2023 NSW University Early Entry Guide
Click on this link to find information about the Early Entry programs for a range of NSW Tertiary Institutions. Information for Qld Institutions will be made available if it becomes available.
What course do you want to study after school. Use the above link to search by state, study mode and more.
If you’re in Year 12 this year, you’ve probably already started thinking about university. But you don’t need to wait until the end of the year – early entry programs are more popular than ever.
Early entry gives you the chance to receive an offer to uni before you’ve finished your exams. This can give you peace of mind and help you be more relaxed during what can be a stressful time.
We’ve put together some interesting stats about early entry over the last year, and what you might be able to expect this year.
N.B. While the College will support students to apply to university, we can only work with the information available to us. This includes information provided by you and your assessment results up to the point of application. The information that is requested for 'Early Entry Programs' is created by each of the universities and is out of our control. The Principal will make recommendations based on the criteria provided by the relevant university. We can only recommend students but do not have the power to sway a university's decisions. There are no guarantees that what we provide to a university will secure you an offer.
Read it below, or download as a PDF here.
For an up-close experience of university life, encourage your students to attend a uni open day. This link provides information on Open Days for a range of Universities and Tafes across Australia. The list is updated as institutions provide dates for this calendar year.
Expos
If you are planning your future options, sometimes Careers and Tertiary Expos can help. Below is a list of some Expos across a range of states to help you to plan ahead. As a College, we support the Northern Rivers Careers Expo which is held in week two of Term 3 each year.
The past few years have seen a huge uptake in universities moving their learning online, and it’s an option that’s more popular and accessible than ever. But for some people, it’s not quite the same as being able to attend classes on campus. So what’s the best option for you if you’re looking to start studying at university soon – on campus or online?
There are both advantages and disadvantages to both, and at the end of the day the decision comes down to what will best suit you. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons to help you make up your mind.
First, let’s take a look at the upsides of study on campus.
Studying on campus means you will have to meet a whole bunch of new people – whether you want to or not! But it’s also a great opportunity to make new friends, build important connections, or start a study group. It’s always nice to have people to talk to and study with to make life that little bit easier.
Being on campus gives you easy access to all of the resources the university has to offer: libraries, student support services, computer labs, study spaces, and even things like cafes and gym facilities. Everything you could possibly need is right there at your fingertips.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the best time management skills, because your class times are all set for you. All you have to do is show up!
Now that we’ve looked at some of the positives, let’s cover some of the reasons on campus study might not suit you.
Depending on how far away you live from your nearest campus, you might find yourself spending a lot of time (and money) commuting back and forth. Some universities have on-campus accommodation, but this can also be costly. And if there is no university near you, you’ll have to spend a lot of money moving away from home.
Studying full-time on campus means that you will be spending most of your time at university. This doesn’t leave much time for other things like work. If you need to rely on your income, this might not be the best option.
Having your schedule set for you can be good, but you might find that certain classes can conflict with other activities you have planned, such as sports and social time. And in most circumstances, going to class will be the option that wins. Sometimes you might even have two classes that clash, meaning you will need to choose between one or the other.
Thinking of studying online? Here are some of the reasons it could be right for you.
When you study online, you can generally set your own pace. You can take as long – or as little – as you need on a certain topic. You can also choose when to study. If you’re an early riser, you can study in the morning, and if you’re more of a night owl, then you can study at night instead. It also gives you the flexibility to fit your study around other commitments, such as work.
Even if there is no university campus nearby, studying online means you don’t have to move away to access top-notch education. This could save you heaps of money in travel expenses and accommodation (and you don’t have to shift your whole life half way across the country).
Studying online isn’t necessarily lonely – you will often be able to chat to your other classmates and lecturers virtually, either by video or text. You can meet people from all over the country and even overseas, giving you a broader perspective during your studies.
Finally, let’s cover some of the not-so-good things about online study.
Studying at your own pace can be a blessing – or it can be a curse. If you’re the kind of person who’s more likely to stay in bed and get distracted scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, online study might not be the best option.
Depending on where you live, you might not have access to a library in town. Or perhaps you still live at home with younger siblings and your house is often crowded and noisy, making it difficult to study. At times like these, it’s nice to have certain facilities on-hand at campus.
Even though you will still chat regularly with your lecturers and other students, it can still be lonely for some people without proper face-to-face time with friends. Be careful not to get sucked into the trap of never leaving your house either! Having support and connections through other means (family, other friends, etc) is still important.
