Now is the time for research and planning
Visit Careers at PLC
• Make an appointment using the online booking link sent each term – no email appointment requests please.
Endeavour to attend:
• The Combined Schools Tertiary Expo at Scotch College –Monday 19 May 2025
• Information nights for respective courses held at the relevant university; and/or
• One on one university course advisory sessions held at the relevant university.
Visit the University Open Days
• Speak with Future Student Advisors
• Get a feel for the campus; and
• Be open-minded and consider the courses on offer.
Collect
• Pick up an Admissions Guide for each of the WA Universities from Careers. (You will be notified when the 2026 Admissions Guides arrive.)
Interested in interstate and international universities?
• Attend lunchtime information sessions (as advertised).
• Follow application process; and
• Direct references and/or referees requests to the Head of Careers and Pathways.
Adhere to deadlines
• Know the date for applications to be submitted to the relevant university. (Allow enough time for a PLC staff member to do anything that is required of them).
Key Dates 2025
Friday 18 October (2024)
Final date for WACE ATAR subject changes
Friday 7 February
Final date for WACE General subject changes
Friday 14 February
Final date for enrolment in VET courses
Thursday 3 April
Final date for enrolment in any WACE ATAR, WACE General, VET courses (SCSA system will be locked and no further changes may be made)
Thursday 24 July
Final date for withdrawal from WACE ATAR courses with a practical component
Monday 11 August
Final date for withdrawal from WACE ATAR courses without a practical component
Lighthouse Leavers
Lighthouse Leavers compliments academic pursuits and develops life skills. There are four university sessions built into this programme:
• Friday 14 March – Curtin University
• Friday 11 April – UWA and the University of Notre Dame
• Friday 2 May – TISC
• Friday 13 June – ECU and Murdoch
Combined Schools Future Pathways Expo
Scotch College Monday 19 May 2025.
You are encouraged to attend early in the evening as the representatives get quite busy and often run out of hard copy information.
University Open Days
• UWA – Sunday 30 March
• Murdoch – Saturday 5 April
• Curtin – Sunday 6 April
• ECU Joondalup – Sunday 23 March
• ECU Mt Lawley – Sunday 4 May
• Notre Dame – Saturday 24 May
Applying to WA Universities Through TISC
2026 Admissions Opening 3 June 2025
• Access TISC tisc.edu.au to find information regarding the previous year’s ATAR selection ranks for courses.
• Review university admission information and note the prerequisite subjects.
• Use the PLC ATAR estimator on home.plc
• Collect your TISC Guide from Careers.
• Action your TISC account using the instructions provided.
• Provide a non-PLC email address.
• Provide your USI. (See below)
• Preferences for applications to Medicine, Dentistry, Podiatry, and the Assured Pathway to Pharmacy at UWA must be in by 30 September 2025. No preferences can be added after this date. Preferences for applications to Veterinary courses must be listed by 30 August 2025.
• Students may add, delete, and reorder preferences up until just after results are released for December round offers.
• Certificate III and IV students are required to upload completed certificates to TISC once received or send directly to universities to which they hold an early offer.
• Students applying to Nursing, Teaching, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine degrees are required to complete additional non-academic requirements. Failure to complete this process may jeopardise application to these courses.
USI
All Year 12 students require a USI if they intend on applying to and enrolling at university or TAFE.
How to Access TISC
The TISC number (WA student number/SCSA number) is available on SEQTA. It is eight digits and will start with a 3.
• Log into TISC using the TISC number and your temporary password. (First two letters of your surname in lowercase, followed by DOB eg. Jane Smith sm10122005)
• Change your password. If you forget your password you will need to contact TISC directly.
• IB Diploma students will need to create and account with TISC as they are not automatically registered.
International Students
The university application process is different for students without Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency.
Western Australian Universities
Apply directly to the university of your choice.
South Australian, New South Wales, Victorian and Queensland Universities
Applications are required to be submitted via SATAC, UAC, VTAC, or QTAC respectively.
PLC Apply to University Guide
A more comprehensive guide on applying to Western Australia, Interstate and a selection of international universities will be published later in Term 1.
The University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame is a private university. Applications may be made through TISC or direct to The University of Notre Dame through their online admissions portal.
Although TISC now allows preferences for The University of Notre Dame, you are strongly advised to apply direct. You will need to supply school reports and complete three additional questions covering why you are applying to Notre Dame, why you are applying to the course, and a section on achievements, leadership, and community involvement.
The University of Notre Dame is competitive and achieving the ATAR/IB Diploma score does not guarantee admission, therefore students are encouraged to apply for courses at other WA universities via TISC.
Alternative Entry
If you are concerned your results may not get you into the course of your choice or you will not generate an ATAR, there are many other pathways.
