University of Western Australia
By UWA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor David Sadler
The University of Western Australia will be introducing an Experience-based entry pathway in Semester 1, 2023.
This exciting new pilot program makes our world-class university more accessible to a broader range of students who can apply for degrees in Arts, Biomedical Science, Business, Commerce, Environmental Design and Science.
This new pathway focuses on the strengths of each individual, enabling consideration of a range of backgrounds, experiences and circumstances when assessing applications, acknowledging that accumulated learning and life experiences prepare students for university in different ways.
Through this, we will assess a broad set of skills including their experiences of academic study as well as extracurricular activities, community engagement, volunteering and work experience.
Rising levels of education improves our communities, and research shows the correlation between education and other social indicators of health and wellbeing.
We also know that for some time now, employers are increasingly seeking graduates from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the societal need for community leaders with different perspectives and varying life experiences.
Our overarching aim is to provide an education for any student who can succeed with us and help them develop the skills to thrive in their future careers.
Every student is an individual and accessing education has powerful effects on life opportunities.
I was the first in my family to go to university and know the barriers that can damage self-esteem and confidence to succeed.
I was fortunate to have supportive parents and inspiring teachers.
Many of the barriers faced today are systemic and there are many young people who would otherwise thrive at university if given encouragement and opportunities.
While ability is evenly distributed throughout our population, obstacles remain for many students including those who attend schools in outer metropolitan or rural and remote areas.
Over the past ten years there has been a significant drop in the number of WA students undertaking ATAR studies in Year 11 and 12.
This accounts for only 33.7 per cent of final year students compared to other mainland states, which exceed 50 per cent.
There are many conversations about the future of the ATAR nationally and it is UWA’s view that it remains the best preparation for success at university.
But we know that among the 16,000+ students not on the ATAR route each year, there are many that are bright and passionate, and we want them to see UWA as a welcoming place to study and a place to succeed in gaining a university education.
Students who apply though this program will be supported, ensuring any requirement for extra assistance is provided.
UWA offers services for health, wellbeing, and academic success and students will also have access to a wide network of peers to further encourage them in their journey.
Many students are seeking other futures in work or vocational education. University is just one path.
The choices made today do not exclude future decisions and our Experience-based entry pathway provides options for study on a lifelong basis.
Experience-based entry continues a proud UWA tradition of offering admission through a range of pathways, which have produced many successful graduates.
Other pathways include ‘Broadway’, which works with schools in low-SES and regional settings; ‘Fairway’, a program that provides students completing Year 12 under difficult circumstances with admission to university; and a scheme that encourages ‘First in Family’ applicants to attend university. Indigenous students can gain entry to UWA without an ATAR via several options including a 12-month Aboriginal Orientation Course as well as a Provisional Entry Scheme through our School of Indigenous Studies.
Taken together, these pathways reflect our mission, as set out in the UWA Act, to provide “special encouragement and assistance… to those hindered… by lack of opportunity or means”.
The program is open to Australian and New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents and holders of permanent humanitarian visas. We will be releasing more details shortly about eligibility and how to apply.
We are very much looking forward to welcoming our first Experience-based entry students in February.