General Knowledge
The acronym ATAR represents this phrase used to rank students for university entry.
What is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank?
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The ATAR, or Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, is a key way to measure your performance in high school and can help you gain entry into university. It shows how you performed compared to other students across Australia, giving universities a way to decide on course offers. But it’s important to remember: ATAR isn’t the only path to uni. There are alternative routes like portfolio entry, early entry, and vocational pathways, meaning there’s more than one way to reach your goals.
This is the platform where your careers adviser posts information about university open days, applications, and school excursions.
What is Sentral?
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In Years 11 and 12, it’s all about stepping up and taking charge of your future. You start becoming more independent, which means you’re responsible for finding your own information about university, apprenticeships, traineeships, and career options. Tools like Sentral make this easier by keeping all the updates in one place — from uni open days and application deadlines to excursions and workshops. By checking Sentral regularly, you stay on top of opportunities, make informed decisions, and take control of your journey, setting yourself up for success beyond school.
This university admission pathway allows students to gain entry based on a portfolio of work, achievements, or experiences, and is often used for courses like arts, design, music, or media.
What is Portfolio Entry?
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Portfolio entry is a creative way to get into university by showcasing your skills, achievements, and experiences instead of relying solely on ATAR scores. It’s perfect for courses in arts, design, music, media, and other creative fields, where what you can do often speaks louder than numbers. By putting together a strong portfolio, you can highlight your talents, projects, and personal growth, giving universities a full picture of your potential. It’s a chance to stand out, tell your story, and open doors to courses that match your passions!
Aeroskills Engineer
No Degree
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Becoming an Aeroskills Engineer is an exciting career in aviation that doesn’t always require a university degree. Instead, you can enter the field by completing a Certificate IV or Diploma in Aeroskills (Mechanical, Avionics, or Aircraft Maintenance), which gives you the hands-on training to maintain and repair aircraft safely. With this qualification, plus attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a passion for aviation, you can work on planes and helicopters in maintenance, inspections, and repairs. It’s a high-skilled, high-responsibility role that shows you can soar in the aviation industry without a degree!
This is the name of the the Tertiary Admissions Centre in NSW
What is UAC (University Admissions Centre)?
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The UAC, or Universities Admissions Centre, is your gateway to university in Australia. It’s the place where you submit your applications, track your offers, and make sure all your hard work in high school counts towards the courses you want. UAC makes the process simple and organised, helping you navigate everything from ATAR calculations to alternative entry pathways. Whether you’re aiming for your dream degree or exploring different options, UAC is the hub that connects your goals with the opportunities to make them happen!
This type of apprenticeship or traineeship can be completed while you’re still at school and can sometimes contribute to your ATAR.
What is a SBAT (School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship)?
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A School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) lets you start building your career while you’re still at school. You get hands-on work experience, develop real skills, and even earn a wage, all while completing your senior studies. Some SBATs can even contribute towards your ATAR, giving you a head start both academically and professionally. It’s the perfect way to explore a career, gain confidence, and step into the workforce with a strong foundation — all before you finish school!
This university admission pathway requires students to demonstrate their skills in person, often through performances or auditions, and is commonly used for courses in music, dance, or drama.
What is Audition Entry?
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Audition entry is a unique pathway to university that lets your talent shine on its own. Instead of relying on ATAR scores, you demonstrate your skills through live performances or auditions, making it ideal for courses in music, dance, drama, and performing arts. This pathway gives you the chance to showcase your abilities, creativity, and dedication directly to the university, helping you stand out and secure a spot in a course that matches your passion. It’s all about letting your skills do the talking and opening doors to a future in the
Counsellor
No Degree
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Becoming a counsellor is a meaningful way to help people navigate life’s challenges, and the great news is that you don’t always need a university degree. Many entry-level counselling roles can be accessed with a Certificate IV in Counselling, which teaches essential skills like active listening, empathy, and basic therapeutic techniques. With this qualification, you can work in community organisations, youth services, or support helplines, providing real impact while gaining experience. It’s a career that proves you can make a difference in people’s lives without a degree, as long as you have the right training and a passion for helping others.
