Navigating the route to university isn't a one-size-fits-all journey.

You might be a high school leaver, returning to study after a break, or looking to shift careers. In each case, understanding your options can make the university entry process less daunting.

Across Australia, there are multiple pathways to higher education. Here’s an overview of the various pathways that are available.

Applying via Universities Admissions Centres

A lot of Australian students apply to university through state-based Universities Admissions Centres such as UAC (NSW & ACT), VTAC (Victoria), QTAC (Queensland), SATAC (South Australia & Northern Territory), and TISC (Western Australia). These centres manage applications for their respective states and offer streamlined processes for submitting preferences and receiving offers.

• What to do: Check the specific requirements and deadlines for the admissions centre in your state.
• Note: Each centre has its own set of application rules and timelines. 

“Mature-Age” Student Entry

If you’re returning to study after some time away, mature-age entry is a common pathway.

“Mature Age” can sometimes be a misleading term as some universities consider as little as one year after high school to qualify for “mature age” entry!

Universities often assess mature-age applicants on different criteria, which can include work experience, prior study, or readiness tests.

Mature-age admissions might be handled by one of the University Admissions Centres, or directly by the institution itself, depending on what State you're in and what degree you're applying for.

• Steps to take: Consult individual university websites for their mature-age entry programs and requirements.
• Consider: Preparation courses or bridging programs to refresh your skills.

Education Access Schemes

For students who have experienced educational disadvantages, Education Access Schemes (EAS) (sometimes also called "special consideration") can provide a pathway to university by allocating bonus points to your admission score or ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank).

• Action: Apply through your State’s Admission Centre, detailing the hardships you’ve faced and providing relevant documentation.
• Remember: Each university may have different criteria for what constitutes educational disadvantage.

Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The STAT is a standardised test used as an entry qualification by some universities for students who do not have a recent or standard Year 12 certificate.

• How to proceed: Register for the STAT through ACER.
• Useful for: Those who’ve been out of school for two years or more.

School Recommendation Schemes

Some universities accept applications based on recommendations from secondary schools, which consider a student's potential beyond academic scores. In NSW this is called the School Recommendation Scheme, in Victoria its the Principal's Recommendation Scheme.

• Explore: Check if the universities you're interested in offer this pathway and what criteria are involved. You'll also find information on your State's University Admissions Centre website. 
• Engage: Talk to your school’s career advisor about being recommended.

Direct Application to Universities

Certain universities accept direct applications for some of their programs. This is particularly true for postgraduate studies.

• Check: Visit universities' official websites to find out which courses accept direct applications and the procedures involved.
• Prepare: Gather necessary documents such as transcripts, resumes, and personal statements.

Preparatory Pre-University Colleges

Pre-university “colleges” offer foundation studies that prepare students academically for university-level courses. There are many colleges, some of which are run by the universities themselves. The advantage of university colleges is you can obtain a standalone qualification (e.g. a Diploma of Business) which then run seamlessly though into university level courses, all whilst gaining the skills needed for university-level study

• Research: Look for reputable preparatory colleges that align with your desired university. Try searching for the name of the uni you're interested in plus the word "college". 
• Consider: These programs are particularly useful for international students or those needing academic strengthening.

Portfolio Entry

For creative disciplines, some universities allow entry based on a portfolio showcasing your work.

• Develop: Build a strong portfolio that meets the specific criteria of the course and university.
• Contact: Speak directly with university you're interested in, or even the Department in the university where you're hoping to study, to understand their portfolio requirements.

Dual Sector Universities

Australia has a small number of “dual sector” universities.
These institutions teach both vocational studies (i.e. TAFE) and university-level courses.

The advantage of Dual Sector institutions is that students can begin by enrolling in vocational or Diploma-level studies and work their way all the way through to postgraduate degrees.

Australia’s dual-sector institutions are:

• Charles Darwin University (in the Northern Territory)
• CQUniversity (Queensland)
• Federation University, RMIT University, Swinburne University of Technology and Victoria University (all in Victoria)