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5 ways to get into uni if you don't meet the ATAR requirement

Five alternative pathways into university

Whether you missed out on your desired ATAR, didn’t finish high school or it’s been a while since you graduated, there are still options available to you to study at university.

In fact, whatever your reason for missing out on direct entry, there are at least five different admission pathways into Murdoch you can follow, depending on what it is you’re looking to study.

1. Complete a University Preparation Course

If you didn’t get the ATAR you wanted but are still keen to get into uni, OnTrack Flex or OnTrack Sprint could be your next best option. These free courses provide you with a supportive learning environment to teach you effective study habits and prepare you for entry into university. And they can be completed in as little as 4 weeks full time.

Successful completion of an OnTrack program will allow you to apply to any undergraduate course requiring a minimum ATAR score of 70. 

2. Take the Special Tertiary Admissions Test

The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is designed for people who are at least 20 years old, didn’t finish high school, or don’t have any existing qualifications. The STAT assesses your capacity and aptitude to study at university and builds on your ability to think critically, rather than knowledge-specific learning.

Keep in mind that entry into most courses at Murdoch requires a minimum score for English standards, and that the STAT does not allow for direct application into Law, Veterinary Science, Chiropractic Science and Psychology Honours.

You can register for a STAT preparation course through TISC

3. Submit a media portfolio

There are some disciplines where evidence of creative ability can prove enough for eligibility into a course of study. Murdoch’s portfolio entry allows you to submit a portfolio rather than using your ATAR if applying for approved Bachelor of Arts courses.

If you’re a school leaver in particular, it’s worthwhile keeping your portfolio updated and ready to go, because you can apply before TISC applications even open.

4. Take the Pre-Law course

Looking to master the art of negotiation but missed out on direct entry into Law? The Pre-Law course is designed to recognise the intellectual capability and skill of students who were not able to apply directly to the School of Law. All you need is a desire to succeed and a strong sense of ambition.

5. Apply through our experienced based entry pathway

If you’re a domestic student and haven’t met a selection rank of 70 via academic ATAR or IB scores, AQF qualifications, or enabling programs, our experience based entry pathway could be the ideal option for you. This pathway assesses your academic, work, and life achievements in combination. Experience based entry is available to high school leavers as well as applicants over 20. 

Still unsure which of our pathways is the best option for you? Contact our team to chat it through.Or, if you're an international student, have a look at the unique options available to you.

Explore all of the pathways to university study at Murdoch here.
Posted on:

16 Jul 2024

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