Universities in Australia that Accept HND, Second Class and Third Class for Masters

Having completed your studies, I am aware of the difficulties in locating universities in Australia that accept third-class. Finding universities that will accept your degree can be difficult, particularly if you’re not familiar with the national educational system. 

Therefore, it is imperative to conduct thorough research before applying to universities on this list, as they have varying admission requirements and policies. 

While some universities may consider your work experience and other qualifications, others may require you to take additional courses or exams to meet their admission requirements. It’s important to carefully review each university’s admission requirements and contact the admissions office with any queries or worries.

With your third-class degree in hand, this thorough review seeks to arm you with all the knowledge you need to wisely choose which Australian university to apply to. This list includes options for earning a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, depending on your interests. Now let’s investigate the Australian universities that accept degrees from third class, HND, and second class.

This is fantastic news for students who wish to continue their education in Australia after performing poorly in their undergraduate program.

Why should you study in Australia?

Australia has a solid reputation as a trustworthy supplier of educational services that domestic and international students widely appreciate. The caliber and variety of Australian credentials and courses are becoming more widely known.

Because it offers 12 distinct levels of qualification across three distinct schooling types (primary/secondary, tertiary, and vocational training), the Australian Educational System is attractive to many international students.

A person may receive a qualification after fulfilling specific knowledge and skill requirements. Industry recognition of qualifications at different levels enables students to transition freely between fields upon completion of their studies.

Furthermore, Australia is a famous for its enormous cultural diversity, friendliness, and safety. The Australian government passed the Education Services for Overseas Students Act as a piece of legislation to protect international students’ best interests while they are studying there. International students may only gain admission to educational institutions that have received registration from the Australian government.

The cost of studying in Australia is less expensive than that of studying in more conventional locations like the US and the UK.

Apply Now: Universities in Scotland that accept HNDs for Masters Degrees

List of Australian Universities that Accept HNDs for Masters Degrees

1. Curtin University, Sydney

Originally known as the Curtin University of Technology and Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT), Curtin University is a public research university in Australia. Its main campus is in Bentley, a suburb of Perth in the state of Western Australia. With 59,939 students enrolled in 2021, it is the biggest university in Western Australia. The school is named after John Curtin, the former Australian prime minister who led the country from 1941 to 1945.

2. Edith Cowan University

In Western Australia, the public university, Edith Cowan University, is in honor of Edith Cowan, the first woman elected to a seat in the Australian parliament. It is the first university in the country to bear a woman’s name. This is one of the universities in Australia that accept third-class.

3. University of Melbourne

Among our list of universities in Australia that accept third-class is the University of Melbourne. It is renowned for its high academic standards and is among Australia’s best universities. Nonetheless, students who fulfill their other admission requirements gain admission with third-class degrees. 

When assessing applicants, the university takes into account a variety of factors, including work experience, community involvement, and personal accomplishments, in recognition that academic performance is not the only measure of potential success.

Therefore, even with a third-class degree, a student may still be considered for admission if their resume or other credentials show that they have what it takes to succeed in the program.

It is advised that prospective students confirm the precise prerequisites for the program they wish to enroll in and get in touch with the admissions office of the university for more details.

Situated in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, the University of Melbourne is a public research university. It is the second-oldest university in Australia, having been established in 1853. The university is a part of the elite Group of Eight, an alliance of top Australian universities, and is frequently ranked among the best universities in the world and in Australia. 

Numerous undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of subject areas, including the arts, sciences, law, medicine, engineering, and business, are available at the University of Melbourne. Strong research programs are its hallmark, and it has produced a large number of Nobel laureates, Rhodes scholars, and other notable alumni.

4. University of Sydney

On our ranking of universities in Australia that accept third-class students, the University of Sydney comes in fourth place. They approach admissions holistically, taking into account a variety of factors before making a decision. This can include your employment history, your involvement in extracurricular activities, and your other accomplishments.

