Pathways to University with Sydney Art School
If your HSC ATAR results didn’t meet university entry requirements, pursuing a visual arts course at Sydney Art School could be your alternative pathway to university.
Many Australian universities accept completed Certificate IV, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) for entry to undergraduate programs.
This gives students with a lower ATAR or even no ATAR an entry pathway to a university degree.
University Entry with Certificate or Diploma Qualifications
Sydney Art School graduates have successfully leveraged their qualifications to secure places in bachelor’s degree courses at various Australian universities. Entry criteria differ between institutions; here are some examples:
National Art School
Applicants with a Certificate IV in Fine Art or a Diploma in any area of education are eligible to apply and will be assessed through the competitive interview process.
Applicants with a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Fine Art may apply for advanced standing into the second year of the course. Places for advanced standing are limited and will be assessed through the competitive interview process.
https://www.uac.edu.au/institutions/national-art-school/admission-criteria-and-entry-schemes
University of Sydney
Applicants with a completed Diploma in Australia and an average pass result (or overall result of Competent) can apply to courses with an ATAR up to 75. Those with an Advanced Diploma can apply to courses with an ATAR up to 76.
Applicants who have completed an Advanced Diploma in Australia with a pass average result (or overall result of Competent) can apply to courses with an ATAR up to 76.
https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/undergraduate/recognised-qualifications.html
https://futurestudents.nas.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Admissions-Guide-and-Transparency-Statement-2024-Intake.pdf
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Certificate IV: Prospective students who have completed a Certificate IV may apply for entry to UNSW.
Generally, AQF accredited Certificate IV qualifications will require a Credit average to be competitive for admission to programs with the lowest selection rank of 80. Competency-based AQF accredited Certificate IV may be considered for admission via Portfolio Entry.
Diplomas: Prospective students who have completed a Diploma from a recognised institution may apply for entry to UNSW.
Generally, AQF accredited Diploma qualifications will require a Distinction average to be competitive for admission to programs with a lowest selection rank above 90. Competency-based qualifications may be considered for admission to programs with the lowest selection rank of 80.
Advanced Diplomas: Prospective students who have completed an Advanced Diploma from a recognised institution may apply for entry to UNSW.
Generally, AQF accredited Advanced Diploma qualifications will require a Distinction average to be competitive for admission to programs with a lowest selection rank above 90. Competency based qualifications may be considered for admission to programs with a lowest selection rank of 80.
University Credits (Advanced Standing) for Diploma & Advanced Diploma Courses
Beyond admission, many universities offer course credits or “Advanced Standing” based on your prior qualifications. These credit arrangements are typically negotiated individually.
The AQF provides general guidelines for such negotiations:
- 50% credit for an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree linked to a 3-year Bachelor Degree
- 37.5% credit for an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree linked to a 4-year Bachelor Degree
- 33% credit for a Diploma linked to a 3-year Bachelor Degree
- 25% credit for a Diploma linked to a 4-year Bachelor Degree
For detailed information, refer to the AQF Qualifications Pathway Policy.
To help assess the potential value of possible Advanced Standing course credits here is an example of fees charged by universities that offer courses based on the visual arts.
| University | Qualification | Annual Course Fees – Domestic Students (2025) |
Annual Course Fees – International Students (2025) | Link to More Information |
| National Art School | Bachelor of Fine Arts | $16,426 | $42,891 | futurestudents.nas.edu.au/fees/ |
| University of Sydney | Bachelor of Fine Arts | $11,554 | $46,900 | sydney.edu.au/courses/courses/uc/bachelor-of-visual-arts.html |
| University of NSW | Bachelor of Fine Arts | $9,500 | $46,500 | unsw.edu.au/study/undergraduate/bachelor-of-fine-arts1 |
*Note: Most universities will have additional fees such as Student Services Administration Fees. See also these articles
https://honisoit.com/2023/08/the-cost-of-creativity-sydney-college-of-the-arts/
https://www.education.gov.au/higher-education-loan-program/approved-hep-information/student-services-and-amenities-fee-ssaf-and-sa-help
Next Steps
To explore these pathways further, consider the following steps:
- Consult with Sydney Art School Advisors: Seek guidance on how to best leverage your qualifications for university entry.
- Research Specific University Requirements: Visit the admissions pages of universities you’re interested in to understand their specific criteria for applicants with AQF qualifications.
- Contact University Admissions Offices: Reach out directly to discuss your qualifications and potential credit arrangements.
Embarking on a visual arts course at Sydney Art School can open doors to university education, providing both the skills and qualifications needed to advance your academic and artistic journey.
Explore Sydney Art School Certificate & Diploma of Visual Arts courses options here … https://sydneyartschool.com.au/course-category/certificate-and-diploma-courses/
Certificate and Diploma Courses in Visual Arts
Certificate & Diploma of Visual Arts Courses
Pathways to University
Information for International Art Students
HSC Art Courses & University
Pathways
