4. Application of Policy
4.1 Entry Requirements
4.2 Minimum Eligibility Rank
4.3 Availability of places
4.4 Authority for admission to programs
4.5 Administration of admission processes
4.6 Application Process
4.7 English Language Proficiency
4.8 Other Admission Prerequisites
4.9 Entry Bonus Schemes
4.10 Application Documentation
4.11 Basis of Selection - Undergraduate
4.12 Basis of Selection - Postgraduate
4.13 Special Entry, Access and Equity Schemes
4.14 Offers
4.15 Deferment of Undergraduate Offer
4.16 Transfers
4.17 Students Gaining Permanent Resident Status
4.18 Alternative Pathway Programs
4.19 Applicants subject to Termination, Exclusion or Suspension
4.20 Units studied on a non-award basis
4.21 Withdrawal of offer and/or cancellation of enrolment
4.1 Entry Requirements
4.1.1 Academic Board will determine the minimum entry requirements to be met for entry to any award course.
4.1.2 Academic Board will determine the minimum eligibility rank for undergraduate courses.
4.1.3 Academic Board will approve entry requirements for individual courses in accordance with the Policy on Course Approval, Amendment and Review.
4.1.4 Academic Board will ensure that the entry requirements for any course will be as consistent as possible across different campuses.
4.1.5 Different cut-offs may apply for the same course offered on different campuses due to varying levels of demand.
4.2 Minimum Eligibility Rank
4.2.1 The minimum eligibility rank for a bachelor degree course at ACU is an ATAR (NSW/ACT/VIC) of 58.5 or equivalent OP (QLD) rank.
4.2.2 The minimum eligibility rank for associate degree, diploma or certificate programs at ACU is an ATAR (NSW/ACT/VIC) of 50 or equivalent OP (QLD) rank.
4.2.3 An Executive Dean may apply to Academic Board to vary the minimum eligibility rank for a particular program via a variation to the admissions requirements in the course rules of that program.
4.2.4 For the purpose of admission to ACU, the minimum eligibility rank is calculated using the raw ATAR or OP supplemented by any bonus points allocated under approved schemes outlined in Section 4.9.
4.3 Availability of places
4.3.1 The Provost will determine the allocation of Commonwealth-Supported Places (CSP) across all courses.
4.3.2 The commencing places available in all coursework award programs, both CSP and fee-paying, in any given year or semester, will be determined by the Provost in accordance with the enrolment plan and Enrolment Plan Policy.
4.4 Authority for admission to programs
4.4.1 The authority to admit students to coursework programs is delegated to the Academic Registrar for domestic applicants and the Executive Director, ACU International for international applicants.
4.4.2 Designated officers are authorised to act on behalf of the University, in accordance with approved delegations, to admit applicants to these programs.
4.5 Administration of admission processes
4.5.1 Administration of domestic admission processes is the responsibility of the Admissions Section, Student Administration.
4.5.2 Administration of international admission processes is the responsibility of the International Admissions and Student Relations Section, ACU International.
4.5.3 Applications will be administered in accordance with this Policy and related policies, procedures and protocols.
4.6 Application Process
4.6.1 Applications through a Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) must adhere to the processes, closing dates and payment schedules published by that TAC.
4.6.2 Direct applications to ACU must adhere to the processes, closing dates and payment schedules published by ACU.
4.6.3 To gain entry to a course an applicant must:
- have applied through the relevant TAC or directly to ACU, in accordance with required timelines and the application procedures for that course;
- have satisfied all minimum entry requirements of the University;
- if intending to undertake study on a student visa, satisfy the University that they meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant, genuine Student and Financial Capacity requirements of the relevant Australian Government department;
- meet any specific admission prerequisite requirements for the course, as approved in the relevant course rules;
- for undergraduate courses:
- have completed the required studies at Year 12 level or equivalent, including the specific State/Territory requirements as outlined in Schedule 1;
- have obtained an entry rank equal to or above the cut-off for that course in the relevant TAC offer round;
- have been offered a place within the course, and enrol within the prescribed time.