This is the Australian loan system that helps students pay for their university tuition fees and is repaid later through the tax system.
What is HECS?
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HECS, or the Higher Education Contribution Scheme, makes university more accessible by letting students study now and pay later. Instead of paying upfront, eligible students can defer their tuition fees and repay them gradually through the tax system once they’re earning above a certain income. This system removes a big financial barrier, allowing you to focus on learning and building your future without the stress of large upfront costs. HECS is all about giving you the freedom to chase your dream degree while keeping your finances manageable.
If you need guidance on university applications, course choices, or pathways, this school staff member is the go-to person for support and advice.
Who is your Careers Adviser?
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Your careers adviser is an invaluable guide when it comes to planning your future beyond school. They can help you explore different courses, understand university entry requirements, and navigate applications, ensuring you don’t miss any important opportunities. Careers advisers also have strong links with universities and training providers, giving you access to open days, workshops, and insider advice that can make all the difference. By working with them, you stay informed, make smarter choices, and take confident steps toward a career path that suits your skills and passions.
This university admission pathway allows students to secure a place before their final ATAR is released, often based on school performance, interviews, or special programs.
What is an Early Entry Scheme?
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Early Entry Schemes are a fantastic way for high school students to secure a university spot before their final ATAR is even released. These programs reward consistent effort, strong school performance, or involvement in special projects, giving students a head start on their higher education journey. They reduce stress by taking some of the uncertainty out of university applications and open doors to courses that might otherwise seem out of reach. With an Early Entry Scheme, your hard work and dedication can pay off early, letting you focus on learning, exploring, and preparing for an exciting next chapter!
Pathology Collector
No Degree
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Becoming a Pathology Collector is a great example of a rewarding healthcare career that doesn’t require a university degree. Instead, you can enter the field by completing a Certificate IV in Pathology Collection, which equips you with the practical skills to safely collect blood and other specimens from patients. With this qualification, plus strong attention to detail, communication skills, and empathy, you can start working in hospitals, clinics, or pathology labs. It’s a hands-on role that plays a vital part in patient care — proving that you can make a real difference in healthcare without a degree!
This is a break students often take after finishing high school to travel, work, or volunteer before starting university or training.
What is a Gap Year?
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A gap year is an exciting chance to take a break after high school and explore life beyond the classroom before diving into university or a career. It’s a time to gain independence, learn new skills, and discover your passions. You could travel and experience different cultures, work part-time or full-time to save money, do an internship in an industry you’re curious about, or even take short courses to explore new hobbies or career paths. A gap year can be the perfect way to grow, recharge, and step into your future with confidence and direction!
Air Traffic Controller
No Degree
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Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in Australia doesn’t require a university degree — all you need is the right qualification and dedication. The key pathway is completing the Diploma of Aviation (Air Traffic Control) – AVI50115, which prepares you for the intense and highly responsible role of managing aircraft safely in the skies. Along with this diploma, you’ll need to meet age, citizenship, medical, and security requirements, and complete rigorous training to earn your licence. This career proves that with focus, the right skills, and the right qualification, you can reach the top of the skies without a degree!
This online portal lets students access their academic records, exam results, and personal school information.
What is Students Online?
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Students Online is your personal hub for all things HSC in New South Wales. It gives you easy access to your exam results, academic records, and personalised HSC timetable, all in one secure place. Whether you’re checking your upcoming exams, tracking your progress, or making sure your information is up to date, Students Online puts the power in your hands.
Dietitian
Degree
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Becoming a dietitian in Australia is a rewarding way to help people improve their health through nutrition — but it does require a university degree. To practice, you must complete an accredited Bachelor or Master of Dietetics and then be accredited with Dietitians Australia, the professional body that ensures you meet national standards. This qualification and membership allow you to work safely in hospitals, clinics, community health, or private practice. It’s a career where your expertise makes a real difference in people’s lives — proving that for some professions, a degree isn’t just recommended, it’s essential!