Five advantages of mid-year entry
Whether you’re looking to take some time off after school, thinking about changing courses or just want to take advantage of a flexible start time, you might consider applying for mid-year entry. If this sounds like something that would appeal to you, read on to discover some of the perks for prospective applicants.
You can take some time off after school
If you’ve just finished school, starting your course mid-year allows you to take a break from studying — something that many students feel they need after completing Year 12. This provides the opportunity for travel or work, but you might also just take some time out to relax. Taking time off means that you avoid the ‘burnt out’ feeling that some students get when going straight from school to tertiary study. See The benefits of a gap year for more information.
You can start studying when it suits you
Even if you’re not a school leaver, mid-year entry allows you to begin studying once you’ve settled into the year. This is a popular option for mature age students who have commitments at the beginning of the year (children going back to school, for example) or those who have busy jobs that amp up in the new year. It also gives you a bit of extra time to do your research, which means that you’re not worried about changing preferences, accepting offers or confirming enrolments during the busy Christmas period.
You get a second chance at getting into your first preference
If you missed out on a place in your preferred course in semester one, mid-year entry can provide another opportunity to gain entry into your course of choice. This may also be the time to change your course if your initial selection isn’t quite what you expected — just remember to contact institutions for application details, as you may need to meet certain conditions. See What to do if you’ve chosen the wrong course to explore your options.
You have time to gain experience and improve your skill set
Starting a course mid-year gives you the chance to improve your skill set through lower-level study or by spending some time in the workforce. This means that you can apply for tertiary study with experience under your belt, which can see you being awarded Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and finishing your course in a shorter timeframe. This is also a great way to sample a field of study before pursuing a three- or four-year degree.
You won’t necessarily take longer to graduate
If you’re worried that mid-year entry means you won’t graduate alongside your friends, don’t be! Many programs offer catch-up options, such as summer semesters or trimester modes, which allow mid-year entrants to graduate at the same time as those who began the course at the beginning of the year.
Further information
Mid-year applications generally open in April and May for a July start. Depending on the institution, mid-year applications may go directly to the institution or be submitted through your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). See The tertiary application process for more information.
You can read about Deferral and mid-year entry on this website, or find further details about applications and polices, as well as key dates, on institution websites and the Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) website in your state. Keep in mind that not all courses offer mid-year entry, so be sure to check with individual institutions to see if your preferred program is eligible.
