A low ATAR doesn’t mean fewer opportunities. Learn how your child can still access university through alternative pathways at RMIT, including TAFE and vocational education.
A low ATAR isn’t the end of the line
If your child didn’t get the ATAR they (or you) were hoping for, it can be hard not to worry about what that means for their future. Breathe a sigh of relief: university is still on the table.
Many successful students start their university journey through alternative pathways – often gaining more practical experience and job-ready skills in the process.
At RMIT, we offer clear, structured pathways from vocational study into undergraduate degrees, including options for students with lower ATARs.
Because a single number at the end of Year 12 shouldn’t define their future.
What does ATAR really mean?
ATAR stands for Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, and as the name suggests, it’s a ranking. This means it’s not a measure of intelligence, ability or long-term success. ATAR is used to compare Year 12 students across Australia for the purpose of university admissions, but it doesn’t capture someone’s full potential, passion or future capability.
Get a full breakdown of how the ATAR works.
The power of TAFE and vocational pathways
A growing number of students are entering university through TAFE and vocational education (VE). These courses are:
- practical and hands-on, which is ideal for applied learners
- industry-aligned, and developed with real job outcomes in mind
- connected to degrees, with many pathways designed to transition smoothly into RMIT bachelor courses.
Depending on the course, your child could graduate with two qualifications – a diploma or associate degree, then a bachelor’s degree – without extending their study time.
It’s normal to feel unsure about non-traditional pathways, but a lower ATAR doesn’t mean fewer career opportunities. In fact, students who take vocational or TAFE routes often graduate with more confidence, experience and job readiness, and are better prepared for life beyond uni.
To say it clearly: this isn’t a consolation prize. It’s a legitimate, serious way for your child to get to where they want to be.
What does a pathway look like?
Let’s say the ultimate goal for your child is to study business. Here’s a possible journey for a Standard Pathway:
Enrol in a Diploma of BusinessGain a broad understanding of business with a diploma that will enhance their career. |
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Apply for the Bachelor of BusinessSuccessful completion of RMIT's Diploma of Business guarantees entry into the Bachelor of Business (with credit!) |
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Graduate job-ready with both qualificationsGet qualified after 3 years! |
There are also Packaged Pathways which allows students to enrol in both a preliminary qualification and their goal degree at the same time.
An example of a Packaged Pathway into Psychology:
Enrol in the Associate Degree in Health Sciences/Bachelor of Psychology Packaged PathwayGet an insight into health sciences and learn about the major health issues currently facing the community. |
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Automatically progress to the Bachelor of Psychology once you successfully complete your Associate DegreeRoll straight into the Bachelor of Psychology and continue learning. |
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Finish in just 4.5 yearsSearch for work or move on to further study. |
What if there’s no pathway available?
If there’s no direct pathway into their dream course, there are still smart strategies:
- investigate related courses with similar content or career outcomes
- complete the first year of a similar degree, then apply to transfer into their preferred course.
And if equity factors have affected your child’s performance, there are support schemes that can help.
Change of Preference
If your child didn't get the ATAR you were after, they might want to consider changing their preferences after results are released.
Change of Preference allows students to reorder, add or remove courses from their VTAC preference list. This is a key chance for your child to get into a different course that leads to their dream degree.
Adjustment factors and equity access
If your child has faced personal or educational challenges, they may be eligible for adjustment factors, also known as equity access. These can boost their selection rank, increasing their chances of getting into uni.
Selection rank is calculated by combining ATAR with any eligible adjustment factors and is specific to each program.
Some examples of adjustment factors that may improve your child’s selection rank are:
- difficult circumstances
- financial disadvantage
- Indigenous background
- underrepresented schools.