Portfolio Entry / Experience Based Entry
Curtin, ECU, Murdoch, and UWA offer the option for students to apply via Portfolio Entry or Experience Based Entry to some of their Undergraduate Degrees. Portfolio Entry is direct entry into your course even if you fall short in your ATAR or do not generate an ATAR.
Students are required to submit a folio of achievement that includes: an application statement, a letter of support from school, school reports, etc. Some courses have additional requirements.
Not all courses are available through Portfolio Entry/Experience Based Entry.
Students applying through Portfolio Entry/Experience Based Entry are required to commence this process prior to the Christmas holidays. It may not be possible to provide a letter of support from PLC after then.
Curtin
https://www.curtin.edu.au/study/applying/pathways/portfolio-entry/
ECU
https://www.ecu.edu.au/degrees/pathways
Murdoch
https://www.murdoch.edu.au/study/pathways-to-uni/enabling-pathways/ experience-based-entry
UWA
uwa.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/admission-entry-pathways
Enabling Programmes
If you do not meet the criteria for Portfolio or Experience Based Entry you may be eligible for Enabling Programmes.
All students are encouraged to include one enabling programme on their TISC application if they have a spare preference.
Curtin
Uniready and Science enabling courses
Application is through TISC curtin.edu.au/study/applying/pathways
ECU
UniPrep (University Preparation Course)
Application is through TISC ecu.edu.au/degrees/uniprep
Murdoch
OnTrack
Application is direct to Murdoch University murdoch.edu.au/study/pathways-to-uni/enabling-pathways
The University of Notre Dame
Tertiary Preparation Programme (TPP)
Application is direct to The University of Notre Dame.
Early Offer Information for WA Universities
The University of Notre Dame Early Offer Programme – Opening 1 May 2025
Students apply direct to The University of Notre Dame Early Offer Portal using their Semester 2 Year 11 Report or their Semester 1 Year 12 Report.
• Applications are assessed by Admissions staff.
• Admissions considers a students’ “other” involvement.
• Offers are at the discretion of Admissions staff.
Students do not need to complete a second application for Main Round offers if their application for Early Offer is unsuccessful. Admissions will keep the application on file for further offer rounds in November and January. Changes to preferences may be requested by emailing admissions@nd.edu.au
Curtin, ECU, Murdoch, and UWA - Opening 3 June 2025
These universities will be making early offers to eligible courses. Application for early offers for these universities will be through TISC opening Thursday 3 June 2025.
It is anticipated, the first round of early offers will be made in early September 2025. There will be multiple offer rounds and these will be published when available.
Performing Arts Courses
WAAPA
Admission to the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) is by audition and/or interview.
Admission to Bachelor programmes at WAAPA also require applicants to meet the entrance requirements for ECU.
Applicants are open from July to September and application kits are updated on the ECU/WAAPA website each July. waapa.ecu.edu.au/about/welcome-to-waapa
UWA – Music
Applications to Music at UWA is via TISC however audition bookings are made direct with UWA. uwa.edu.au/able/schools/conservatorium-of-music
Medicine and Related Courses
Medicine (Curtin and UWA) and Assured Pathways to Dentistry, Podiatry, and Pharmacy (UWA)
Students applying to these courses must be aware of additional requirements and deadlines.
Applicants must list their preferences for these courses on TISC by 30 September 2025. Preferences for these courses cannot be added after this deadline.
For Curtin Medicine, further to sitting the UCAT, the Casper Test is required. Application to these programmes is not enhanced by references, letters of recommendation, or extra-curricular involvement etc. Information on applying to Medicine will be provided throughout the year through Careers News.
Curtin, The University of Notre Dame, and UWA run their own information sessions on applying to Medicine and Dentistry and information will be provided in Careers News.
Medicine Rural Pathway
The requirements for students eligible for rural pathway entry are slightly different and information can be found:
• Curtin – curtin.edu.au/study/application-requirements
• UWA – meddent.uwa.edu.au/future-students
Medicine - International Students
Instead of UCAT, international students may need to sit ISAT.
For more information on applying to Medicine, please visit:
• Curtin – curtin.edu.au/study/application-requirements
• UWA – uwa.edu.au/study/how-to-apply
For more information on UCAT, please see:
• ucat.edu.au
For UCAT preparation providers, please see:
• icanmed.com.au
• medentry.edu.au
• nie.edu.au
For information on Casper, please see:
• acuityinsites.app
James Cook University
JCU has a two-step application process for the following degrees:
• Bachelor of Dental Surgery
• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
• Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
Step 1: Apply online via the QTAC website: and
Step 2: Apply online directly to JCU
Bond University
Applications must be lodged through QTAC, qtac.edu.au which opens for Bond University mid-January 2026.
