What to do if my child doesn't get into the programme they want

AUT is one of the best modern universities in the world, offering a wide range of degrees. Some of our degrees are particularly popular, and sometimes students miss out on their chosen degree. While this may be disappointing, it doesn’t have to be the end of the world as there may be alternative ways they can start their pathway to learning at AUT.

When your child is applying to study at AUT, it’s important to remember that they can apply for more than one programme at AUT. That way they’ll have a backup option just in case they do miss out on their first choice.

Why does a student miss out on a course?

If they didn’t gain a place for their chosen degree this could be for a variety of reasons:

• They didn’t meet the academic requirements to apply for a degree (they do not have University Entrance). UE is the minimum requirement for all New Zealand bachelor’s degrees
• They may not meet the additional requirements for the programme. For example, they applied for midwifery but don't have a driver's license
• There may be more applicants than places available for that degree
• They may not have studied the right subjects or have high enough grades in those subjects. For example, they applied for an engineering degree but didn’t study calculus

Does the student need to apply for another degree if they missed out on their first choice?

If they applied for more than one degree in their initial application, that second degree option will be offered to them if they meet the requirements and there is an available space.

If your teen hasn't applied for a second bachelor’s degree when they initially applied to study at AUT, then they will need to apply for another degree now or consider studying for a certificate. We recommend that their back-up choice is relevant to their first choice of study as this may give them the option to change to their original choice in the future.

Here are some examples:

• Your child could choose to study criminology and switch to a law degree later.
• If your child didn’t get into the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), they could apply for the Bachelor of Engineering Technology - because most of the first-year courses are shared between both degrees, they can potentially transfer to the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) later on.
• If your child missed out on their preferred clinical health degree, such as physiotherapy or nursing, they could start a Bachelor of Health Science by taking the standard pathway. This means they take the same first semester courses as the students doing their first year in a clinical degree, giving students the option to potentially apply again later on for their preferred degree course.

What are the other options offered by AUT?

If a student didn’t get into their chosen degree course because they didn’t have the right grades or missed out on UE, we recommend they look at doing a certificate or diploma in their chosen study area to prepare for their preferred degree. AUT has a number of certificates and diplomas.

Some of our diploma programmes enable students to move into the second year of their chosen bachelor's degree - a great way to start their university studies with extra support and building up the specific knowledge they need to then continue their studies as planned in their dream degree.

Here are some examples of certificates or diplomas that can prepare students for their chosen degree:

• If your child didn’t get into the Bachelor of Business, they could do the one-year Diploma in Business. When a student successfully completes the Diploma in Business, they could cross-credit courses and transfer to the second year of the Bachelor of Business.
• If your child wants to study design or visual arts, they could start their studies with a Diploma in Design or Diploma in Visual Arts. Both diplomas prepare them to move into the second year of the bachelor's degree.
• If your child is keen on engineering, computing or mathematical sciences, but didn’t get into their chosen degree, they could do the Certificate in Science and Technology to build up the credits to get into a bachelor’s degree.

International students who did not get into their programme of choice because they don’t meet degree requirements (including an adequate level of English language) can apply for AUT’s pathway programmes for international students.

Can the student start their second option course and then change this option?

Yes, they can apply to change their course after a certain period, but the opportunities vary for each programme. Students can discuss any request for changes with their programme leaders. AUT staff are here to help students find the best way to transition into university study.

Many of our bachelor's degrees also offer extra flexibility and enable students to include subjects from another area at AUT; a great way to try different options and tailor their degree around their interests. Try our online degree builder to see what this could look like.

Take a look at study options at AUT and the AUT programme guides for course information, entry requirements and alternative pathways should your child miss out on their preferred degree.