October 13, 2026
$5,000 scholarships open doors for TAFE students to study at UOW
Pathway helps students turn vocational qualifications into university degrees
TAFE NSW students can now apply for the University of Wollongong’s (UOW) TAFE to UOW pathway, with 50 scholarships worth $5,000 each available to eligible students commencing in 2027.
The pathway lets TAFE graduates use their previous study towards entry and credit for a UOW degree, reducing the time and cost of study. Students can progress into fields including business, engineering, information technology, arts, communications and media, education, social work and health, depending on their previous qualification and chosen course.
“TAFE provides students with valuable practical skills, knowledge and confidence, and for many people it can also become a springboard to further study,” UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Helen Partridge said.
“The TAFE to UOW pathway is about recognising what students have already achieved and making the transition to university as accessible as possible. The $5,000 scholarships provide additional support for students taking that next step and can help ease some of the financial pressures that come with further study.”
UOW student Reanne Hamers completed a Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting through TAFE Digital before moving to UOW, where she is now studying a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours Stream) with a minor in neuroscience.
“TAFE really eased me back into studying and helped me refresh the skills I needed for university, from keeping up with deadlines to completing assignments,” Reanne said.
“After finishing my TAFE course, I realised I wanted to do more and didn’t want my education to end there.
“For a long time I wasn’t sure whether university was an option for me. TAFE became a stepping stone to higher education and helped me realise I wanted to pursue a degree.
“Since starting at UOW, I’ve become really passionate about what I’m learning and excited about where it could take me. My advice to other TAFE students would be to take the leap and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way.”
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must have completed a Certificate IV (excluding trade certificates), Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Tertiary Preparation Course through TAFE NSW in the 12 months prior to commencing their UOW degree. The scholarship is available for eligible undergraduate degrees at UOW’s Australian campuses, excluding the Bachelor of Nursing.
Many TAFE qualifications can also provide credit towards a UOW degree, while students whose qualification does not have an existing credit arrangement can request an individual assessment.
Applications for the TAFE to UOW pathway and 2027 scholarships are now open.