How to get into uni without an ATAR

02/10/2026 | General

By Laura Tough

If you’ve just opened your Year 12 results and they’re not quite what you were expecting, don’t panic!

Not getting the ATAR you needed doesn’t mean you can’t get into university or study the course you’re interested in. There are plenty of pathways you can explore, and your ATAR is just one option.

Let’s explore some other options.

Option 1: Apply via UAC anyway

If you’ve already set up your UAC application, make sure you complete it and include your preferred UC courses in your preferences, even if your ATAR is below the score you were expecting. Your ATAR may not be your final selection rank, as adjustment factors can be added based on your circumstances, including Year 12 subjects linked to the course you’re applying for. These adjustment factors can sometimes increase your selection rank.

It’s also worth remembering that selection ranks can change between years and offer rounds depending on factors such as the number of applications received, available places and the competitiveness of the applicant pool. So, if you’re close to the previous selection rank for your preferred course, keep it in your preferences as you may still be eligible for an offer in a future round.

Option 2: Apply for a related course

If you’re just below the selection rank for your preferred course, consider applying for a related course with more accessible entry requirements and exploring a transfer into your preferred degree later. For example, if you’re interested in a Bachelor of Law but don’t meet the selection rank, you could consider a Bachelor of Justice Studies. If the courses have closely aligned first-year units, you may be able to use the subjects you complete towards your future degree, depending on the course and credit requirements.

Some other courses where this pathway is an option include:

This can be a way to get started at university while working towards your longer-term study goal. Just make sure you check the requirements for transferring into your preferred course before you enrol.

Option 3: Apply for a UC College Diploma

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for your preferred UC degree, you can also consider starting with a diploma through UC College. UC Diplomas introduce you to your chosen study area while helping you build the skills and confidence for university study. To be eligible for most UC Diplomas, you need to have passed three Year 12 subjects with a C grade or higher. Once you successfully complete your diploma, you can progress into the corresponding UC undergraduate degree, with many diplomas providing up to one year of credit towards your degree. There are diploma courses linked to most discipline areas, including Business, Health, Design, Information Technology and more.

Already completed a Certificate III or IV?

You may already have another pathway into UC. Completed VET qualifications from a recognised Australian provider can be used for admission to UC, so it’s worth checking whether your qualification means you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course without needing to start with a diploma. Find out more about recognition of prior work and study.

Option 4: Complete a UC College bridging course

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for your preferred course, an enabling course can be another way to get started. UC College offers UC Connect, an 18-week bridging program designed for students who have recently finished Year 12 but don’t meet the requirements for direct entry into their chosen UC degree. Much like the diplomas, to be eligible for UC Connect, you need to have passed three Year 12 subjects with a C grade or higher.

UC Connect can help you develop the academic skills and confidence you need for university study. Once you successfully complete the program, you can progress into the first year of a corresponding UC degree or explore other pathway options through UC College depending on your study goals.

So, if you didn’t get the ATAR you were hoping for, it’s ok! There are many different pathways that UC students take to get to the courses they are hoping to study. If you are not sure which option might be the best for you or you simply want to chat to someone, our Future Students team is here to help.