Presbyterian Ladies’ College
Apply to University Guide
In Australia, there are two ways to apply to university:
1. Through the individual states’ Tertiary Admissions Centres (the majority of university applications in Australia)
2. Direct applications to universities for eligible courses
You can apply to multiple universities through multiple Tertiary Admissions Centres or through direct application, where applicable.
Preparing to Apply
• All university applicants will need a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
• Use a personal email address
• WA Student Number (8 digits on SEQTA)
• The number of preferences you can list varies from state to state. For TISC, you can list up to six preferences
• There will be a fee for each Admissions Centre and application will be incomplete without payment of this fee. Direct applications to universities, where applicable, generally do not attract a fee
If you are not sure exactly what you would like to apply for (eg “Professional Degrees” such as Law, Occupational Therapy, Education, Engineering etc), consider a “Comprehensive” or “General” degree such as Arts, Science, Commerce and Biomedical Science.
Ensure you meet any subject prerequisites and are on track to meet ATAR/IB Diploma score requirements. For Western Australia, you can find these here. You will need to research other states’ admissions centres and institutions, if you are interested in interstate and or international universities as well.
Applying Western Australia
The Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) – Opening 3 June 2025
1. WACE students are automatically registered with TISC. For first time login, use the WA student number (find this on SEQTA) and automatic password (the first two letters of surname in lower case and full date of birth eg Sally Smith, 1 January 2009 = sm01012009).
IB Diploma students will need to register with TISC using the “Register” icon. IB Diploma students also have a WA Student Number (separate to their IB candidate number) located on SEQTA.
International students do not apply to WA universities through TISC but directly to the WA universities instead. International WACE ATAR students will still need to “activate” their TISC account to be able to access their ATAR and individual subject results when they are released.
WACE students do not need to upload any school reports as TISC will access school results through SCSA.
IB Diploma students will need to upload their Year 11 Semester Two and Year 12 Semester One reports (when available) to demonstrate subject prerequisites (where required) to be eligible for early offer schemes. Individual universities may contact the student to provide them with a “Predicted ATAR”/”Predicted IB Diploma Score” (as they cannot access this through SCSA). Please see IB Diploma Coordinator if this is requested.
WACE with VET students will need to upload VET Certification when achieved.
Note:
You will also need to log into TISC even if you don’t intend to apply for university but want to access your ATAR and or single subject scaled score/s at the end of the year. There is no charge to access your results via TISC, however, you will need to activate your account.
Change of preferences
For TISC, you can change your preferences (unlimited times) once you have an active application. TISC will publish information on “important dates” and this will include change of preference deadlines. The TISC Guide outlines the process on “Changing Preferences”.
Early Closing Dates
There are a number of courses that have earlier closing dates to apply. This means, preferences for these courses must be listed on the relevant Admissions Centre’s preference list by their deadline. Once listed, they should not be removed unless the student no longer wishes to be considered for them (as they cannot be re-added), however, they may be reordered. Examples of these courses include, but is not limited to, Veterinary Science and Medicine/Dentistry. Please check other states’ Admissions Centres for “important dates”. TISC’s can be found here.
Documentation
• Year 12 WACE students (ATAR and General) typically, are not required to upload school reports.
• VET students will need to upload Certificates when completed.
• TISC will be able to retrieve IB Diploma results if the student has completed the for required for “IBO request to send results to universities” as directed by PLC IB Diploma Administrator.
• On occasion, TISC may request further documentation from applicants because it relates to a course they may have listed as a preference. Examples include Nursing, Teaching, Medicine and Veterinary Science/Medicine. Applicants need to act on these requests in a timely manner to be eligible for an offer for these courses.
Eg: Nursing declaration form
Offers (Main Round and January Round)
TISC makes Main Round (after results are released) offers in two rounds – the first is late December, then another in late January. You can only receive one offer in each round through TISC. This offer will be the highest preference the student is eligible for (not necessarily Preference 1).
Offers
Deferral
You will be able to defer most courses. Deferral is usually for 12 months, however, some courses will allow you to defer one semester if second semester entry is available for that course.
TISC Guide
TISC publishes the TISC Guide around July each year. This is a very important document and students are encouraged to refer to it for more specific information (including information on changing preferences, accepting offers, deferring offers etc).
The University of Notre Dame – Opening 1 May 2025
Whilst students have the option to list preferences for The University of Notre Dame on TISC, they are highly encouraged to apply directly to the university’s application portal. That way, they do not have competing preferences with other university courses on TISC.
Note: For the Bachelor of Biomedical Science with Assured Pathway to the Doctor of Medicine, students will need to list this preference on TISC (WA) and or UAC (NSW), as you cannot apply directly to the university for this course.
