Didn't get the ATAR you were expecting? No worries.

We'll let you in on a little secret: there is life after your ATAR results.

If you didn't get the ATAR result you needed, don't let it stop you from achieving your goals! Going to university isn't always a smooth and straight road; there are many ways to get there. So, it's time to take a road trip of a different kind. Below are some options to knock down those barriers between you and your desired qualification.

Tertiary Enabling Programs

The Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP) is for you if you didn't finish year 12 or didn't achieve an adequate ATAR. It's a free university course that gives you entry into most undergraduate degrees and helps you get into the swing of university at the same time. You can complete the program online or on campus in as little as 16 weeks and you’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you’ll need to succeed at university.

Plus, there’s also Preparation for Tertiary Success; a free course especially designed for Indigenous students which includes face-to-face workshops and online work.

VET or TAFE

You can also gain entry to most undergraduate degrees if you complete a VET or TAFE Certificate IV (or higher). A VET course can give you a good ‘taste’ of studying your chosen subject and a solid understanding of key principles which you’ll build upon in your degree. On completion, you can receive credit for prior learning which will enable you to fast-track your university degree.

STAT

Another acronym! STAT is the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research to assess skills and knowledge commonly considered important for success in tertiary study (for example, you may be required to read and think about a prose passage, interpret a graph, use basic mathematical relationships or make inferences from a table of data).  

If you think STAT could be the right path for you, you can find out more about it on the STAT website – including practice material and other support. And then when you’re ready, apply through SATAC – you’ll be asked in your application if you want to sit the STAT exam. You’ll then be given a choice of venues and dates depending on when you apply.

We're here to help with any questions you have about alternative entry options, contact Student Central at 1800 061 963 or study@cdu.edu.au 

You'll reach your destination before you know it.