Savanna Hoffman
Homeschooling is becoming an increasingly popular option for students in Australia, with numbers growing from 19,004 registered students in 2017 to approximately 40,000 in 2023. However, one of the biggest concerns for parents is whether their children will be accepted into university. While homeschooled students are not eligible to receive an ATAR score, which is the most common high school qualification for university entry, there are still several pathways for them to gain entry into Australian universities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Homeschool students' eligibility for Australian universities | Homeschool students are eligible for Australian universities, but the process is different from that of traditionally schooled students. |
| ATAR scores | Homeschooled students are not eligible for ATAR scores, which are required by most universities. |
| Alternative pathways | There are alternative pathways for homeschool students to enter university, such as preparation courses, TAFE, distance education, and direct applications. |
| University requirements | Each university has different entry requirements, which may include age, portfolio, auditions, and specific prerequisites for certain courses. |
| International students | International GCE A Levels are accepted by many Australian universities as an entry qualification. |
| Indigenous Australians | There are specific pathways, bridging courses, and qualifications available for Indigenous Australians. |
| Rural/remote students | Many institutions will relax their criteria for rural or remote students. |
| Low-income students | Universities may also have relaxed criteria for students from low-income families. |
| First-generation students | Universities often provide additional support for students who are the first in their family to attend university. |
| Special circumstances | Circumstances such as illness or other challenges affecting a student's education may make them eligible for alternative entry pathways and scholarships. |
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What You'll Learn
- Homeschool students can gain entry to Australian universities without an ATAR score
- International GCE A Levels as a qualification for entry
- Bridging courses and qualifications for Indigenous Australians
- Pathway courses to allow students a second chance into university
- Universities are adapting to non-standard learning and educational histories
Homeschool students can gain entry to Australian universities without an ATAR score
Homeschooled students in Australia are not eligible to receive an ATAR score, which can make the university application process more difficult. However, there are alternative pathways for homeschoolers to gain entry into Australian universities without an ATAR score.
Firstly, homeschoolers can enrol in a traditional school or register for distance education during their senior years to obtain an ATAR score. Distance education programs are developed by state education departments, allowing students to enrol at their nearest school and receive resources and support for their online studies. This enables students to participate in assessments and receive an ATAR score, which can be used to apply for university.
Another option is to complete studies through TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions, which offer nationally recognised certifications that can be used to transfer into a university course. Some universities also offer pathway courses, such as preparation or foundation courses, which can provide a second chance for students to enter university and often provide an ATAR score. These courses are typically free and offer additional support to students.
Additionally, some universities accept the International GCE A Levels as a qualification for entry, which is the most common high school qualification studied globally. For certain degrees, such as music, architecture, and design, universities may base entry decisions on a portfolio or audition, showcasing the student's work experience, qualifications, and awards.
It is important to note that each university and degree have different entry requirements, and it is recommended to contact admissions officers to discuss specific prerequisites and explore alternative pathways. Universities are adapting to accommodate the increasing number of homeschoolers, and there are various options available to gain entry into tertiary education.
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International GCE A Levels as a qualification for entry
Homeschooling is becoming an increasingly popular option in Australia, and many universities are catering for the entry needs of these students. In fact, in 2021, 36% of undergraduate applications were non-ATAR applicants.
The International GCE A Levels are the most common high school qualification studied globally, and many international students use this qualification to enter universities worldwide. The qualification is recognised by universities in Australia, and around the world, as a pathway to entry.
The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from students who have completed the GCE A-Levels program. To be admitted, students must meet the University's English language competence requirement, achieve a sufficient number of GCE A-Level points, and satisfy any prerequisite subject requirements for their chosen course and major. GCE A-Level students must meet equivalent entry standards to other applicants.
The University of Sydney also recognises GCE A Levels as a qualification for entry, as well as SAT or ACT scores, alongside completion of a secondary or high school qualification.
The University of Melbourne accepts students who have successfully completed learning elsewhere that is at a similar level and standard (and equivalent in content to studies within a University of Melbourne course).
It is important to note that each university has different entry requirements, and prospective students should contact an Admissions Officer to check specific prerequisite qualifications needed for a particular course.
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Bridging courses and qualifications for Indigenous Australians
In Australia, there are several options for homeschooled students to enter universities. While some universities offer pathway courses, others accept the International GCE A-Levels as a qualification for entry.
Indigenous Australians have access to specific pathways, bridging courses, and qualifications. Many institutions will relax their criteria for Indigenous Australians, rural/remote students, those with a low family income, or those who are the first in their family to go to university. These circumstances also make applicants more eligible for scholarships.
Curtin University offers six- and 12-month Indigenous enabling courses that provide a clear pathway to university for those without an ATAR or who left school before the end of Year 12. Applicants must be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and at least 17 years old. Upon completion, students meet the minimum admission criteria for a range of Curtin undergraduate degrees in business, health, science, and engineering.