QTAC will determine eligibility based on an assessment of academic performance. Bond University will invite shortlisted applications to undertake psychometric testing and successful applicants will be asked to an attend an on-campus interview. Bond University does not use the UCAT in their admissions process.
Applying to Interstate Universities
Students interested in applying to interstate universities should start their research on the Future Students webpages for the relevant universities.
Review the prerequisites for courses.
Further research can be done at:
• NSW uac.edu.au
• VIC vtac.edu.au
• QLD qtac.edu.au
• SA/NT satac.edu.au
• TAS utas.edu.au
Direct Application Information for Interstate Universities
ANU
Application to ANU is direct to the university. Application to ANU opens in March and closes in May.
More information can be found at: anu.edu.au/study/apply/anu-undergraduate
Bond University
Bond is a private university and the application process is direct for the university.
PLC Lunchtime Sessions
PLC Lunchtime sessions for interstate universities typically occur in May (whilst representatives are in WA for the Combined Schools Tertiary Expo). At the same time, these universities hold evening information sessions which will be advertised to the community by the Head of Careers and Pathways.
Living Arrangements
Residential Colleges
Students applying interstate or locally may require accommodation. Residential Colleges are competitive and require early application. Applications generally open in April and are separate to university applications. Offers are made throughout the year, conditional on being offered and enrolling at the institution.
The University of Melbourne
Residential Colleges of The University of Melbourne are on one simple application. Once an application has been made, the college that may be interested in you will make contact to take your application further. This will usually involve the completion of a referee report or reference (please see References page 16). Interviews may take place online or in person. colleges.unimelb.edu.au
The University of Sydney
An application to each college is required. sydney.edu.au/campus-life/accommodation
UWA
Application is via the portal. portal.residences.uwa.edu.au
Applying to International Universities
UK
PLC is a registered UCAS centre. This means that a student can link their UCAS application to PLC. The Head of Careers and Pathways will arrange the reference, input predicted or actual grades (depending on the application deadline) and submit the completed application by the relevant deadline. ucas.com
Applications to Oxford and Cambridge are due around 15 October each year, whilst the general deadline for UCAS applications is around 25 January.
In May, the Head of Careers and Pathways will notify students of a “buzzword” if they wish to link their application to PLC as their UCAS centre. The buzzword for 2025 will be Blackwatch26. It is the responsibility of the student to create their account, nominate their universities, complete their personal statement, and pay for their application.
UK Admissions Tests
Some courses require students to take admissions tests in order to be considered for admission. Students will need to liaise with the Head of Careers and Pathways if tests are required. PLC is a test centre, however the test fee is the responsibility of the candidate.
USA
Applications to the USA may be through direct application to the college or through The Common Application. commonapp.org
Students will require a Counsellor Recommendation and two or three Teacher Recommendations. The student will need to create a Common Application account and liaise with the Head of Careers and Pathways with regard to their “Recommenders”.
The PLC Apply to University Guide will be made available to students in Term 1.
References
References are a holistic picture of the student academically and as a contributor to PLC life.
All reference requests are to be directed to the Head of Careers and Pathways.
When requesting a reference, the student is asked to provide a link/screenshot to assist in understanding the purpose of the reference. Information is then gathered from relevant staff and a reference is written for the student based on the specific requirements of that reference.
Teacher recommendations for USA Applications
It is advised that a teacher recommendation is made by a teacher who is directly related to the field a student wishes to pursue.
The teacher needs to be specific about their subject, (sport/music/drama/dance ability) making reference to particular things the student has done in their subject area.
Referees
Some applications require students to provide the name of a “Referee”. Examples include:
• Residential colleges
• Gap year programmes
• Exchange programmes
These differ to Academic References.
All referee requests are to be directed to the Head of Careers and Pathways.
Referees are usually sent a link to complete.
References for the UK and USA need to be tailored to match the course a student is applying to. These take time as they require input from various parties. Therefore, students intending to apply to the UK and/or USA must indicate their intention to do so by the end of Term 3. A request over the Christmas holidays cannot be accommodated.
Work Experience
Work experience provides insight into the industry and workplace a student may be interested in. It is a valuable opportunity to:
• develop employable skills
• explore possible career options
• understand employer expectation; and
• increase their self-understanding, maturity, independence, and self-confidence.
It may also be beneficial for the following:
• Notre Dame Early Offer
• Portfolio / Experience Based Entry
• Scholarships
• International universities; or
• Residential Colleges.
Students wishing to undertake work experience will need to source their own work experience, however, PLC can assist in arranging documentation and insurance cover.
Request a work experience pro-forma from the Head of Careers and Pathways and allow two weeks’ notice for documentation to be completed.
