Undegraduate entry requirements

How university entry works: Selection methods for school leavers
In this section we cover:
Standard selection methods for school leavers
Cut-off scores

For most school leavers, the most common entry requirement for university is a cut-off score — the minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or Overall Position (OP) required to enter a course.

Each university determines cut-off scores based on factors such as:

  • The number of places available in the course.
  • The academic difficulty of the course.
  • Student demand for the course.

Important tip: Choose a course based on your interests and career goals, not just its ATAR cut-off. A higher cut-off does not necessarily mean the course is of higher quality.

Students whose ATAR is equal to or higher than the cut-off will usually be offered a place, but those whose ranking falls just below may still gain entry through bonus point schemes or additional selection criteria.

Bonus point schemes

Many universities offer bonus points (sometimes called 'adjustment factors') to students who:

  • Have completed specific high school subjects relevant to their chosen course.
  • Attend a regional or disadvantaged school.
  • Have experienced financial or personal hardship.

Since cut-offs vary between universities, it’s worth comparing different institutions before applying.

Prerequisite subjects

Some degrees require students to have completed specific Year 12 subjects (e.g., mathematics for engineering or biology for medicine). If you didn’t take these subjects, some universities offer bridging courses to help you meet the requirements.

Alternative selection methods for school leavers

If you don’t meet the standard ATAR requirements, don’t worry — there are many alternative pathways into university.

Interviews

Interviews are sometimes used in highly competitive courses, such as medicine, to assess a student’s suitability and passion for the field.

Supplementary information forms

Some universities require applicants to submit a statement outlining their reasons for choosing a course, relevant experience, or career aspirations. This helps selectors assess enthusiasm and potential.

Portfolios and auditions

For creative courses (e.g., art, design, music, drama), students may need to present a portfolio of their work or attend an audition.

Entrance tests

Some university courses require entrance exams to assess general knowledge or aptitude. One example is the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT), used for medical, dentistry, and health science programs.

Industry requirements

Certain courses require students to have additional certification before enrolment, such as:

  • Working with Children Check.
  • First aid certificate.
  • Police check.
  • Evidence of immunisations (for health-related courses).
Equity schemes

Most universities offer special access schemes for students who may face barriers to higher education due to financial, geographical, or personal circumstances.

Special consideration

Students who have experienced significant personal hardship or disadvantage (e.g., illness, family disruption) may apply for special consideration, which could adjust their ATAR ranking for admission.

Access programs

Some universities run preparatory programs to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering alternative entry pathways with additional learning support.

Foundation studies

If you don’t meet academic entry requirements, you might consider a foundation studies program or an introductory diploma. These programs usually run for one year and are designed to prepare students for degree-level study.

VET to higher education pathways

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, an alternative is to start with a VET qualification (certificate, diploma, or advanced diploma) at a TAFE or private provider, then transfer to a university course in a related field.

Many universities offer credit transfer agreements, allowing students to enter a degree with advanced standing based on their previous studies.

Find out more about alternative entry pathways at Pathways into your course.

Aptitude tests

Some institutions recognise that high school results may not reflect a student’s true potential. Universities may offer aptitude tests as an alternative entry option.

Common examples include:

  • Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT): Assesses a student’s ability to think critically and solve problems.
  • uniTEST: Measures general academic aptitude and can be used to enhance an application.
Single subject study

Some universities allow students to enrol in a single subject before committing to a full degree. This can help students:

  • Demonstrate their academic abilities.
  • Gain confidence in university study.
  • Meet entry requirements for a full degree program.

Check with individual universities to see if single-subject enrolment is available in your preferred course.