Even with a third-class degree, a student might still be considered for admission if they have additional skills or background that show they have what it takes to succeed in the course. To find out more information in this regard, it is best to check the specific admission requirements for the desired program and get in touch with the university’s admissions office. However, this would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

5. University of Queensland

The University of Queensland is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment and is a research-heavy university. Because of this, it is ranked as one of the best universities in Australia that accepts third-class students.

You must fulfill all prerequisites for admission to an undergraduate program to be considered for an offer. These requirements include finishing a qualification that UQ accepts, earning the required minimum score, meeting English language proficiency requirements, fulfilling any subject prerequisites, and completing any application requirements specific to the program.

Depending on the program and degree you have earned, there are different minimum entry scores and subject prerequisites. You can choose your eligibility for particular entry requirements by visiting the program page.

Although there is no minimum GPA requirement for admission to the University of Queensland, you need to have a GPA of at least 2.8 to be competitive.

Third-class students can get admission to the University of Queensland to pursue master’s degrees. For postgraduate coursework programs, you must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and a minimum GPA of 4.5 on a 7-point scale.

However, if a student meets their other admission requirements—which could include additional qualifications or relevant work experience—they consider accepting third-class degrees.

6. University of Western Australia

Situated in Perth, Western Australia, the University of Western Australia (UWA) is a public research university. One of Australia’s oldest and most esteemed universities, it was established in 1911.

Numerous undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of subjects, including the arts, sciences, business, education, engineering, health, and law, are available at UWA. The university is well-known for its robust research initiatives and has produced a large number of distinguished alumni, including Rhodes Scholars and Nobel laureates.

 Third-class degrees are accepted by UWA for enrollment in graduate or undergraduate programs. Every program offered by UWA has distinct academic requirements, most of which call for a certain degree of academic success, such as a minimum GPA or comparable certification. 

When assessing applications, UWA takes into account not only academic achievement but also work experience, community involvement, and personal accomplishments.

With more than 25,000 students hailing from more than 100 countries, UWA boasts a diverse student body. With more than 70 research centers and institutes, the university is strongly committed to research. It also belongs to the Group of Eight, an alliance of top Australian universities.

All things considered, UWA is a top-tier university that provides students with a first-rate education as well as a plethora of options to enhance their abilities and follow their passions.

7. University of Adelaide

Situated in Adelaide, South Australia, the University of Adelaide is a public research university that accepts third-class students from universities in Australia. It is the third-oldest university in Australia, having been established in 1874. The university is a part of the Group of Eight, an alliance of top Australian universities, and is frequently ranked among the best in both Australia and the world.

Depending on the program and faculty, the University of Adelaide has different admission requirements. That being said, the university generally accepts third-class degrees for admission to graduate or undergraduate programs, which is why it is listed as one of the 13 Australian universities that do.

 Every program at the university has unique academic requirements, most of which call for a certain minimum degree of academic success, such as a minimum GPA or comparable certification. When assessing applications, the university takes into account not only academic performance but also extracurricular activities, professional experience, and personal accomplishments.

There are more than 25,000 students at the University of Adelaide who come from more than 90 different countries. The university boasts a stunning campus with a blend of modern and historic buildings in the center of Adelaide. Numerous amenities can be found there, such as sports facilities, museums, libraries, art galleries, and dorms for students.

In summary, the University of Adelaide is a top-tier university that provides students with outstanding instruction and a plethora of chances to grow as individuals and follow their passions.

8. Macquarie University

Since its founding in 1964, Macquarie University, a well-known public research university in Sydney, Australia, has been a symbol of academic excellence. The university, which bears the name of Lachlan Macquarie, a former governor of New South Wales, is regularly rated among the best in Australia and around the globe. 

The prerequisites for admission at Macquarie University differ based on the faculty and program. Nonetheless, the university is included in our list of Australian universities that accept third-class degrees and admit students with them into undergraduate or graduate programs.

