Life After Year 12 -
University

Do I need to go through the Universities Admission Centre to apply for university?

The Universities Admissions Centre or more commonly know as UAC is an organisation that processes applications for courses offered at participating Universities in NSW and ACT. UAC allows students to apply for multiple courses at multiple institutions, all in the one location. It is the most commonly used process to apply for university.

Alternatively, some universities such as Notre Dame require you to make direct applications for their undergraduate courses. Others allow you to submit a UAC application and a direct application to their institution.

At the beginning of Year 12 you will be informed, in depth, on how to apply for university courses.

What is Early Entry?

Most institutions have one or more early offer schemes for Year 12 students. Early Entry schemes allow you to apply for University before you sit your HSC Examinations so that you can secure your place early.

Through these schemes, the institutions assess applicants using criteria other than (or in addition to) the ATAR.

Early Entry is often merit-based for students through any of the following:

Principal's recommendation
Academic results
Leadership or community engagement
Other achievements eg. sport, art, music

What is the Schools Recommendation Scheme?

This scheme is another way for students to secure Early Entry
Schools Recommendation Schemes (SRS) aim to help you access higher education through recommendations from your school.
Universities use a wide range of selection criteria, including school recommendations, senior secondary studies and personal awards and achievements.

Participating institutions may use one or more of the following criteria listed when considering your application:

your Year 11 studies
your school’s rating of your abilities in different areas of study
your school’s rating of your aptitudes
your Educational Access Schemes (EAS) application (if applicable)

Each institution has its own policy for determining SRS eligibility and making offers.

You can only access SRS with a UAC application when you are in Year 12.

Scholarships

There are many different scholarships offered by the universities. It is best to check on the website of the universities and see what is available.

What you need to know now:

Please note that everything we have discussed above will be explained to you in greater depth when you commence Year 12.

For now, please be aware that universities not only look at your ATAR but can make their decision based on your personal achievements and contributions for both early entry and offering you a place in their high demand courses.

Universities look at:

Year 11 results
Leadership
Contributions to community
Participation in Social Justice
Sporting achievements
Creative Arts - music and art
Past experience relating to your course

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