High school students

Passion unlocks potential

At Torrens University Australia, we take a strengths-based approach to teaching. While the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) is a reasonable indication of your performance, this number doesn’t necessarily recognise your hard work or the areas where you really shine. We believe your individuality and potential is a better sign of how you might succeed in higher education.

No more ATAR

Torrens University removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for students aiming to study with us. Instead, future students with recent secondary school education are considered for admission if they have a Year 12 certificate*.

Having investigated our student cohorts based on current entry requirements, we found that the minimum ATAR of 60 or equivalent for entry into bachelor courses didn’t provide an indication of potential success. Rather, those who entered at diploma level (with no ATAR requirements) were more likely to remain studying and complete their course with success.

As a progressive university that fosters passion, we want our students to succeed in a career they love. We’re interested in working towards the outcome – that’s why we’ve shifted our focus to transferable soft skills. We want everyone to have the chance to achieve their academic and career goals.

*Exemptions may apply to some courses.

Our courses

At Torrens University Australia, we’re passionate about helping you land a career you love. We offer a wide range of courses in Business, Design and Creative Technology, Health and Hospitality.

Business
Design & Creative Technology
Health
Hospitality

Course	ATAR
Bachelor of Commerce	No ATAR **
Bachelor of Business	No ATAR *
Bachelor of Business (Entrepreneurship)	No ATAR *
Bachelor of Business (Event Management)	No ATAR *
Bachelor of Business (Information Systems)	No ATAR**
Bachelor of Business (Marketing)	No ATAR *
Bachelor of Business (Sports Management)	No ATAR *
Diploma of Business	No ATAR *
Diploma of Event Management	No ATAR *
Diploma of Business Information Systems	No ATAR *
Diploma of Marketing	No ATAR *
Completion of Year 12 or equivalent *Completion of Australian secondary studies with a Pass in Year 12 General Mathematics (or above)

Course	ATAR
Bachelor of Branded Fashion Design	No ATAR **
Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Design	No ATAR **
Bachelor of Communication Design	No ATAR **
Bachelor of Communication Design	No ATAR **
Bachelor of Interior Design (Residential)	No ATAR **
Bachelor of Digital Media (3D Design & Animation)	No ATAR **
Bachelor of Digital Media (Film & Video Design)	No ATAR **
Bachelor of Digital Media (Interaction Design)	No ATAR **
Diploma of Design	No ATAR **
Diploma of Graphic Design	No ATAR **
Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration	No ATAR **
Diploma of Photo Imaging	No ATAR **
*completion of Year 12 or equivalent

Course	ATAR
Bachelor of Applied Public Health	No ATAR **
Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Community Services)	No ATAR **
Bachelor of Health Science (Aesthetics)	No ATAR **
Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition)	No ATAR **
Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)	No ATAR **
Bachelor of Health Science (Western Herbal Medicine)	No ATAR **
Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine)	60
Bachelor of Nutrition	No ATAR **
Diploma of Beauty and Spa Practice	No ATAR **
Diploma of Counselling & Communication Skills	No ATAR **
Diploma of Health Science	No ATAR **
Diploma of Health and Wellbeing	No ATAR **
Diploma of Nutrition	No ATAR **
Diploma of Sport Development	No ATAR **
*completion of Year 12 or equivalent

Course	ATAR
Associate Degree of Business (Hospitality Management)	No ATAR **
Associate Degree of Business (Tourism Management)	No ATAR **
Associate Degree of Culinary Management	No ATAR **
Bachelor of Business (Hospitality Management)	No ATAR **
Bachelor of Business (Tourism Management)	No ATAR **
Bachelor of Business (International Event Management)	No ATAR **
Bachelor of Business (International Hotel and Resort Management)	No ATAR **
Bachelor of Culinary Management	No ATAR **
Diploma of Business (Hospitality Management)	No ATAR **
Diploma of Business (Tourism Management)	No ATAR **
*completion of Year 12 or equivalent

Entry pathways

Students with a recent Australian Year 12 certificate will be considered for admission. In addition, diploma courses can provide direct entry into bachelor degrees. For Design and Creative Technology degrees, creative portfolios are considered. For Business and Hospitality courses, we conduct student interviews.

Frequently asked questions

What are the living expenses for international students?