However, each program has its own set of academic requirements, most of which call for a certain minimum level of academic success—a minimum GPA, for example, or an equivalent qualification. When assessing applicants, the university takes into account not only academic achievement but also work experience, community involvement, and personal accomplishments.

At Macquarie University, there are over 40,000 students from more than 100 countries, making up a diverse student body. The stunning campus of the university is situated in the Macquarie Park suburb and is home to a variety of amenities, such as libraries, museums, art galleries, sports facilities, and dorms for students. The campus is a blend of modern and historic architecture.

World-class Macquarie University has a diverse student body, excellent research programs, and a wide range of academic offerings. Its stunning campus and cutting-edge facilities make it the perfect choice for students looking for an excellent education in a lively and friendly setting.

9. University of Technology, Sydney

This is one of the universities in Australia that accepts third-class students. One of the top universities that is dedicated to offering an education with an emphasis on industry and practical application is the University of Technology Sydney. 

Situated in the center of Sydney, Australia, is the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), a prestigious university. UTS offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, design, and science, with a strong emphasis on innovation and hands-on learning.

Additionally, it is one of the Australian universities that admits students with a third class as long as they fulfill the remaining prerequisites.

UTS, a university with international recognition, is dedicated to giving students a top-notch education that will help them succeed in their chosen fields of study. The university is proud of its state-of-the-art facilities, innovative research centers, and inclusive and diverse student and faculty community.

Whether you’re a prospective student, a current student, or an alumnus, UTS has a plethora of tools and chances to support you in reaching your learning and career objectives.

UTS is committed to offering a thorough and enriching educational experience, which includes extracurricular activities, study abroad programs, industry partnerships, and internships. You can even apply with a third-class degree as long as you meet their admission requirements.

10. Griffith University

Griffith University is one of the world’s leading universities in Australia that accepts third-class students. The university, which has been around for more than 40 years, has made a name for itself as a pioneer in community involvement, teaching, and research.

Students at Griffith University receive a top-notch education that equips them for success in their chosen fields. Numerous undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of subject areas, including business, engineering, health, the humanities, law, and science, are available at the university.

The university’s numerous research centers and institutes, which concentrate on topics like social innovation, health, and climate change, demonstrate its dedication to research. Leading researchers in the world who are committed to expanding knowledge and resolving some of the most important problems facing humanity can be found at Griffith University.

Apart from its outstanding academic and research credentials, Griffith University is renowned for its robust community involvement. It is also known that they admit individuals with third-class degrees. To address social, economic, and environmental issues and promote sustainable development, the university maintains close ties with the local communities.

To be admitted to Griffith University, applicants must fulfill specific requirements. These specifications change based on the study level and program. All applicants must meet certain general admission requirements, though.

First and foremost, candidates need to hold a high school diploma or a comparable credential. They also need to fulfill the minimal academic prerequisites for the program of study they have selected. This could entail finishing particular prerequisite courses or reaching a particular grade point average (GPA).

In addition, foreign students need to prove their English language proficiency by receiving a minimum score on an authorized English language exam, like the TOEFL or IELTS.

A personal statement, recommendation letters, or a portfolio of their work are examples of supporting documentation that applicants might be required to submit in addition to their academic requirements.

It’s crucial to remember that fulfilling the minimal requirements for admission does not ensure acceptance to Griffith University. A comprehensive evaluation of the applicant’s academic record, character traits, and likelihood of success in their selected course of study is used to make admissions decisions.

Before submitting their application, prospective students should make sure they meet all the requirements listed in the admissions section of the program they wish to pursue.

11. Murdoch University

Located in Perth, Western Australia, Murdoch University is a public research university. It was established in 1973 and bears the name of Sir Walter Murdoch, a well-known essayist and academic from Australia. The university is renowned for emphasizing sustainability, social justice, and innovation.

Murdoch University’s admissions requirements change based on the faculty and program. But generally speaking, third-class degrees are accepted by the university for enrollment in graduate or undergraduate programs. 