Students wishing to applying to The University of Notre Dame can find application information for:
• Early Offer here
• Main Round Undergraduate and Tertiary Pathway Program here
The University of Notre Dame offers a range of adjustment factors which are applied to the student’s ATAR to provide a selection rank for admission. Applicants can receive up to five (points) from six categories to a maximum of 10 points.
Six Categories: Adjustment factors
Notes:
• Individual adjustment factors form part of the application process (ie, the student must address these three areas as part of their application) however, a copy of the form can be found here
• Subject Adjustment factors information can be found here.
• Elite Athletes & Artistic Performers
Athletes who compete at, and performers who have had success at a state, national or international level may be eligible for 5 adjustment factor points.
If you are an applicant who falls under this category, you must clearly indicate and provide evidence that you are an elite athlete or performer at the time of your application in order to have adjustment factor points applied.
• Equity Adjustments
Students who have experienced significant educational or other disadvantage due to circumstances beyond their control may qualify for equity adjustments.
You will need to complete an application and provide supporting documentation to be considered. See information on “Special Consideration” further details.
Other States
NSW and The Australian Capital Territory
The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC)
For Domestic and International students
The WA Student Number (find on SEQTA) will be applicable to a UAC application. The UAC pin is the first four digits of the student’s date of birth eg 1 January 2009 = 0101.
You can list up to five preferences.
UAC Important dates
The
Australian National University (ANU)
ANU takes direct applications for Domestic students up until around May (based on Year 11 results). After then, students will need to apply through UAC. International students will need to make their application through UAC (usually opens beginning of August).
ANU Important dates
Victoria
The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)
For Domestic and International students
Western Australian students will need to create a VTAC account. You can list up to eight course preferences.
VTAC Important dates
Queensland
The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC)
For Domestic and International students
You can list up to six course preferences.
You can change your preferences for free, up to three times, before being charged a fee to change them thereafter.
QTAC Important dates
Bond University
Bond University takes direct applications (except for Medicine, which must be listed as a preference on QTAC).
Bond University Important dates
South Australia and The Northern Territory
The South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC)
For Domestic and International students
You can list up to six course preferences.
SATAC Important dates
Tasmania
The University of Tasmania (UTAS)
UTAS is the only tertiary education provider in Tasmania therefore they process their own applications, along with applications to the Australian Maritime College. You can list up to five course preferences.
UTAS Important dates
Application to Medicine and other courses
It is important students understand there are additional requirements and key dates for application to Medicine and some other courses (eg: Veterinary Science/ Medicine).
As a starting point in your research, MedEntry has a helpful resource on their website Become a Doctor Guide.
The “Entry To Medicine Guide” created and updated each year by Study Work Grow and “Medicine Matrix” compiled by Compass Career News will be made available to Year 12 students when available. This guide will cover more comprehensive information. Below are some key points.
Medicine
There are three ways you can study Medicine in Australia.
1. Direct Entry Undergraduate pathway: a 5 – 7 year undergraduate entry degree for school leavers.
2. Postgraduate Entry pathway: the completion of an undergraduate degree with an application to postgraduate Doctor of Medicine programs.
3. Assured Pathways
There are a few universities which offer an “Assured Pathway” to their postgraduate Doctor of Medicine programs for school leavers (eg: UWA, The University of Notre Dame).
Students can apply for these pathways as Year 12 students. Typically, the student requires an acceptable UCAT score, final ATAR score (or IB Diploma equivalent) and successful interview. The student would then complete the undergraduate degree as required by the university and maintain an acceptable GPA/WAM throughout their undergraduate degree and, have a guaranteed place in the postgraduate Doctor of Medicine degree at that university.
Please see here for Information on admission to various medical schools in Australia.
Assessment Process for Medicine Admissions
There are different components each with different weightings used by different universities.
• ATAR (in the case of IB Diploma students, converted from the IB Diploma score)
• Undergraduate Clinical Admissions Test (UCAT)
• Interview – usually in the form of multi-mini interviews
• Some universities require the Casper test
• Prerequisites can be found here
UCAT
The UCAT is used by participating universities in conjunction with academic results (and or the Casper test) to invite applicants to Medicine interviews and receive an offer.
UCAT is a computer based 2 hour test. Registration typically opens in March and closes in May. The test window is usually, July to August. Registration is the responsibility of the student.
Whilst no particular UCAT preparation course is endorsed by universities and PLC, you can find information on various preparation courses below.
Med Entry
I Can Med Med view
NIE
ISAT
International students may be required to sit the ISAT instead of the UCAT for some universities.