At the end of the day, which study option is best for you is a personal decision. There are a lot of things you need to take into consideration, and what’s right for one person might not be right for you.
But here’s something else to consider: a lot of universities also offer flexible or blended study modes. This means you can combine both on campus and online study to suit your needs. And there’s nothing from stopping you trying one out – you can do your first semester online, and if you find it isn’t quite working for you then you can swap to on campus for the second, or vice versa.
Whatever path you choose, have fun with your studies and remember that you always have options.
QUT (Queensland University of Technology) - University Preparation Program
We are excited to offer a renewed free University Preparation Program (UPP) for 2025 entry. Successful completion of the program with a passing grade point average will give a selection rank of 75.00. Higher selection ranks can be achieved with higher grades, up to a maximum of 86.95. The course also covers the prerequisite subjects for QUT’s Bachelor of Education . Applicants must have completed Year 12 (QCE or equivalent) or be 18 years old at the first QUT census date. Our 2025 Study Guide refers to guaranteed entry to specific courses. The program has changed to provide a selection rank that can be used for entry across QUT’s undergraduate courses.
Check our website in late July to find out more.
Sydney University
Mathematics course prerequisites removed for many courses
The mathematics course prerequisite will be removed from several degrees, and we will be enhancing our targeted support to ensure commencing students are equipped with the knowledge base they need to successfully progress through their degrees. The mathematics prerequisite will still apply to courses in Advanced Computing, Pharmacy and Engineering (including streams and combined degrees).
Students applying for courses that no longer have the mathematics prerequisite will now be eligible to receive an additional adjustment factor towards their selection rank through the Academic Excellence Scheme (AES).
Students can now stack adjustments from eligible entry schemes
Students will be able to combine their adjustment factors from two eligible entry schemes up to a maximum of 10 adjustment factors. Eligible entry schemes are the Educational Access Scheme, Academic Excellence Scheme, and Elite Athletes and Performers Scheme. All other schemes are excluded. Read about our entry schemes here.
Broadway Scheme renamed to Educational Access Scheme
Our Broadway Scheme has officially been renamed the Educational Access Scheme (EAS). The Broadway Scheme has always been the University of Sydney’s Educational Access Scheme administered through UAC. This change means we are in line with UAC’s naming convention and will reduce confusion regarding what the scheme offers. We also now recognise a broader range of assessed EAS outcomes. Read more here.
CQU (Central Queensland University)
We'd like to inform you of changes to CQUniversity's Principal's Recommendation Scheme (PRS) for Term 1, 2025. We have updated our PRS application timelines and release of offers to align with the key recommendations for early offer schemes, as outlined in the Australian Universities Accord Final Report.
The PRS will continue to provide a pathway for Year 12 students to gain entry to a range of CQUniversity undergraduate courses based on their school principal's endorsement, rather than ATAR.
PRS key dates for Term 1, 2025
Applications open
Thursday, 1 August 2024
Offers released from
Monday, 2 September 2024
Applications close
Monday, 2 December 2024
Our admissions team will be in contact with any student that has already submitted their application for Term 1, 2025 through the PRS. These applications will be held and assessed in line with the new application timelines above.
Another adjustment is that each student will receive only one offer via the PRS, emphasizing the importance of selecting their preferred course during application.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us via email at futurestudents@cqu.edu.au.
Australian Defence Force Defence University Sponsorship (ADF DUS)
Students will regularly connect with us to explore their options after graduation, which may include university. For those students interested in university, have they considered a Defence University Sponsorship (DUS) through the Australian Defence Force (ADF)? Through DUS, students can apply for sponsorship for a broad range of job-relevant degrees whilst they study at any accredited university in Australia. They’ll have their university fees paid for, earn a salary while studying, receive benefits, and walk straight into a great role in the Navy, Army or Air Force following graduation.
Courses that qualify range from Engineering, Healthcare, Science, Business, Administration and Education.
Maritime Warfare Officer Aerospace Software Engineer Electronics Engineer – Aviation & Networks
VET Pathways to Griffith University
A completed Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Certificate III, IV, or Diploma provides a selection
rank for admission to a range of Griffith University degrees. For some degrees, your qualification may
provide you with certainty as to your future study with the VET guarantee.
https://www.griffith.edu.au/apply/admission-pathways/vet-pathways-to-griffith
UTS (University of Technology Sydney) Updates
Did you know the UTS Bachelor of Forensic Science was the first of its kind in Australia? Students can pick one of four majors: Biology, Chemistry, Crime Scene Investigation, or our unique Digital Forensic Science major.
