How To Get Into Uni With A Low ATAR

You can still get into university if you didn’t get the ATAR you needed by using an alternative pathway. The easiest ways to get into university with a low ATAR is by applying to a regional university with lower cut-offs, enrolling in a related (or even unrelated) course and transferring later, starting a diploma, or completing a short prep, foundation program or Cert IV.

Getting a low ATAR can feel like the end of the world, but I promise you it’s not. Not even close. In fact, thousands of students get into university every year with scores much lower than they expected. Some (like myself) don’t even use an ATAR at all.

Here’s exactly what to do if your ATAR wasn’t what you hoped for, but you still want to go to uni (You can also read about everything you NEED to know before starting uni right here).

1. Apply Anyway [Later Rounds Are Key]

Even if your ATAR is well below the published cut-off for a course, it’s still worth applying because the published ATAR is not always the actual minimum required.

Universities set published ATARs based on what students scored in previous years, not strict entry rules. In reality, the ATAR needed to receive an offer can be much lower, especially in later offer rounds when universities are trying to fill remaining places.

Here’s how it works:

• Round 1 (December/January): Most competitive courses make early offers, and published ATARs are more likely to hold true.
• Round 2 and beyond (January – March): Universities lower the bar if spots are still available. Many students get into degrees during these later rounds — even with ATARs well below the original cut-off.

For example:

• A course may list an ATAR of 80.00 in the guide, but in Round 2, it could accept students with a 68.00.
• In some cases, students with scores in the 50s or 60s receive offers for courses with advertised cut-offs in the 70s or 80s.

What to do:

• Always list your dream course as your first preference, no matter how far off the ATAR seems. Preferences are ranked — you’ll only be offered your first preference if you’re eligible, so there’s no penalty for aiming high.
• Don’t withdraw your application early. Wait until all rounds are complete — many students who miss out in Round 1 receive a surprise offer later.
• Check your application portal (QTAC, UAC, VTAC, SATAC, TISC) for offer dates, and be ready to update your preferences between rounds.

Tip: If you didn’t receive an offer, log in and look for courses still accepting applications. Some universities list vacancies on their websites or allow late changes right up until semester starts.

If you aren’t 100% sure which degree to you want to do follow these simple steps.

2. Apply to a Regional or Smaller University

If your ATAR isn’t high enough for the big metro universities, don’t overlook regional or smaller institutions. These universities often have:

• Lower ATAR cut-offs
• More flexible entry requirements
• Smaller class sizes and better access to support
• The exact same accredited degrees (often with the same job prospects)

And remember once you graduate, your degree certificate doesn’t list the ATAR you entered with just the qualification you earned.

Real example #1:
Let’s say you want to study psychology:

• At University of Queensland (UQ) in Brisbane, the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) typically requires an ATAR of 89+.
• At University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) in Toowoomba, the equivalent degree has had a published ATAR as low as 60–70, with other entry pathways also available.
• At James Cook University (JCU) in Townsville, the same degree has an ATAR of 64.

Same profession. Same pathway to becoming a psychologist. But very different barrier to entry.

Real example #2:
Looking to study in a competitive field like medicine?

• At UNSW (Sydney campus), the Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine (BMed/MD) typically requires an ATAR of 96.00+, UCAT, an interview, and extremely strong Year 12 results in Chemistry and English.
• At James Cook University (JCU), the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) has historically accepted applicants with ATARs as low as 85, particularly for rural, regional, or Indigenous applicants. Entry is based on a written application and interview, with no UCAT required.

While both programs are fully accredited and lead to becoming a doctor, JCU’s program focuses on producing graduates who will work in regional, rural, or remote areas, and is designed with those applicants in mind. But at the end of the day you can work anywhere you want once you graduate. Here’s a list of regional universities to help you get started:

Well-known regional and smaller universities in Australia:

University	Campuses / Region
Charles Sturt University	Multiple regional NSW campuses
CQUniversity (CQU)	Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Cairns, Gladstone and more
Federation University	Ballarat, Gippsland, Berwick
James Cook University (JCU)	Townsville, Cairns
Murdoch University	Perth and online
Southern Cross University	Lismore, Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast
University of New England (UNE)	Armidale (main), online options
University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ)	Toowoomba, Springfield, Ipswich
University of Tasmania (UTAS)	Hobart, Launceston, Cradle Coast
University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC)	Sunshine Coast, Caboolture, Fraser Coast

Why this option works:

• Many regional unis have guaranteed entry schemes if you meet minimum requirements.
• They’re often more open to mature-age, VET, or alternative pathway applicants.
• You can apply to transfer to a bigger university later, or simply stay and graduate with the same qualifications.