Important dates
The majority of school leaver applications to Medicine close 30 September each year. This means, it is vital students have a preference for medicine listed on their TISC/UAC/VTAC/QTAC/SATAC application by this date. They cannot be added after then. Students will generally still be able to change their preference order after this date.
Other helpful resources
List of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Medical schools
Bond University Medicine Information
James Cook (JCU) Medicine Information
UTAS Medicine information
Veterinary Science/Medicine
Application to Veterinary Science/Medicine also often has an earlier closing date. Additionally, applicants are often required to be able to demonstrate evidence of work experience in the area, complete supplementary forms and attend an interview. Some universities will require the Casper test.
Universities which offer Veterinary Science/Medicine include but are not limited to:
Charles Sturt University Veterinary Science
James Cook (JCU) Veterinary Science
Murdoch University Veterinary Medicine
University of Adelaide Veterinary Bioscience
University of Sydney Veterinary Medicine
Western Australian University
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
TISC publishes the Undergraduate Admissions Requirements for School Leavers Brochure each year. There is additional information for IB Diploma students (IB Diploma to ATAR conversion, and IB Diploma subject equivalents) at the above link.
English Language Competency requirements (ELC) vary across the Western Australian universities however, if you achieve a final combined scaled score of 50 or above in Literature ATAR, English ATAR or English As an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) ATAR, you will satisfy ELC for all five Western Australian universities or:
Curtin
• A school letter grade of C or higher (in an ATAR English subject)
• A school letter grade of A in English General
• A school letter grade of B in English General (Portfolio Entry Courses)
• STAT
ECU
• A school letter grade of C or higher (in an ATAR English subject)
• General Pathway students applying with a Certificate IV via the Experienced Based Entry Scheme pathway require an A in English General and Experienced Based Entry Scheme documents.
• General Pathway students with ATAR English, English Literature or EALD require a minimum C grade.
• STAT Murdoch
• Complete Year 11 and 12 in Australia
The University of Notre Dame:
• Complete Year 11 and 12 in Australia
UWA
• Complete UWA’s Communication bridging unit in your first semester
• STAT
Special Tertiary Admissions
Test (STAT)
STAT is used by universities as a second chance test of English competence. Year 12 students who do not meet ELC, may be invited to sit the STAT in the December/ January sitting. Eligible students are “invited” on their University Admissions Advice Letter (UAAL) which also outlines the student’s ATAR and scaled scores for individual ATAR subjects. See TISC for more information on STAT, sitting dates and how to book. It is the responsibility of the student to book this test adhering to booking deadlines.
STAT
Year 12 students who complete English, EAL/D, or Literature ATAR, but do not achieve University Competence in English, may book STAT Written English as a final chance to meet these requirements, after their Year 12 results are released. They will be able to book into the December or January sessions.
Year 12 students studying English General can book into the November, December or January sessions if they have permission from at least one of the WA universities. For more information on how to obtain permission, students should check with TISC or with the university where they wish to study. Booking forms will not be processed if a student is not eligible to sit.
Curtin University has given permission for any Year 12 student applying to Curtin to sit STAT Written English for the purpose of English competence. However, note that the change to Curtin’s English competence requirements from 2025 admission means students who receive an A grade in English General on their final Year 12 report will already meet Curtin’s English competence requirement.
TISC cannot view these final school grades until the release of WACE results, therefore students submitting a STAT booking form should attach a copy of their results statement.
ECU does not generally give permission for Year 12 students who did not attempt an ATAR English subject to sit STAT.
For Murdoch University and Notre Dame, STAT is not required as completion of Year 11 and 12 in Australia meets their English requirement.
UWA requires both sections of STAT to be completed for English competence. Permission from UWA is usually in the form of a conditional offer letter.
If a Year 12 student intends to request special test arrangements for STAT there are additional requirements to meet English, EALD, Literature ATAR students, where possible, will generally be provided with similar arrangements to those provided by SCSA for the WACE examinations. Students should supply their STAT booking form, a completed Special Arrangements form, and the letter from SCSA outlining their approved examination arrangements.
English General students requesting special test arrangements should book as soon as possible, providing their STAT booking form, permission to sit STAT (final school report for Curtin, conditional offer letter for UWA), completed Special Arrangements form and relevant
supporting documents. There is limited capacity to arrange special test sittings once WACE results are released, and TISC will prioritise English, EALD and Literature ATAR students, who will have had no prior opportunity to book.
Special Consideration Schemes
Each state’s Admissions Centre (along with universities that take direct applications) has their own Special Consideration scheme. If you feel you have experienced adversity during your Year 11 and 12 studies, do some research (on the relevant Admissions Centres’ websites) and meet with Careers to discuss a potential application. Be aware of deadlines for each Admissions Centre, as they do vary.
