Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The Special Tertiary Admissions Test is an Australian national test for logical skills which is accepted along with other tests for admission into most Australian universities and TAFES. It is created and monitored by ACER. This test is for people who have not completed high school, grown aged applicants, and those who have not completed their ATAR and wish to prove their readiness for university education. If you have doubts about the necessity of this test, you can go to the quick checks and state guides to find your answers.
Not sure if you need STAT?
→ Compare courses that accept STAT scores
What Is the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)?
The Special Tertiary Admissions Test, often called the STAT test, is an aptitude test that measures academic potential using reasoning tasks. It is not an exam that follows the school syllabus nor does it expect any recent Year 12 study. It is developed and conducted by the ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research).
It is a standardized assessment of verbal and quantitative reasoning used by many institutions for alternative entry.
Who uses STAT in Australia?
A wide range of universities and TAFEs use STAT for non‑traditional entries. It’s common in applications from:
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Mature‑age applicants with no recent Year 12
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Students with a low or no ATAR
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People changing careers who want to show readiness for study
Types of Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) & Format
STAT Multiple Choice
A timed, multiple‑choice paper focused on reasoning.
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Question count & length: A single sitting with a fixed number of questions under strict time limits (expect a fast pace).
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Style: Emphasis on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and interpretation—not recall of formulas you’ve memorised.
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What it feels like: Short passages, data snippets, patterns, and logic prompts that reward clear thinking under time pressure.
STAT Written English
An essay‑style task that assesses written communication: clarity, structure, and argument. Some courses—commonly teaching and selected humanities—may ask for STAT Written English in addition to the multiple‑choice test.
Test day format & delivery
Delivery may be paper‑based or online depending on the sitting. You’ll need an approved photo ID and must follow the test‑centre rules.
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Conditions & materials: Personal items are restricted; only approved items are allowed. Calculators and scrap paper are controlled—follow your booking confirmation.
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Keywords included: stat test, special tertiary admissions test questions.
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PickMyUni tip: Based on our applicant reviews, most test‑day hiccups are ID mix‑ups and late arrivals. Double‑check your name matches your booking and arrive early. |
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Scoring, Results & Validity
How STAT is scored
Results are reported on a scaled score. Universities often read your result in relation to other candidates (a percentile‑style view) to compare readiness. You don’t need a perfect score—admissions teams look for evidence you can handle first‑year study.
How long are STAT results valid?
Validity is typically a few years, but the rule varies by state and university. Always confirm with your local admissions centre or the institution before you rely on an older result.
How universities use your STAT score
Institutions may set minimum cut‑offs for specific courses. Your STAT can be used on its own or alongside an ATAR, prior study, or work experience. Competitive courses may weigh it differently.
Want to know if your STAT score is competitive? → Talk to a counsellor for a quick read on your chances.
State‑by‑State Guide to Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) in Australia
Usage differs across states. Always check your state admissions centre and your target university.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test QLD (via QTAC)
In Queensland, QTAC coordinates most undergraduate admissions.
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Common for mature‑age applicants and course changers
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Selected unis may accept STAT for entry (e.g., large metro and regional providers)
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You usually include your STAT details in your QTAC application
Special Tertiary Admissions Test NSW (and ACT) (via UAC)
In NSW/ACT, UAC handles central applications for most universities.
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Used in non‑school leaver entry
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Some courses—especially teaching—may specify STAT Written English
Special Tertiary Admissions Test WA (via TISC)
In Western Australia, TISC coordinates most uni admissions.
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Accepted by WA universities for selected mature‑age and pathway/enabling routes
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Check course pages for which STAT components count
Special Tertiary Admissions Test SA (and NT) (via SATAC)
In SA/NT, SATAC processes applications.
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Used by SA/NT universities in combination with other entry schemes
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Often paired with enabling programs or previous study where relevant
Special Tertiary Admissions Test Victoria (via VTAC)
In Victoria, VTAC runs central applications.
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Victorian institutions may use STAT for mature‑age and alternative entry pathways
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Check if your target course asks for Multiple Choice only or plus Written English
STAT Test Example, Practice & Preparation
What do STAT questions look like?
Expect passages, graphs/tables, and logic setups. The test rewards careful reading and clear reasoning more than memorised facts.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test Example & Sample Questions
Download the STAT Sample Test PDF
Click here to access the Special Tertiary Admission Practice Test
Special Tertiary Admissions Test Practice & Study Plan
A simple 4–6 week plan works for most candidates.
Week‑by‑week starter plan:
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Week 1: Learn the format. Attempt a short diagnostic. List weak areas by type (verbal vs quantitative).
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Week 2–3: Drill by type using official ACER practice sets. Build timing habits with short blocks.
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Week 4: Two full timed sessions. Review every miss: why you picked the distractor and what cue you missed.
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Week 5–6 (if time): Alternate targeted drills and full tests. Focus on accuracy first minute, speed second.
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PickMyUni study rules: Use official ACER materials, track accuracy by question type, and simulate real timing. |
Free vs Paid STAT prep resources
Free materials are great for format familiarisation. For realistic practice, official ACER resources tend to mirror the test best. Be careful with random online quizzes—they often don’t match difficulty or style.
Get organised: Book a free call to build your prep plan + course options.
[Infographic placeholder: “STAT at a glance – test types, timing, common question styles, and prep timeline”]
Who Should Sit the STAT Test (And Who Probably Doesn’t Need It)?
Ideal STAT candidates
You’re a strong candidate if you:
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Are 21+ with no recent Year 12
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Have an old or low ATAR and want a fresh assessment
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Are a career changer without formal qualifications
When STAT may not be necessary
You might not need STAT if you already meet an entry via ATAR/WAM/previous degree, or the course is selected using a portfolio/interview.
Check with each university before booking
Requirements vary. Save money by confirming fit before paying ACER fees.
Not sure if you should book the STAT yet? → Get advice before you pay the fee.
How to Register for the Special Tertiary Admissions Test
Where to register for STAT Test
Registration is handled by ACER and the state Tertiary Admissions Centres: QTAC, UAC, VTAC, TISC, SATAC. Your sitting options depend on your state and the test window.
Key steps
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Create an account → 2) Choose sitting/location → 3) Pay fee → 4) Get confirmation → 5) Test day
When is the STAT test offered?
There are multiple sittings each year. Places can fill quickly near uni deadlines, so plan early.
Using Your STAT Score to Get Into a Course
Courses that commonly accept STAT
We regularly see STAT accepted in education, nursing, health sciences, arts/social sciences, some business degrees, and enabling/pathway programs.
Combining STAT with other entry criteria
Admissions may also consider prior study, work experience, portfolios, or interviews. A balanced profile helps.
Changing courses with a STAT score
A common route is entering a related course with STAT, building a solid first‑year record, then applying to transfer into a higher‑demand course.
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Use your STAT result to switch into a better‑fit course → Talk to PickMyUni or browse course transfer options. |
Why PickMyUni?
Based on our advising calls and application reviews, STAT‑supported offers often land fastest when candidates pair official practice, a timely sitting, and a clear course list. We can help you shortlist courses, confirm STAT eligibility, and time your application so nothing drifts past the deadline.
