Policies and procedures
Please note: this policy is currently under review
POLICY NO: A-18.10
DATE OF APPROVAL: 27 August 2004
AMENDMENTS: Academic Board
- 28 October 2005
Director: Student and Academic Services - September 2004
Registrar - November 2000
Registrar - November 1999
Registrar - August 1998
Registrar - November 1997
Registrar - October 1996
Registrar - April 1996
Registrar - March 1995
Registrar - 22 April, 1994
REFERENCE AUTHORITY: Director: Student and Academic Services
CROSS-REFERENCES:
University Policies:
Recognition of Prior Learning for Credit, Exemption and
Studies-in-lieu
Enrolment Policy
Students with Disabilities
Honours Programs
Postgraduate Coursework Degrees with a significant research component
Other Guidelines:
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) National Principles and
Operational Guidelines for Recognition of Prior Learning
Selection and entry to programs at the University of South Australia is based on the principles of:
1.1. Academic merit;
1.2. Access and equity; and
1.3. Recognition of prior learning.
In order to ensure that entry to the programs of the University is based on the principle of academic merit, the University sets a number of entry requirements, which applicants must meet in order to qualify for entry.
2.1 To be considered for entry to a program of the University, applicants must have demonstrated aptitude for the particular form of study that they wish to undertake. Such aptitude will usually be demonstrated by completion of one of a range of qualifying programs, or through another form of aptitude testing.
2.2 Requirements for entry to programs are established individually, for each program, through the program approval process.
The University further sets a number of selection processes to ensure that, where there are more qualified applicants for entry to a program than there are positions available, selection occurs according to the principles outlined in clause 1 above.
In general, applicants are selected on the basis of academic merit, and entry is therefore competitive. However, selection processes also take into consideration the effect of different forms of educational advantage and disadvantage on the ability of an applicant to demonstrate academic merit against traditional standards.
3.1 Academic Merit
Academic merit is usually determined by an applicant's prior achievement in the qualifying program they have undertaken, or by their achievement in an aptitude test.
3.1.1. Judgements of comparative academic merit between applicants for admission are made only where differences in applicants' achievements can be comparably measured against a standard.
3.1.2. Applicants for admission with a particular form of qualification are therefore only compared with applicants with a similar, comparable, or equivalent form of qualification, for the purposes of selection.
3.2 Access and Equity
The University has a particular commitment and responsibility to encourage and support students who are members of groups that have not traditionally participated in higher education. The University's Act of Establishment specifically states that two of the University's functions are "to provide such tertiary education programmes as the University thinks appropriate to meet the needs of the Indigenous people", and "to provide such tertiary education programmes as the University thinks appropriate to meet the needs of groups within the community that the University considers have suffered disadvantages in education".
3.2.1. In order to ensure access to and participation in tertiary education by students from disadvantaged groups, the University from time to time will establish special programs to target and promote the entry of students from certain groups that are recognised by the University as disadvantaged in relation to access to University programs.
3.2.2. Such programs may operate in a variety of ways. These may include (but are not limited to):
a) Endeavouring to compensate for the negative affect of educational disadvantage on a particular group's ability to demonstrate academic merit by increasing the selection scores of students from that group by a defined margin, to make them better able to compete within a standard entry category;
b) Providing or recognising alternative forms of qualification for entry which are targeted at improving access to disadvantaged groups; and
c) Providing special variations to selection and entry criteria to meet the need of individuals from disadvantaged groups.
3.3. Recognition of Prior Learning
The University is committed to recognising all relevant forms of prior learning. The University therefore establishes, from time to time, a range of measures to provide recognition to forms of prior learning which are often not effectively recognised by traditional university entry qualifying programs. These may include (but are not limited to):
3.3.1. Accepting the broadest appropriate range of qualifying programs as a basis for entry to the University;
3.3.2. Offering special forms of aptitude testing to determine the aptitude for particular programs, or for general university studies, of applicants who have not completed a traditional university entry qualifying program;
3.3.3. Where appropriate, considering forms of prior learning such as life experience, personal competencies, and employment experience, in determining the aptitude for particular programs, or for general university studies, of applicants who have not completed a traditional university entry qualifying program, or who for reasons of disadvantage might not otherwise be competitive applicants.
