Proud Yuin woman, Savannah Bolt, has entered her second year of university despite finishing high school without an ATAR.

Ms Bolt is now studying a Bachelor of Paramedicine at Charles Darwin University (CDU), after taking an alternative path supported by CDU's First Nations Introduction to University Program.

Her entry into university was built on a range of vocational education and training (VET) courses completed during high school, which gave her a head start.

She began with a Certificate I in Manufacturing in Year 9, followed by a Certificate II in Engineering through CDU in Year 10 and completed a Certificate III in Basic Health Care with St John Ambulance in Year 11.

Her focus at the time was on gaining employment.

"I did all of that because I always thought there was no need for university, so I thought if I got some certificates under my belt, it would help me find full-time work after school," Ms Bolt said.

"Instead, they've actually put me a step ahead with my studies, so I'm really glad I did them."

With encouragement from her father, she enrolled in CDU's First Nations Introduction to University Program, where she discovered a passion for both paramedicine and engineering.

She intends to explore engineering later in life but is currently focused on developing her career in the health field.

"I'm loving it, I love everything about studying paramedicine. My favourite subjects are the ones that really lean into teaching me how to be a paramedic, like trauma studies," she said.

She encouraged other students to keep going, even if their Year 12 results weren't what they expected.

"There's always a second way of doing something, don't doubt yourself, she said.

Her experience highlights how practical education and targeted support programs can open doors beyond the ATAR system.