UTS will offer the Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathology) from 2025 – This fourth-year program is for Medical Science students who want to gain advanced skills and industry experience for a career in laboratory.
Top University Courses for Book Lovers
https://studyworkgrow.com/top-university-courses-for-book-lovers/
10 Jobs for People who Love Reading
https://studyworkgrow.com/10-jobs-for-people-who-love-reading/
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Southern Cross University
Early Offer
Take the stress out of Year 12 with an Early Offer The Early Offer program allows you to secure your place
in a Southern Cross University degree before your Year 12 results are even released. It’s designed to
remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and give you a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on your Year 12 results (ATAR).
*N.B. Your Year 12 school results WILL be used by SCU to determine your place in SCU Early Offer. This is based upon a predicted ATAR which the College does not support.
https://www.scu.edu.au/study/high-school-students/entry-pathways/early-offer/
UC’s (University of Canberra) new Bachelor of Design
Explore hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving with UC's Bachelor of Design. Cultivate specialised production skills in visual communication, industrial design, and interaction design. This creative and employment-oriented degree offers internship opportunities, ensuring you graduate with career-ready expertise to excel in your chosen field. Our new Bachelor of Design allows you to move across disciplines to experience the wide world of design.
UTAS (University of Tasmania
Bachelor of Outdoor and Environmental Education
We are very excited to announce we will be offering a Bachelor of Outdoor and Environmental Education in 2025. Detailed course information will be released shortly.
We are thrilled to share with you that SAE has recently been designated University College status.
Of the seven University Colleges in Australia, SAE is the only one to offer creative media education at a National level. Being granted University College status is a testament to SAE’s continued commitment to quality education, with superior student outcomes and deep industry engagement.
Information Night - April 18 from 4pm until 6pm
Join us on campus to explore your interest and passion for a career in Creative Media.
ACU Is a pathway certificate or diploma for me?
By studying a pathway certificate or diploma, you can take advantage of lower entry requirements to begin
studying what you love. We will then use any completed grades to help secure your spot in a more
advanced course. We offer programs in a wide range of study areas, applying is easy and we’re here to
help you if you get stuck.
https://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/admission-pathways/choose-your-pathway-or-entry-program/pathway-
certificates-and-diplomas
Professional Cadetships Program - Applications Now Open
If you’re a Year 12 student interested in business or technology, why wait until you graduate from university to launch your career? Take your degree further with the Professional Cadetships Program and secure your future now.
Cadets combine study at the university of their choice with paid work at a leading company. You may choose from a wide range of degrees, including economics, commerce, business, actuarial studies, computer science and technology, mathematics, and humanities. Some combined degrees may also be chosen.
“Working at Barrenjoey is a life-changing opportunity. I’ve met some incredible people, I’m working alongside the best in the industry, and I am constantly learning every single day.”
Meira Jackson, 2nd Year Research Cadet, Barrenjoey
Under the 2024 Programs, Business Cadets will be placed in Sydney at either UBS or Barrenjoey, while Technology Cadets will be placed at UBS. These companies are leaders in the financial services industry and offer cadets exciting opportunities in a range of business and technology areas.
By studying and working at a leading company from the start of university, cadets earn a competitive advantage over students who delay work until after graduation. You will work alongside world-class professionals and be well remunerated. Only current Year 12 students can apply, so this is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to take advantage of this unparalleled opportunity!
“The cadetship gives you a big head start on your peers at university: by the time they graduate, you are three to four years ahead of them in experience.”
Nick Yule, 4th Year Global Markets Cadet, UBS
To find out more about how cadetships work, take a look at this video:
Or you can click here to watch it.
Applications are made to Professional Cadetships Australia, an Australian company that specialises in providing career opportunities for young people.
Business Cadetship applications are open now and close on 22 May 2024.
Technology Cadetship applications will open on 29 April 2024 and close on 7 June 2024.
By the application closing dates, both your Application Form and School Assessment are due in.
Only current Year 12 students in NSW and ACT can apply for our cadetship programs. It is not possible to apply once you are attending university, so if you would like to take advantage of these unparalleled opportunities, make sure you apply before the deadline.
If you’re in VIC, keep an eye out for information on the Business Cadetships Program in Melbourne, coming soon.
To read more information about the Professional Cadetships Program and apply, go to www.professionalcadets.com.au.
Country Education Foundation Uni Survival Guide
Accommodation, part time work, health services and support advice for country students
https://cef.org.au/university-survival-guide-living-eating-adulting/