4.6.4 Applicants for special entry may also be considered on the basis of demonstrated equivalent knowledge, skills and/or competencies.
4.6.5 The University may refuse admission to a qualified applicant if:
- the limit on available places is exceeded; or
- there are not appropriate and sufficient personnel, resources or number of applicants to enable the course to be offered; or
- there are other restrictions or limitations applying to the course.
4.7 English Language Proficiency
4.7.1 Proficiency in English is required for entry to all courses. This may be specified differently in various State/Territory jurisdictions.
4.7.2 Non-current year 12 applicants without a previous pass in year 12 English must attain the equivalent by satisfying approved alternative criteria. These include English completed as part of any senior secondary school studies deemed by ACU to be equivalent to Australian year 12. Approved alternatives are outlined in the relevant state-based TAC English Proficiency schedules.
4.7.3 Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate their English proficiency, as set out in Schedule 2. Any such English language qualification must have been completed no earlier than two years prior to commencement of the course of study to which the student seeks admission.
4.8 Other Admission Prerequisites
4.8.1 Where an admission prerequisite includes the requirement for interview, folio, audition or other performance or demonstration of practical skill or other attribute, an applicant must comply with the criteria and directions provided in relation to any such requirement.
4.8.2 Where submission of additional information is required, for example regarding relevant experience or previous study, an applicant must comply with the directions provided in relation to any such requirement.
4.8.3 Where entry to a graduate entry or postgraduate course has a prerequisite of completion of an appropriate degree or other qualification, such degree or other qualification must normally have been completed within the preceding 10 years.
4.8.4 An applicant may only be admitted to a graduate entry or postgraduate course on the basis of completion of a prerequisite degree or other qualification more than 10 years previously:
- on the basis of subsequent development and life or work experience in the discipline, and as approved by the Head of School or equivalent or nominee; or
- as provided for in the course rules for that program.
4.9 Entry Bonus Schemes
4.9.1 Academic Board may approve Entry Bonus Schemes for admission to ACU.
4.9.2 The University offers Entry Bonus Schemes for applicants to undergraduate courses, as detailed in Schedule 3.
4.9.3 The Entry Bonus Schemes normally involve bonus points added to an applicant’s raw ATAR or equivalent, for the purposes of determining eligibility for admission to courses offered by ACU only.
4.9.4 The allocation of bonus points does not affect an applicant’s OP or ATAR but supplements the applicant’s rank for the purpose of assessing his/her eligibility for admission to the course. A rank is not the same as an OP or ATAR and one bonus point does not equate to one OP or ATAR point.
4.9.5 Entry bonus points are also allocated to applicants under the University’s Equity and Access Schemes, as detailed Schedule 4.
4.9.6 Where bonus points are awarded for similar reasons, a cap on the number of bonus points will apply, as detailed in Schedule 3 and 4. There will be an overall maximum number of bonus points that may be allocated to an individual applicant.
4.10 Application Documentation
4.10.1 An application for admission must be accompanied by documentation of all qualifications attempted or completed and proof of completion, where applicable. For applications through a TAC, documentation must be submitted according to TAC processes. For direct applications to ACU, documentation must be submitted according to ACU processes.
4.10.2 ACU and TACs will normally obtain results for studies at Australian universities through the available automated systems. Where this is not possible, applicants will be required to provide verified evidence of results.
4.10.3 Incomplete applications will not be processed.
4.11 Basis of Selection - Undergraduate
4.11.1 With the exception of equity and/or special entry places offered in accordance with Section 4.13 of this Policy, the selection of applicants for admission is based on academic merit and satisfaction of any other admission requirements.
4.11.2 Where the entry requirements include satisfying criteria associated with interview, folio, audition or other demonstration of defined attributes, selection is based on both academic merit and those criteria.
4.11.3 Non-current year 12 applicants are assessed on the basis of their year 12 or other studies and are given an equivalent ranking to enable comparable selection.
