How to get into uni without an ATAR – SPOILER: You already have what it takes!

23 May 2025 · 4 min read

Looking to change career? Wondering if it’s too late to return to study? Maybe you’ve been daydreaming about a new career, chasing a bigger pay cheque or finally doing something just for you. Perhaps life has shifted – the kids are older, your job’s no longer fulfilling or that side passion won’t stay on the sidelines.

But here’s the real question:

Do I really have what it takes to start again?

At Federation University, our answer is simple:

Yes, you do!

We get it – going to uni without an ATAR can feel like standing at the base of a mountain with no map. This blog is that map. We'll walk you through:

What is a mature-age student?
What is an ATAR (and why it might not matter for you)?
What university pathways are available?
Will your past work or study experience count?
What support and scholarships are out there?
And – most importantly – how to find the university pathway that fits your life.

We believe you've already got what it takes to go to uni, and we're ready to help get you there. Whatever your background, Federation has a university pathway for you – no ATAR needed.

What is a mature-age student?

If you're 21 or over and looking to start university, congratulations – you're officially a mature-age student (though you might not feel like one, unless someone asks for ID). What matters most isn’t your age, but your experience – and how we can help you turn that into something new. Whether you're looking to change career, upskill or follow a passion, we can help get you where you want to go.

What is an ATAR – and why don’t you need one?

No ATAR? No problems!

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is used for school leavers to get into uni. But for mature-age students, it’s not a roadblock. If you’ve been out of study for a while, your ATAR (or lack of one) isn’t what gets you in.

Federation offers several pathways designed just for people like you – people with life experience, work experience and a lot of potential.

In Australia, you’re considered a mature-age student if you’re starting your degree at an older age than the average high school leaver. That means, you’re a mature-age student if you’re over 21.

3 pathways to university if you don’t have an ATAR

1) Federation Access Studies (FAST) – Build your confidence, not just your skills

If it’s been a while since you studied – or you didn’t finish Year 12 – FAST is for you. FAST acts as a bridging course to university. It’s one semester long, and it gives you the skills, support and confidence to step into a degree knowing you belong there.

You might be thinking:

“I’m not academic”
“I haven’t studied in years”
“I don’t know how to write essays or do research”

That’s where FAST comes in. You'll learn how to study, how to manage your time and how to make uni work around your life. You’ll also meet other people in the same boat – returning to study, figuring it out together.

And the best part? When you finish FAST, you’re guaranteed entry into a Federation University degree.

What FAST offers:

Academic writing, research and study skills
Optional maths stream for future engineers
No tuition fees for eligible domestic students
Study online or on-campus (Ballarat, Berwick, Gippsland)

Worried about cost? FAST is fee-free for many students. That’s one less hurdle.

Juggling work or family? With flexible delivery, you don’t have to choose between study and life.

Learn more about FAST.

My journey started with FAST. The staff knew my name, supported me through family and work life, and helped me unlock my potential."

— Jacinta, Bachelor of Psychological Science

2. TAFE to university — a smart first step

Not sure if your academic background stacks up for uni? You’re not alone. Starting with TAFE can be a smart, practical pathway — especially if you're returning to study, changing careers or building on real-world experience.

At Federation, we make it easy to move from TAFE to university. You’ll gain hands-on skills, build confidence and often receive credit toward a degree — saving you time and money.

Whether you study with Federation TAFE or come from another provider, we’ll support you every step of the way.

TAFE is more than a stepping stone — it’s a launchpad.

Learn how TAFE can lead to uni at Federation.

3. Higher education diplomas – Your express lane to a degree

Still figuring out exactly what to study? Our diplomas let you test the waters while earning a standalone qualification.

You can choose from:

These diplomas mirror the first year of a bachelor’s degree. When you finish, you can step straight into second year – confident and already ahead.

Perfect if you’re:

Looking for smaller classes and extra support
Wanting a flexible entry point
Still deciding where your path leads

What if I’ve already studied or worked before?

Good news – at Federation, we value every bit of your journey.

If you’ve done:

Previous uni or TAFE study
A certificate or diploma
Volunteering or professional work

...then we’ll consider it. Through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), your past experience might count toward your degree – saving you time and money.

Worried about cost? We’ve got scholarships.

Let’s be honest – starting something new can come with financial pressure. That’s why we offer scholarships and grants specifically for students like you. It’s not just about rewarding achievement – it’s about removing barriers.

Check out available scholarships.

Whatever your study or work background, we're keen to talk to you about your options and help you find a pathway that's right for you.

You’re more ready than you think

There’s no ‘right way’ to return to study or to change career. There’s just your way – and we’re here to help you find it.

Your experience is valid. Your goals are achievable. And you’ve already taken the most important first step: thinking about it.

Let’s talk about what comes next.

Talk to us about your pathway.