Alternative Admissions

Decisions on alternative pathways to admissions are referred to the Dean of the relevant Faculty and are taken in consultation with other appropriate personnel. Each case will be considered on its individual merit. Alternative pathways to admission may include:

Previous Tertiary Qualifications


Admission may be obtained by the successful completion of an appropriate Certificate IV from a Registered Training Organization (RTO) subject to the requirement that normally an equivalent number of years have been spent in education as would be required to complete a High School program. Admission may also be obtained by the successful completion of an appropriate diploma from a TAFE college.

See also Verification of Credentials and Qualifications Policy [A.17]

Foundation Studies


Admission may be obtained by the successful completion of a suitable program of preparatory studies course or a tertiary preparation course, such as Avondale's Diploma of General Studies.

Mature Age Admission


Applicants who have not attempted the Higher School Certificate or its equivalent prior to the proposed entry but who have had work or educational experience beyond the usual number of years of secondary schooling necessary for completing the HSC (or its equivalent in other states) may gain admission upon satisfactory performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Students should lodge completed STAT application, Confidentiality Agreement and payment before the following dates:

  • For study at Avondale in Semester 1 - not later than 15 January
  • For study at Avondale in Semester 2 - not later than 30 June

Special Entry


Applicants of high academic potential who have completed High School but who have not achieved a result that has enabled them to be offered a place under regular admission criteria, and who can demonstrate or document the disadvantaging factors impacting on their HSC results may apply for special consideration. The following criteria have been identified by Australian government authorities as constituting possible grounds for special entry consideration. Students who wish to seek special academic entry admission on the basis of economic or social disadvantage will need to satisfy criteria in at least two of the categories set out below. Special entry circumstances could involve low income background, non-English speaking background, family disruption, interrupted schooling, lack of support for study, family responsibilities, geographic isolation, major illness, injury or disability, or refugee status.

Certificate and Diploma Admission


Academic eligibility for admission to Certificate and Diploma courses is normally gained by completion of Year 12 of secondary school.