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Can you get into university without an ATAR?
If your high school experience didn’t go the way you expected, you took non-ATAR subjects, or you’ve followed a different path after Year 12, you might be wondering if uni is still an option. The good news? It absolutely can be.
An ATAR score isn't the only entry pathway to university.
Most universities, including the Australian National University (ANU), offer alternative entry options because we recognise that talent and potential can emerge in different ways. Life doesn’t always go to plan and the traditional Year 12 route isn’t the only way forward.
Whatever stage of life you’re at, whether you’ve built experience and skills through work or studied other qualifications, there’s a pathway to uni that’s right for you.
So, let’s get you closer to what you’re passionate about. Here’s how to get into uni without an ATAR.
This could be you in a lecture at ANU, learning from leading academics and exploring the subjects you love.
1. Can I use my work experience to get into uni?
Yes, your professional experience could be a pathway to university study.
If you’ve spent five or more years working in a role that requires a solid level of skill (we use the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations – ANZSCO – and look for roles at skill level 2 or above), you might be eligible to apply to ANU.
All that work experience? It could land you right in the middle of ANU life.
2. What if I’ve been to uni before or studied a VET diploma?
Have you already spent a year studying full-time at another university? Even if you didn’t finish it, the time spent on gaining a qualification can open doors to another undergraduate program.
A diploma or advanced diploma from CIT here in the ACT or TAFE over the border in NSW can also be a pathway to ANU. We recognise these qualifications, so if you've got one under your belt (or are planning to get one), it can count as your uni entry pathway.
Those endless hours of study weren’t for nothing! They could help you qualify for your dream degree.
3. I don’t have any qualifications, but I’m over 21
ANU has fantastic mature-age entry schemes if school is long behind you and you don’t have an ATAR or other qualifications.
- Work and Life Experience-Based Entry Scheme: If you’re 21 or older and don’t have an ATAR or formal qualifications, you might be eligible. This pathway uses the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) to assess your readiness for uni, including both a multiple-choice test and a written English component.
- Pre-tertiary studies: You can also explore pre-tertiary courses through providers like Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) or TAFE NSW. These programs can help you meet entry requirements and build the academic confidence you need to start a degree.
If you’re a mature-age student, no worries! There are specific pathways for you.
4. Are there any other non-ATAR pathways to uni?
Yes. Most unis, ANU included, offer bridging courses and schemes for people like elite athletes. Is that you? Here’s a snapshot of these ANU pathways.
- Bridging courses: Do you need to meet specific subject requirements for a particular degree? Bridging courses can be a lifesaver.
- Elite athlete, performer and leader entry schemes: Are you a star on the sports field, a captivating performer or a natural leader? ANU has a special entry scheme that recognises your exceptional talents and contributions so you can build a career after sport. We also have adjustment programs that help you defer exams and assignment deadlines while studying.
There is no one defined way to make your academic goals happen and there are lots of pathways to help support you along the way.
Keep your options open
Finishing school without an ATAR doesn't mean pathways to uni are closed to you and there are many great reasons to study at ANU.
Your journey to ANU might look a little different, but it's absolutely possible.
If you want to find out about our application process at ANU, find out if you should apply directly or go through UAC.
