I was recently invited by 7News to discuss why the number of students completing the ATAR pathway has been declining. While there are multiple factors at play, one of the most significant is the increasing availability of alternative pathways that suit a broader range of students.
For many students in Western Australia, entering university no longer requires the pressure and intensity of the ATAR pathway. It’s now widely understood that academic capability doesn’t always align with taking the ATAR route, and alternative pathways are often better suited for students with diverse needs, such as neurodiversity, test anxiety, or personal challenges. These options open the door for more students to pursue higher education, making university accessible to nearly all who aspire to it.
Recent data shows that over 30% of university entrants in WA now use alternative pathways, and around 25% of students who start Year 12 opt out of ATAR courses altogether. This trend reflects an increasing awareness that readiness for university takes many forms and that ATAR is just one path to success. In fact, students from non-ATAR pathways perform comparably in their first year at university, with retention rates close to those of their ATAR counterparts.
Some of the main alternative pathways include:
UniReady: Offered by Curtin University, this program can be completed online or in schools during Year 12, offering flexibility to meet university entry requirements. Approximately 1,500 students complete UniReady each year, with over 80% successfully transitioning to undergraduate studies.
Bridging Courses: Designed for students who didn’t take ATAR or meet course prerequisites, bridging courses provide foundational knowledge for their chosen fields. These courses make up around 10% of university admissions in WA, with over 75% of bridging course graduates going on to complete their degrees.
Portfolio Entry: Many universities offer a portfolio pathway, where students can submit a collection of work to demonstrate their university readiness. Portfolio entry has grown significantly, with a 20% annual increase in applicants over the past five years. This route is particularly popular for creative and vocational programs, allowing students to showcase talents beyond exam scores.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) Pathways: Students with a Certificate IV, Diploma, or Advanced Diploma in a relevant area may qualify for university entry without an ATAR score. VET pathways are valued especially in fields like business, health, and education, with around 15% of university entrants using VET qualifications. These students often bring practical experience to their studies.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT): For mature-age students or those who didn’t complete Year 12, the STAT provides an alternative route. This standardized test evaluates skills like critical thinking and quantitative reasoning, and several WA universities accept STAT scores, making it a popular option for those re-entering education.
Enabling Programs: Offered by various universities, enabling programs are intensive preparation courses that build the academic skills needed for university study. Programs like Murdoch University’s OnTrack and Edith Cowan University’s UniPrep specifically support students who didn’t qualify for direct entry. Around 70% of enabling program graduates go on to pursue full degrees.
Each university has unique options and requirements, but reaching an equivalent of a 70 ATAR through these pathways is now more achievable than ever. While these options are invaluable, students planning to pursue highly academic courses may still benefit from taking ATAR subjects when possible.
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