Getting into uni without a prior qualification
Perhaps you didn’t get a chance to finish Year 12. Maybe you have been busy building a career or are seeking a career change but don’t have a qualification. If you want to start uni but haven’t completed any prior study, our range of admission pathways can get you where you want to be.
Mature age pathway
If you don’t meet the academic entry requirements but have relevant work and life experience for the undergraduate course you’re interested in, our Mature Age Pathway could be for you.
This pathway involves an interview, along with a portfolio submission that will be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Your portfolio needs to include:
- a recent resume demonstrating 3-5 years of professional experience (paid or voluntary) in an area directly related to your chosen course
- a 500-word personal statement
- a minimum of two references related to your professional experience.
The Mature Age Pathway is not available for direct entry into the following courses:
- Chiropractic Science (Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Clinical Chiropractic)
- Veterinary Science (Bachelor of Science / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Engineering
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
You need to apply for the Mature Age Pathway at least two weeks before classes start.
For more information, email domesticadmissions@murdoch.edu.au.
Enabling courses
Everyone’s path to uni is unique so we provide a range of enabling courses to suit a variety of circumstances. These free enabling courses can increase your skills and knowledge in a supportive environment so you’re ready to qualify for uni.
Choose the one that’s best for you:
- OnTrack Flex – Delivered over 1-2 semesters on-campus, online or a combination of both. Full-time or part-time enrolment available.
- K-Track – a 14-week program run full-time on campus for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students.
Experienced Based Entry and Portfolio Pathways
Our experience based and portfolio entry pathways are a great way to demonstrate your talent, commitment and ability to your chosen field. If you meet the eligibility criteria, including ELC, you can apply for wide range of undergraduate courses with a selection rank of 70.
Both pathways are open to school leavers and non-school leavers. The one you choose depends on the type of course you want to study:
- Portfolio entry pathway provides an avenue into a broad range of courses, from accounting and management; through to marine science and forensic biology and toxicology.
- Media portfolio pathway is a great option if you’re the creative type with a media portfolio.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test
Ready to demonstrate your ability to succeed at university? The nationally recognised Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) provides an avenue to achieve this so you gain uni entry. There are two sections to this test – multiple choice and written English.
STAT can also be used to satisfy English Language Competency (ELC) requirements if you haven’t met them through Year 12 studies.
Generally you need to be at least 20 years old by 1 March in the year you want to start uni to qualify for STAT.
However if you’re under 20 years old, you can request formal permission to sit the STAT. Download and complete the below form then email it to domesticadmissions@murdoch.edu.au. If you are eligible, we will provide you with special permission to sit STAT.
Courses eligible for STAT entry
To gain entry into most of our undergraduate courses, you’ll need a STAT score of at least 140 in the written English section and 135 in the multiple choice section. There are exceptions or additional requirements for selected courses:
- Engineering requires a STAT score of at least 140 in the written section and 155 in the multiple choice section.
- Nursing has additional English requirements. For further English requirements information see the course page.
- STAT cannot be used for entry into Law or Veterinary Science.
Check the entry requirements for the course you’re interested in on our course finder.
In Western Australia, you can sit the STAT by booking through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC).