Non-School Leaver Applicants

  • If it has been more than two years since you completed secondary school, or you did not complete secondary school, you may be eligible for university by a number of different pathways.

    Previous secondary study

    If you completed Year 12 or equivalent study more than two years ago, this may still be a valid admission pathway, depending on your studies and what course you are applying for. Refer to Applying as a School Leaver and check with the university/ies where you are applying, for more information.

    Example 1: Amanda completed Year 12 (WACE) in 2017 with an ATAR of 72.95, including a scaled score of 62.50 in English ATAR, and has been travelling and working since. She now wishes to apply for a Bachelor of Arts at a university which lists the entry requirements as:
    • Guaranteed ATAR/Selection Rank of 70.00
    • No prerequisites
    • University competence in English
    Amanda is likely to be able to use her secondary study as her basis of admission.

    Example 2: Nathan completed Year 12 (WACE) in 2019 but studied all General subjects and did not achieve an ATAR. He has since completed an apprenticeship as a plumber and now wishes to apply for a Bachelor of Commerce at a university which lists the entry requirements as:
    • Guaranteed ATAR/Selection Rank of 70.00
    • No prerequisites
    • University competence in English
    Nathan's previous secondary study is unlikely to be able to be used as the basis of admission, as he doesn't have an ATAR and may not have met competence in English (depending on the university where he's applying). He may be eligible via alternative pathways such as Portfolio or Experience-Based Entry, or for an enabling program.
  • Previous vocational, university or other post-secondary study

    You may be able to use these results from your previous study to gain entry. Generally, the highest level of study you have completed is likely to be what is considered for entry, but you should always declare all your qualifications, as admission criteria vary by university.

    No matter how long ago such study is contact Admissions at the university you wish to attend for advice.

    Example: Priya completed Year 12 (WACE) in 2021. Although she did not achieve an ATAR, she studied ATAR Mathematics Applications and received a scaled score of 52.40. She studied General English. She has since completed a Diploma in Fashion Design at TAFE, and now wishes to apply for a Bachelor of Science at a university which lists the entry requirements as:
    • Guaranteed ATAR/Selection Rank of 70.00
    • Prerequisite of ATAR Mathematics Applications or equivalent
    • University competence in English
    Priya's Diploma is her highest qualification, and is likely to be her basis of admission since it should satisfy the selection rank and competence in English. However it's still important she tell TISC about her secondary study, as it can be used to meet the prerequisite for her chosen course.
  • Special Tertiary Admissions Test

    The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is an aptitude test which assesses competencies commonly considered important in tertiary study.

    Anyone who is 20 years of age before 1 March in the year in which they wish to commence studies is eligible.

    TThe STAT provides an avenue of entry to a tertiary institution for those who do not have the formal entry requirements. Most of the sessions in WA take place in Perth, but regional sessions are available if required.

    Further information can be found at STAT.
  • Other work and life experience

    Curtin, ECU, Murdoch, and UWA all offer some form of portfolio or experience-based entry scheme where your other work and life experience may be used to demonstrate your readiness for university study.

    Curtin, ECU, Murdoch, and Notre Dame also offer various enabling programs that allow you to complete a six- or twelve-month course (in most cases) that will qualify you for entry into many undergraduate degrees.

    Check the website of the university(ies) you are interested in attending, and talk to their Admissions staff to get advice on the best means of entry for you.

    Here are some links to get you started: