General admission information
To be eligible for admission to a USC program, you are required to satisfy all entry requirements. These requirements include an age requirement, English language proficiency and, for most programs, subject prerequisites and an entry score (ATAR/selection rank).
Some programs have additional program-specific entry requirements. You can find this information on your chosen course's webpage.
Admissions criteria
Select from the below options for information on how your application will be assessed.
If you have undertaken previous recognised higher education level study (eg AQF Bachelor degree level and higher) this will be assigned a selection rank based on the level, duration and Grade Point Average (GPA) of the study.
If you have several selection ranks calculated (eg ranks based on Year 12 results, VET study, higher education study, employment), you will generally be considered on the highest rank.
You are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the program you are applying for. This will be satisfied by successful completion of Senior secondary subjects (or equivalent). Any additional entry requirements must also be satisfied.
UniSC accepts a number of other tertiary preparation, bridging and enabling and foundation programs offered by higher education providers across Australia. This will be assessed on the basis of the Grade Point Average (GPA) achieved and the duration of study.
If you have several selection ranks calculated (eg ranks based on year 12 results, VET study, higher education study, employment), you will generally be considered on the highest rank.
You are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the program you are applying for. This will be satisfied by successful completion of Senior secondary subjects (or equivalent). Any additional entry requirements must also be satisfied.
Competency-based and graded AQF Certificates III and IV (completed), AQF diplomas and sub-degree level study (based on level, duration, Grade Point Average (GPA)) will be assigned a selection rank.
If you have several selection ranks calculated (eg ranks based on Year 12 results, VET study, higher education study, employment), you will generally be considered on the highest rank.
You are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the program you are applying for. This may be satisfied by successful completion of Senior secondary subjects (or equivalent).
Subject prerequisites are not generally able to be met through Certificate-level study.
Any additional entry requirements must also be satisfied.
Domestic students with overseas qualifications should contact USC for information on how their qualifications will be assessed for entry.
Australian Year 12
Current Queensland Year 12 ATAR eligible students will be considered for an offer based on their ATAR (or other recognised qualifications undertaken while at school).
Current interstate Year 12 students will be assigned a selection rank based on their ATAR and will be considered for an offer based on this selection rank (or other recognised qualifications undertaken while at school).
International Baccalaureate
Current International Baccalaureate (IB) students will be assigned a selection rank based on the score from the completed IB Diploma. As agreed by admissions centres around Australia, the IB score is converted to a 'combined rank' before it is assigned a QTAC selection rank. Students who have successfully completed an IB Diploma may also receive credit towards a USC qualification.
NZ NCEA Level 3
Students who are completing the New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 will be assigned a QTAC selection rank based on a measure of achievement determined by New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Specified NCEA Level 3 subjects may meet subject prerequisites if a minimum of 18 credit points in relevant NCEA Level 3 subjects have been completed with an minimum grade of 2 (‘Achieved’).
Other qualifications
Other recognised qualifications completed when at school such as completed competency-based and graded AQF Certificates III and IV (completed), diplomas, higher education study, and some creative arts qualifications (in the areas of music, dance, and speech) will also be assigned a selection rank.
You are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the program you are applying for. This will be satisfied by successful completion of Senior secondary subjects (or equivalent). Any additional entry requirements must also be satisfied.
Year 12 results (ATAR/selection rank) do not expire once you have left school. Whether this result is considered for an offer to a course will depend on whether you have additional qualifications (including other recognised qualifications completed while at school or post school).
This includes formal qualifications such as Senior External Examination results, higher education study (e.g. Bachelor degree level and higher), VET study such as competency-based and graded AQF Certificates III and IV (completed), diplomas and sub-degree level study and bridging and preparation courses. Other post-secondary professional and paraprofessional qualifications (including some creative arts, language and civil aviation qualifications, and professional registrations) and defence force service will be also considered.
You may also use such as employment experience and the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) (age restrictions apply).
If you have several selection ranks calculated (eg ranks based on year 12 results, VET study, higher education study, employment), you will generally be considered on the highest rank.
You are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the course you are applying for. This will be satisfied by successful completion of Senior secondary subjects (or equivalent). Any additional entry requirements must also be satisfied.
Post-secondary professional and paraprofessional qualifications and service will be considered including:
- some creative arts, language and civil aviation qualifications
- memberships of professional associations for which qualifying exams are undertaken
- police, defence and emergency services experience
You may also use admission pathways such as employment experience and the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) (age restrictions apply). STAT results are not accepted for current Year 12 students or for applicants under the age of 18. STAT is not accepted for graduate entry programs.
If you have several selection ranks calculated (eg ranks based on Year 12 results, VET study, higher education study, employment), you will generally be considered on the highest rank.
You are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the program you are applying for. This will be satisfied by successful completion of Senior secondary subjects (or equivalent). Any additional entry requirements must also be satisfied.
Your professional qualifications may be given a selection rank to help with your application.
