There are a number of ways you can start studying at a higher education provider.

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You may need to apply through a Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) or directly to the higher education provider.

While the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) is the main criteria used by universities to make offers to students, you don’t always have to rely on the ATAR to get into a higher education course. In some circumstances you can apply for an early offer place. You can also request recognition of your prior study or your work history to gain entry to a course.

Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR)

After finishing year 12, you can use your ATAR score to apply for a place at a university or higher education provider.

You can apply through the Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) in your state/territory:

Places are offered through a series of offer rounds.

If all course offers are not accepted in the first round, the provider will usually offer a second or third round of offers and may consider a lower ATAR score for course entry.

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Adjustment factors

Adjustment factors are additional points that may be used with the ATAR to improve an individual’s selection rank. They don’t change an individual's ATAR but change their selection rank for a particular course.

Typically, they are available for things like outstanding academic achievement in particular subjects or social or economic disadvantage faced by the student.

Selection rank adjustments are applied differently across states and territories, providers and courses. It is best to check with your intended higher education provider about whether you are eligible to be awarded adjustments.

Early offers from higher education providers

Some higher education providers offer places before the main offers start.

Usually, early offers are applicable for schemes such as the Schools Recommendation Scheme, ADFA (Australian Defence Force Academy) courses and distance education courses.

Some providers have early offer schemes for Year 12 students independently of their final Year 12 results.

For more information on early offers and the criteria to apply, contact your preferred provider.

Recognition for prior learning

You can apply to have your previous study or employment skills recognised by your higher education provider to gain entry to a course or apply for credit to exempt you from completing a unit of study in your course.

Your provider will have a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and/or academic credit policy which will be explain how it will assess your prior learning, make a decision about whether credit will be granted and notify you.

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Use your VET qualifications

You may be able to use previous vocational education and training (VET) qualifications to apply for higher education. 
Tertiary and Further Education (TAFE) providers and a range of other private VET providers offer a large range of qualifications. You can compare VET courses, entry requirements and fees at Your Career.

Enabling or sub-bachelor courses

If you don't meet the academic requirements for your courses, check with your provider about whether they offer a course to help you gain entry.

Sub-bachelor courses

Sub-bachelor courses will lead to a qualification like a higher education diploma. These qualifications will help you develop skills in academic studying and writing and ease you into university study. If you study at a sub-bachelor level, you can receive credit for it.

Enabling courses

Enabling courses will help you develop skills in specific prerequisite areas in the form of 'bridging units'. Bridging units can help you meet the entry requirements for a bachelor-level course. They are usually offered over one study period or semester.