At IDEAcademy, we know ATAR is not the only way into university. In fact, for many young people, it is not the best way. It’s time to stop labelling what works as “an alternative pathway”. More students are finding pathways that better prepare them for higher education and future careers in a way that feels supportive, practical and sustainable. IDEA Grads leave not only with a pathway to university, but they are also often ahead in their undergraduate degrees, having completed uni units as a part of their personalised program through IDEA University partnerships.
Take Kaung, one of our students at IDEAcademy. At 17, he’s bright, driven, and dreams of becoming a civil engineer. But in Year 11, the ATAR system was causing undo stress that impacted negatively on his progress and mental health. He felt like he was “gambling with his future”. So instead of staying on a path that didn’t suit him, he chose IDEA’s university pathway. In his Graduate year at IDEA, Kaung is studying a Certificate IV in Business, while working on a civil engineering project with his mentor Nathaniel Santagiuliana, Facilities Manager at Hawaiian. He is also completing Curtin University’s Uni Ready program, building a solid academic base in writing, communication, engineering science and maths, in preparation for university life and study. More importantly, he’s picking up practical skills like project management, problem solving and task prioritisation, while developing habits to keep his work-life balance in check – skills that actually matter when you step into university and adult life.
“IDEA taught me how to prioritise, commit, and function in the adult world. I’m learning skills I’ll use for the rest of my life.”
Now Kaung can clearly see his future: finishing IDEA, moving into university, and graduating as a civil engineer. But his story isn’t unique.
Why Kaung’s Story Speaks to So Many Families
Not all kids even end up doing ATAR. In Western Australia, only about 46.6% of full-time WACE-eligible Year 12 students sit four or more ATAR course exams, leaving many others pursuing different qualifications and pathways. (Source: SCSA Year 12 Achievement Data Highlights, 2022)
And Perth universities are responding with more contemporary non-ATAR options that recognises the skills, attributes, and learning styles of a broader population of young talents. The University of Western Australia offers Experienced- based entry Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University and Notre Dame also provide entry that recognises the combination of VET qualifications and university enabling programs to assess entry and English language competence requirements.
These pathways are not a back door. Research shows they can give students an edge, because they build resilience, confidence, and readiness for university. Students who might have been a mismatch for ATAR studies often thrive once they’re given the chance to prove themselves in a way that suits them better.
So, if ATAR feels like a dead end for your teen, take heart. There are other routes into serious study, ones that can accelerate their journey, routes that can feel more solid, more personal and often more empowering.
Watch Kaung’s Full Story
Hear Kaung share his journey in his own words:
Watch Kaung’s Uni Ready interview