Other pathways
If you do not meet minimum requirements for entry to ANU, the following schemes may offer you some alternative options.
Adult or mature-age entry
If you are aged 21 or over on 1 March in the year in which you intend to commence an ANU program and and do not have assessable qualifications, or your qualifications do not meet the University’s normal entry requirements, you may be eligible for mature-age options.
Special consideration
Applicants who have previously attempted tertiary study can apply for special consideration as part of your ANU application. Special consideration can allow the University to take into account circumstances that were beyond your control such as serious ill health, financial or other hardship that impacted on your prior education. It can also be used if you have a record of failure on one of your qualifications.
Current Year 12 students or applicants who have completed Year 12, but not undertaken tertiary study should apply through the National Access Scheme – see above.
School Leavers
ANU Principals' Recommendation Scheme
The ANU Principals’ Recommendation scheme (PDF, 229KB) offers early entry to the following current school leavers from Australian secondary schools.
- For Australian indigenous students, applications (PDF, 182KB) have been extended to 31 November, 2012.
- For Pasifika students, applications (PDF, 182KB) have been extended to 31 November, 2012.
- Students from:
- ANU Regional Partnership schools (PDF, 87KB)
- designated rural schools under the Country Areas Program (PDF, 72KB)
- schools categorised as disadvantaged (PDF, 122KB) under the NSW Department of Education and Communities Priority Schools Funding Program, the Australian Government National Partnership for Low Socio-economic Status School Communities Program or similar program.
The University will offer early entry to students from these three streams based on the recommendation of the School Principal. Offers will be conditional on the applicant gaining a minimum ATAR of 70. Contact your Career Advisor at your school if you think you qualify for this program.
To be considered, applications must be submitted to the ANU Admissions Office on the ANU PRS application form (PDF, 182KB) by 30 September each year. Applicants must also submit an on-line application to UAC listing their ANU program of choice as a preference.
ANU Secondary College
The ANU Secondary College provides an enhanced learning experience for year 11 and 12 students in ACT schools and colleges. We offer courses in Conservation Biology, Chemistry, Japanese, Specialist Mathematics, and Physics.
National Access Scheme
The National Access Scheme aims to assist applicants who have completed or are completing Year 12 and have not attempted tertiary study. Students with good academic potential, who have experienced serious long-term disadvantages in their educational preparation for tertiary entrance need to apply through the UAC Educational Access Scheme and provide appropriate supporting documentation. Disadvantages may include geographical isolation, serious medical problems, disability and family relationship problems. Successful applicants will have bonus points added to their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
Applicants who have studied subjects in year 12 that will assist them with their degree studies at ANU may be awarded bonus points according to the Academic Bonus points set out in the National Access Scheme. Applicants do not apply for Academic Bonus points; they will be automatically added to your ATAR.
Bonus points will be awarded according to the National Access Scheme.
bonus-points-flyer (PDF 166KB)
Both
Associate degrees
ANU/ANU College Associate Degree
The ANU/ANU College Associate Degree is a recognised post secondary, two year qualification offered by ANU College an alternative means of access to ANU for capable students. A student who completes the associate degree program could expect to receive up to 48 units (typically 1 year) towards a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Science program. Apply through UAC.ANU/CIT Associate Degree
ANU and Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) work in conjunction to provide pathways to the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Engineering programs. The ANU/CIT Associate Degrees may allow for up to 72 units of credit towards the associated Bachelor program. Applicants apply directly to CIT.
Bridging courses
Bridging courses are available in Maths and Chemistry. Successful completion of the bridging course will meet the prerequisite requirements for undergraduate programs.
Maths Basics and Maths Bridging are available through ANU College
Chemistry bridging is available through the ANU Research School of Chemistry
It is advised to select a program in your list of preferences that does not have the prerequisite requirement. It may be possible to transfer programs at the time of enrolment if you have received an offer to the program with no prerequisite requirement and have successfully completed the bridging program.
Elite athletes
ANU appreciates it’s not always easy to blend the demanding schedule of an elite athlete with the academic demands of university study. We want to help you do just that. Find out if you meet our criteria for elite athlete status, why it’s worth considering and how to apply.
Preparatory courses
Preparatory courses build the academic skills necessary for university level study.
ANU accepts a limited number of programs run by other institutions:
- Pre-tertiary studies offered by case institutions in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland
- University of New South Wales (UNSW) University Preparation Program
- University of Newcastle Open Foundation Course
- University of Wollongong College University Access Program
