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 or have been working for years, there are plenty of pathways to help you start university.
There are several non-ATAR pathways you can take to get into uni. At UNSW, 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.
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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 UNSW degrees or other degrees at other universities.
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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 UNSW 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 UNSW degrees.
"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
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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 UNSW.
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
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- The Pre-Programs run for three weeks at UNSW’s Kensington campus in Sydney.
- There are no costs associated with applying for or completing Pre-Programs.
- UNSW 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 Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), which incurs a processing fee.
"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 UNSW because I am passionate about social justice and creating opportunities for better outcomes for First Nations peoples."
- Matt Jarrett, Bachelor of Laws student
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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)
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- Nura Gili provides Indigenous students with comprehensive support, cultural inclusion and resources.
- You must apply for your preferred degree via the Universities Admissions Centre (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.
Veteran Entry Pathway
The Veteran Entry Pathway is designed for veterans and serving military personnel who are interested in pursuing undergraduate study at UNSW.
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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 Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
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- 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), UNSW TAFE Pathways Programs or the Australian Defence Force Transition and Civil Recognition program (ADFTCR).
- Student Support Advisors provide personalised advice and support as you transition to university.
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.
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There are two ways your TAFE/VET qualification can be used to apply to UNSW.
- UNSW 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.
- UNSW can assess your TAFE or VET qualification as an ATAR-equivalent selection rank for you to be considered for your chosen UNSW degree.
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- 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 UAC.
- You'll need to supply a transcript of your completed TAFE/VET studies as part of your UAC application.
"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
Accepted qualifications
UNSW 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 UNSW.
- 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 UNSW 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 UNSW.
- You must also achieve a minimum score of 157 in the STAT Multiple Choice and 150 in the STAT Written English.
FAQs
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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.
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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 UNSW.
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 UNSW and take the first step toward your future today.
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If you have questions about studying at UNSW or finding the right pathway, contact us below. We’re ready to help.