There are many preparation and pathway programs to help you develop the skills you need to begin your studies at UOW.
Entry pathways
No matter your background, there’s a pathway for you.
Finished Year 12 recently or years ago, got an ATAR (or not), studied at TAFE, taken a gap year, or started uni before; we’ll help you find your to the perfect course for your dream career.
Students with sufficient ATAR or equivalent
Using your ATAR (or equivalent)
You can apply with a previous ATAR if it meets the current requirement for your course.
Use UOW’s Course Finder to check the most up-to-date ATAR for your degree.
If you're in year 12 you can apply for up to five UOW courses via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) once you have your ATAR. If you are studying year 12 in an on-shore high school in Australia and are eligible for an ATAR, you should also apply via UOW Early Admission. Applications Open in June, and will close in August.
Got an Early Admission offer?
If you apply for Early Admission, meet the criteria and receive an offer, your place in that course is secured, no need to' accept'.
Just get ready to enrol in December.
No ATAR? No problem.
If you received another qualification (like a UAI) or studied overseas, we’ll help you convert your results to an ATAR-equivalent for assessment. Head to our application page for more information.
Students with insufficient results
If you did not achieve sufficient results during Year 12 to gain entry into UOW, there are numerous pathways you can take to get into UOW.
UOW College
UOW College offers a number of university preparation programs that guarantee entry to UOW on successful completion. These include:
- University Entrance Program - a 14-week (one session) program of study. This course is specifically designed to provide the necessary skills for entry to many UOW undergraduate (Bachelor) degrees.
- Diploma programs are also available at UOW College, across a range of disciplines including Business, Engineering, IT etc. On successful completion, many of these provide entry to the second year of a number of UOW bachelor degrees.
For more information on UOW College pathway programs see the UOW College website.
Students with previous university studies
If you have previously graduated, or have incomplete university studies from an approved university or other tertiary institution you may be eligible for entry to UOW. You will need to provide a record of your achievement, and the course you were studying must have been at least one-sixth completed.
In some circumstances you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit transfer) and should therefore provide a syllabus or subject descriptions for previous study.
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.
Students with TAFE qualifications
Qualifications obtained at TAFE, can be used as a basis for entry to UOW. The type and amount of credit for prior learning (also known as ‘credit transfer’, ‘advanced standing’ or ‘credit exemption’) granted depends on the program and subjects completed, together with the program rules and structure of the UOW degree.
The following qualifications may result in entry to, or credit towards some UOW degrees:
- Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- Associate Diploma
- Level IV Certificate (excluding trade certificates)
Admission is dependent on the completion of the course and the level of academic performance achieved.
In some circumstances, advanced standing (credit transfer) may be granted for TAFE qualifications (excluding Certificate IV). This means that you gain credit towards your university degree resulting in less units of study undertaken to complete your degree.
To view the available credit transfer for specific UOW degrees, please visit the TAFE credit for prior learning page. For more information, contact UOW on 1300 367 869.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students: Indigenous Admissions Program (IAP)
The Indigenous Admission Program (IAP) is a three-day workshop and assessment process that offers an alternative pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 17, to seek entry into UOW’s undergraduate programs.
The IAP welcomes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who:
- Haven’t completed secondary school
- Are not receiving an ATAR, or
- Don't have the required ATAR for their preferred course.
- Mature aged students
For further information visit the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre website or phone 4221 3776
Pathway programs for students with limited previous study
There are many options for students who do not have a sufficient ATAR (or Year 12 results), have not completed previous alternative study, or did not finish Year 12 level at high school. UOW recognises many pathway programs. No matter what your age, or previous experience, there is an option for you.
In addition to UOW College pathway programs (as above):
Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you will be at least 21 years of age on 1 March in the year you commence your study at UOW, and do not otherwise qualify for entry to the University, you may apply for admission on the basis of STAT Multiple Choice.
STAT cannot be used for admission to Law, Deans Scholar, Honours, or Advanced degrees, or any courses in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences. For further details on STAT, visit the ACER website.
TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate
The TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC) is an alternative to undertaking a senior secondary qualification. Entry to university is dependent on the level of academic performance achieved in the TPC. For more information, contact your local TAFE.
Limited Australian Tertiary Admission Rank
UOW accepts the Limited ATAR for admission to all undergraduate courses. You must be at least 20 years old on 1 March in the year you complete your HSC studies. You must also complete between 5 and 9 units of ATAR courses, including at least 1 unit of a Category A English course.
UOW admission for veterans
The Veterans Scholar Scheme offers you the opportunity to apply for admission to UOW. We value your experience in the Australian Defence Force - not only does UOW accept many ADF training qualifications for assessment (where they are equivalent to a Certificate IV or higher) - we will also assess your service in the Australian Defence Force and convert this to a selection rank (similar to ATAR).
You can apply on the basis of your service through UAC or direct to UOW.
UAC: Apply through UAC and answer "Yes" to the question "Are you a current or former member of the Australian Defence Forces".
Applicants will need to enter their Defence Force rank under "Professional registration/qualifications" and their Defence Force experience under ‘Employment experience’, and provide a statement of service.
Direct: Apply directly to UOW online.
In Step 5 under "Employment details", applicants will need to enter their Defence Force rank and their years of service, and upload a copy of their statement of service.
The table below can be used as a guide to determining the admission selection rank your service history might be equivalent to. The Admissions team will conduct a full assessment of your qualification/s on receipt of a fully documented application.
| Military Rank | 1-3 Years | 3+ Years |
|---|---|---|
| Defence Force Senior Officer Commissioned Defence Force Officer Senior Non-Commissioned Defence Force Officer |
83 | 92 |
| Defence Force Member - Other Ranks | 73 | 75 |
Please contact the Future Students Team for more information and to discuss your options.