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Admission criteria & entry schemes

English language proficiency

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Admission criteria and entry schemes

To secure a place in a program (course) at Griffith University you need to meet the program admission requirements and be selected among other eligible applicants. Specific admission criteria are outlined in each program (course) description.

Undergraduate applicants

Australian Year 12 students

If you are a 2023 or 2024 Australian Year 12 student, you will be considered for admission based on your ATAR or equivalent, and whether you meet the entry criteria, such as subject prerequisites.

Griffith recognises a range of pathways to help you enter your preferred degree program, including VET study and other qualifications such as AQF certificates III and IV and diplomas, and Australian Music Examination Board qualifications. If you possess multiple qualifications, please ensure to include details of these in your application.

Most Griffith degrees have English as Assumed Knowledge. Some degrees such as Bachelor of Education and all Laws (Honours) single and double degrees still require English as a prerequisite which is 'any two units of English (Band 3) excluding English Studies’ and is achieved through completing two units of Category A HSC Board Developed English courses with a minimum performance band of 3+ or equivalent.

If knowledge of another specific subject is considered necessary for successful first-year study, but is not a requirement for admission, the subject is listed under prior ‘Assumed knowledge’ in the course description (which you can access via the course search). A limited number of programs have additional subject prerequisites.

Learn more about Griffith University prerequisites and assumed knowledge

Minimum age requirements

You can apply for a program at Griffith if you are 17 years of age or older. If you are 16 years old, you must have completed Year 12 or an AQF certificate III or higher qualification. If you are under 16 years of age, contact Griffith University directly to discuss your eligibility.

Griffith Guaranteed Admission Scheme

To provide certainty about future study options and more opportunities for students from a range of backgrounds, Griffith’s Guaranteed Admission Scheme offers applicants who meet the minimum ATAR threshold, or complete a VET Certificate III or above, a guarantee of admission for a range of selected programs. Applicants must meet prerequisites and any other selection criteria. The ATAR and VET Guarantees apply up to the UAC rounds in mid-January each year, or until the program is closed for any intake. Contact GU for information on whether your degree is still open for offers.

Selection rank adjustments

Griffith University offers a range of adjustment factors designed to meet the needs of local communities or provide access to university for people who have experienced disadvantage. Adjustments are automatically applied to an applicant’s ATAR to provide a selection rank for admission. The maximum total adjustments that you can receive under all pathways is eight (8.00) ranks.

Equity adjustments

If you’ve experienced difficult circumstances that have negatively impacted your studies, the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) can help you get into your preferred degree. If you are eligible for the EAS, you may receive adjustments that improve your chances of getting an offer.

To apply for EAS, you must be able to demonstrate that your Year 11 and/or Year 12 studies have been negatively affected for a period of at least six months, as a result of circumstances beyond your control or choosing. You must also be:

a UAC applicant for undergraduate admission
an Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident of Australia.

Learn more about How the Educational Access Scheme works

Location adjustments

Gold Coast and Logan Priority Access Pathway

If you live in one of our eligible suburbs from the Brisbane City region to Nambucca Shire, NSW, and have never studied at university before, you may be eligible for Priority Access. If you reside in one of the listed locations, you will be awarded an adjustment of two (2.00) ranks to your eligible Gold Coast and/or Logan campus preferences.

For further information including which postcodes are eligible, visit the website and refer to the Gold Coast and Logan Priority Access Pathway.

Learn more about Griffith University adjustment factors

Griffith University adjustment factors

Subject adjustments

Year 12 Subject Adjustment Pathway

If you have successfully studied a subject in high school that requires a high level of skill or knowledge, or courses (subjects) at university such as the Griffith University Head Start Program (formerly GUESTS program), you may be able to receive an adjustment to your ATAR or rank from secondary studies of up to six (6.00) ranks. Learn more about Griffith University Year 12 Subject Adjustment Pathway.

Criteria that may apply in addition to the ATAR

In some programs at Griffith, selection for admission can be based on criteria in addition to, in combination with, or instead of standard admission criteria. Admission criteria are specified in the individual course descriptions.

If you have attempted tertiary studies, you may be considered for admission on the basis of your highest eligible selection rank. Your selection rank will be derived from the duration and grade point average in these studies. Successfully completing a minimum of two single degree level courses (subjects) also meets the Griffith University English subject prerequisite.

Learn more about Griffith University prerequisites and assumed knowledge

Griffith has seen VET pathway students achieve remarkable results and therefore accepts standalone VET qualifications completed at high school, private providers and TAFE Institutes for admission.

If you have completed an AQF Certificate III, Certificate IV, diploma or advanced diploma, you are eligible for guaranteed admission to a range of Griffith’s programs. You will still need to meet subject prerequisites and any other admission requirements as outlined in the Griffith Degree Finder.

Guaranteed Admission Scheme

Griffith University prerequisites and assumed knowledge

Griffith welcomes applications from non-current school leavers aged at least 18 who do not qualify for admission on the basis of formal educational attainment but seek admission on the basis of their experience and informal study. We recognise the intellectual and skills development gained through bridging and preparatory studies, professional and paraprofessional qualifications, vocational experience and the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Griffith University prerequisites and assumed knowledge

Employment experience

Applicants who do not qualify for admission on the basis of formal educational attainment may be allocated a selection rank based on their employment experience. Program exclusions apply.

Griffith University admission via STAT and employment

Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Griffith University accepts the STAT Multiple Choice test for non-2023 Year 12 applicants who are 18 years or over by 1 January 2023. Not all programs accept STAT results. A good STAT result may also meet the English Subject prerequisite for some programs.

Griffith University admission via STAT and employment

Griffith Personal Statement

The Griffith Personal Statement offers an admission pathway into a number of undergraduate programs for applicants who do not satisfy the minimum selection rank or do not have the subject prerequisites for admission. We understand success at university is about much more than completing a qualification. It’s your chance to showcase your values, viewpoints, leadership skills and desire to learn and grow.

There are commonly accepted overseas secondary qualifications that Griffith may take into consideration. Check your qualification.

Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia with overseas qualifications must contact Griffith University to discuss eligibility for admission before submitting an application to UAC.

English language proficiency

If you have qualifications from countries where English is not the standard language of instruction, you must provide evidence of English language proficiency.

Some accredited programs may require applicants who have not completed their secondary studies or other qualifications from a limited country list to demonstrate their proficiency via a specific ELP test.

Griffith University prerequisites and assumed knowledge

With one of the largest Indigenous university student populations in Queensland, Griffith is committed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success. We seek to increase the participation and success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in the University’s programs through an enabling program prior to commencement, assistance with admission, and additional tutoring and support services provided by the GUMURRII Student Support Unit. If you have Australian First People’s heritage, we would welcome an application of admission through UAC. If you do not meet the published admission criteria, you may be invited to participate in a First Peoples Admission pathway.

Griffith University accepts ranks based on armed services general training for entry to most degrees.

Griffith University also provides support for all students through peer mentoring and peer-assisted study sessions. We provide wellbeing services, such as counselling, and support for students with medical conditions, disabilities and accessibility needs.

Veterans pathway to Griffith University

Griffith University prerequisites and assumed knowledge

Griffith University Veterans Student Success Program

Griffith University student support