4.12 Basis of Selection - Postgraduate
4.12.1 The selection of applicants for admission is based on the satisfaction of the minimum entry requirements for postgraduate study and any other admission requirements as defined in the course rules.
4.13 Special Entry, Access and Equity Schemes
4.13.1 The University has established a number of access and equity schemes which provide for consideration of additional/alternative factors in assessing applicants and their potential for success in university study. These schemes are identified in Schedule 4.
4.13.2 Special entry provisions may also apply for applicants of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. Applicants will be referred to the Indigenous Higher Education Unit on the campus at which they wish to study.
4.13.3 Applicants whose educational qualifications do not satisfy the requirements for admission to a particular course but who have equivalent, demonstrated knowledge, skills and/or competencies, may be granted admission to the course, subject to approval by the Admissions Section, Student Administration, in consultation with the relevant Course Coordinator or Head of School.
4.14 Offers
4.14.1 All applicants will be advised in writing regarding the outcome of their application for a place either by ACU, or by the relevant TAC. An oral indication regarding eligibility is not a formal offer of place and is not binding.
4.14.2 All offers of a place will specify the course and/or specialisation (where applicable), funding status (CSP or fee-paying), study mode and location for which the offer is made.
4.14.3 All offers of a place will provide links to relevant policies, procedures and guidelines relating to enrolment, tuition fees, charges and refunds.
4.14.4 All offers will detail any particular conditions of enrolment and/or participation in the course, such as health requirements for students undertaking clinical work, requirements for security checks, particular requirements for work placements and any language requirements.
4.14.5 All offers of a place will be conditional upon the provision of proof of completion of admission requirements and/or upon other factors detailed in the letter of offer.
4.14.6 Failure to meet any condition of offer by the specified date may result in the withdrawal and cancellation of the offer.
4.14.7 Students may only undertake study in the course in the study mode and/or at the location for which an offer is made. Individual units may only be taken in a different mode/location if approved by the Course Coordinator, or as documented in the relevant Course Enrolment Guide.
4.14.8 An offer of a place in a postgraduate coursework program will remain valid for one academic year. Deferment of offer is not available for postgraduate courses, however an application may be reassessed against the admission criteria in effect at the time.
4.14.9 Once an offer of a place has been accepted through enrolment via the student system, the student will be subject to the Academic Regulations and other student-related policies, procedures and guidelines.
4.15 Deferment of Undergraduate Offer
4.15.1 An applicant who receives an offer for an undergraduate course at ACU can defer commencing that course for up to one year, unless the Executive Dean determines otherwise for a particular program. Executive Deans may choose not to grant deferments in any course or any admission cycle.
4.15.2 In exceptional circumstances, and as approved by the designated officer, a student may apply to defer for up to two years. Documentary evidence detailing the circumstances will be required to support the application.
4.15.3 An applicant whose application to defer admission has been approved will receive written confirmation of their deferment and be guaranteed a place, in the following academic year, in the course and at the location for which the original offer was made, provided that the course is available to commencing students.
4.15.4 Where an applicant’s deferred place is for a program that is subsequently discontinued or withdrawn after an offer has been made, the applicant will be advised of an alternative program, or programs, available.
4.15.5 Deferment will not be granted where the applicant intends to undertake another course of tertiary study at ACU or any other university or post-secondary education provider during the period of deferment.
4.15.6 A deferment will lapse if the applicant does not apply to take up the deferred place or the applicant does not complete enrolment requirements by the date specified by the University.
4.15.7 If a deferment lapses, the applicant will be required to make a new application for admission according the standard admission application processes at the time.
4.15.8 If an applicant wishes to be considered for a place in a different course, a new application in accordance with standard admission application processes will be required.