The most common professional qualifications we assess are:
- health care qualifications
- apprenticeships and traineeships
- police, fire, merchant marine, civil aviation, commercial pilot’s licence
- creative arts qualifications in the areas of music, dance, and speech and drama
- language qualifications
- memberships of professional associations for which qualifying exams are undertaken.
- defence and emergency services qualifications
Defence Forces
If you have completed the armed services general training and have at least two years service, you will be awarded a selection rank that can make you eligible for a range of UniSC degrees. Refer to professional qualifications for how to document your armed services.
- Completion of the armed services general training and two years’ experience awards a selection rank of 82.00.
- Armed services experience or examinations to a rank of Sergeant or equivalent awards a selection rank of 84.00.
- Experience as a Lieutenant (Army), or Sub-Lieutenant (Navy), or Flying Officer (RAAF) awards a selection rank of 85.00.
- Experience as a Captain (Army), or Lieutenant (Navy), or Flight Lieutenant (RAAF) awards a selection rank of 86.00.
- Experience as a Major (Army), or Lieutenant Commander (Navy), or Squadron Leader (RAAF) awards a selection rank of 87.00.
Experience as a Lieutenant – Colonel or higher rank awards a selection rank of 88.00.
Bridging entry
USC’s Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in undergraduate degree studies. TPP provides a pathway to a degree program. Upon successful completion of TPP you will be assessed on the basis of your Grade Point Average and the number of TPP units you have completed.
Selection rank related adjustments
UniSC encourages participation from eligible applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage and/or who have excelled in academic and sporting endeavours. Eligible domestic students applying for undergraduate programs are eligible for adjustments to be applied to their selection rank for tertiary entrance to most UniSC programs. All adjustments are applied at QTAC. Applicants may be awarded a maximum adjustment of ten (10) ranks across all USC adjustment schemes.
Refer to Access USC for more information.
Other admission pathway options
Headstart is a transition program that allows Year 11 and 12 students to study UniSC undergraduate courses on the university campus while still completing high school. Students who successfully complete two (2) Headstart courses will be awarded a selection rank based on their Grade Point Average.
Students are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the program they are applying for. This may be satisfied by successfully completing Senior secondary subjects (or equivalent). Any additional entry requirements must also be satisfied.
Students may receive credit for Headstart study towards a USC qualification. The amount of credit is determined on a case by case basis.
The Early Offer Guarantee enables Year 12 students to be offered an early place at USC prior to the release of Year 12 results. Offers are made to students in November based on the recommendation of their School Principal. Offers into programs with subject prerequisites are conditional on the student successfully meeting the required prerequisites.
Applicants who identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person may be admitted to a program based on their potential to succeed through the Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme. This scheme is for people who may not have received a selection rank, who received a selection rank that does not meet the entry requirement for their chosen program, or who might not have completed Year 12. Applicants are considered on past experience in relation to study and employment, as well as potential to successfully complete university studies. Community involvement, past achievements or awards and current employment information are also considerations. Applicants who are eligible to apply through IDEAS will be provided with either direct entry to a suitable program, or a place in the Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP).
Applicants are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the program they are applying for. This may be satisfied by successfully completing Senior secondary subjects (or equivalent).
Additional criteria
In addition to the ATAR/selection rank, the following applies:
Undergraduate Education programs require completion of a satisfactory personal statement.
Undergraduate Nursing programs require completion of an Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) declaration.
Additional information
Inherent Academic Requirements (IAR) are the fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program. To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements. When applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them. If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact USC AccessAbility Services to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place that may enable you to meet the requirements. Visit Inherent Academic Requirements for more information.
UniSC requires students to demonstrate that they can speak, write, read and comprehend English to a specified standard. Visit English language requirements for information, including ways to demonstrate English language proficiency.
How to apply
Domestic students applying for undergraduate study apply through QTAC.
International students studying Year 12 in Australia apply through QTAC.
All other international students visit How to apply for international students.
Applicants for the Master of Teaching (Primary) and Master of Teaching (Secondary) apply through QTAC. All other postgraduate applicants visit Postgraduate applications.
Enrolment
UniSC makes year-round offers for most programs. Offers for Session 8 and Semester 1 generally commence in August/September. Offers for Semester 2 generally commence in April/May.
QTAC applicants are notified of their UniSC offer by email and must respond to their offer online by the due date. Applicants accepting their offer can find enrolment information via a link in their QTAC application.
For intakes commencing 2023 onwards, UniSC will permit successful applicants to defer the commencement of their program for up to one year in most undergraduate programs, most postgraduate programs, and the Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP).
Note: Existing deferral rules apply for remaining intakes in 2022, i.e. two years for most undergraduate programs and Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP); and deferment not permitted for postgraduate programs.
Applicants offered a place in the Bachelor of Medical Science can apply for a one-year deferment.
For more information visit How to defer.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is an assessment process that involves assessment of an individual’s relevant prior learning (including formal, informal and non-formal learning) to determine the credit outcomes of an individual application for credit. For more information visit Credit for prior learning.
For information on fees and charges visit What will I pay?
Where to get more information
Admissions terms and definitions
