TERTIARY PATHWAYS EXPLORER (WA)
Welcome!
The TERTIARY PATHWAYS EXPLORER is a tool designed for high school Year Coordinators, Student Services, Career Practitioners – or any other educational professionals who have a role providing post-secondary pathways information to students.
The explorer helps you:
- Stay up to date with the many pathways to university studies offered in Western Australia
- Explore university and VET courses available on campus and online (via TISC, Jobs & Skills and Open Universities)
- Discover WA’s Regional Study Hubs – 24/7 study spaces in regional locations that enable regional and rural tertiary students to study closer to home.
To begin, simply click on a pathway icon to learn more about the various programs and courses available.
Click through the pathway options below, or find out more about each option using the button to the right.
PATHWAY DESCRIPTIONS
ATAR
BRIDGING COURSES
VET PATHWAYS
ALTERNATIVE
OTHER
ATAR
Bridging
Course
Vocational
Further
Pathways
Experience
English
Language
Program
Indigenous
Bridging
Course
University
College Pathways
Portfolio
STAT Test
Smart
Start
(Albany)
Unipath
in School
Pay for a Unit
Veterinary
Special
Entry
ATAR
ATAR
ATAR
ATAR
Bridging
Course
Indigenous
Bridging
Course
Smart
Start
(Albany)
BRIDGING COURSES
Veterinary
Further
Pathways
University College Pathways
Unipath
in School
VET PATHWAYS
Experience
Portfolio
Pay for a Unit
ALTERNATIVE
English
Language
Program
STAT Test
Veterinary
Special
Entry
OTHER
EXPLORE COURSES
UNIVERSITY COURSES
VET COURSES
OPEN UNIVERSITY
EXPLORE WA UNIVERSITY PATHWAYS
Discover the range of Western Australian universities and the undergraduate pathways they offer, including direct entry, alternative entry, and enabling programs.
EXPLORE REGIONAL STUDY HUBS
Learn about Western Australia’s Regional Study Hubs, which provide local students with supported study spaces, technology, and academic assistance close to home.
EXPLORE SUBURBAN STUDY HUBS
Explore metropolitan and suburban study hubs that support students through dedicated study spaces, connectivity, and local support to help students succeed.
pathway options
| Pathway | This pathway is for people who: | Description | Find out More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indigenous Bridging Course | Are of Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander descent and haven't completed ATAR or WACE. | This short course is designed to fast-track First Nations students with a secondary education and/or relevant TAFE qualification into undergraduate study. | Find out more |
| ATAR | Studied 4 or more subjects in yr 12 | Applied directly for an undergraduate course at your preferred university using your ATAR score. | Find out more |
| Bridging Course | Haven't completed ATAR or attained a WACE and want to attend university. | These short courses are usually FREE, give you core skills in preparation for university, and qualify you to apply for a wide range of entry level courses. | Find out more |
| English language program | A popular choice for those who want to improve their English language proficiency. | English language programs are designed to help you develop the skills and confidence to become a lifelong English learner through expert teaching with practical language use. | Find out more |
| Experience | Have a diverse range of academic, vocational and life experiences | Demonstrate university motivation through a range of evidence outlining extracurricular and life experiences | Find out more |
| Pay for a Unit | Would like to attend a particular unit of study without enrolling in a degree course. | Pay to study individual units of your choice at UWA without having to enrol in a bachelor’s degree. | Find out more |
| Portfolio | Are taking General, ATAR, and/or VET qualifications, or have work experience. | A portfolio of documents that showcase your academic achievements, qualifications, work experience, extra-curricular activities and suitability for university study | Find out more |
| Smart Start (Albany) | Didn't complete Year 12 or attain the minimum ATAR for their chosen course or haven't studied for a while. | A university preparation course at UWA Albany campus | Find out more |
| STAT Test | Haven't met university entry criteria. | The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test and can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses. | Find out more |
| UniPath in Schools | Year 11 and 12 students wanting to build a pathway to university while completing year 11 or 12 | Allows Year 12 students to undertake concurrent studies, facilitating a smoother transition to university. | Find out more |
| University College Pathways | May not qualify for direct entry into a degree program and are looking for a supportive learning environment. | Flexible admission criteria, smaller classes and extra support make university colleges a popular choice | Find out more |
| Veterinary Further Pathways | Have completed a Certificate IV qualification or higher | Enables you to apply for a range of undergraduate courses with minimum entry requirements at your preferred university. | Find out more |
| Veterinary Special entry | Want to study veterinary medicine and other animal and biological science-based courses. | A special entry and enabling program providing academic, social and cultural support for students enrolled in Veterinary Medicine and other participating science courses. | Find out more |
Indigenous Bridging Courses
This pathway is for people who:
Are of Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander descent and haven’t completed ATAR or WACE.
