Pathways to University
There are many preparation and transition programs that will develop the necessary skills to get you into university, including a guaranteed course of entry through UOW College. You have many options for satisfying the academic entry requirements:
- Year 12
- UOW College
- University Access Program
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test
- TAFE qualifications
- TAFE university preparation programs
- Completed or partially-completed tertiary studies
- Limited Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Alternative Admissions Program
Australian Year 12
You can apply using your Year 12 results or an overseas equivalent regardless of when you completed your schooling. Your results will be converted to a Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), which must reach the current minimum ATAR for consideration.
UOW College
You can guarantee admission to UOW by successfully completing a preparation course through UOW College.
UOW College offers university preparation programs including the University Access Program (UAP), a 14-week course specifically designed for mature-age students. It will:
- Help you develop effective study habits, including time-management and independent learning skills
- Familiarise you with the standards expected at university
- Guarantee your entry into the first year of your nominated UOW degree when successfully completed
UOW College has flexible study options available, meaning you can take fewer subjects, or a full time study load, take a break between sessions or study right through the calendar year.
- Full time study means you are taking a full time study load and should complete your study in the recommended number of sessions.
- When studying part time, you enrol in the number of subjects that suits your lifestyle - so that you can fit your study into your life, work and family commitments. The part time study option is available at Wollongong Campus only.
The UAP starts in February, June and October.
Visit the UOW College website or phone UOW on 1300 367 869.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
You can gain entry to UOW via the two-hour, multiple-choice Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). The STAT assesses a range of skills and knowledge you will need for tertiary study. It is coordinated by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) and held several times a year.
WEA Illawarra has developed a series of workshops to help students prepare for the STAT. For more information please phone WEA Illawarra on (02) 4226 1622.
The STAT is not available to prospective students applying for double degrees in the Faculty of Law or degrees offered by the Faculty of Engineering. Contact UAC on (02) 9752 0200.
TAFE/AQF Qualifications
The following qualifications may result in entry to some degrees:
- Diploma (TAFE)
- Advanced Diploma
- Associate Diploma
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level IV Certificate (excluding trade certificates)
Admission is dependent on the completion of the course and the level of academic performance achieved. Advanced standing (credit transfer) may be granted for these awards (excluding Certificate IV). Contact UOW on 1300 367 869.
TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate
The TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC) is an alternative to undertaking an HSC course. Entry to university is dependent on the level of academic performance achieved in the TPC. For more information, contact your local TAFE.
Completed or Partially-Completed Tertiary Studies
You will need a record of achievement for a Bachelor degree from an approved university or other tertiary institution. The study must have been at least one-sixth completed. You will also need to provide a syllabus or subject descriptions as some advanced standing may be granted.
A record of achievement is also required for secondary schooling completed overseas.
All documents must be accompanied by an official English translation if they were produced in another language. For more information contact UOW on 1300 367 869.
Limited Australian Tertiary Admission Rank
You can attempt, in one sitting, between five and nine units of board subjects of the NSW HSC through a TAFE college, senior college or secondary school. The score is calculated from the best five units of Category A subjects including at least one unit of English. You must be at least 20 years of age on March 1 prior to the year of entry. For more information contact UOW on 1300 367 869.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Alternative Admissions Program
The Alternative Admissions Program (AAP), administered by Woolyungah Indigenous Centre offers an alternative pathway for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people seeking entry into the University of Wollongong’s undergraduate programs.
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 17 are encouraged to apply.
The Alternative Admissions Program also welcomes applicants who:
1. Haven’t completed secondary school
2. Are not receiving an ATAR, and
3. Have not obtained the required ATAR score for their preferred course.
The Alternative Admissions Program involves a two day assessment. Applicants will be asked to complete literacy and numeracy tasks approximately 1 hour each in length. Applicants will also participate in an interview with a representative from the faculty of their nominated course and an Indigenous member of staff. During the interview applicants will be asked to talk about their interest in the course they have nominated to study and any relevant work, life or previous education experience. This information helps assessors consider the applicants capacity to engage with the rigour of academic study.
For further information visit www.uow.edu.au/wic/ or phone us on 4221 3776




