A new pathway for entry into Deakin’s business and law courses opens up a world of opportunities for many who previously lacked access.

Do you have a dream career but haven’t had the opportunity to pursue it? Does university seem out of reach because you don’t have any formal qualifications or didn’t complete school?

Now, thanks to a partnership between Deakin’s Faculty of Business and Law and the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER), a new alternative entry pathway can provide anyone with access to the faculty’s wide range of undergraduate courses.

Developed by ACER, the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) enables prospective students to demonstrate their ability to successfully complete a university degree by testing competencies in critical thinking and the understanding and analysis of given information.  Knowledge of university curriculum or academic content is not a part of the STAT.

Jen Smith, the Faculty of Business and Law’s Group Manager, Students and Education, says the new entry scheme delivers greater access to university education for the wider community and population.

‘The Faculty of Business and Law recognises that there’s a lot of people who have valuable knowledge, experience and skills but maybe no formal qualifications beyond Year 10. The STAT pathway increases equity and access for everyone. It means that someone who may’ve left school in Year 10, gained lots of work experience but would now like to do a degree – to either progress or change careers – can sit the STAT then come and study with us.  Not having the standard university entry requirement should not be a disadvantage.’

She adds that members of Australia’s migrant population may also benefit from the Deakin-STAT entry pathway if they satisfy the English requirements.

‘New residents from overseas, who may have an incomplete study record or no formal qualifications, can now sit the STAT and enter one of our business and law programs to progress their careers here in Australia.’

The alternative entry pathway is now open for 2021’s first VTAC round and available for anyone wanting admission into Deakin’s business and law courses in T1 2022.

Ms Smith says the Faculty of Business and Law is committed to partnerships and pathways that enable education access and equity for all individuals.

‘We take our responsibility of widening participation in higher education very seriously and are determined to demonstrate equity for all sectors of the community.’

More information on the STAT admission requirements for Deakin’s Faculty of Business and Law courses can be found here.