Methods used to assess and recognise relevant forms of prior learning should be in accordance with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) National Principles and Operational Guidelines for Recognition of Prior Learning.
The University reserves the right to rescind an offer of admission, where the offer was made in error, or was based on incomplete or incorrect information.
1.1. Each year, the University is allocated by the Commonwealth a specific number of Commonwealth supported places to fill. This quota is divided by the Commonwealth into a specified distribution of places between the 12 funding clusters detailed in the Higher Education Support Act 2003.
1.2. Through the University's load planning process, this overall quota will be allocated between divisions and between programs, in such a manner as to allow the University to accurately meet its enrolment quota in each of the 12 funding clusters.
1.3. Within the quotas as they are allocated between Divisions and between programs, the University will, for the purposes of ranking prospective students for selection, establish a series of standard sub-quotas. These will exist to ensure that applicants for entry with a particular form of qualification are only compared with, and compete with, other applicants with similar, comparable, or equivalent form of qualification (in line with policy clause 3.1.2 above).
1.3.1. Considerations in regard to access and equity, and recognition of prior learning, should inform the establishment of standard sub-quotas. This will usually be through the recognition of a range of entry qualifications other than Year 12 qualifications or higher education qualifications, such as bridging or articulation program qualifications, or special admissions testing.
1.3.2. Some standard sub-quotas may not apply to all programs. In some programs, for example, it may not be appropriate to admit applicants on the basis of special admissions testing. Where standard sub-quotas are not to apply to a particular program, this will be determined as part of the program approval process, and detailed in the program description.
1.3.3. A small number of programs may also require the establishment of program-specific sub-quotas. This may particularly be the case where programs are required to guarantee positions to applicants with particular, tailored, bridging qualifications, or where certain groups of students are considered a priority to fill a given number of places in a particular program. Where specific sub-quotas apply to a particular program, this will be determined as part of the program approval process, and detailed in the program description.
1.3.4. Standard sub-quotas will be detailed in an Attachment to this policy, which will be maintained and modified as required by the Director: Student and Academic Services.
1.4. The number of offers to applicants made by each Division within each sub-quota will be determined as part of the annual selection cycle administered through the South Australian Tertiary Admission Centre (SATAC). The selection process encompasses a number of rounds of offer, and the decision on how many offers a Division will make within each sub-quota, for each round, will be made by the Division Manager. Decision making will be driven by a number of factors, including:
1.4.1. The size and quality of the applicant pool, both overall, and within each sub-quota;
1.4.2. Any arrangements which guarantee entry for certain groups (for example bridging applicants who have been guaranteed entry);
1.4.3. The emphasis placed on a particular qualification by a particular program.
1.5. The University will set targets for particular equity groups as part of its planning process, and may create programs or mechanisms to increase the number of students that are members of those groups that are admitted, or to otherwise redress the negative affects of educational disadvantage on those groups.
1.5.1. Where the University has created mechanisms to improve prospects of entry for students from particular equity groups that function by increasing the selection scores of students from that group by a defined margin, to make them better able to compete within a standard entry category, that score transformation will be coded into the SATAC admissions system, and administered automatically as part of the SATAC offer process.
1.5.2. Such rules-based, standard variations will be specified in an Attachment to this policy, which will be maintained and modified as required by the Director: Student and Academic Services.
1.5.3. Where the University's treatment of particular equity groups requires specific variations to be made on the basis of individual applications, the nature of these variations will be specified in an Attachment to this policy, which will be maintained and modified as required by the Director: Student and Academic Services. The attachment will detail the nature of the equity group to which the variation is available, and either detail or provide reference to guidelines for administering the variation.
1.6. Minimum Entry Requirements for honours degrees and degrees with honours will be as specified in the University's policy concerning Honours Programs.
2.1. Specific Entry requirements for coursework postgraduate programs are set at the time of individual program approval.
