Alternative University Entry Pathways

There’s more than one way to get into university. If you missed out on the ATAR you wanted, or didn’t graduate Year 12, don’t let that stop you from getting the degree you need to become future fit in the face of rapid workplace change.   

We offer several alternate pathways to gain entry to study a degree at UNE. The option you choose will depend on your prior study and experience, and the degree that you'd like to study. There’s a pathway for you, no matter your education history.  

Not everyone takes the traditional road from Year 12 to uni. Explore the options and find your own pathway to study with the only Australian university to be awarded the maximum 5 stars for Overall Experience 17 years in a row (Good Universities Guide 2023).  

Pathway options

Courses by study level

  • Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own 4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
  • ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
  • ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
  • ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units from any of the available units in a degree to create a Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
  • ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.

Why study with us?

UNE graduate and staff member outside the Oorala Aboriginal Centre

TRACKS helped me develop skills in referencing and academic writing, as well as getting me used to using the learning platforms and studying at a higher educational institution.

Noni Hawkins, TRACKS graduate, Bachelor of Laws student

Pathways to a range of careers

  • No.1 for Overall Experience 18 years running — UNE is the only Australian public university awarded the maximum 5 stars for Overall Experience 18 years in a row. (The Good Universities Guide 2024).
  • Designed for success — Our pathways courses are designed to be flexible, aligned to your interests, and detailed without being overwhelming to give you the best chance of success at uni.
  • Expert online education — UNE’s longstanding experience as an online university means we are ideally positioned to help busy adults like yourself respond to disruption, new technology, changes at work, and incoming opportunities.
  • Join a community of like-minded, experienced adults — Our unique cohort of online students are mostly adults over 30 who bring their life and work experience together at UNE to become future-fit and better able to respond to a rapidly changing world.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024

What happens next?

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1. Decide on your course

Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.

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2. Apply

2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

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3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.