WACE Further Information
SCSA Year 12 Handbook
SCSA publish information in two parts.
Part 1 – Information for all students (to be published Wednesday 12 March).
Part 2 – Examinations (to be published Wednesday 23 July).
scsa.wa.edu.au/publications
SCSA Year 12 Student Portal
The student portal studentportal.scsa.wa.edu.au is a space for Year 12 students to check and access personal information that relates to their WACE.
You need to visit the portal to:
• check your personal details
• check your enrolments
• complete the Student Declaration and Permission (Curriculum Services will advise students when this needs to be completed)
• download a copy of your approved special examination arrangements
• download a copy of the Physical Education Studies Practical Examination information – sport to be examined and skill level
• download a copy of the Personalised Practical Examination Timetable which states the date, time, and location of each practical examination
• download a copy of the Personalised Written Examination Timetable which states the date, time, and location of each written examination you need to attend
• check your results (these are not scaled scores)
• download a copy of any sickness/misadventure outcome
• download your folio of achievements (WASSA, WACE, ATAR course reports and SCSA awards).
You need to know your WA student number (WASN/SCSA student number) and a password to access the portal. When you visit the portal for the first time, you will be prompted to change your password. Your initial password will be the first two letters of your surname and your DOB (eg Jane Smith Sm10122006). Please note, this is very similar but slightly different to your TISC password (capital S).
WACE Checker
You can use the WACE Checker to check your progress towards meeting the requirements of the WACE. It is designed to determine whether you have met (or are expected to meet) each of the requirements for the WACE.
You will find the WACE Checker at wacechecker.scsa.wa.edu.au
The WACE Checker is provided as a guide only.
Achievement of the WACE is dependent on the calculation of a student’s final school grades and completion of courses.
WACE Equivalences
VET
If you complete a SCSA accredited VET qualification/s this will contribute toward WACE.
A maximum of eight units (four Year 11 units and four Year 12 units) can be counted towards meeting WACE requirements, but there is no limit to the number of qualifications that can be reported on your WASSA.
Endorsed Programmes
Endorsed programmes can contribute up to four unit equivalents (two Year 11 and two Year 12) towards WACE requirements.
Note: Endorsed Programmes do not enhance the ATAR. Please find more detailed information on Endorsed Programmes at senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/vet
VET and Endorsed Programmes and WACE
Up to eight unit equivalents in VET and/or Endorsed Programmes can contribute to WACE requirements.
Western Australian Statement of Student Achiement (WASSA)
The Western Australian Statement of Student Attainment (WASSA) is issued to all students at the completion of Year 12. It lists all course, VET, and/or Endorsed Programmes students have completed in Years 11 and 12. Students will be able to access this via the SCSA student portal.
ATAR Examinations
To meet WACE requirements, Year 12 students who are enrolled in a Year 12 ATAR course are required to sit the ATAR course examination (written, and where relevant, practical) for that course. If you do not sit an ATAR course examination and do not have an approved Sickness/Misadventure Application for the course, the pair of units completed in that year will not contribute towards WACE and you risk not meeting minimum WACE requirements.
Provision for Sickness or Misadventure
Consideration for ATAR examinations may be given to candidates (with the exception of non-school candidates) suffering from temporary sickness or misadventure close to or during the examinations, if they believe it may have affected their performance in the examination. Long-term illness/injury and language difficulty will not be considered under these provisions.
Please contact the school to discuss this with relevant staff should the need arise.
University Admissions Advice Letter (UAAL)
The UAAL will be accessible via TISC when ATAR results are released. The UAAL will give your ATAR, Scales ATAR Subject Scores and University English Language competency and Selection Ranks. You will need to download and save this at the time as there is a fee to retrieve this at a later date.
Special Consideration for University Application
Separate to Sickness and Misadventure, the Education Access Scheme (EAS) may assist students who are seeking undergraduate admission to WA universities and have experienced exceptional circumstances during senior secondary schooling, which adversely affected their Year 11/12 study.
EAS covers a range of circumstances and is a process which involves the applicant, the school, and any external person involved in managing the circumstances. It is important that the student meets with the Head of Careers and Pathways if they wish to apply for EAS. There are deadlines that need to be adhered to and these will be published on the TISC website during the year.
More information can be found here tisc.edu.au/static/guide/eas.tisc
PLC Exit Guide
During Term 3, Year 12 students and parents will be provided with an “Exit Guide”. Some information outlined in that document is listed below.
After 31 December, students will no longer be able to access their PLC email and SEQTA.
Important Things to Do Before Then
• Create your USI
• Use an alternate email when completing TISC and other university applications; and
• Download copies of Academic Reports.