Some regional universities even offer relocation scholarships, reduced accommodation fees, or government incentives (like FEE-HELP regional bonuses) to attract students.

3. Use a Diploma or Certificate Pathway

If your ATAR wasn’t high enough for direct entry, a diploma or certificate pathway can get you to the same destination, sometimes even faster, and often with more support along the way.

Most universities either run these programs themselves or partner with TAFEs and private colleges to offer alternative entry. These programs are designed for students who didn’t meet the standard ATAR requirements but still want to study in that field. Depending on the course and the institution, your diploma might:

• Count as the equivalent of first-year university, allowing you to go straight into second year of the degree (if all subjects match).
• Give you credit for some units, with a few extra university subjects needed to bridge the gap.
• Act as a stepping stone where you prove your ability to succeed in tertiary study, even if you don’t get full credit toward the degree.

For example:

• At James Cook University, the Diploma of Engineering lets students bypass the ATAR requirement and, once completed, move directly into second year of the Bachelor of Engineering, with no time lost.
• UTS College offers diplomas in business, science, design, IT and more. A completed diploma often provides 8 subjects’ worth of credit toward the corresponding UTS degree, which is the equivalent of one full year.
• Griffith College and Deakin College offer similar programs that feed directly into second-year uni, but if the diploma contains fewer than 8 subjects or the degree structure has changed, you might enter midway through first year or need to complete a extra subjects to make up the credit points.

These programs usually focus on smaller class sizes, dedicated academic support, and a more gradual transition to university-style learning, which makes them a great option if you’re nervous about jumping straight into uni life.

Other common pathways include:

• Diploma of Health Science → Bachelor of Nursing
• Diploma of Science → Bachelor of Marine Biology, Environmental Science or Biomedical Science
• Diploma of Business → Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting or Business Management
• Diploma of Education Studies → Bachelor of Teaching or Early Childhood Education

Things to check before applying:

• Does the diploma guarantee a place in the degree at the university you want to go to?
• Will you get credit for all, most, or just some subjects?
• Are there minimum GPA or pass requirements to be eligible for progression? (Basically do you need a minimum grade in your diploma to get into the degree later?)

How hard is it to get into a diploma?

In most cases, you don’t need a specific ATAR at all, just Year 12 completion (or even Year 11, depending on the course and provider). Entry is usually based on:

• A pass in English (sometimes Maths or Science, if relevant)
• A short interview or online questionnaire
• Occasionally, prior work experience or a basic literacy/numeracy test

That means even if you scored an ATAR below 50, you’re still eligible to apply, and it’s often much easier and faster to get started than you might expect. Some programs also offer mid-year or rolling intakes, so you don’t have to wait until the next academic year to begin.

Pathway programs are available through TAFE, private providers (like UTS College or Deakin College), or directly through the university. And in many cases, you can start just weeks after receiving your Year 12 results, no need to wait.

4. Choose a Lower-ATAR Version of Your Course

If your ATAR missed the mark, don’t give up on your area of interest, look for a version of the degree with a lower entry score instead. Many universities offer similar or overlapping programs under different names, and some of these have significantly lower ATAR cut-offs.

The trick is to compare degrees that:

• Have similar first-year subjects
• Sit within the same faculty or study area
• Allow you to transfer into your preferred degree later if needed

For example:

• At some universities, the Bachelor of Environmental Science has a published ATAR of 75. But the Bachelor of Environmental Practice (which shares many of the same first-year subjects) often only requires an ATAR of 60.
• At JCU, the Bachelor of Geology has previously had a cut-off around 65, while the Bachelor of Science (Geology major) sat closer to 75, even though both prepare students for similar careers.

