Wondering how to get into uni if you didn’t get an ATAR or finish high school? Don’t worry – it’s not as tricky as you think.
Sometimes university can feel like an exclusive club, where only people with the right qualifications can join. But really, universities can be some of the most inclusive places to get the education and skills you’re looking for.
Does your ATAR matter?
Whether you didn't achieve the ATAR you wanted, completed your HSC some time ago or didn't complete it at all, we're here to help find you a pathway into UOW.
An ATAR, or Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, is used to assess applications submitted within two years after completing high school, Universities have typically relied on ATAR scores to decide if a student should get into a course. However, there is a growing trend towards alternative pathways for entry.
While getting an ATAR is a great achievement, it’s not necessary for a successful future. If you’re over 21, an ATAR isn’t required at all to enter university. You may have heard the terms “non-school leaver” or “mature age student”. These just refer to anyone over 21 who is seeking to get into university without a recent ATAR.
There are a multitude of pathways into university and alternative entry options can help you to get where you need to be.
Enrolling for one of UOW College’s pathway programs courses, may be your best bet at successfully entering university. You may have also heard the term ‘bridging course’ used to describe pathway programs that lead into university. This is a great option if past circumstances have prevented you from completing secondary education, or if you’re just looking to refresh your academic skills.
Meet Eloise
Take Eloise, for example – she left school in year 11, attended UOW College at 30, and has graduated UOW with a Bachelor of Psychological Science.
“I didn’t think I was smart enough to go to university, so it wasn’t even on my radar”, Eloise says. “I just wanted to leave school.”
Eloise applied directly to the University of Wollongong, hoping to enter into an undergraduate degree in psychology, but instead received an offer for a UOW College pathway course.
"I found that it wasn't just all high school students in my pathway course. There was a huge range of students. There were people in their 30s, 40s and 50s and just out of school. I didn't feel out of place, which is what I was expecting," she said of her experience as a new UOW College student.
Eloise credits her time at UOW College for her success, having received two scholarships in the psychology field, attending international conferences and seminars, and securing her position in the UOW College marketing team.
Reflecting on this experience, Eloise is glad she got the chance to study her pathway course before entering the bachelor’s degree.
“I would have drowned in it if I went straight into my bachelor studies, and maybe even withdrawn and put it into the too-hard basket," she says.
There is never only one way to achieve great things, and Eloise’s story is a perfect example of this. Alternative pathways offered by UOW College are designed to set you up for success, no matter your background.
Setting you up to succeed
UOW College offers you added support and skills which will aid you in completing your bachelor’s degree. You’ll be able to seek advice from past College students and attend workshopping sessions in order to build your academic abilities. Plus, you’ve got access to all the same facilities and platforms as a UOW student.
If you left secondary education more than two years ago, you may have to take an online literacy and numeracy test to assess your current skill level. You may be given a packaged diploma and bachelor offer, depending on your results and other qualifications. Most pathway diploma courses can get you into the second year of a bachelor, so you won't lose any time.
Completing secondary education isn’t the only way to get a university degree. Work experience, vocational training or vocational education can also be used to qualify for a pathway program or bachelor. Just attach relevant evidence of your skills and experience, such as a resume or certificate, along with your online application. If you are required to take the literacy and numeracy test, these qualifications may be assessed along with your test results.
UOW College’s flexible and alternative entry options let you showcase your readiness to study. Circumstances beyond your control may have prevented you from pursuing your academic goals in the past. Don’t worry, it’s never too late. We’re not just looking at numbers, we want to assess who you are, your experiences, and your personal abilities to set out a pathway to success that best suits you.
This is why we consider individual subject results, alternative academic or career-related qualifications, as well as life experience and practical skills. It is also why we provide entry schemes aiding students from all backgrounds in pursuing higher education.
So, if you’re keen on getting into university but don’t have an HSC or ATAR, don’t feel like you must jump through hoops to prove it. There are plenty of alternative pathways into university. Find out more about all of our courses and pathways here or email uowca-future@uow.edu.au to connect with our friendly staff.