Description:
This short course is designed to fast-track First Nations students with a secondary education and/or relevant TAFE qualification into undergraduate study.
| University | Pathway | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murdoch | K-Track | If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander who hasn’t received an ATAR or completed Year 12, K-Track can help you succeed at uni. | Find out more |
| UWA | Aboriginal Orientation Course | If you don’t meet the entry requirements or just want to better prepare for uni study, the Aboriginal Orientation Course is a free 14-week course which gives you entry to most bachelor’s degrees and the study skills to succeed. | Find out more |
| UWA | Indigenous Provisional Entry Scheme | If you're an Indigenous student and don't meet the required ATAR or are mature-age and have a strong educational or employment background, you may be eligible for entry through the Indigenous Provisional Entry Scheme. | Find out more |
ATAR
This pathway is for people who:
Studied 4 or more subjects in yr 12
Description:
Applied directly for an undergraduate course at your preferred university using your ATAR score.
| University | Pathway | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame | General pathway | Application Process: The Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) administers applications for undergraduate courses at Notre Dame. Applicants can apply through TISC for most courses, with the universities responsible for assessing eligibility and making admission decisions. | Find out more |
| Notre Dame | Early Offer program | The University of Notre Dame Australia also participates in the Early Offer Schemes through UAC and TISC. If you’re currently in year 12 completing the ATAR pathway, you have the opportunity to secure a spot at Notre Dame. | Find out more |
| Notre Dame | Recent secondary education | The University of Notre Dame Australia also participates in the Early Offer Schemes through UAC and TISC. If you’re currently in year 12 completing the ATAR pathway, you have the opportunity to secure a spot at Notre Dame. | Find out more |
| Curtin | General Pathway | ATAR Entry / WACE Certificate Entry: If you’re a year 12 student or you’ve already graduated with a WACE certificate, you can submit your course preferences with Curtin. If you haven’t received your final ATAR just yet, you can still apply with your predicted ATAR. | Find out more |
| Curtin | StepUp to Curtin | StepUp is Curtin’s ATAR adjustment scheme that provides a boost to your ATAR selection rank if you meet certain criteria based on socio-economic factors. If your ATAR is between 60 and 69.95, and you’re eligible for StepUp, your ATAR will be adjusted to 70. You’ll still need to have completed any prerequisite subjects that apply to your preferred course. If your ATAR is 70 or above, and you’re eligible for StepUp, you will receive five additional points, up to 99.95. | Find out more |
| Murdoch | Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) | Application Process: The Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) administers applications for undergraduate courses at Curtin University. Applicants can apply through TISC for most courses, with the universities responsible for assessing eligibility and making admission decisions. | |
| UWA | Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) | Application Process: The Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) administers applications for undergraduate courses at Curtin University. Applicants can apply through TISC for most courses, with the universities responsible for assessing eligibility and making admission decisions. | Find out more |
| ECU | Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) | Application Process: The Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) administers applications for undergraduate courses at Curtin University. Applicants can apply through TISC for most courses, with the universities responsible for assessing eligibility and making admission decisions. |
BRIDGING COURSE
This pathway is for people who:
Haven’t completed ATAR or attained a WACE and want to attend university.
Description:
These short courses are usually FREE, give you core skills in preparation for university, and qualify you to apply for a wide range of entry level courses.