In other cases:

• Bachelor of Criminology may have a lower ATAR than Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) may have lower entry than Bachelor of Primary Education
• Bachelor of Psychological Science often has a lower cut-off than Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Why this works:

• You can gain entry into the lower-ATAR course, and if you perform well (usually after 1–2 semesters), you can apply to transfer into your original goal course (this is a super easy process, just a chat with the front desk at your university is enough).
• In the meantime, you’re building academic credit with many of the subjects counting towards your final degree even if you change programs.
• You may also discover a new specialty you enjoy even more. Many students end up sticking with the “Plan B” because it fits them better.

What to check before applying:

• Look up the course structure for both programs to see how much overlap there is in first-year units.
• Check if the lower-ATAR course has accreditation or professional recognition (e.g. for teaching, engineering, or psychology), especially if you plan to stay in it long term.

This is one of the easiest ways to get around a low ATAR, and it’s often completely invisible on your degree or transcript once you graduate.

5. Take a Certificate IV as an ATAR Equivalent

If your ATAR isn’t enough to get into your chosen course, there’s another option: complete a Certificate IV. In several states a completed Cert IV is treated as a standalone qualification and can be used as an ATAR equivalent when applying to university.

In Queensland, for example, a Cert IV is usually given a selection rank (or ATAR) of 74. That’s higher than many students get from Year 12 alone and it’s often enough to get you into a wide range of degrees.

This is actually how I got in!
I didn’t have the ATAR I needed to get into university, but I completed a Certificate IV instead. That one qualification gave me the rank I needed to get into a Bachelor of Geology. A year later, I transferred into a Bachelor of Science (Geology), which was the degree I really wanted all along. The best part was that the Cert IV wasn’t even in a related field. I did a Cert IV in Fitness and Personal Training. So I started my own PT business and made some money, while then being able to go on and study the degree I really wanted. It worked and was an easy way to get into university.

How it works:

• You complete a Certificate IV (in any field, unless the uni has specified otherwise).
• That becomes your new entry qualification, your high school ATAR is no longer the focus.
• You can apply for a degree as early as the next admissions cycle, sometimes just 6–12 months later.

Popular Certificate IV options:

• Business, project management, or marketing
• Fitness, sport, or allied health
• Community services or aged care
• Horticulture, design, IT, or engineering fundamentals

Even if the subject isn’t directly related to your future degree, it still demonstrates that you can handle tertiary study and it gives you a second chance at getting into uni.

What to check:

• Make sure the Cert IV is nationally recognised (look for the official course code and RTO provider number).
• Confirm how it’s ranked in your state. In Queensland, it’s usually a 74. In NSW and Victoria, you may be able to combine it with work experience or other study for a similar effect.
• Always check with your state’s tertiary admissions centre (QTAC, UAC, VTAC, etc.) to see how it will be assessed.

You can often study online, part-time, or in-person, and many courses offer mid-year intakes, so you’re not stuck waiting a full year to get started.

State / Territory	Approx. ATAR Rank	Notes
QLD (QTAC)	74	Treated as ATAR 74 regardless of subject area. Widely accepted.
NSW / ACT (UAC)	Varies (~65–74)	Rank depends on field, grades, and sometimes work experience. Can be combined with STAT.
VIC (VTAC)	Varies (~60–74)	Rank assigned individually. Strengthened by additional qualifications.
SA / NT (SATAC)	Varies	Accepted across many unis; check if specific ranks apply to your Cert IV.
WA (TISC)	Varies	Accepted, especially for pathway or bridging entry. May differ by institution.
TAS (UTAS Direct)	Varies	UTAS considers Cert IV for general entry. Requirements vary by course.

6. Start with a Course You Can Get Into – Then Transfer

If you didn’t get the ATAR you need for your dream course, don’t worry — there’s another way in. Start by enrolling in a university course you can get into, even if it’s not directly related. Once you’ve completed a semester (or even just a few subjects), it often becomes much easier to transfer into the course you really want.

Why this works:

• Universities prioritise recent academic performance over your old ATAR once you’re already studying at a tertiary level (they do actually understand that people change and grow, we may not have cared much about studying in High School, but really want to do well at university, and that shows).
• You’re showing that you can handle university-level study, and that counts for a lot.
• Internal transfers are far easier than applying from the outside.

