Detailed admissions information

Admission to courses is available on the basis of a wide variety of qualifications, backgrounds and experiences.

Whole-of-institution admission information set

About the University of Tasmania

Founded in 1890, the University of Tasmania has a rich and proud history. We're the fourth oldest university in Australia and this vintage earns us the prestigious title of a sandstone university; one of the nation's oldest tertiary institutions.

Admission criteria

Admission to courses is available on the basis of a wide variety of qualifications, backgrounds and experiences. Applicants may apply for admission to the University on the basis of meeting General Entry Requirements (GER).

To be considered for admission to a course an applicant must:

  • meet the University General Entry Requirements (GER); and
  • satisfy any course prerequisites and specific entry requirements.

Meeting the admission requirements does not guarantee entry to a course. If an applicant is not eligible for any of their preferred preferences the University of Tasmania will provide alternative course options or pathways where possible.

Applicants may be considered for admission based on a completed or incomplete tertiary study at Diploma level or higher taken at any Australian University, or successfully complete a bridging or enabling course from any Australian University. All applicants must meet the General Entry Requirements and any relevant course entry requirements.

Applicants with a tertiary study may be able to apply for recognition of prior studies that may count towards the requirements for the degree you are applying for at the University of Tasmania.

Specific course Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is listed online in the Course and Units Handbook.

Applicants may be considered for admission based on successful completion of an AQF accredited award at Certificate III or above. All applicants must meet the General Entry Requirements and any relevant course entry requirements.

Awards at AQF Certificate III level must be in a relevant discipline to the chosen course.

Applicants who have not successfully completed senior secondary, tertiary or TAFE/VET study, but have other relevant work experience and background are required to complete a personal competency statement and demonstrate how that experience meets the University's General Entry Requirements (GER). GER is met if the applicant can demonstrate sustained employment background or work and life experiences that demonstrate a capacity to succeed in their chosen course of study.

Finished secondary education more than two years ago

Applicants who have:

  • completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education and qualify for the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), Queensland Overall Position (OP) or the International Baccalaureate (IB), and
  • completed the senior secondary education more than two years ago, and
  • have no other higher AQF study,

will be considered on the basis of their Senior Secondary qualification.

Bridging and enabling course entry

Applicants who are not able to meet the degree-level entry requirements will be considered for an entry pathway into a pre-degree award course or preparatory program within the Pre-degree framework based upon their academic, professional and employment history.

Australian Year 12 students

Applicants who have completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education and qualify for the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), Queensland Overall Position (OP) or the International Baccalaureate (IB) have their score converted to an equivalent selection rank. A selection rank is a score between 99 (highest) and 1 (lowest) used to compare people applying for a course. This rank ensures all applicants are compared on merit.

Generally, to be considered for most courses at the University of Tasmania, Year 12 applicants need to have a selection rank and meet the course prerequisites.

ATAR-related adjustments

The University only makes adjustments to the ATAR as part of the Rural Application Process for the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine.

We otherwise encourage applicants whose ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond their control to apply for special consideration as part of their application. The University considers a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability.

Applications for special consideration are only approved where the assessor is confident that an applicant has the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen course.

Criteria that may apply in addition to ATAR

Many courses have additional entry requirements such as prerequisites, auditions, portfolios or other specific entry requirements. Prerequisites may be studies undertaken as part of your Senior Secondary studies, or by undertaking one or more foundation units or preparatory pathway programs.

To determine the course entry requirements, check the Entry Requirements section on each course page in the University's Course and Unit website.

Other admission options

Tasmanian applicants who do not qualify for an ATAR and wish to attend University may be eligible for consideration through Assessed Entry, which recognises senior secondary results (TCE and VET). Applicants are assessed on the subjects studied and given an Assessed Entry Score (AES). This score will be converted to a percentile rank based on the TE to ATAR conversion table as published on the TASC website.

Applicants who have completed a ‘non-standard’ Senior Secondary course which does not permit calculation of an ATAR or IB, e.g. those who have undertaken senior schooling at home, or at a school which does not follow the Australian curriculum, are assessed according to completed study with results converted to a selection rank.

Additional information

The University of Tasmania is working to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander access and participation in higher education. The Riawunna Centre for Aboriginal Education provides academic and cultural support to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, including information and assistance throughout the application and enrolment process.

The murina Program is a pathway course designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to gain skills to commence university studies and strengthen communication and vocation skills while providing a tailored approach to assist students in reaching their goals.

Applicants who have completed studies overseas are assessed for the level of the award in terms of the Australian Qualifications Framework and in accordance with the Australian Government Department of Education and Training Country Education Profiles guidelines. Qualifications which are equivalent to an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education qualification or higher will meet GER.

You must be able to speak, write, read and comprehend English to a certain standard to be accepted into a course offered at the University of Tasmania. You may be required to demonstrate your level of English language proficiency if:

  • English is not your first language, or
  • you haven't previously undertaken a course taught entirely in English in a country approved by the University of Tasmania

Please visit the English Language Requirements for more information.

How to apply

Information regarding the application process for applicants can be found at How to apply.

Enrolment

Information regarding preparing for study and the enrolment process for students can be found at Starting at the University.

Student and campus services

Information regarding student and campus services can be found at Our campuses.

Financial assistance

Information on financial assistance available to help with the costs of study can be found at Scholarships, fees and costs.

Student profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students at the institution. It provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and passed the census date in the most relevant recent intake period for which data are available, including those admitted through all offer rounds, across all Australian campuses, and international students studying in Australia.

Applicant background2019 Intake
Number of studentsPercentage of all students
(A) Higher education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)
289535.10%
(B) Vocational education and training (VET) study6437.79%
(C) Work and life experience
(Admitted on the basis of previous achievement other than the above)
237628.80%
(D) Recent secondary education:  
  • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
    (regardless of whether this includes the impact of adjustment factors such as equity or other adjustment factors)
157219.06%
  • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
    (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
661.43%
  • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
    (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
1181.43%
International students5797.02%
All students8249100.0%

Notes: "<5" - the number of students is less than 5.

N/A - Students not accepted in this category.

N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.

Glossary of common admission-related terms

For information about admission-related terms, please visit the University glossary. You can also contact us for advice.

Where to get further information