For TISC (and The University of Notre Dame), you can find information on the Education Access Scheme (EAS) here.
Other states:
VTAC SEAS
UAC SEAS
QTAC EAS
Alternative Entry
Experience Based Entry (EBE)
EBE is an entry pathway used by universities to offer admission to students who may be able to demonstrate relevant VET, extracurricular, work experience and other life skills that make them a suitable applicant.
This pathway may be applicable to a student who:
• Achieved an ATAR lower than minimum requirements
• Undertook a General Pathway (with or without ATAR subjects)
• Undertook a General Pathway with Certificate IV
How to apply:
Each university will have their own portfolio document requirements. Prepare these in a timely manner and follow instructions below.
Curtin Portfolio Entry
• Apply through TISC.
• You will be eligible for Main Round offers.
• Attach your portfolio documents to your TISC application under the “Experience Based Entry” document category.
ECU Experience Based Entry
• Apply through TISC.
• You will be eligible for Main Round offers.
• Attach your portfolio documents to your TISC application under the “Experience Based Entry” document category.
ECU Creative Humanities Portfolio
• Apply through TISC.
• You will be eligible for Main Round offers.
• Attach your portfolio documents to your TISC application under the “Experience Based Entry” document category.
Murdoch Experience Based Entry
• Apply through TISC.
• You will be eligible for Main Round offers.
• Attach your portfolio documents to your TISC application under the “Experience Based Entry” document category.
Murdoch Media Portfolio Pathway
• Download and complete the portfolio application form. This includes providing a link to your portfolio, writing a personal statement between 300-500 words and supplying your supporting documentation.
• You also need to download the school endorsement form and ask the Head of Careers and Pathways to complete it.
• Apply direct to Murdoch online with your chosen course as your preference. Make sure you have your completed application form and all supporting documentation ready.
The University of Western Australia
• Apply through TISC.
• You will be eligible for Main Round offers.
• Attach your portfolio documents to your TISC application under the “Experience Based Entry” document category.
University Enabling Programs
For students who do not meet admissions requirements for either direct entry or Experience Based Entry schemes.
Curtin Uniready
ECU UniPrep
Murdoch OnTrack
The University of Note Dame Tertiary Preparation Program
Indigenous Entry Pathways
Curtin Centre for Aboriginal Studies
• Indigenous Tertiary Enabling Course
• Indigenous Pre-Medicine and Health Science Enabling Course
• Indigenous Pre-Science Engineering Enabling Course
Murdoch Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre
UWA Aboriginal Orientation Course
Early Offers (WA)
Applications for Early Offers and Main Round Offers open 3 June 2025.
Since 2023, students can apply for Early Offers for eligible courses, for the four public universities (Curtin, ECU, Murdoch and UWA), through TISC. There are multiple Early Offer rounds right up until the Main Round December Offer date (always a day or two after ATAR and IB Diploma results are released). These Early Offer round dates will be published when available.
For Early Offer applications through TISC, WACE students do not need to upload school reports (Year 11 Semester Two and Year 12 Semester One) to TISC, however, IB Diploma students do need to (to demonstrate subject prerequisites if applicable).
TISC publishes comprehensive information on Early Offers through TISC.
For The University of Notre Dame, students will need to apply to The University of Notre Dame Young Achievers Early Offer Program portal. This will open 1 May 2025. Students should not apply both direct to The University of Notre Dame and through TISC for courses at The University of Notre Dame.
Early Offers (Interstate)
As a general rule, universities such as The University of Sydney, UNSW, The University of Melbourne, Monash University, The University of Queensland, The University of Adelaide/South Australia do not offer Early Offers.
When Early Offer information for 2025, for participating interstate universities, is released, this information will be made available to Year 12 students.
International Universities
New Zealand
As there is no centralised application portal, applicants will need to apply to universities individually.
Course applications usually open in August/September and typically close early December
The University of Otago has been a destination for some PLC alumni. This university is NZ’s oldest and has campuses in five locations.
United Kingdom
The UK accepts applications from school leavers through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). UCAS takes applications to participating institutions in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
PLC is a registered UCAS centre and students have the option to link their application to PLC, which enables PLC to complete the sections on predicted grades/results and the Reference. Students are required to notify Careers of their intention to apply to UCAS by the close of Term 3.
How to apply
From May/June, students will be able to create a UCAS account. As part of the application, they are required to complete a Personal Statement . Once the student has completed the steps required by the applicant, Careers will complete the section on predicted grades/results and the Reference. Payment is completed by the applicant however, the UCAS centre (in this case, PLC) is responsible for submitted the application through the UCAS portal. It is the responsibility of the student to complete all sections and payment in line with UCAS application deadlines.