4.15.9 Deferment is not available to current ACU students who have been approved for a course and/or campus transfer.
4.15.10 Deferment of a place is not available for one-year, end-on Honours courses.
4.16 Transfers
4.16.1 Transfer categories
An ACU student may seek to transfer:
- from one program to another program at the same level, offered at the same or another campus;
- from a Certificate or higher level program to another program at the same level or a bachelor degree level course, offered at the same or another campus;
- within a program, from one campus to another campus;
- within a postgraduate program from a Commonwealth-supported place to a fee-paying place.
4.16.2 Eligibility criteria
Applications for transfer are determined on the basis of academic merit. To be eligible for consideration for a transfer a student must have:
- successfully completed at least two units within the program at ACU in which the applicant is enrolled; and
- in the case of an undergraduate student, achieved a rank, calculated in accordance with Section 2.1 of Procedures for Admission to Coursework Programs, at least equivalent to the published cut-off for entry to that program from the previous year’s main offer round at the given campus; and
- in the case of courses detailed in Schedule 1 of the Procedures for Admission to Coursework Programs, satisfied any additional transfer eligibility criteria; and
- in all cases, have satisfied the admissions prerequisites and any other entry requirements for the program to which the applicant is seeking to transfer.
Where a student has completed one award and seeks entry to another, they must follow the standard admission application process to apply for the second course.
4.16.3 Application to transfer
An application for transfer must be lodged with Admissions via the prescribed process and by the published closing date.
Applications will be assessed in accordance with the eligibility criteria outlined in Section 4.16.2.
Transfer applications for courses processed through a TAC will be considered after results for the current study period are released and prior to the main TAC offer rounds.
Transfers are only available from the commencement of a standard study period.
4.17 Students Gaining Permanent Resident Status
4.17.1 An international student who gains Permanent Resident status, and submits the relevant form and supporting documentation, will be transferred to:
- a CSP in the case of an undergraduate student; or
- a domestic fee-paying place in the case of a postgraduate student.
4.17.2 If the application is submitted before the census date in a study period, the transfer will be effective from the beginning of that study period.
4.17.3 If the application is submitted after the census date for the study period, the student will remain liable for fees at the international student fee rate for the remainder of the study period and the transfer will take place for the following study period.
4.17.4 Where a postgraduate course offers CSPs, an international student who gains Permanent Resident status can apply to transfer to such a place by applying through the standard transfer application process.
4.18 Alternative Pathway Programs
4.18.1 ACU offers approved, alternative entry pathway programs for domestic and international students. These are listed in Schedule 6.
4.19 Applicants subject to Termination, Exclusion or Suspension
4.19.1 An applicant whose enrolment at ACU, or another university, has been terminated on the grounds of unsatisfactory academic performance will not be considered for admission into an award course, or individual unit(s) within an award course until at least two semesters have elapsed from the date of termination.
4.19.2 Applicants for admission following termination of enrolment must demonstrate changed circumstances which will allow for greater likelihood of success in their course of study.
4.19.3 An applicant whose enrolment at this or another university has been suspended under any disciplinary provisions will not be considered for admission into any course or individual unit(s) unless the suspension has been lifted or the duration of the suspension has expired.
4.19.4 In cases where no specific period of exclusion or suspension has been identified, an applicant will be not considered for admission until at least two semesters have elapsed from the date of exclusion or suspension.
4.19.5 No academic credit will be granted for any study or other learning or practical experience undertaken during the period of exclusion or suspension.
4.19.6 A person who wishes to return to ACU following a period of termination, exclusion or suspension on academic or disciplinary grounds must follow the relevant direct application process.
4.20 Units studied on a non-award basis
4.20.1 Admission to study individual units on a non-award basis
Subject to a place being available and subject to approval by the Head of School or equivalent, or nominee, the Designated Officer may admit an applicant to study units on a fee-paying, non-award basis in any study period.
Applicants must meet unit requirements and their enrolment will be subject to the provisions of the Academic Regulations. A student enrolled on this basis will be formally assessed in the units in which they enrol.
If the student subsequently applies for and is granted admission to a course at the University, units successfully completed on a non-award basis may be credited to that course, subject to the Academic Regulations and the relevant course rules.
