Experience Based Entry

Apply for university based on your experience—not just your ATAR

At The University of Notre Dame Australia, we recognise that academic potential is developed in many ways.

Our Experience Based Entry (EBE) pathway allows you to demonstrate your readiness for university through your work, study, and life experience, not just recent school results.

Download EBE Guide

If you’re not sure you meet the entry requirements, you are encouraged to apply.

What is Experienced Based Entry?

Experience Based Entry (EBE) is an alternative admission pathway that enables you to apply for selected undergraduate degrees by demonstrating your capability through a combination of:

• Work and professional experience
• Vocational education and training (VET)
• Prior study or short courses
• Community, leadership or life experience

Programs available via EBE

EBE is available for a range of undergraduate degrees, including:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Communications and Media
• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
• Bachelor of Education (Early Learning)
• Bachelor of Science (Fremantle WA, campus only)
• Bachelor of Primary Reach Higher (Broome WA, campus only)

• Who is Experienced Based Entry for?

  Experienced Based Entry is designed for applicants who may not meet traditional entry requirements, including:

  • People with work or professional experience
  • Applicants with VET qualifications (completed or partial)
  • Individuals with community, caring, leadership or volunteering experience
  • Mature-age students returning to study
  • Anyone with a non-linear or interrupted education pathway
  • Students who are unsure if they meet ATAR requirements

• Am I eligible for Experienced Based Entry?

  The Experience Based Entry pathway is designed for current school leavers and mature age applicants who may not meet traditional entry requirements but can demonstrate potential through academic achievement and experience.

  To be eligible, applicants must meet at least three points from the academic criteria.

  If you are currently in Year 12 and completing the ATAR, General, VET, or Enabling pathway, you may be eligible to secure a place at Notre Dame University through this entry option.

  Mature age applicants can apply by combining their academic background with relevant work experience.

• How does it work?

  To apply through Experienced Based Entry, you will:

  • Submit evidence
  • Achieve a minimum of six (6) points based on your experience and achievements
  • Provide a short statement of purpose (200 words)

  Your application is assessed by our admissions team.

  If you’re unsure, we encourage you to apply and we will help guide you to collate the evidence you need.

• What can I include in my application?

  You can demonstrate your readiness for university through a combination of:

  Work Experience

  • General work experience (part-time, casual or full-time)
  • Experience aligned to your intended field of study

  Academic and Study Experience

  • School results (ATAR or General subjects)
  • VET qualifications (Certificate II–Diploma)
  • Enabling programs or university units
  • Microcredentials or short courses

  Experience and Achievements

  • Leadership roles or community involvement
  • Volunteering or caregiving responsibilities
  • Sporting or extracurricular achievements
  • Entrepreneurship or small business experience

  Portfolio (if relevant)

  • Evidence of work related to your chosen discipline

  We assess your application holistically, considering the breadth and depth of your experience, not just one factor.

• How do I apply?

  You can submit your application via our online application form. To ensure we can assess your eligibility, please include the following documents along with your application form.

  For more information on applying, including Special Considerations and Adjustment Factors, please see How to apply.

  Personal statement

  We want to know more about you.

  Your personal statement should offer a clear sense of who you are, what motivates you and why you’re passionate about the program you are applying for. If you are returning to study after time away from formal education, we encourage you to reflect on your journey, what brought you back to study and what you hope to achieve at Notre Dame.

  Detail your education and academic achievements, relevant skills and work experience, and any extracurricular activities and achievements that have shaped your goals. Your statement should show evidence of your desire and ability to succeed at university, so it is important to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subject and a commitment to learning.

  *This statement is limited to 200 words.

  Academic records

  Your academic records could include any of the following:

  • School reports – Year 11 and 12, Semester 1 and 2
  • Complete/Incomplete VET transcript and certificate
  • Complete/Incomplete University Enabling Program transcript and certificate
  • Complete/Incomplete any tertiary or higher transcript and/or certificate
  • Proof of completion of any short courses or micro credentials
  • STAT result

  Extracurricular activities

  You should also include supporting documentation to verify the information you have provided in your application. Please include any relevant certificates and awards, reference letters and a portfolio if applicable.

  Resume

  Your resume should highlight your experience, duration of your work, skills and accomplishments.

Contact us

If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Book a 1-on-1 advice session with a career advisor or visit us on campus.