Feeling lost in a sea of faces at another university? Transfer your course to ACU, a university where we see the whole person. If you have university study experience, you can use the higher education pathway to apply to study with us. 

For a fresh start with minimal do-overs, we’ll also help you get as much of your previous studies credited to your new degree as possible.

Is the higher education pathway for me?

Our higher education pathway makes applying to study with us from another university easy and stress-free.

If you have completed a minimum of two units at another recognised higher education provider, these studies can be used as part of your application to study with us.

Who can use this pathway

You can use this pathway if you are enrolled at another university or higher education provider and you want to transfer to ACU. 

You can also use this pathway if you have completed a bridging course or a tertiary preparation program (TPP).

If you have completed or partially completed vocational education and training (VET) or TAFE studies, you should visit our VET pathway page.

Find out more about our vocational education and training pathways

Not all of our pathway options are available to our international students, but we’re working on it. 

If you’re based internationally, you can see what pathways are available to you by visiting our international pathways page.

Find out more about international pathways 

We offer a range of pathways for our future students who identify as Indigenous Australians.

Check out these pathways by visiting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pathway page.

Find out more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pathways

How to apply with the higher education pathway

Get your application underway using our step-by-step guide below, and switch to ACU today. It’s a simple process and takes just five steps.

1. Check your eligibility

To be eligible for the higher education pathway, you need to have completed a minimum of two units of AQF-recognised higher education-level study – such as bachelor level or higher.

You will then be assigned a selection rank based on this previous study level, duration and grade point average (GPA).

Your selection rank is applied during the admission process. You don’t need to fill out any additional forms with us – you simply need to apply via a tertiary admissions centre (TAC) or directly with ACU.

2. Understand your selection rank

If you have several selection ranks, such as Year 12, completed VET, partial higher education study or work experience, we will generally consider your highest rank for entry to ACU. 

Some course exceptions may apply.

If you’re applying for the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Physiotherapy or Bachelor of Speech Pathology, your selection rank will be taken from your higher education study. This study must have been at bachelor level or above for the duration of one completed year.

3. Apply for credit and prior learning

If your previous studies or experience are relevant to the ACU course you’re applying to study, you should apply for recognition of prior learning. 

You can apply for recognition of prior learning once you’ve received an offer to study with us. 

Find out more about applying for credit and prior learning

4. Include completed bridging or TPP courses 

We accept completed bridging courses and tertiary preparation programs as part of the higher education study pathway.

To use this pathway, apply to ACU through your relevant tertiary admissions centre and provide evidence of your bridging qualifications. 

5. Apply 

If you’re to get started with your application, visit the course page of your chosen course.

On this page, you’ll find details on how to apply, including application dates, specific entry requirements and whether you can apply direct to ACU or via your local tertiary admissions centre.

Find your course and learn how to apply

 


Need help? Contact us

Talk to us at AskACU or student support if you need any help with the higher education study pathway. We’re happy to point you in the right direction.

Email AskACU

Search our FAQ knowledge database

Call us on 1300 275 228.

International students

Contact the friendly team at International student support

Search for the right course for you

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Make sure you’re aware of our undergraduate entry requirements, including where to view specific requirements for your preferred course. 

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More entry programs

Didn’t find the right pathway for you? No problem. Return to our list of pathways to see if any others can help you study with us.

Back to pathways

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