2.2. Where there are more qualified applicants for a coursework postgraduate coursework program than there are positions available, selection will occur on the basis of academic merit. Divisions will determine appropriate methods for assessing applicants' comparative academic merit.
2.3. The principles of Recognition of Prior Learning will be applied where appropriate in assessing entry requirements for postgraduate coursework degree programs. Divisions will make available written statements detailing the experience they consider to be relevant for admission and how that experience is equivalent to formal study for the purpose of entry to the program.
2.4. Minimum Entry Requirements for Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma programs are as follows:
2.4.1. A Bachelors degree in a related discipline approved by the relevant Division.
OR
2.4.2. Post-secondary study or equivalent approved by the relevant Division
AND/OR
2.4.3. Work experience in a related discipline, approved by the relevant Division
2.5 The minimum entry requirement for a coursework professional doctorate is an Honours degree or Bachelors degree with honours of at least 2A standard or an appropriate Masters Degree or other qualifications acceptable to the relevant Division as approved through the program approval process. This may include evidence of preparation to undertake advanced study through previous study or professional experience.
2.6 The minimum entry requirement for a coursework masters degree is a 3-year Bachelors degree in a related discipline (or equivalent approved by the Head of School including a graduate diploma), or other qualifications acceptable to the relevant Division as approved through the program approval process. This may include evidence of preparation to undertake advanced study through previous study or professional experience.
2.6.1. Where a coursework masters degree consists of less than 54 units, the requirement for entry is normally a completed honours degree or degree with honours, or equivalent.
2.7 An applicant for admission to coursework professional doctorates or coursework masters degrees must satisfy the relevant Division Board of suitability to undertake such a program. In considering the suitability of students for admission, Divisions should take the following factors into consideration:
(a) qualifications and experience of the applicant, including English language standards as determined by Academic Board; and
(b) the availability of adequate practice and research supervision and physical and financial resources.
3.1. Academic Merit
Entry for international student applicants is based on an applicant's demonstration of academic merit through meeting essential requirements.
International Students are admitted to the University on a tuition fee-paying basis.
3.2. English Language Proficiency
3.2.1. All international applicants for entry to programs must demonstrate a minimum standard of proficiency in the English language. This can either be through demonstrated proficiency through life experience (such as the completion of prior schooling or education in English, or in a country where English is widely used), or through the achievement of certain minimum results in a recognised English language proficiency test.
3.2.2. UniSA International will set appropriate minimum standards of prior education that must be met by applicants seeking to demonstrate proficiency in the English language through life experience. Where these are not met, an applicant must demonstrate proficiency through a test-based assessment of English language proficiency.
3.2.3. UniSA International will determine what English language proficiency tests are recognised, and set general, university-wide minimum requirements for eligibility.
3.2.4. Divisions will set specific English language proficiency test score requirements for a particular program. Minimum English language proficiency test score requirements will usually be expressed as an IELTS score. UniSA International will determine how scores in other English language proficiency tests are converted for equivalency.
3.2.5. Requirements for English language proficiency for study in a particular field may be higher for postgraduate students than for undergraduate students.
3.2.6. Where the program uses a language other than English as the medium of instruction, English language proficiency requirements may not apply.
3.3. Special measures
From time to time, the University may offer programs to target particular groups that would usually only be admitted as fee-paying international students.
3.3.1. Such measures will usually only be targeted at groups that, although ineligible for entry to a commonwealth-funded place on the grounds of residence or nationality, nonetheless constitute an important part of the local community - for example refugees who have been granted temporary asylum in Australia through the issuing of a Temporary Protection Visa.
3.3.2. Such measures will usually take the form of scholarships provided for members of the particular target group.
3.3.3. Where such scholarships are offered to overseas students, it is a requirement of Commonwealth guidelines issued by the Minister under legislative authority that the University must meet the full-fee cost that would otherwise be charged to such students. Such costs must be above the relevant mandated minimum fees for overseas students, and be designed to recover all economic costs associated with a student's enrolment including teaching, administration and capital facilities. It is a condition of universities' funding that this cost must not be met through Commonwealth funds provided for general operating purposes.