The university sets specific academic standards for every program, most of which call for a certain minimum level of performance in the classroom, like a minimum GPA or comparable credential. The university looks at work experience, community service, and personal accomplishments in addition to academic performance when assessing applicants.

With more than 18,000 students from more than 100 countries, Murdoch University boasts a diverse student body.

 The university boasts a stunning campus with a blend of modern and historic buildings, situated in the Murdoch suburb. Numerous amenities can be found there, such as student housing, sports facilities, museums, libraries, and art galleries.

12. Bond University

A distinguished private, non-profit university, Bond University is located in Robina, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It is notable for being Australia’s first private university, having been founded in 1987.

The university is well known for its small class sizes, individualized instruction, focus on real-world skills, and connections to the business community. It is also included in our ranking of the top universities in Australia that accept third-class degrees.

The university provides a wide selection of graduate and undergraduate programs in a number of subject areas, such as business, law, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Strong research programs at Bond University are another reason for recognition; among its distinguished alumni are several Nobel laureates and Rhodes scholars.

The prerequisites for admission at Bond University differ based on the faculty and program. Third-class degrees are typically accepted by the university for enrollment in undergraduate or graduate programs.

 Bond University is a top-notch establishment that provides outstanding academic programs, individualized instruction, and the development of useful skills. For students looking for an all-encompassing and fulfilling educational experience, it is a top choice due to its dedication to research excellence and diverse student body.

13. Charles Darwin University:

Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, is home to the esteemed Charles Darwin University (CDU), a public research university. Among the universities in Australia that accept third-class students, this esteemed institution is located.

 The Northern Territory University, Menzies School of Health Research, and Centralian College were among the educational institutions that merged to form the institution in 2003. Charles Darwin, the famous naturalist and biologist, is honored by the university’s name.

 The university is well known for its dedication to sustainability, research in tropical and desert knowledge, and heavy emphasis on Indigenous education and research.

The CDU admissions requirements are subject to change based on the faculty and program. Third-class degrees are accepted by the university for enrollment in graduate or undergraduate programs.

 When assessing applicants, the university takes into account not only academic achievement but also work experience, community involvement, and personal accomplishments.

With students from more than 50 nations, CDU has a diverse student body. The university maintains campuses in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, and other Northern Territory cities.

 Numerous amenities can be found there, such as sports facilities, museums, libraries, art galleries, and dorms for students.

All things considered, CDU is a top-notch university that offers students a first-rate education along with numerous chances to hone their abilities and follow their passions, especially in the fields of sustainability, Indigenous knowledge, and tropical and desert research. 

CDU is a leader in real-time data research and analysis thanks to its dedication to innovation and quality. It also gives students the skills and information they need to thrive in the quickly changing world of today.

14. University of Southern Queensland

The Institution of Southern Queensland (USQ) is a public research institute located in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. Established in 1967 as the Queensland Institute of Technology (Darling Downs), the institution became a university in 1992. It is also one of the universities in Australia that accepts third-class students.

The university is famous for its commitment to distance learning and flexible learning, as well as for its research in several fields, such as engineering, agriculture, and health.

The requirements for admission to USQ vary based on the faculty and program. Third-class degrees are frequently accepted by the university for admission to undergraduate or graduate programs. 

The university sets specific academic requirements for each program, which usually include a minimal standard of achievement, such as a minimum GPA or comparable certification. The university assesses candidates not only on their academic standing but also on their work history, extracurricular involvement, and personal achievements.

15. Edith Cowan University

Perth, Western Australia, is home to Edith Cowan University (ECU), a public university in Australia. Named for Edith Cowan, the first female elected member of the Australian parliament, it was established in 1991.

Many undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of subject areas, including the arts, sciences, business, education, engineering, health, and law, are available at ECU. The university is renowned for emphasizing applied and practical learning, and a number of its programs provide opportunities for work-integrated learning and industry placements.