The Australian Government recommends a single student budget of AU$21,041 per year, with an additional $7362 per year for a spouse and $3152 per year, per child. (Figures correct from October 2019.)
As a condition of your student visa, you must have sufficient funds to pay all costs of studying in Australia, including tuition fees, living expenses, Overseas Health Cover, return airfares, and visa fees.

Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your financial preparation. Visit www.studyinaustralia.gov.au for details.
What are the student visa requirements for international students?

Australia has specific rules to be followed, so international applicants need to show they meet our student visa requirements. For specific information about Australia's student visa requirements, visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
How many hours can international students work in Australia?

Most student visas allow you to work for up to 20 hours every week while your course is in session. Find out more at www.homeaffairs.gov.au.

All people working in Australia have basic rights and protections in the workplace, including minimum pay and conditions. The Fair Work Ombudsman makes sure that these rights are protected and enforced fairly under Australia’s workplace laws. For more information, please visit https://www.fairwork.gov.au/how-we-will-help/templates-and-guides/fact-sheets/rights-and-obligations/international-students.
Can I return to my home country and continue my study from there?

We understand your concerns that may have arisen due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, we can assure you that if you choose to continue studying your course here in Australia, you will be offered an equivalent online learning experience and your study path will not be compromised.

If you do choose to return to your home country, we can provide you with the opportunity to continue studying online, however, your visa requirements may be compromised. Please reach out to your education or migration agent directly for more information about your visa conditions and how these may be impacted if you do return home.
I am under 18. Are there any changes to how I apply and accept an offer?

If you are under 18, have an offer to study with Torrens University Australia, and plan to travel to Australia on a student visa, you will need to have formal arrangements in place for accommodation and welfare before the Department of Home Affairs will process your visa.
We are guided by requirements set out in the ESOS Framework. For more information about studying in Australia when you are under 18, visit the Department of Home Affairs: www.homeaffairs.gov.au. or contact our International Student Advisors at student.support@tua.edu.au.
What are the implications of online study for my international student visa?

International student visa conditions state you must not enrol into more than a third or 33 percent of online subjects over your course and must study at least one subject that is face-to-face in each trimester. All face-to-face courses are also available for online mode of delivery.
Please note that due to COVID-19, authorities have provided assurance that exceptions will be made to the usual face-to-face learning requirements. For further information, visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Studying at Torrens University

Sydney? Melbourne? Adelaide? Brisbane? Even your own bedroom? Our national campus network lets you study in the place you like most, whether it’s on campus or at home. Whatever works best.

Work with the best brands on the planet
With our industry placements, you can intern at some of the globe’s most influential organisations.

A more collaborative experience
Our smaller class sizes provide a more immersive and effective learning environment. Collaborate with peers and spend more time with academics in your field. 

A dedicated Success Coach
An ally to encourage, inspire and guide, your Success Coach will help you achieve your goals and create the right trajectory for your career.

Low ATAR University Courses | Torrens University Australia | Student presenting

Explore our campuses

Our first-class facilities allow flexibility to study wherever and whenever suits you. Interested in visiting one of our campuses, meeting current students, lecturers and our Course and Careers Advisors? Book a campus tour to see what Torrens University Australia has to offer.

Book a campus tour

Sydney
Adelaide
Brisbane
Melbourne
Online

Our courses are offered online across a range of faculties including Business, Design and Creative Technology, Health and Hospitality.

Hear from our students

Business
Design & Creative Technology
Health
Hospitality

Pathway into the career you deserve

Torrens University’s pathway options enabled me to leverage my success in a diploma to continue on with the bachelor.
-Paul Grainger, Bachelor of Business Marketing

Work with industry to gain real experience

Billy Blue allowed me to form close relationships and connections with my lecturers and with people who I have met in the industry.
-Talia Haber, Bachelor of Interior Design (Commercial)

Hands-on learning with industry experts

We offer a practical component, which allows our students to work in our fully functioning clinic. It gives them great hands-on experience.
-Georgia Bellas, Pyrmont Campus Director

Enjoy full support: academic, personal and career

The lecturers are easily approachable, we have student services, counsellor on campus, our Success Coaches. There’s always help.
-Lauren Coulter, Bachelor of Business (Hospitality Management)

Download a course guide

Find out all you need to know about what courses we offer, our pathways and entry programs and why studying at Torrens University Australia puts students one step ahead.