3.4. Recognition of Prior Learning
Admission for international students will take recognition of prior learning into account through the granting of credit, status, or exemption as appropriate, in line with the University's policy on Recognition of Prior Learning for Credit, Exemption and Studies-in-lieu.
3.5. Requirements for International Entry to Undergraduate Programs
3.5.1. To be eligible for entry, applicants must have completed an Australian Year 12, or overseas equivalent program, or completed a recognised Foundation Studies program.
3.5.2. To be eligible for entry, applicants must meet minimum standards for English Language Proficiency, as set out in clause 3.2 above.
3.5.3. UniSA International will determine what overseas Year 12 Equivalent qualifications are recognised, and set general, university-wide minimum requirements for eligibility.
3.5.4. Divisions will set the specific entry requirements of a particular program, including minimum Year 12 Equivalent score requirements. These will be reviewed by Divisions on an annual basis, in conjunction with UniSA International.
3.5.5. Where prerequisite subjects of study are set for a particular program, including required achievement in a particular Year 12 Equivalent subject, these prerequisites will be equivalent to those required from domestic undergraduate students seeking entry to that program.
3.5.6. In some instances, divisions may require applicants to be individually assessed for suitability to entry to a particular program.
3.6. Requirements for International Entry to Postgraduate Programs
3.6.1. Specific Entry requirements for coursework postgraduate programs are set at the time of individual program approval. Entry requirements will be the same for domestic and international students.
3.6.2. To be eligible for entry, applicants must also meet minimum standards for English Language Proficiency, as set out in clause 3.2 above.
3.7. Assessment of Transcripts
3.7.1. Where applicants are required to demonstrate prior academic achievement in order to determine eligibility for entry to a program, this should be through presentation of a certified transcript of academic record from the educational institution previously attended.
3.7.2. Where academic transcripts are presented in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a translation. A statement verifying that the translation given is an accurate translation of the transcript must also be included. Such a statement must be notarised by an appropriate authority. An appropriate authority for these purposes includes:
3.7.2.1. Any person authorised to notarise a statutory declaration in Australia; or
3.7.2.2. Any person in an overseas jurisdiction, who has been granted the equivalent authority to notarise a declaration.
The Standard Sub-quotas used by the University to compare applicants with like qualifications for the purposes of selection to entry to Commonwealth supported undergraduate places at the University are as follows:
Applicants may only compete for entry in a sub-quota if they meet the eligibility criteria for that sub-quota, as described below. Applicants may compete for entry in more than one sub-quota if they are eligible, under the terms described below, to do so.
The vast majority of undergraduate programs of the University have these sub-quotas. Some specific programs may not include a particular sub-quota, for reasons of pre-requisites. Other programs may have program-specific sub-quotas. This may particularly be the case where programs are required to guarantee positions to applicants with particular, tailored, bridging qualifications, or where certain groups of students are considered a priority to fill a given number of places in a particular program.
Where standard sub-quotas do not apply to a particular program, or where specific sub-quotas apply to a particular program, this will be determined as part of the program approval process, and detailed in the program description.
1.1. General Description of Sub-quota:
This sub-quota includes all year 12 qualifications and overseas equivalences. Applicants are ranked for selection on the basis of a Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER).
1.2. Qualification Requirements to Compete for Entry within Sub-quota:
In order to be qualified to compete for entry to the University within the Year 12 sub-quota, applicants must have:
1.2.1. Qualified for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
1.2.2. Recorded achievement in 5 SACE subjects at stage 2 level
1.2.3. Included at least 4 approved Higher Education Selection Subjects
1.2.4. Obtained an achievement score of 10 or better in prerequisite subjects
OR
1.2.5. Qualified for the International Baccalaureate (IB)
1.2.6. Obtained a minimum IB score of 24 points
1.2.7. Fulfilled any prerequisite requirements
OR
1.2.8. Completed the equivalent interstate or overseas secondary education qualifications as required for entry under SACE
1.2.9. Fulfilled any prerequisite requirements
Restrictions are placed on the amount of study at higher education level that applicants can have undertaken, if they are to remain eligible to compete for entry to the University within the Year 12 sub-quota. Applicants who have studied for more than two years at higher education level, or who have studied in a related field at higher education level for more than one year, are not eligible to compete for entry within the Year 12 sub-quota.