4.20.2 Admission to undertake cross-institutional studies
Subject to a place being available and subject to approval by the Head of School or equivalent, or nominee, the Designated Officer may admit an applicant to study one or more units as a cross-institutional student, for credit towards an award of another institution.
Cross-institutional students must meet unit prerequisites and their enrolment will be subject to the provisions of the Academic Regulations. A student enrolled on this basis will be formally assessed in the units in which he/she is enrolled.
4.20.3 Admission to undertake study abroad and exchange studies
Subject to a place being available and subject to approval by the Head of School or equivalent, or nominee, the Designated Officer may admit an applicant to study units on a study abroad or exchange basis.
Applicants must meet unit prerequisites requirements, together with the English language proficiency requirements identified in Schedule 2. Enrolment will be subject to the provisions of the Academic Regulations.
A student enrolled on this basis will be formally assessed in the units in which they enrol. If the student subsequently applies for and is granted admission to a course at the University, units successfully completed on a study abroad or exchange basis may be credited to that course, subject to the Academic Regulations and the relevant course rules.
4.20.4 Auditing units
Subject to a place being available, a Head of School or equivalent, or nominee, may permit an applicant to audit one or more units for the prescribed audit fee. Students who wish to have an audited unit assessed must, by the prescribed date, apply to undertake the unit on a non-award basis, comply with enrolment procedures and pay the non-award tuition fee.
4.20.5 Units including a practical placement component
An applicant will not be offered a place on a non-award, cross-institutional, study abroad or auditing basis in any professional experience unit or unit that includes a practical placement.
4.21 Withdrawal of offer and/or cancellation of enrolment
4.21.1 In the event that any error in assessment of the application and/or making of an offer is identified, ACU will advise the applicant of the error and potential academic implications and will take the following action:
- honour the offer made to the applicant if the applicant agrees with this outcome and there are no prerequisite/regulatory body factors that prohibit such action; or
- offer the applicant a place in any other course to which they are eligible and in which a place is available, provided the applicant is able to commence that course no later than the end of the second week of semester; or
- if no such place can be offered, withdraw the offer of a place and reimburse any fees paid by the applicant.
4.21.2 If an offer is made and results or other information is subsequently found to be inaccurate, through no fault of the applicant, the University will act as follows:
- If an applicant’s entry rank is higher than that originally awarded
The University will endeavour to admit the applicant to the course for which the applicant had expressed a preference and to which the correct entry rank would have earned admission, provided that:- when the error is identified, a place is still available in that course; and
- the applicant is able to commence the course no later than the end of the second week of the study period.
- If an applicant’s entry rank is lower than that originally awarded
The University reserves the right to withdraw an offer at any time within the first two weeks of the semester for which an offer was made and accepted. If an offer is withdrawn, the University will consider the applicant for a place in a course for which the applicant is qualified, provided that:- a place is still available in that course; and
- the applicant is able to commence that course no later than the end of the second week of semester.
4.21.3 If an error under Section 4.21.2 (a) or (b) is identified after the second week of the study period, any offer made will be deferred to the next available commencing study period.
4.21.4 Where a new offer is made under Section 4.21.2 or 4.21.3, the offer will specify a deadline for application for deferment in the new course, if applicable.
4.21.5 The University may withdraw an offer to any suitably qualified applicant where a course has been suspended or is no longer offered. In such a case, the University will consider the applicant for a place in an alternative course or refund any fee paid.
4.21.6 The Academic Registrar will withdraw an offer and/or cancel enrolment if an applicant is found to have been admitted on the basis of incomplete, inaccurate, fraudulent or misleading information, in accordance with the Policy on Dealing with Instances of Fraudulent, Falsified or Misleading Information. Fees paid may be forfeited.
Page last updated: 2017-06-28
Short url: https://handbook.acu.edu.au/817134
Page last updated: 2017-06-28
Short url: https://handbook.acu.edu.au/817134