Our admissions processes

La Trobe is committed to providing students with transparent information so you can make informed decisions about which course to study.

Admission principles

  1. The University admits applicants based on merit with the offer of a place contingent on applicants having a reasonable expectation of success in their chosen course;
  2. The University maintains application processes and minimum entry requirements that:
    • are transparent, equitable and clearly communicated to prospective applicants,
    • include standards for minimum English language proficiency for all applicants as outlined in the English Language Entry Requirements Policy, and
    • are appropriate to level of the course of study as outlined in the Australian Qualifications Framework.
  3. The University encourages participation from persons who have experienced disadvantage and groups underrepresented in higher education;
  4. The University will give due consideration to an applicant’s prior study and experience and award academic credit as appropriate, as outlined in the Advanced Standing, Articulation and Credit Transfer Policy; and
  5. The University is compliant with all relevant legislation.

Selection values

We cater for all of the students who will benefit from a La Trobe education — high achieving entrants from across Australia and internationally, Indigenous, mature-aged, career-change, students with disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds, those seeking professional degrees, and, those from the regions we serve, including the fast-growing northern corridor of Melbourne.

Undergraduate admission entry requirements

The Australian Government, in partnership with higher education institutions, is making changes to the way universities and other providers explain their admission processes. These changes are intended to make the processes for applying to study higher education easier for students to understand, and to compare. Prospective students can see the full range of admission criteria for all entry pathways at the course/program level, grouped by applicant type to make it easier to compare courses and institutions.

Recent school leavers

  • Current year 12, 2021
  • Year 12 from 2020 and 2021

Non-year 12 applicants

  • Applicants with higher education
  • Applicants with VET study
  • Applicants with work and life experience

To ensure that the admission requirements are clear and consistently applied to all categories of applicants, Academic Board has approved the following guidelines:

  • Entry requirements need to be applied consistently across all applicant categories and channels
  • That admitted students have the academic preparation and proficiency in English needed to participate in their intended study
  • That a satisfactory score for the ATAR is a criterion that can be used to demonstrate educational attainment for undergraduate entry level
  • That a satisfactory score for the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a criterion that can be used to demonstrate educational attainment for undergraduate entry level
  • That satisfactory evidence of work experience is a criterion that can be used to demonstrate educational attainment for undergraduate entry level

Recent school leavers

  • ATAR
  • Prerequisites
  • Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
  • La Trobe access schemes
  • STAT for 2020 and 2021

Non-year 12 applicants

  • Higher education studies
  • VET studies
  • Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
  • Prerequisite equivalence
  • Work experience
  • Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)

ATAR and rank explained

ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank received by the student excluding adjustment factors.

ATAR and student profiles are provided for each course.

Selection rank includes an applicant’s ATAR plus adjustment factors. Lowest Selection Rank is the minimum required for an offer in a particular course in the previous selection period.

Adjustment factors (previously bonus points) may be made to an applicant’s ATAR to produce a selection rank. Examples are performance in specific subjects, equity and personal factors (SEAS) and La Trobe access schemes. Additional aggregate points are limited to twenty points.

The student profile table gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for commencing students in each undergraduate course at La Trobe. It provides information on students that were enrolled at 31st March (the census date), including international students. The student profile shows applicant background information.

This table shows the ATAR profile for applicants who were offered a place in Semester 1, 2019. This information will give you a picture of the educational attainment that is required for your selected course, and should be used in conjunction the course entry requirements. It also shows the impact of ATAR related adjustment factors resulting from Special Entry schemes. The data is for applicants who recently completed secondary education (in years 2016, 2017 and 2018) and were selected on the basis of ATAR. It includes all applicants that applied via a tertiary admission centre as well as those who applied directly to La Trobe.

For full ATAR and student information see the courses website.

Entry schemes

Entry schemes are designed to help you leverage your special skills to get into the course you want. These programs can help with your application to study.