1.3. Selection Mechanism:
Selection is competitive, based on academic merit as measured by a Tertiary Entrance Rank. For applicants with a South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), the TER is calculated from their final SACE results. Scores achieved in overseas and interstate year 12 qualifications are converted to an equivalent TER.
1.4. Variations to Selection Scores:
1.4.1. Mathematics Bonus Scheme:
a) Bonus points are allocated to applicants who have undertaken a range of mathematical studies in the course of their year 12 qualification, under the University's Mathematics Bonus Point Scheme:
i. Applicants who have qualified for the SACE who have achieved a minimum subject achievement score of 10 out of 20 in each of Mathematical Studies, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics will receive 2 bonus points for each subject completed up to a maximum of 4 bonus points
ii. Applicants who have completed an interstate year 12 qualification will also be eligible for bonus points if they have completed equivalent mathematics subjects at the equivalent level.
iii. International Baccalaureate applicants who have achieved a minimum score of 4 in Mathematics HL will receive 4 bonus points. Applicants who have achieved a minimum score of 5 in Mathematical Methods SL will receive 2 bonus points.
b) To be eligible for mathematics bonus points, students must have obtained a TER in 2003 or later. Students who studied mathematics subjects prior to 2003 are still eligible for bonus points if they obtained a TER in 2003 or later. Students who obtained a TER prior to 2003, however, are not eligible to receive bonus points.
c) Points awarded under the mathematics Bonus Point Scheme will be applied to the university aggregate and will automatically be applied as part of SATAC's normal application processing. The TER will then be adjusted accordingly. Revised scores will only be used by SATAC in selection for eligible University of South Australia programs, and will not appear on external documentation (such as a SACE certificate).
1.4.2. USANET Special Access Scheme:
a) The USANET Special Access Scheme endeavours to compensate for the negative effect of educational disadvantage on students from low socio-economic backgrounds and from rural and/or isolated schools. It does this by increasing the scores of students from these backgrounds by a defined margin of bonus points.
b) The categories of school disadvantage used in the scheme are based on state and commonwealth government measures of school disadvantage.
c) Year 12 Students from low socio-economic backgrounds will receive bonus points as follows:
i. Students from nominated severely disadvantaged Schools will automatically receive 7 bonus points
ii. Students from nominated disadvantaged schools, who meet personal disadvantage criteria may receive up 5 bonus points, allocated on assessment of their application.
iii. Students not from disadvantaged schools, who meet personal disadvantage criteria may receive up to 3 bonus points, allocated on assessment of their application.
d) Year 12 Students from Rural and Isolated Schools will automatically receive 7 bonus points.
e) Bonus points are added to the university aggregate and then automatically applied as part of SATAC's normal application processing. The TER will then be adjusted accordingly. Revised scores will only be used by SATAC in selection for eligible University of South Australia programs, and will not appear on external documentation (such as a SACE certificate).
1.5. Variations For Individual Applicants:
1.5.1. Under the Equity Admission Scheme, disadvantaged students who do not have a competitive TER, but have been assessed by a high school teacher in accordance with the scheme guidelines, may be considered on an individual basis for entry.
1.5.2. Under the Portfolio Entry Scheme, for nominated programs, students may compete through the presentation of a portfolio based on their Year 12 studies and other experience. The portfolio will be assessed by the University.
1.5.3. Under the Whyalla Campus Select scheme, Year 12 students from disadvantaged groups who wish to study at Whyalla campus, and who meet the prerequisites for the relevant program, but do not have a competitive TER may make an application for variation to standard entry under the Whyalla Campus Select program. Such entry applications are considered on the basis of an individual application accompanied by supporting statement from the School Principal, and assessed by the Director for Regional Engagement/Dean: Whyalla.
