We know that Year 12 is big – huge, in fact. You probably already have a lot on your plate, but have you thought about early entry? It’s a pathway to university that could save you a whole lot of time and stress later in the year. If you have some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about early entry, we’re here to provide you with all the answers.
What is early entry?
Some universities and Tertiary Admissions Centres (TACs) have programs in place that allow them to accept applications before the “official” opening dates. By applying for one of these programs, you can receive an offer earlier than if you apply through the normal process, often before end of year exams have even been sat.
It’s a way to give you some peace of mind knowing you have a place secured at university next year – one less thing to stress about during exam time!
Who is eligible to apply for early entry?
Each program has it’s own eligibility criteria, but here are some of the most common:
- Academic achievement
- Community involvement, e.g. volunteering
- Leadership roles, e.g. school leader, team captain
- Disadvantage, e.g. financial, social, or physical
If there’s a program you’re really interested in applying for but you’re unsure if you meet the criteria, it’s definitely worth doing some more research. Get in touch with the university or TAC and ask what your options might be.
Which universities have early entry programs?
Most of them! Here’s a list:
- Australian Catholic University
- Australian National University
- Bond University
- Campion College
- Charles Sturt University
- CQUniversity
- Curtin University
- Deakin University – Regional Access Scheme & Indigenous Access Scheme
- Edith Cowan University
- Federation University
- Flinders University
- Griffith University
- James Cook University
- La Trobe University
- Macquarie University – Leaders and Achievers, ATSIEP & Gifted and Talented
- Murdoch University
- Queensland University of Technology
- RMIT University
- Southern Cross University
- Swinburne University of Technology
- Torrens University Australia
- UAC
- University of Adelaide
- University of Canberra – Fast Forward & Portfolio Entry
- University of Melbourne – through the Elite Athletes and Artistic Performers Entry Scheme only
- University of Newcastle
- University of New England
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Southern Queensland
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- University of Sydney – Portfolio Admissions, CASAS & Gadigal
- University of Tasmania
- University of Technology Sydney – Early Entry & Edge
- University of Western Australia
- University of Wollongong
- UNSW (excluding UNSW Canberra/ADFA)
- Victoria University
- Western Sydney University – HSC True Reward & ATSI Pathway Program
Don’t see your chosen university on this list? You might like to contact them directly anyway and ask about their pathway options.
Note: many of these programs are still showing information from 2023, and it is up to the university whether they will be offered again in 2024. Dates, courses, and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
When can I expect to receive an early offer?
Each program is different; some of them might send you an offer within a couple of weeks of submitting your application, while for others you may need to wait until later in the year. But all of them will send out offers earlier than the normal application timeline.
When do applications open?
Some programs are opening now or very soon, and closing dates can come around as quick as the end of Term 2. So make sure that you carefully check the key dates for all the programs you’re interested in to ensure you don’t miss out.
What is a conditional offer?
If you receive an offer, be proud! It means that the university definitely sees your potential and thinks you’ll be a great candidate to study with them. Usually, the offer you’ll receive will be “conditional” – basically, this means it comes with conditions. For example, your offer might be conditional on you achieving a certain ATAR or completing specific subjects.
If you fail to meet the conditions of your offer, it might expire. But you can still always apply through the normal processes, as well as see what your alternative pathway options are.
What’s the difference between guaranteed and conditional offers?
Guaranteed offers are much less common than conditional offers. As the name suggests, once you receive a guaranteed offer, your place at university is secured, no matter what.
But do note that some conditions still apply in extreme circumstances (e.g. not finishing Year 12 may void your guaranteed offer). Make sure you thoroughly check the small print before accepting any offer.
What are the advantages of applying for early entry?
If you’re still unsure about whether to apply, here are a few benefits to consider:
- Get the applications requirements out of the way now, instead of worrying about it when you’re already busy with study
- Enjoy the security of knowing you already have an offer before going into exams
- Many programs have scholarships, bursaries, and other perks affiliated with them
- It can help you concentrate better on schoolwork later in the year
- You could get a head start on getting organised for life at university
- If you’ll be moving away from home, you can get your accommodation applications in early
- You could save money, as the majority of early entry program applications are free (whereas TACs charge a fee for the application process)
- There’s no commitment – you don’t have to accept any offers and can still apply through the traditional route later in the year
How many early entry programs can I apply for?
As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for every early entry program on offer. There are no limits, and applying for one program will never make you ineligible for another.
What happens if I receive more than one early offer?
There is a chance you could receive multiple offers, and there’s nothing wrong with that – it just broadens your choices. But you can only accept one of them. So think carefully before making any final decision, and of course don’t forget to reply to your other offers with a ‘no’.
What happens if I don’t receive any early offers?
You might be disappointed if you don’t receive an offer, but that’s about as serious as it gets. You can still be able to apply for the same university and same course through the traditional application system later in the year.
On the bright side, now that you’re familiar with the application process, you’ll find it easier and quicker next time, and you’ll probably have all the documentation you need already organised.
Early entry sounds great – what’s next?
If you think you’re ready, the last thing to do is apply!
Each program and university has their own processes and systems, so navigating it all can seem like a bit of a nightmare. That’s why each we created the Early Entry Guide – it details all the different options available, eligibility criteria, important key dates and deadlines, and much more.
If you’re a current Study Work Grow member, keep an eye out for the 2024 version of the guide in your inbox soon.
Not a member? You can still purchase the guide from our shop and receive your own digital copy.
Still want more information? We also have heaps of other blogs about university and study pathways on our website here.