Homeschooling And University: Australian Admissions

Homeschooling is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional schooling in Australia. However, many homeschooling parents worry about how this will impact their children's chances of getting into university. While the university entry process has become easier for students without an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR), it can still be a complex process for homeschooled students.

In Australia, homeschooled students are not eligible to earn an ATAR score, which is the standard entry route for university. However, this does not mean that university entrance is impossible for homeschooled students; it just means choosing different pathways. There are several alternative routes for homeschooled students to gain admission to university, and many previously homeschooled students are currently enrolled in universities across Australia.

One option is to enrol in a Distance Education Program, which is governed by the relevant state's Education Department and allows students to obtain an ATAR score. Another option is to pursue a certificate or diploma, which can provide a direct pathway to university or be converted into an ATAR. Open universities and university pathway courses are also popular choices, offering flexible entry requirements and the opportunity to gain an ATAR. Additionally, some universities accept portfolios, auditions, or standardised test scores, such as the Standard Tertiary Admissions (STAT) Test, for admission.

While the specific entry criteria vary across universities and degrees, it is important to remember that homeschooling is not a hindrance to university entry. With forward planning and alternative routes, homeschooled students can successfully gain admission to their desired universities and pursue their chosen careers.

University Pathway Courses

Homeschooled students can apply for these courses without any formal academic certificates or prior academic studies. Upon completion, students will often receive an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) that will allow them to pursue the degree of their choice.

Some universities with pathway programs include:

• Swinburne
• James Cook University
• Queensland University
• Newcastle University
• Deakin University

Additionally, TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions in many states now provide university pathway courses. For certain diploma courses, students may even receive a full year of credit at partner universities. TAFE offers a practical and hands-on learning approach, making it an attractive option for those transitioning from homeschooling.

Overall, university pathway courses offer a fantastic opportunity for homeschooled students to gain entry into higher education and pursue their desired fields of study.

Open University

Open Universities Australia (OUA) offers single subjects and full degrees from many Australian universities. Most have no entry requirements. Many are available from the age of 13 (check out age requirements here), and most are fully online.

You can use the subjects you complete to gain direct entry into the associated degree, or to provide an official academic transcript for entry into a degree at another university. Many universities will accept the results of 2-4 subjects as entry to their degrees.

OUA also offers enabling courses if you feel like you need a bit of preparation before launching into a university subject. Many of these enabling subjects are free.

The subjects can be quite expensive, but most Australian citizens qualify for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.

• Tom completed the Uni Ready program through OUA/Curtin University. At 16 he completed an OUA/UNE Law Studies bridging subject. He has been accepted into a Bachelor of Laws at the University of New England. He will study via OUA until he is 17, then can be directly enrolled with UNE.
• Elouise started at 15. She completed 3 subjects through OUA and two subjects through Central Queensland University’s SUN program. She was then accepted into a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science at Griffith University.
• Stassi completed the first four subjects of a Bachelor of Arts (Librarianship and Corporate Information Management) via OUA to qualify for admission into the degree. All subjects were credited to the degree. She began at 16.
• Harley completed 4 subjects with OUA at 16 and gained entry into a Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Majors in Chemistry and Mathematics with USQ.
• May started studying through Open Universities at 12. After completing 4 units she was unable to enter her preferred science or medical degrees due to age, so entered a BA (Communications) degree and completed the diploma level at 15. She now has a guaranteed place in BA (Psychology) at Swinburne.

Direct University Applications

If you are interested in a particular university, it is worth calling them directly to discuss entry requirements. University admissions officers are used to receiving these types of enquiries and will be happy to help. It is a good idea to book an appointment with the admissions officer so that you can showcase your child's talents and learning portfolio. Many universities have allocated entry numbers for homeschooled students.

Universities are increasingly catering to homeschooled students as their numbers grow, and they are viewed as well-suited to university study and life. Homeschoolers tend to have high academic achievement and are often well-prepared for higher education. They are also generally well-rounded and engaged in their community, which universities look for in potential students.

