Other entry options

UOW offers alternative and supplementary programs for students who wish to pursue study at university. This may include students who:

• Didn’t quite get the high school results they hoped for
• Might be eligible for alternative entry programs
• May need additional study to prepare them for their university degree

UEP at UOW 

What is it? 

The University Entrance Program (UEP) is fee free* for Australian domestic students. It has been specifically designed for students who have not met the direct entry requirements for a UOW bachelor degree and is also suitable for students who have experienced a significant disadvantage during their secondary school education. This 14-week course teaches the fundamental skills required for university study and maximises your chance of success in your degree. Successful completion of the UEP provides guaranteed** entry to a range of UOW bachelor degrees, subject to meeting UOW entry requirement.   

There are three Streams in the UEP program, allowing students to study subjects relevant to their chosen degree: Stream 1 in Business and Humanities; Stream 2 in Sciences and Information Technology, and; Stream 3 in Engineering. 

*Fee free is subject to terms and conditions. 

Who is it for? 

Students who have not met the direct entry requirements for a UOW bachelor degree or students who have experienced a significant disadvantage during their secondary school education will be considered for entry into UEP. 

What are the steps to apply? 

You can view alternative application options or apply directly through the UOW College website.  

UOW has partnered with Big Picture Education Australia and participating schools to provide an alternative pathway into university that does not require an ATAR.

Students may be considered for admission based on their International Big Picture Learning Credential, supporting portfolio evidence and the admission requirements for their chosen course.

Courses

UOW recognises the International Big Picture Learning Credential as an alternative pathway into a range of undergraduate courses.

Applications are assessed against the approved Big Picture admission requirements for the selected course. Applicants must also meet any course-specific admission requirements.

Not all courses are available through this pathway. If direct entry to your preferred course is not available, UOW may advise you about another course or pathway that could help you progress towards your study goals.

Big Picture UOW Undergraduate Entry Degrees

Course availability and admission requirements may change. Check the relevant UOW course page before applying.

How your application will be assessed

UOW will consider:

• your International Big Picture Learning Credential and supporting portfolio evidence, accessed through CredFolio
• your school results
• the admission requirements for your selected course
• any additional information required for that course

For some courses, UOW Admissions may seek advice from the relevant Faculty before making a final admission decision.

Meeting the general requirements of the Big Picture Pathway does not guarantee admission to a particular course.

What you’ll need

When applying, provide:

• your CredFolio link, which gives UOW access to your International Big Picture Learning Credential and supporting portfolio evidence
• your most recent school report
• any additional information requested for your selected course

Providing complete information will help UOW assess your application.

How to Apply

1. Start a UOW direct admissions application.
2. Complete all required sections.
3. At Step 5, select Big Picture Portfolio as your qualification.
4. Upload your most recent school report.
5. Provide your CredFolio link.
6. Submit your application.

UOW Admissions will contact you with the outcome or request further information if it is needed.

Submit a Direct Admissions Application

Woolyungah Indigenous Centre admissions

The Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (WIC) at UOW offers an Indigenous Admissions Program (IAP) to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 17. The IAP is a three-day workshop that offers an alternative pathway into UOW's undergraduate programs.

IAP is held at different times throughout the year. To find out when the next program is scheduled, contact the WIC team on (02) 4221 3776 or email wic-enquiries@uow.edu.au

Who can apply?

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.

Find out more.

UOW College

If your ATAR isn’t what you'd hoped, or it doesn’t meet the requirements of the UOW degree you’d like to study, UOW College can offer you alternative pathways.

Most UOW College programs guarantee entry to the first year of a UOW Bachelor degree program upon successful completion. Some programs also provide up to one year of credit for prior learning, meaning you could enter UOW as a second-year student.

From degree-related certificates and diplomas, to university preparation programs, explore the range of UOW College courses that can prepare you for UOW.

UOW College offers pathway programs at UOW Wollongong, UOW Liverpool, UOW Eurobodalla, and UOW Shoalhaven.

What are the steps to apply?

Once you have found the UOW College course you’d like to study, you can apply online.

Apply for a UOW College program.

Where can I get assistance?

If you would like to talk to us about your pathway to UOW, get in touch in one of the following ways:

Phone: 1300 367 869 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 2 4221 3218 (international)
Email: futurestudents@uow.edu.au

Bridging courses

Bridging courses allow you to brush up on your skills in a particular study area. There are a range of bridging course subjects available at UOW.

See our bridging courses website for information on what you can study and how to apply.

What is it?

Earn a place at UOW before you sit your first exam.

UOW Early Admission is our early offer program for Year 12 students. We'll assess the results you've got so far and can reward you with an early offer for your chosen degree (or degrees) before you sit your first exam.

Note: It is the expectation of UOW that you will maintain or exceed the level of academic performance indicated in your application and receive an ATAR or the IB Diploma.

Who is it for?

You're eligible to apply for UOW Early Admission if you are completing your final year at an Australian high school.

What steps are involved?

1. Find a course
   Search our Course Finder for a degree (or degrees) you want to study. You can find the admissions info for each degree, including the subjects and results we think you’ll need in order to perform well in that course.
2. Apply
   Early Admission applications are open mid-year for commencement at UOW in February/March (Session 1). Visit our Early Admission site for key dates and to apply.
3. Assessment
   Your application will be assessed by faculty staff.
4. Outcome
   Outcomes for UOW Early Admission will be sent to all applicants by email to the address you provide in your application.

Where can I get assistance?

Be sure to keep checking our Early Admission site, which will be updated throughout the year with relevant information regarding the program, including application details, key dates, the assessment process, outcomes and more.

Any further questions can be directed to our Future Students Team by calling 1300 367 869 or emailing futurestudents@uow.edu.au