A lower ATAR than you hoped for still leaves plenty of ways into university. The main routes are a diploma or pathway college that leads into second year, starting in a related degree and transferring, bridging courses, equity schemes, and alternative entry such as portfolios or the STAT. Nearly a third of university admissions in 2023 did not rely on the ATAR at all, according to the Mitchell Institute.
Low ATAR pathway key facts
- About 30% of university admissions in 2023 used pathways other than the ATAR, according to the Mitchell Institute.
- Your selection rank, which can include adjustment factors and equity schemes, decides offers, not your ATAR alone.
- Many university diplomas are equivalent to first year and lead into second year of a related degree.
- Prerequisites still apply; bridging courses can fill gaps.
Seven routes into uni
- Diploma or pathway college. Many universities run diplomas equal to the first year of a degree. Pass it and you can often move into second year of the related degree. In nursing, a Diploma of Nursing can lead into a bachelor degree with credit (see ATAR for nursing).
- Start in a related degree, then transfer. Enrol in a course with a lower selection rank, get good results in first year, then apply to transfer, often with credit for what you have done. For law, another route is a graduate Juris Doctor after any bachelor degree (see ATAR for law).
- Bridging courses. Short courses can help you meet prerequisites (for example in maths or chemistry) and sometimes lift your selection rank.
- Adjustment factors and equity schemes. Your selection rank may be higher than your ATAR. See ATAR bonus points and SEAS and EAS.
- Associate degrees. Two-year degrees that can lead into a bachelor degree or straight to work.
- TAFE. A Certificate IV or diploma can give you a new selection rank and credit towards a degree.
- Alternative entry. Portfolios, auditions, interviews and the STAT are used by some courses and for applicants without a recent ATAR.
What to do in results week
- Check your selection rank, not just your ATAR. Adjustments may put you in range.
- Use the change of preference window. Add a pathway option below your first choice; there is no penalty for listing your dream course first.
- Talk to the university. Many run results-week advice lines and info days.
ATAR of 57 and you want engineering?
This exact question comes up on student forums every year. A common route: a university diploma or foundation year in engineering, or a related degree with a lower selection rank, then transfer after a year of good results. Check that you have, or can bridge, the maths prerequisites.
Should you repeat Year 12?
Sometimes, but it is a big commitment and usually not needed. Weigh it up in repeating Year 12 for a better ATAR.
Keep it in perspective
Your ATAR is one number for one year's university applications. It does not decide your career. Read does the ATAR matter for the evidence, and what ATAR do I need for how cut-offs really work.
Pathways compared
| Route | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| University diploma or pathway college | Getting into a specific degree with credit | Fees, and the grade needed to progress |
| Related degree, then transfer | Students close to the cut-off | Transfer rules and how much credit carries over |
| Bridging course | Missing a prerequisite such as maths or chemistry | Whether the university accepts that course |
| TAFE Certificate IV or diploma | Hands-on learners and career changers | Credit arrangements vary by course |
| Equity schemes and adjustments | Students whose study was affected by circumstances | Application deadlines and evidence |
| Alternative entry (portfolio, audition, STAT) | Creative courses and non-school leavers | Dates and test preparation |
Pathway myths
- "A pathway degree is second-rate." You graduate with the same degree as students who entered directly.
- "I have to wait a year." Many pathway programs start at the same time as first year.
- "My ATAR follows me forever." Once you have university results, those matter more.
FAQ
Can I get into uni with a lower ATAR?
Yes. Diplomas, pathway colleges, transfers, bridging courses, equity schemes and alternative entry all lead into degrees.
What happens if I fail VCE or the HSC?
You can still take TAFE courses, pathway programs, apprenticeships or work, and apply to uni later. You may also be able to complete or repeat subjects.
Should I put my dream course first even if my ATAR is too low?
Yes, if you meet the prerequisites. Offers go down your list, so a dream course first costs nothing if you also list realistic options.
Can I get into uni with an ATAR of 50?
Yes, through diplomas, pathway colleges, TAFE, some degrees with lower selection ranks and alternative entry. Check each university's pathway options.