Questions you may consider when deciding if the University of Wollongong is right for you.
Question What if you don't get the UAI score you need?
Answer Even students who have not completed the current NSW HSC or equivalent in full—or did not receive the required entry mark—may still qualify for admission through our special entry programs, outlined below.
> Points to UOW
Points to UOW is a program where additional admission points are awarded to students for their performance in HSC subjects that are relevant to a specific undergraduate program. If the student completes the HSC in the year prior to admission and has taken relevant subjects, they may be eligible for extra points.
> Bonus Points
If an applicant has studied the HSC at one of the schools in the UOW ‘regional area’, their admissions ranking will automatically increase by three Bonus Points on the UAC system for their UOW preference.
> Special access
Students who have experienced disadvantage during their HSC that had a negative effect on their academic performance, they may qualify for special consideration through the Educational Access Scheme or STEP to UOW program.
Question What's involved in a degree?
Answer A full-time student usually undertakes eight subjects (48 credit points) per year. Each subject is allocated a credit point value. A degree requiring 144 credit points usually takes three years of full-time study to complete.
A double degree is two degrees (one which takes four years and one which takes three years), completed in as little as five years.
Workload will be about 48 hours per week—about 15–20 hours in lectures, tutorials and studios or labs; the remainder will be spent reading, and completing assignments and other requirements.
Part-time students usually enrol in four subjects (24 credit points) per year. Almost all degrees may be undertaken on a part-time basis.
Assessments are based on a combination of class examinations, formal examinations, practical exercises and written work.
If someone’s doing particularly well in their degree, they should consider an Honours degree. This is usually one additional year of study following the successful completion of a three-year degree.
Question What is the timing for the application process?
Answer
| UAC application | September (for Autumn Session beginning March) |
| Early Entry program application | July-September (interviews end of September) |
| HSC results | Mid-December |
| Change preferences for main-round offers through UAC | Early January |
| Receive advice regarding main-round offers and, if successful, enrolment information for UOW | Mid-January |
| Change preferences for final-round offers through UAC | Late January |
| Attend campus to enrol in degree | Late January/early February |
| If successful, you will receive advice regarding final -round offers of university places with enrolment information for UOW | Early February 2009 |
| Orientation Week on campus | February |
| Start of Autumn Session | March |
If students aren’t completing the HSC the same year they are applying to UOW, they can apply directly to UOW. All current HSC students, however, must apply through UAC.
Question Can you start studying mid-year?
Answer It may be possible to begin studying in the Spring Session (mid-July). Applications for this intake can be sent directly to UOW or via UAC. The available starting sessions for each degree are specified in CourseFinder. If you start your studies mid-year your subject choices may be limited for the first session of study.
Question Can you defer?
Answer Students offered a place offered a place at UOW can defer for up to one year. They must apply to the university in writing within four weeks of receiving their offer; otherwise, the offer will lapse. In subsequent years, they can re-apply through UAC or directly to the university.
Question Who can help you if you experience difficulties?
Answer Life has many ups and downs, but UOW has a solid support network to help students through any difficult period. Academics and administration staff within the department or faculty are available to speak one-on-one with students who experience difficulties with their academic program.
The Dean of Students oversees the welfare of all students and resolves issues associated with admission, enrolment, assessment, progression and transferring courses. If a student has personal difficulties, they can make an appointment with the Counselling Service, which provides free confidential, professional and sympathetic help in times of difficulty, conflict or crisis.
Question Where can you live while you study?
Answer If you are moving to Wollongong to attend university, you have several accommodation options. For students who want to live in a community with academic support, pastoral care and the chance to mix with other residents, the fully catered University Residences may be the best choice.
Care & support
The head of each residence brings many years experience to his or her position and is willing and able to assist students through periods of personal difficulty. No matter how big or small the problem, it is important students know they have someone to turn to in times of need.
Academic support
Each residence offers a comprehensive range of academic support programs, from peer mentoring to formal tutorial sessions. Tutors and senior residents live on site and are able to help students who experience academic difficulties.