There are many pathways into university

When you’re finishing year 12, there’s a lot of pressure to get the ATAR you need for your dream degree. But an ATAR is only one of the ways to chase your career aspirations.

At La Trobe University, there are multiple pathways into your ideal course and going straight from year 12 to university with the required ATAR is just one of them. To help take the stress out of choosing your preferences, La Trobe’s Pathways and Entry Program Finder is a great first step in finding an alternative path, for both domestic and international students.

There are myriad ways into a student’s preferred field of study and career.

For students needing a stepping stone, packaged offers are a good option. La Trobe offers a range of bundled popular courses where students complete a diploma to secure a guaranteed place into a bachelor’s degree. Successfully completing a diploma means students can move into the second year of the bachelor degree, so they aren’t losing time.

For example, through a packaged offer, you could undertake a diploma of health sciences and then go on to study a bachelor of health sciences. Or you could secure a spot in a diploma of business and then go into a bachelor of accounting. There are lots of other choices as well, including criminology, global studies and biological sciences.

Many of La Trobe’s courses offer both on-campus and online study options, so students can study the way that best suits them. Year 12 students can apply for a packaged offer through the Victorian Tertiary Administration Centre (VTAC) and non-year 12 students can apply to La Trobe directly.

Don’t despair if you miss your first choice

Strathcona Girls Grammar dean of learning futures Keira Wills says there are always alternative pathways available for students who don’t initially get into their dream course or university.

“Students can consider courses that are still aligned with their chosen pathway but with different ATAR or prerequisite requirements,” she explains.

Transferring mid-way through a degree is one of the most popular ways to get into your preferred course if you don’t initially get the ATAR you need. When you choose your university preferences, having a second choice prepared means you can still attend your preferred university and study within your chosen field, with the option to transfer to other courses at a later time.

“Many universities and institutions offer pathway programs that act as direct routes to undergraduate degrees,” says Wills. “These programs provide an excellent opportunity for students to still pursue their passions and academic goals, just on a slightly different pathway.”

Great options exist beyond the ATAR

One way into your ideal course is through La Trobe’s Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP). You can opt for a tailored program, depending on whether you finished year 10, 11 or 12, in either the humanities or science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) streams.

After you’ve completed the TPP, you get a La Trobe Entrance Score based on your performance which allows you to then apply for your chosen course.

GOTAFE is another option to get into the course you want. This helps students who may not meet the ATAR requirements for their preferred course but can get into uni through pathways such as credit transfer for completed diplomas and direct entry programs offered in partnership with universities.

GOTAFE also offers bridging courses, career advice and flexible learning options to support students in achieving their academic goals.

So, don’t be disheartened if you don’t get your first choice of course or university – you’re more than a number. What’s important is to understand that there are different pathways into your preferred field of study and career. So, stay positive and keep an open mind about how you can achieve your goals.