As a general rule, 15 October is the deadline for applications to Cambridge/Oxford and all courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine/science.
Applicants can list up to five preferences.
Offers
Each university makes offers on a rolling basis. Applicants can reply with up to one “Firm acceptance” and up to one “Insurance choice” (if offered multiple offers).
Other helpful organisations for UK University guidance: British Council
Ethos Recruiting Crimson Education
The Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland accepts applications from school leavers through the Central Applications Office (CAO).
How to apply
From November, students will be able to create a CAO account and from there add their choices by February. There are change of mind options with deadlines.
The United States of America
There are a variety of ways to apply USA colleges and universities.
• Directly
• Application platforms
• The Common Application
• Universal College Application
• Coalition for College
How to apply
Requirements will differ however, applying to USA colleges and universities is an involved process and starting early is critical.
Students will need to meet with the Head of Careers and Pathways to cover the following:
• Applicants will need an official transcript of results (Years 9 -12)
• Letters of recommendation
• Counsellor Recommender
• IB Diploma - Head of IB Diploma
• WACE - Head of Careers and Pathways
• Teacher Recommender: 2/3 teachers (in consultation with Head of Careers and Pathways)
• Personal essays
• Details of extracurricular activities
• SATs/ACTs
• Financial information
Most applications will open in August to commence “USA Fall” the following year.
There are Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision options when applying. You can learn more here to help you select the best option based on your circumstances.
General Timeline:
Outcomes released Mid-December
Note: Applicants can only apply for one Early Decision and if the application is successful they must accept and enrol.
Other helpful organisations for USA University guidance:
College Board
Education USA
Internationally Educated
Study Play USA
Ethos Recruiting
Crimson Education
Canada
The application process will differ depending on where you wish to study. Some states have a centralised system and others will require application direct to the universities.
Application platforms:
• The Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC)
• Apply Alberta
• Education Planner BC
Most university admissions open around September to commence the following “Canadian Fall”.
France
Non-European students need to pass the Preliminary Admission or “Demande d’Admission Préalable - DAP” for applying in French institutions and should also apply online through Campus France.
Application documents
• High school transcripts
• An essay (if asked by the university)
• Proof of language competency in either English or French depending on the program
For non-European students, you might be asked to provide additional documents such as your birth certificate, financial support proof for your studies and, after admission, your French student visa. Please note that each program might ask for additional documents, so make sure you have the time to evaluate what is needed from your side.
Germany
To study in Germany you need to have a recognised Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) or “higher education entrance qualification”.
Students will typically apply directly to the individual university in which they are interested.
Admissions processes vary between institutions and between courses within institutions. Some universities may require applications to go through www.uni-assist.de, while others may have their own application forms. Sometimes both online and print applications are required and both must reach the university by the application deadline.
Application documents
• a certified copy of the HZB with the subjects and grades from the final two years of high school in the original language
• a certified translation of the subjects and marks
• proof of language proficiency (an officially certified copy or online verification code).
In addition, universities may also require such documents as letters of motivation, tests or selection interviews
Language requirements
The language of instruction is German in most courses, requiring international applicants to submit proof of proficiency in the German language through a language test result or by taking a preparatory course.
Switzerland
Switzerland is a multilingual country so you might need to translate application documents in either French, Italian or German, depending on the location of your preferred institution.
Application documents
• A fully filled and signed application form.
• A valid passport and passport-size photographs.
• High school diploma or previous academic transcripts and diplomas, if applicable.
• Language proficiency certificates in English, Italian, French or German.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Motivation letter explaining the reasons you chose to study in Switzerland.
• Evidence of paying the application fee.
There is no centralised admissions system for applying to Swiss universities. Once you’ve chosen your program, explore the institution’s website to make sure you fulfill the academic requirements for admission and then apply directly to the institution through their application portal. For private institutions contact the institutions directly, as they have their own admission rules.
The Netherlands
There are two systems for applying to Dutch universities: directly to the institution and through Studie link. The path depends on the university course to which you are applying. Studie link is used as an online application.
Timeline
For most programmes, Studie link opens in October prior to the starting year, and applications are typically due between January and May. After students register and/ or apply in Studie link, the university informs students on any further application procedures. Between May and September, the university may assist students with finalising programme selection.
The basic steps of applying through Studie link are:
1. Register in Studie link
2. Complete application via the intended university/pro-gramme website
3. Upload the application documents
4. The University assesses admissibility
5. Follow the admissions procedure
6. Complete registration and pay tuition fees