However, it is important to remember that each university and degree have different requirements for entry. These may include an ATAR score, age requirements, and completion of prerequisite subjects such as maths and science. Therefore, it is essential to do your research and plan accordingly.

Standard Tertiary Admissions (STAT) Test

The Standard Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a group of four scholastic aptitude tests used for admission into undergraduate programs at Australian universities for students without a recent Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). The STAT assesses core competencies in critical thinking and reasoning, rather than knowledge. The four types of STAT are:

• STAT Multiple Choice: The standard test used by tertiary admissions centres. This two-hour examination has 70 multiple-choice questions, testing both verbal (humanities and social sciences) and quantitative (mathematics and science) competencies.
• STAT F: Some universities use this test to determine eligibility for specific courses. This examination is also two hours with 70 questions, half verbal and half quantitative.
• STAT Written English: Some tertiary admissions centres and universities use this one-hour test of the candidate's competence in written English, in addition to either the STAT Multiple Choice or the STAT F. Some universities require this examination for applicants from other countries.
• STAT UCL: This test involves 40 critical reasoning and 40 quantitative reasoning multiple-choice questions to be completed in 130 minutes. It is taken specifically by applicants to study Computer Science at University College London, a university in the UK.

STAT results are expressed as a numerical score from 100 to 200, with 200 being a perfect score. The score indicates the candidate's potential academic capacity in relation to past or potential candidates, as the questions are relative across years and test forms.

STAT is available to any person applying to study a course for which STAT is a prerequisite. It is a computer-based test administered online via remote proctoring. Test-takers can sit for the STAT from any suitable location that meets the technical requirements. The test consists of two sections: STAT Multiple Choice and Written English, which can be taken together or separately depending on the admission requirements.

Sitting the STAT may assist a candidate in their application for admission to a range of university courses. For mature-age students, it can be used as an entry pathway to certain undergraduate courses. For others, it can satisfy English language competency requirements for university admission. However, it is the candidate's responsibility to find out whether STAT can be used for admission to their desired course.

STAT is recognised in all Australian states and is accepted by several universities, including the University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, and The University of Notre Dame Australia.

Portfolio/Audition Entry to University

Overview

Australian universities offer a range of pathways for students to gain entry into degree programs without an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). Portfolio and audition entries are one such option, typically considered for degrees in creative fields like architecture, design, music, fine arts, and communication. However, some universities may also accept portfolios for other areas of study.

University of Canberra

The University of Canberra (UC) accepts portfolio entries for its undergraduate degrees with the Faculty of Arts and Design (FAD). The portfolio requirements vary depending on the chosen course area. For example, the Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) requires a portfolio of up to five creative writing pieces, while the Bachelor of Film Production seeks a showreel and other written work. UC also offers portfolio entry for courses like Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design) and Bachelor of Creative Industries (Acting and Performance).

University of Sydney

The University of Sydney, through its Sydney Conservatorium of Music, accepts auditions for both undergraduate and postgraduate coursework. Applicants must submit their audition videos through the ACCEPTD portal, the official audition system for the Conservatorium.

Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts

The Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts, part of Edith Cowan University, accepts portfolios and auditions for music and dancing programs. Applicants are also required to take the Standard Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) and may need to meet additional requirements, such as a piano audition.

Other Options

Other universities in Australia that offer portfolio or audition entry options include:

• Macquarie University: Offers a leaders and achievers scheme for early entry based on portfolios and evidence of prior learning.
• Swinburne University: Has a portfolio system for entry.
• James Cook University: Utilises a portfolio system.
• Queensland University: Accepts portfolios for entry.
• Deakin University: Accepts portfolios for entry.

Tips for Portfolio Entry

When preparing a portfolio for university entry, it is essential to showcase your creativity, skills, and experience relevant to your chosen field. Include projects, work samples, awards, qualifications, and a personal statement. Additionally, ensure your portfolio is tailored to the specific course requirements and highlights your passion, critical thinking, and ability to think outside the box.

Frequently asked questions