| University | Pathway | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame | Tertiary Pathway Program | Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP) designed for students who have not met the requirements for entry into undergraduate programs. The skills, knowledge and experience that you will develop during the semester are essential for successful transition to university. | Find out more |
| Curtin | UniReady Enabling Program | A free, flexible academic program designed to prepare you for successful entry into higher education. With a focus on enhancing academic literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills, as well as understanding discipline-specific concepts, this program offers a pathway into university by building a strong foundation for your future academic and career pursuits. UniReady can be studied on-campus, ONLINE or a combination of both. The course duration is 17 weeks | Find out more |
| Murdoch | OnTrack Flex | A flexible and supportive program for people who aspire to complete a university degree, but do not qualify for direct entry into Murdoch University. | Find out more |
| Murdoch | OnTrack Sprint | For students who have recently completed Year 12 and aspire to complete a university degree, but do not qualify for direct entry into Murdoch University. | Find out more |
| ECU | Intensive UniPrep | Provides a pathway to enter into most undergraduate courses at ECU. The course prepares students for university-level study by teaching them the required skills for academic success, with an emphasis on the student becoming an independent learner. The course is conducted in a supportive and hands-on environment, and covers learning skills, research and writing processes, numeracy tools and accessing knowledge. Additionally, students will be introduced to university life at ECU and will have access to course and career advice to assist in making informed decisions about undergraduate degree selection. The course is suitable for both recent school leavers and mature age students | Find out more |
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM
This pathway is for people who:
A popular choice for those who want to improve their English language proficiency.
Description:
English language programs are designed to help you develop the skills and confidence to become a lifelong English learner through expert teaching with practical language use.
| University | Pathway | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECU | English Language Program | The Academic English Program at Edith Cowan College is designed for students who plan to study a degree at Edith Cowan University and want to improve their academic reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. | Find out more |
| Murdoch | English Language Program | Murdoch College's English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course is designed to help you excel in your chosen field. Learn to communicate with confidence and improve essential study skills in an English-speaking academic environment. | Find out more |
| UWA | English Language Program | choose from a range of high-quality English language programs designed to support your goals. Our English language programs combine expert teaching with practical language use, helping you develop the skills and confidence to become a lifelong English learner. | Find out more |
EXPERIENCE
This pathway is for people who:
Have a diverse range of academic, vocational and life experiences
Description:
Demonstrate university motivation through a range of evidence outlining extracurricular and life experiences
| University | Pathway | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame | Work and life experience | For applicants who have: Completed an acceptable Enabling or Bridging course. | Find out more |
| Murdoch | Work and Life experiences | Getting into uni without a prior qualification | Find out more |
| UWA | Experience-based entry pathway | Find out more | |
| ECU | Experience Based Entry | Find out more |
pay for a unit
This pathway is for people who:
Would like to attend a particular unit of study without enrolling in a degree course.
Description:
Pay to study individual units of your choice at UWA without having to enrol in a bachelor’s degree.
| University | Pathway | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| UWA | AccessUWA | With AccessUWA you can study individual units of your choice at UWA without having to enrol in a bachelor’s degree. Upon successful completion of a minimum number of four units (24 credit points), you can apply for a comprehensive bachelor’s degree based on your AccessUWA results. | Find out more |
portfolio
This pathway is for people who:
Are taking General, ATAR, and/or VET qualifications, or have work experience.
Description:
A portfolio of documents that showcase your academic achievements, qualifications, work experience, extra-curricular activities and suitability for university study
| Pathway | Description | Link | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curtin | Portfolio entry | Gain entry based on your work and life experience, not just your grades. This entry pathway enables you to apply with a portfolio of documents that highlight your strengths and potential, and is a great option for non-ATAR or VET students. | Find out more |
| Murdoch | Media Portfolio pathway | complete the Portfolio Entry Application form. This includes providing a link to your portfolio, writing a personal statement between 300-500 words and supplying your supporting documentation. | Find out more |
| ECU | Creative Humanities Portfolio Entry (CHPE) | The Creative Humanities Portfolio Entry (CHPE) is a pathway into university for students who are creative and curious people but don't have an ATAR or don’t meet the minimum entry requirements for our courses by another means. Through CHPE, you can show your unique skills and achievements to demonstrate your motivation and potential for success in your chosen course. If you can meet the CHPE entry requirements below, the following courses may be available to you: Bachelor of Design Bachelor of Visual Arts Bachelor of Communication Bachelor of Screen Production Bachelor of Journalism and Broadcast Media Bachelor of Creative Writing | Find out more |
smart start (Albany)
This pathway is for people who:
Didn’t complete Year 12 or attain the minimum ATAR for their chosen course or haven’t studied for a while.
Description:
A portfolio of documents that showcase your academic achievements, qualifications, work experience, extra-curricular activities and suitability for university study
| University | Pathway | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| UWA | Smart Start (ALBANY) | UWA Smart Start is a university preparation course at our UWA Albany campus for anyone who didn't complete Year 12, didn't get the minimum ATAR for their chosen course or hasn't studied for a while. | Find out more |
STAT TEST
This pathway is for people who:
Haven’t met university entry criteria.