For example:

• If you wanted to study law but didn’t get in, start in arts, criminology, or even business. Transfer into law after a semester of good marks.
• Can’t get into nursing? Try health science or aged care, or even another degree entirely.
• Dreaming of engineering but didn’t meet the cut-off? Start in science, maths, or a general Bachelor of Technology course.

And sometimes, the course doesn’t need to be closely related at all. Once you’re in the system, transferring is often more about space availability and GPA than matching subjects.

What to check:

• Look up the transfer policies at your target university, most publish GPA thresholds or transfer procedures on their websites.
• Ask if the subjects you take in your “stepping stone” course can be credited toward your new degree (especially electives or general education units).
• Talk to student services or a course advisor about your transfer plans before you enrol, so you’re choosing the smartest starting point.

This approach works best if:

• You know what you want to study long-term, but couldn’t get in right away.
• You’re willing to put in the work during your first semester to earn a solid GPA.
• You want to stay on track without taking a full year off or waiting for a different intake.

Once you’re in uni and building momentum, your ATAR often disappears from the conversation entirely.

7. Look Into Prep, Enabling, or Foundation Programs

If you didn’t get the ATAR you needed, or didn’t finish Year 12 at all, many universities offer free or low-cost preparation programs that help you get into a degree course. These are sometimes called enabling, foundation, access, or tertiary preparation programs.

They’re designed to:

• Build up your study skills
• Bridge any knowledge gaps (especially in maths, science, or academic writing)
• Qualify you for uni entry, often without needing to sit the STAT or submit an ATAR

These programs typically run for 6–12 weeks (some are longer), and many offer guaranteed entry into a range of degrees once you pass (these urls were correct when I wrote this post, but unis often change their pages/links, so if it ends in a 404 error message just google your uni of choice with the words “prep program pathway” and Google will usually find it for you).

Examples of enabling and prep programs:

University	Program Name	Entry Outcome
UNSW	UNSW Prep (17–20 or 21+ streams)	Entry into selected degrees in arts, business, science, engineering
QUT	QUT Foundation Program / START QUT	START lets Year 11/12s try uni subjects; foundation opens pathway into degrees
University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)	Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP)	Entry into most undergraduate programs with no ATAR
Griffith University	Griffith University Preparation Program	Entry to Griffith degrees, either direct or via diploma pathway
University of Adelaide	University Preparatory Program (UPP)	Entry into most undergraduate degrees
Charles Sturt University	Charles Sturt Pathway Program	Entry into CSU courses — online and regional options available
UTAS	University Preparation Program (UPP)	Free, flexible course for entry into most UTAS degrees
Murdoch University	FlexiTrack	Fully online course leading to entry into many Murdoch degrees

Who these programs are for:

• Students who didn’t complete Year 12
• Students with no ATAR or a very low ATAR
• Mature-age students returning to study
• Anyone needing academic support before starting a degree

Key benefits:

• Often no cost (or fully subsidised)
• Flexible delivery (online, part-time, or evening options)
• Focused on skills you’ll actually use at university
• Doesn’t “use up” your HECS-HELP (many are free or separately funded)

What to check:

• Is the program accepted for entry into your target degree?
• Are there minimum age or time-out-of-school requirements?
• When is the next intake? (some run multiple times per year)

These prep programs are one of the most direct, practical ways to start fresh, and can get you into uni without ever needing to talk about your ATAR again.

8. Call the University Directly

If you’re not sure what your options are pick up the phone.

Most universities have future student hotlines, admissions teams, or dedicated pathway advisors who are ready to help you figure out how to get in. They deal with thousands of students every year who didn’t get the ATAR they hoped for, and they know the ins and outs of alternate entry, credit transfer, and course availability.

In many cases, the person on the phone can:

• Tell you which degrees are still accepting applications
• Explain whether your ATAR (or Cert IV, diploma, or work experience) is enough for entry
• Suggest alternate courses you might not have seen online
• Help you understand how to transfer into your preferred course later

You can also ask about:

• Mid-year intakes (many diplomas and prep programs start again in July)
• Enabling or bridging courses offered at that university
• Guaranteed entry schemes or regional bonus point programs