1.5.4. Special individual variations may be made to selection and entry criteria for eligible Indigenous applicants, and for eligible applicants with a disability, within the Year 12 sub-quota. These will be assessed on an individual basis, and only occur in line with the individual equity variations set out in clause 6.
2.1. General Description of Sub-quota:
This sub-quota includes all students who have partly or fully completed tertiary programs from recognised universities, whether within the state, interstate or overseas, as well as recognised private provider articulation programs. Students are ranked for selection on the basis of a Grade Point Average. Priority will be given to applicants transferring from university members of the Australian Technology Network (ATN) where that transfer is within the same discipline.
2.2. Qualification Requirements to Compete for Entry within Sub-quota:
In order to be qualified to compete for entry to the University within the Higher Education sub-quota, applicants must have:
2.2.1. Undertaken higher education level study, to the enrolment unit value of one semester of full-time study or more, at an Australian higher education institution. This means study at a University or equivalent (ie college of advanced education, institute of technology or institute of higher education). Study may occur as part a university program leading to an award, or may be undertaken on a non-award basis. Higher education level studies at equivalent overseas institutions may also be recognised (as determined by SATAC).
OR
2.2.2. Completed at least 4 Open Universities Australia (OUA) subjects at AQF Diploma level.
Applicants must also fulfil relevant program prerequisites.
2.3. Eligibility to compete in both Year 12 and Higher Education sub-quotas
Some applicants will be eligible to compete within both Year 12 and Higher Education sub-quotas. This will be the case where:
2.3.1. Applicants have studied at higher education level, in a field unrelated to that in which the application for entry is made, for a minimum of one and a maximum of four semesters of equivalent full time study.
OR
2.3.2. Applicants have studied at higher education level, in a field related to that in which the application for entry is made, for a minimum of one and a maximum of two semesters of equivalent full time study.
Applicants who have studied for more than two years at higher education level, or who have studied in a related field at higher education level for more than one year, will only be eligible to compete within the Higher Education sub-quota.
2.4. Selection Mechanism:
2.4.1. Selection is competitive, based on academic merit as measured by Grade Point Average. Grade Point Averages are calculated by SATAC by assigning a value to each of an applicant's course grades. A GPA is calculated for each program in which an applicant has been enrolled. Values allocated to different grades are determined by the relevant institution's grading system. A Tertiary Rank is then calculated from the GPA.
2.4.2. Where an applicant has undertaken study in more than one program, the Tertiary Rank will usually be calculated on the basis of the applicant's best GPA. For specific courses, however, this will vary. The most common course specific variations are as follows:
a) For entrance to some programs, the rank will result from a combined GPA which includes the grades from courses in all programs undertaken
b) For entrance to some programs, the rank will result from the GPA of a specific program related to that program to which the application for entry is made
2.5. Variations to Selection Scores:
2.5.1. For some programs, an additional rule may exist to ensure that students from articulating programs which guarantee entry are selected (for example, applicants who have completed recognised diplomas and certificates that articulate with the Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine are ranked at the top of the Higher Education sub-quota for that program)
2.5.2. Priority may be given to students transferring from universities within the Australian Technology Network who have studied a related program.
2.6. Variations For Individual Applicants:
Special individual variations may be made to selection and entry criteria for eligible Indigenous applicants, and for eligible applicants with a disability, within the Higher Education sub-quota. These will be assessed on an individual basis, and only occur in line with the individual equity variations set out in clause 6.
3.1. General Description of Sub-quota:
This sub-quota includes all applicants who hold a completed award from TAFE or from another registered training organisation at AQF Certificate IV level or above. Due to Competency based assessment within TAFE, ranking occurs on a block basis, with all applicants with a particular level of completed qualification given the same notional rank.
3.2. Qualification Requirements to Compete for Entry within Sub-quota:
In order to be qualified to compete for entry to the University within the TAFE Transfer sub-quota, applicants must hold a completed award from TAFE or from another registered training organisation at AQF Certificate IV level or above.
