You may have seen or heard about the ‘Experience-based entry’ pathway recently. If you’re thinking about studying at UWA and wondering what it all actually means, then this is the place for you.
Here are some of the most asked questions about our Experience-based entry pathway to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know. You can use this as a guide and prepare your UWA application!
What is Experience-based entry?
Experience-based entry enables students to use their academic qualifications (including high school and TAFE for example) and life experiences (such as work, sport, volunteering) to apply to study at UWA, whether or not that includes an ATAR. That means we'll assess all your qualifications and life experiences using a point system, where points will be awarded for each item submitted, and the total number of points will determine your eligibility for your chosen course.
Why should I apply for Experience-based entry?
We know your ATAR isn’t the only way to measure your ability to succeed. And we believe if you’re bright, motivated, and passionate, you should have the opportunity to kick-start your career at WA’s top ranked university (QS 2025). Our Experience-based entry pathway means you can use your experiences, qualifications, achievements and extracurricular activities to be taken into consideration when you apply. You might be a keen athlete, a passionate volunteer, or perhaps you’ve got TAFE or VET qualifications – or other life and work experience.
Who can apply for Experience-based entry?
Experience-based entry is available for domestic students wanting to study an undergraduate degree. See below categories:
- Current Year 12 students who might not meet the required ATAR
- Current Year 12 student not studying ATAR
- Secondary school leavers – including ATAR students that feel your ATAR hasn’t quite reflected your capability and your passion for learning
- TAFE and VET students
- Mature age students (this means 20 years and older)
- Studying at another university.
How do I apply for Experience-based entry?
If you’re currently a Year 12 WA Secondary School Leaver (ATAR student) or a general course student, you can apply through TISC to UWA. If you are an interstate school leaver, completed TAFE, VET, mature-age (20 years or older), or studying at another university, you can apply directly to UWA.
What are some examples of supporting documents you could attach to your application?
Before you start your application you might be wondering what you need to have on hand to make the process smooth sailing. Luckily the list of documents you need to apply isn't too long! Documents which may be submitted include evidence of:
- Completed AQF awards (Level II-IV) or an incomplete AQF Diploma
- Completed ATAR, ATAR subjects and general subjects – you only need to supply this if you’ve completed your studies interstate, we have access to results completed in WA
- Completed high school or other awards completed interstate or overseas
- Work experience (an up-to-date resume is all we need!)
- Life achievements and commitments (including sport, music, etc.)
- An education reference
- Volunteer or community engagement.
What courses are available?
You can apply for one of undergraduate bachelor’s degrees listed below and choose from a wide variety of majors:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Education (Primary) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Environmental Design
- Bachelor of Media and Communication
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Or if there’s another course you’d like to study, you can get started through one of the degrees listed above before transferring to your preferred course. Students who wish to transfer will need to satisfy UWA's rules for transferring.
How do I check if I’m eligible?
Checking your eligibility is easy! Simply use our eligibility checker and select the academic and life achievements relevant to you. Based on the items you select, you’ll be able to get an indication if you’d be eligible to kick start your career journey at UWA.
We’re here to help! We have more information and additional FAQs on our Experience-based entry page. If you’re still confused and not sure what to do next, give our Future Students team a call on 131 UWA (131 892), submit a question through AskUWA, or book an appointment.