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Thinking of studying at university?

Key takeaways

University pathways include direct entry (ATAR), bridging programs, and transitioning from VET courses.
Research career goals, entry requirements, location, and university reputation to choose the right course.
Apply for university through state-based systems or directly to the university, and consider early entry and equity programs.

Student holding a graduation certificate and smiling in graduation cap and gown.

As you get ready to finish school, you might be thinking about studying at university.

It’s a big step, and it’s normal to feel unsure about where to start. Understanding your options can help you feel more confident, and it’s helpful to know that there’s more than one way to get into university.

What is a university pathway?

A university pathway is simply the way you qualify to start a degree.

You might use your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), or you might take a different route, such as:

a bridging or foundation program
an early entry offer
completing a TAFE/Vocational Education and Training (VET) course first.

Each pathway leads to the same place – starting a university degree when you’re ready.

University pathway options

Direct entry (ATAR) 

Your ATAR helps decide whether you can get into a course.

Some universities offer adjustment factors (sometimes called “bonus points”) for certain subjects, equity programs or living in a regional area.
Alternative entry options 
You can still get into university without relying only on an ATAR. You might explore:
- Early offers: Some universities assess your Year 11 results or other achievements.
- TAFE/VET to university: A Certificate IV or Diploma may meet entry requirements and sometimes provide credit towards a degree.
- Foundation studies/bridging courses: Short courses that prepare you for university-level study.
- Portfolio entry: Common in creative courses like design, media or visual arts.
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT): Mostly used for mature‑aged entry or people without an ATAR.
Pathways through other universities

Some universities allow you to start a similar degree at a partner institution with lower entry requirements, then transfer later.

Choosing a university and course

Research career goals: Which degrees align with your future plans?
Entry requirements: Check prerequisites, like subject scores or minimum ATARs.
Location and lifestyle: Consider whether you want to go to a university near to home or need student accommodation at a university further away.
Reputation and facilities: Look at rankings, teaching quality, and campus resources, or talk to people you might know who have been to the university you’re considering

You can search and compare thousands of courses from different universities and colleges across Australia using Course Seeker.

How to apply for university

If you’re having difficulty applying for university, contact your Family Partnership Coordinator and ask them to link you with a Tertiary Coordinator, who may be able to help you apply.

University costs

Most students use a HECS‑HELP loan, which lets you study now and repay the cost later once you earn above the income threshold. You may also need to consider textbooks, travel, equipment or accommodation.
Prerequisites

Some degrees require specific Year 12 subjects such as English, Maths or Chemistry. If you don’t meet these requirements, bridging courses or TAFE pathways can help.