Overseas vocational qualifications may also be considered for eligibility in the TAFE sub-quota. Eligibility of such qualifications will be determined by SATAC.
Applicants must also fulfil relevant program prerequisites.
3.3. Selection Mechanism:
Due to the use of competency based modes of assessment within TAFE, ranking of TAFE applicants cannot occur on the basis of scores achieved within a program of study. Instead, applicants are ranked by the level of award that they hold. Thus all applicants with Certificate level IV have the same notional rank. Ranked above them are all candidates with diplomas, and ranked at the top are all candidates with Advanced Diplomas.
3.4. Variations to Selection Scores:
3.4.1. Articulating programs
For some programs, an additional rule may exist to ensure that students from articulating programs which guarantee entry are selected (for example, applicants who have completed the SAIBT Diploma in Computer and Information Technology are ranked at the top of the TAFE sub-quota for entry to Computing and Information Technology bachelor level programs)
3.4.2. USANET Special Access Scheme:
The USANET Special Access Scheme endeavours to compensate for the negative affect of educational disadvantage on students from rural TAFEs. 3 bonus points will be added to the admissions rank of all TAFE graduates from Murray, South East or Spencer institutes.
3.5. Variations For Individual Applicants:
Special individual variations may be made to selection and entry criteria for eligible Indigenous applicants, and for eligible applicants with a disability, within the TAFE sub-quota. These will be assessed on an individual basis, and only occur in line with the individual equity variations set out in clause 6.
4.1. General Description of Sub-quota:
This sub-quota exists to provide an alternate pathway into university for applicants who are over 21 years old, do not have a tertiary qualification, and have not recently participated in higher education level study.
4.2. Courses without a Special Entry Sub-quota:
4.2.1. Some programs have particular prerequisite study requirements that cannot be adequately enforced through the Special Entry process. These programs, as a result, do not have a Special Entry sub-quota.
4.3. Qualification Requirements to Compete for Entry within Sub-quota:
4.3.1. To be eligible to compete in the special entry sub-quota, applicants must:
a) Be 21 years or over on 1 January in the intended year of enrolment.
b) Not hold a completed AQF Diploma or higher level award from any tertiary institution (including TAFE and universities)
As a further requirement, applicants who have been enrolled in a higher education level program at any time in the three years prior to the intended year of enrolment, must not have completed more than the equivalent of one full-time year of study in that program.
4.4. Selection Mechanism:
4.4.1. Applicants for Special Entry must sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). The STAT is a multiple choice test designed to assess an applicant's level of ability in a number of skills that are important to successful study at TAFE or university, including the ability to think critically and to analyse material.
4.4.2. Selection is competitive, based on a selection rank produced from STAT scores. An applicant's score is placed in a percentile rank, measuring performance compared to others who have sat the STAT
4.5. Variations to Selection Scores:
4.5.1. In some programs only, consideration will be given to personal competencies and/or employment experience. Where this is the case, selection scores will be varied accordingly.
4.5.2. Where personal competencies are considered, these will be based on a personal competencies statement by an applicant. SATAC will assess such statements where they are considered, and give each statement a rank in the score range of 0-99. Scores will be allocated according to each of six personal competencies criteria. Where personal competencies are considered, STAT results will be adjusted, and applicants will be ranked on the adjusted result. The weighting given to personal competencies ranking scores in performing this adjustment will vary for different programs.
4.5.3. Where employment experience is considered, this will be based on the level of an applicant's occupation and the period of their employment. This will be determined by the Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) code, as used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Where employment experience is considered, STAT results will be adjusted, and applicants will be ranked on the adjusted result. The weighting given to employment experience ranking scores in performing this adjustment will vary for different programs.
4.6. Variations For Individual Applicants:
4.6.1. Special individual variations may be made to selection and entry criteria for eligible Indigenous applicants, and for eligible applicants with a disability, within the Special Entry sub-quota. These will be assessed on an individual basis, and only occur in line with the individual equity variations set out in clause 6.