Description:
A portfolio of documents that showcase your academic achievements, qualifications, work experience, extra-curricular activities and suitability for university study
| University | Pathway | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curtin | Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test | The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don’t meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements. | Find out more |
| Notre Dame | a national test designed to assess aptitude for undertaking an undergraduate degree. If you do not meet the minimum entry requirements for UWA, and you feel confident in your ability to succeed in an undergraduate degree, then you may wish to consider taking this test. | Find out more | |
| Murdoch | The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a nationally recognised test which assesses your abilities for learning at university. In WA, you can sit the STAT by booking through TISC. | Find out more | |
| UWA | a national test designed to assess aptitude for undertaking an undergraduate degree. If you do not meet the minimum entry requirements for UWA, and you feel confident in your ability to succeed in an undergraduate degree, then you may wish to consider taking this test. | Find out more | |
| ECU | The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test that assesses your ability to learn in a tertiary environment. Considered for course entry requirements at Edith Cowan University. | Find out more |
UNIPATH IN SCHOOLS
This pathway is for people who:
Year 11 and 12 students wanting to build a pathway to university while completing year 11 or 12
Description:
A portfolio of documents that showcase your academic achievements, qualifications, work experience, extra-curricular activities and suitability for university study
| University | Pathway | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame | UniPath | Allows Year 12 students to undertake concurrent studies, facilitating a smoother transition to university. | Find out more |
| Curtin | UniReady Enabling Program | Indigenous Tertiary Enabling Course | Find out more |
| ECU | This program is delivered in partner high schools over Years 11 and 12 or just during Year 12. The course gets you ready for university level study by teaching you the skills required for academic success |
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE PATHWAYS
This pathway is for people who:
May not qualify for direct entry into a degree program and are looking for a supportive learning environment.
Description:
A portfolio of documents that showcase your academic achievements, qualifications, work experience, extra-curricular activities and suitability for university study
| University | Pathway | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curtin | Curtin College provides flexible admission criteria, smaller classes and extra support make Curtin College a popular choice for those who don’t immediately gain admission into Curtin University | Find out more | |
| ECU | Edith Cowan College specialises in providing alternative pathways to ECU forstudents who may not qualify for direct entry into a degree program and are looking for a supportive learning environment. | Find out more | |
| Murdoch | Murdoch College offers various English courses and pathways into Murdoch University undergraduate and postgraduate programs. | Find out more | |
| UWA | UWA College delivers Foundation, Diploma and English language courses right at the heart of UWA’s Perth campus. Our courses are designed in collaboration with UWA, where our students benefit from a truly embedded university experience with all the added support of a tailored pathway program. | Find out more |
Vocational FURTHER PATHWAYS
This pathway is for people who:
Have completed a Certificate IV qualification or higher
Description:
Enables you to apply for a range of undergraduate courses with minimum entry requirements at your preferred university.
| University | Pathway | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame | Vocational education and training | For applicants who have completed a VET qualification at Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma level at a TAFE or other Registered Training Organisation. | Find out more |
| Curtin | VET entry | If you’ve completed a certificate I, II or III, you may be able to: -apply to Curtin through portfolio entry -study a bridging or enabling course. | Find out more |
| Murdoch | TAFE or VET qualification - Vocational education and training | Get into uni with: Diplomas, Certificates IV & higher PLUS demonstrate English Language Competency (ELC) | Find out more |
| UWA | Diploma Entry Pathway | To be eligible for UWA’s undergraduate degrees that have an ATAR requirement of 80 or lower, applicants must have completed an AQF Level 5 qualification (Diploma) or above. | Find out more |
| ECU | Certificate IV Pathways | If you complete a Cert IV you may meet entry requirements for an undergraduate course. You may need to satisfy our English competency requirements. | Find out more |
Veterinary SPECIAL ENTRY
This pathway is for people who:
Want to study veterinary medicine and other animal and biological science-based courses.
Description:
Enables you to apply for a range of undergraduate courses with minimum entry requirements at your preferred university.
| University | Pathway | Descript | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murdoch | Waardong | Waardong is a special entry and enabling program for people who want to study veterinary medicine and other animal and biological science based courses. The program provides academic, social and cultural support for students enrolled in Veterinary Medicine and other participating science courses. | Find out more |