The state of early tertiary admission in Australia: 2000 to present

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to map the terrain concerning early admission to tertiary education for gifted learners in Australian universities. The statistics on Australian universities offering early admission options were collected. In general, 13 universities offer formal or informal early admission to gifted students, while 33 universities provide dual enrolment options. No minimum age requirements are in place for the majority of Australian universities. Nonetheless, enrolment of students, younger than 17 years, is more often used as a recruiting tool than as an accommodation for extraordinary academic talent. Information about available opportunities is often difficult to find and procedures for early admission or dual enrolment vary greatly from institution to institution. Streamlined access would facilitate gifted secondary students to find appropriate tertiary options across the country.