4.6.2. For the programs of Bachelor of Visual Arts (Specialisation), and Bachelor of Visual Communication, applicants who do not meet standard entry requirements may be considered for entry on an individual basis, where they are able to present a substantial portfolio of work. Their application will then be judged on the basis of the quality of this portfolio.
4.6.3. In special cases, where an individual who does not meet standard entry requirements has demonstrated significant professional achievement in a field directly relevant to that of the program to which entrance is sought, the Division may select an applicant for entry on the basis of this professional achievement. In such cases, the Division will determine suitability and competitiveness for selection, based upon an assessment of the quality and significance of the professional achievement
This sub-quota includes all applicants who have undertaken a recognised access or bridging program in place of standard year 12 study. This includes applicants from all University of South Australia Bridging programs, UniSAPAL applicants, and applicants from recognised bridging programs from other Australian Universities.
5.1. General Description of Sub-quota:
This sub-quota includes all students who have partly or fully completed tertiary programs from recognised universities, whether within the state, interstate or overseas, as well as recognised private provider articulation programs. Students are ranked for selection on the basis of a Grade Point Average.
5.2. Qualification Requirements to Compete for Entry within Sub-quota:
In order to be qualified to compete for entry to the University within the Bridging sub-quota, applicants must have completed a recognised bridging or tertiary preparation course of minimum six months duration.
Applicants must also fulfil relevant program prerequisites.
5.3. Selection Mechanism:
5.3.1. A number of bridging programs offered by the University guarantee entry into particular bachelors level programs. These are:
a) Whyalla Bridging Program - guarantees entry to Business, Nursing, Computer and Information Science, and Social Work bachelor level programs at the Whyalla Campus
b) Applied Science and Engineering Bridging Program - guarantees entry to designated applied science, engineering, information technology and computer science programs.
c) Information Technology Bridging Program - guarantees entry to designated information technology and computer science programs.
5.3.2. Where a bridging program offered by the University of South Australia guarantees entry to a particular undergraduate program, all applicants who have undertaken the program will receive a bridging entrance rank of 99.
5.3.3. Applicants who have successfully completed the Diploma of University Studies or UniSAPAL program will receive a ranking score calculated from their Grade Point Average in that program and converted to an equivalent entrance rank between 71 and 100.
5.3.4. Applicants who have completed a one-year bridging program from another University will receive a bridging entrance rank of 70.
5.3.5. Applicants who have completed a half-year bridging program from another University will receive a bridging entrance rank of 65.
5.4. Variations to Selection Scores and Variations For Individual Applicants:
Special individual variations may be made to selection and entry criteria for eligible Indigenous applicants, and for eligible applicants with a disability, within the Special Entry sub-quota. These will be assessed on an individual basis, and only occur in line with the individual equity variations set out in clause 6.
6.1. Indigenous Applicants:
6.1.1. Standard Entry for Indigenous Applicants
Where an Indigenous applicant has a qualification that makes them eligible to compete for entry in one of the sub-quotas above, they will compete for entry through the process outlined above.
6.1.2. Special entry variations for Indigenous Applicants
a) Where an Indigenous applicant:
i. does not have a qualification that would enable them to compete in any of the sub-quotas above; or
ii. does not have a ranking that is deemed to be competitive in the sub-quota in which they are competing for entry; or
iii. does not achieve entry on the basis of competition within that sub-quota
they will be invited to participate in the special entry process for Indigenous students, managed by the University's Indigenous Support Unit (ISU).
b) Applicants invited to participate in the special entry process for Indigenous students will be asked to complete a range of assessment tasks determined by ISU. This may include the submission of a personal essay, and/or the undertaking of comprehension and numeracy testing. ISU will assess an applicant's eligibility on the basis of an applicant's performance in these tasks, and make a recommendation to the relevant Division in regard to an applicant's admission. All recommendations by ISU for admission will be entered into the selection system by Divisions, and an offer will automatically be generated.
6.2. Applicants with a Disability:
Variations to standard entry are available for applicants with a disability. These are set out in the University's Policy for Students with a Disability.
1 Throughout this policy the term International includes both onshore and transnational students.
