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical) and download the sample study plan:
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Students who have completed a TAFE qualification under the following training packages are eligible for credit transfer into the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Telecommunications):
- UEE62220 Advanced Diploma of Electrical Engineering
- UEE50420 Diploma of Electrical Engineering
- UEE60220 Advanced Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering
- UEE50520 Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering
Credit will also be considered for students who have completed a Diploma that supersedes one of the above.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Telecommunications) and download the sample study plan:
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Students who have completed a TAFE qualification under the following training packages are eligible for credit transfer into the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Photovoltaics and Solar Energy):
- UEE62220 Advanced Diploma of Electrical Engineering
- UEE50420 Diploma of Electrical Engineering
- UEE60220 Advanced Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering
- UEE50520 Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering
- HE20552V01 Diploma of Renewable Energy Engineering
Credit will also be considered for students who have completed a Diploma that supersedes one of the above.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Photovoltaics and Solar Energy) and download the sample study plan:
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Students who have completed a TAFE qualification under the following training packages are eligible for credit transfer into the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Renewable Energy):
- UEE62220 Advanced Diploma of Electrical Engineering
- UEE50420 Diploma of Electrical Engineering
- UEE60220 Advanced Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering
- UEE50520 Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering
- HE20552V01 Diploma of Renewable Energy Engineering
Credit will also be considered for students who have completed a Diploma that supersedes one of the above.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Renewable Energy) and download the sample study plan:
Eligible UNSW Law & Justice degrees
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Students who have completed a TAFE qualification under the following training packages are eligible for credit transfer into the Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice:
- CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management
- PUA60120 Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Emergency Management)
- PUA50120 Diploma of Public Safety (Emergency Management)
- BSB50720 Diploma of Paralegal Services
- PSP50116 Diploma of Government
- CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services
- CHC50413 Diploma of Youth Work
- CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
- CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling
Credit transfer will also be considered for students who have completed a TAFE Diploma that supersedes one of the above.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice and download the sample study plan:
Eligible UNSW Science degrees
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Students who have completed any TAFE qualification at a Diploma (AQF 5) or Advanced Diploma (AQF 6) level are eligible for credit transfer into the Bachelor of Science.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Science and download the sample study plan:
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Students who have completed a TAFE qualification under the following training packages are eligible for credit transfer into the Bachelor of Aviation (Management):
- MEA50119 Diploma of Aeroskills (Mechanical)
- MEA50118 Diploma of Aeroskills (Avionics)
- AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane)
- MEA50418 Diploma of Aviation Maintenance
- BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management
- BSB50120 Diploma of Business
- BSB50320 Diploma of Human Resource Management
- BSB50620 Diploma of Marketing and Communication
- BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management
- BSB50920 Diploma of Quality Auditing
Credit transfer will also be considered for students who have completed a TAFE Diploma that supersedes one of the above.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Aviation (Management) and download the sample study plan:
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Students who have completed a TAFE qualification under the following training packages are eligible for credit transfer into the Bachelor of Environmental Management:
- AHC51120 Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
- HE20517V01 Diploma of Sustainable Practice
- AHC50422 Diploma of Horticulture Management
- AHC50122 Diploma of Agriculture
- MSL50122 Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Chemistry)
Credit transfer will also be considered for students who have completed a TAFE Diploma that supersedes one of the above.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Environmental Management and download the sample study plan:
Quick links
Key dates for 2026 entry
UAC's 2026–2027 offer round dates, including those for Term 2 and Term 3, 2026, will be released soon. Please use the following 2025–2026 dates as an indicator of timings.
| Offer round | Application closing date | Offers release date |
|---|---|---|
| September Round 2 | Thursday, 21 August 2025 | Thursday, 18 September 2025 |
| October Round 2 | Thursday, 18 September 2025 | Thursday, 16 October 2025 |
| November Round 2 | Thursday, 23 October 2025 | Thursday, 27 November 2025 |
| December Round 2 | Thursday, 27 November 2025 | Tuesday, 23 December 2025 |
| January Round 1 | Thursday, 11 December 2025 | Thursday, 8 January 2026 |
| January Round 2 | Friday, 2 January 2026 | Thursday, 22 January 2026 |
| February Round 1 | Thursday, 22 January 2026 | Thursday, 5 February 2026 |
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Option 1 lets you apply to mapped UNSW degrees with guaranteed credit for prior study.
Option 2 uses your TAFE/VET qualification as a Selection Rank, allowing you to apply for degrees beyond what has been mapped in option 1. Credit is not guaranteed, but you can apply for recognition of prior learning after accepting an offer.
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A Selection Rank is a number UNSW uses to assess your application for entry. If you completed Year 12, it is based on your ATAR and adjustment factors. If you completed a TAFE/VET qualification, UNSW converts your qualification into an ATAR-equivalent Selection Rank and automatically adds an additional 5 adjustment factors.
The Lowest Selection Rank is the minimum Selection Rank that received an offer for a degree in the previous year. If your Selection Rank meets or is above the LSR, you may be eligible for an offer.
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Yes, you’ll need to have completed your TAFE/VET studies to supply your transcript as part of the application process.
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No, only domestic applicants are eligible to be considered for the TAFE/VET Pathway.
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Entry is not guaranteed, due to potential caps on degrees. If you don’t receive an offer in the round you are applying in, you can reapply in later rounds.