Chisholm Institute is committed to being open and transparent regarding its admissions process

The following information provides a comprehensive overview of our admissions criteria. Should you need further information regarding our admissions processes please contact our Course Advisors.

Chisholm admits students on the basis of the following categories. Specific entry requirements are located on the relevant course information page. In addition to these categories, some courses have additional entry requirements such as attendance at an interview, presentation of a folio and having a working with children’s check.

Head to How to apply for information on how to apply and enrol into your chosen Chisholm course.

1. Applicants with Higher Education study

If your highest level of study enrolment since leaving secondary education is a higher education course (completed or not) you are an applicant with Higher Education.

  • This includes study at university and non-university higher education providers, whether recent (such as students seeking to transfer to another higher education provider or changing course at the same provider) or some time ago.
  • You may have completed a bridging or enabling course delivered by or on behalf of a higher education provider.

2. Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

If your highest level of study enrolment since leaving secondary education is a VET course at a public TAFE or other VET provider you will be an Applicant with Vocational Education and Training.

  • You may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

3. Applicants with work and life experience (includes those who left secondary education more than two years ago)

If you left secondary education more than two years ago and have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then you are an applicant with work and life experience.

  • “Experience” could include a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education. Includes mature age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience.
  • Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study such as community involvement or work experience.

4.Applicants with recent Secondary Education (within the past two years)

If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident who has completed your secondary education or further tertiary education overseas, your application will be assessed as per the Chisholm Higher Education College Admissions Policy.

  • You may have undertaken or completed some VET or higher education study while still at school.
  • You may have undertaken secondary education interstate or overseas.

No ATAR is required.

5. Special Tertiary Admissions Test 

Applicants, such as mature age students, may be invited to sit a Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) where they have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years, or have no prior secondary school, VET studies or work experience that can be considered for entry.

There are two STAT tests, Multiple Choice (MC) and Written English (WE).

Both are marked on a scale of 100 to 200.  More information about the STAT can be found at  TISCOnline - Special Tertiary Admissions Test.

Chisholm requires minimum scores of 140 Written English and 135 Multiple Choice.

Additional information

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Chisholm encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to engage and participate in tertiary education and can access support and guidance through our Indigenous support team.

This team are responsible for ensuring access and support to Chisholm Indigenous Australian students.

If you identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, you are encouraged to contact the team to discuss your study and support options Indigenous support.

Domestic students with overseas qualifications

Domestic students with overseas qualifications should refer to Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning for information on how their qualification will be assessed for entry.

English language proficiency

All Chisholm Higher Education courses are taught in English, relying on different levels of proficiency. If English is not your first language, you may also need to satisfy the English language requirements for your preferred course. For English language requirements please refer to QMS142_O1 Course Entry Requirements (Higher Education).

Advanced Standing

Visit our Advanced Standing page for more information

Applicants with a disability or medical condition

Chisholm will assess all requests for reasonable adjustments by an applicant with a disability or medical condition as per QMS105_06 Student Support and Engagement – Equitable Learning and Disability Support Policy and Procedure. prior to a final decision regarding admission into a course.

Pre – requisite requirements

Refer to QMS142_01 Course Entry Requirements (Higher Education) for course pre – requisite requirements.