The requirements for admission to ECU differ based on the faculty and program. Generally speaking, though, ECU admits students with third-class degrees to its undergraduate and graduate programs.

Every program at ECU has distinct academic requirements, most of which call for a certain degree of academic success—a minimum GPA, for example, or an equivalent qualification. When assessing applicants, ECU takes into account not only academic achievement but also work experience, community involvement, and personal accomplishments.

In conclusion, if you can meet the admission requirements, thirteen Australian universities will accept a third-class degree. Even though this information might popular, it is crucial for students who wish to continue their education in Australia, even if they did not perform well in their undergraduate program.

16. Queensland University of Technology

Located in the vibrant coastal city of Brisbane, in the Australian state of Queensland, is the public research university known as Queensland University of Technology. The two communities in the greater Brisbane area that house the QUT campuses are Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove.

17. University of South Australia

The University of South Australia is a public research higher education institution in the Australian state of South Australia. It is the most populous university in South Australia, home to about 37,000 students, and one of the original members of the Australian Technology Network of universities.

18. The University of Newcastle, Australia

In the Australian state of New South Wales, the city of Newcastle is home to the University of Newcastle, also referred to as Newcastle University informally. Its main campus is in Newcastle’s Callaghan neighborhood, and it opened its doors in 1965. This is one of the universities in Australia that accept third-class.

19. Federation University Australia

The main campus of the public, multi-sector Federation Institution of Australia is in Ballarat, in the Australian state of Victoria. The university has campuses in Ararat, Horsham, Stwell, Churchill, and Berwick, in addition to Brisbane. In addition, it provides higher education nursing programs in Horsham, as well as online courses for vocational training and additional education.

20. Monash University

Australia’s state of Victoria is home to Monash University, a public research university with its main campus situated in Melbourne. It is the second-oldest university in the state, having opened for business in 1958. In remembrance of the illustrious general Sir John Monash of World War I, it was given its current name. The institution is made up of multiple campuses, four of which are in the state of Victoria and one of which is in Malaysia.

21. MIT University

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a prominent private land-grant research university, is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Since its founding in 1861, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has emerged as one of the leading academic institutions in the annals of modern science and technology advancement.

22. La Trobe University

Open to the public, La Trobe University is a research institution situated in Melbourne, Australia’s state of Victoria. Its main campus is located in the neighboring community of Bundoora. The institution was established in 1964, making it the twelfth Australian university overall and the third in the state of Victoria.

23. University of Adelaide

Situated in Adelaide, in the state of South Australia, the Institution of Adelaide is a public research university. With its founding in 1874, it is currently the third-oldest university in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can someone with a third-class degree pursue postgraduate studies in Australia?

With a third-class degree, you are able to pursue postgraduate studies in Australia. However, different universities and programs have different requirements for admission to postgraduate programs. You must fulfill the particular requirements for admission that the university and program you are interested in have set.

What are my chances of getting admitted to an Australian university with a 3rd-class degree?

With a third-class degree, your chances of being accepted into an Australian university are contingent upon several factors, such as the university and program you are applying to, your work experience, academic standing, and other pertinent factors. Nonetheless, several Australian universities consider candidates with third-class degrees, and fulfilling the requirements for admission can improve your chances of being accepted.

What are the challenges faced by graduates with 3rd-class degrees in Australia?

Graduates with third-class degrees may encounter several difficulties in Australia, such as stigma attached to lower academic standing, a lack of job opportunities, and trouble obtaining work permits. However, graduates with third-class degrees can succeed in their academic and professional endeavors with perseverance, diligence, and strategies to overcome these obstacles.

What are the opportunities available for graduates with 3rd-class degrees in Australia?

In Australia, graduates with third-class degrees have a number of options to consider, such as graduate programs, internships, and entry-level positions across a range of industries. Their chances of finding employment in Australia can also be improved by networking, gaining real-world experience, and pursuing additional education.