Vancouver Island University in Canada offers a similar program called the Aboriginal University Bridging Certificate. This program is customizable for Indigenous students who want to upgrade their courses and acquire the necessary prerequisites to begin their desired post-secondary education programs.
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Pathway courses to allow students a second chance into university
Homeschooling is available to all students in Australia, and it won't lock children out of university studies. In fact, in 2019, 60% of undergraduate applications, offers, and acceptances were non-ATAR applicants. There are a number of universities that offer pathway courses to allow students a second chance into university. These courses often give students an ATAR and are usually free. Some of these courses include:
- Foundation Studies: Offered by universities, schools, vocational education, and training (VET) providers, and specialist colleges. This course prepares students for entry into an undergraduate course, including compulsory and elective subjects.
- Bridging courses: These are designed for overseas-trained professionals who need to refresh their knowledge to meet course entry requirements. They are also suitable for students who completed Year 12 outside of Australia.
- TAFE and VET courses: These can provide a pathway to university and may even offer academic credit towards a higher education degree.
- Pathway programs: These programs are an integral part of the Australian education system, allowing students flexibility in their desired institution, even if they fall short of entry requirements.
- Diploma to Degree (Pathway) programs: Many Australian universities offer these programs to international students, providing the same level of amenities, infrastructure, and expertise as students enrolled in diploma programs.
- Open Universities Australia: This pathway allows students to complete introductory subjects before applying to start a degree in their interest area.
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Universities are adapting to non-standard learning and educational histories
Homeschooling is becoming an increasingly popular option for students in Australia, with around 40,000 registered children and teens in 2023, up from 19,004 in 2017. This shift in educational preferences has prompted Australian universities to adapt their admissions processes to accommodate students with non-standard learning and educational histories.
In Australia, homeschooled students are not eligible to receive an ATAR score, which can make it challenging to meet the selection requirements for most universities. However, this does not mean that homeschooled students are unable to pursue higher education. Universities are recognising the need to provide alternative pathways for these students, and many institutions have already begun to do so.
One option for homeschooled students is to enrol in a distance education program. These programs are developed and overseen by state education departments, allowing students to obtain an ATAR score and participate in nationally recognised certifications, such as TVET Studies or senior subjects approved by the state's education authority. These certifications can then be used to apply for university, and many homeschooling students have successfully gained full degrees or used these pathways to gain entry into their chosen courses.
Additionally, universities themselves are offering bridging courses and preparation courses to facilitate the transition to tertiary education. These courses often provide a direct pathway to acceptance into a degree program and are typically free or discounted. For example, CQU's SUN program outlines specific entry requirements for homeschooled students, and USC's and USQ's Headstart programs offer high school students the opportunity to complete degree subjects early.
Another option for homeschooled students is to complete studies through TAFE (Technical and Further Education) before transferring to their chosen university course. TAFE offers a range of certificates and diplomas that can be used as a pathway to university, and some universities even have specific arrangements with TAFE institutions to facilitate this transition.
Finally, some universities are open to non-traditional applications, and homeschooled students can approach admissions officers directly to make a case for their enrolment. While each university has different entry requirements, many are willing to consider a portfolio or record of learning that demonstrates the student's ability to work at a university level.
In summary, while the process of transitioning from homeschooling to university in Australia may differ from that of traditionally schooled students, universities are adapting to accommodate non-standard learning and educational histories. Homeschooled students have a range of options available to them, including distance education, bridging courses, TAFE pathways, and direct applications to universities. By researching and utilising these pathways, homeschooled students can successfully gain entry into tertiary education and pursue their chosen fields of study.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, universities in Australia do accept homeschool students. However, they are not eligible to receive an ATAR score, which can make it difficult to meet the selection requirements for most universities.
There are a number of ways in which homeschool students can gain entry into universities in Australia, such as enrolling in a traditional school or distance education program during their senior years, completing their studies through TAFE, or approaching a university directly and making a case for admission.
Universities in Australia are catering for the entry needs of a diverse range of students, including homeschoolers, mature-aged students, and international students. There are specific pathways, bridging courses, and qualifications for Indigenous Australians, and many institutions will relax their criteria for rural/remote students, those with low family incomes, and other circumstances.
One of the main challenges is not having an ATAR score, which is the most common high school qualification used to enter universities in Australia. This may limit the number of universities and courses that are available to homeschool students.
Joanne, a homeschool student in South Australia, completed a Teaching English as a Second Language Course (TESOL) Cert III and was accepted into a Teaching Degree at Newcastle University at age 17. Zac, a homeschool student in NSW, completed a Cert III in Retail Operations through McDonald's and then went on to win a NSW award as a pastry chef apprentice.
