THE TWENTY SECOND ANNUAL
Year 12
Combined Schools Tertiary
Study Options Evening
Wednesday 17 August 2016
Multi Purpose Centre
Cherrybrook Technology High School
Purchase Road
Cherrybrook
Commencing at 5.30pm
FOR STUDENTS ATTENDING
Asquith Boys High School
Castle Hill High School
Cheltenham Girls High School
Cherrybrook Technology High School
Epping Boys High School
Galston High School
Mt St Benedict College
Northholm Grammar School
Oakhill College
Pennant Hills High School
AND THEIR PARENTS
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PROGRAM
5.30 - 7.00PM
Main Hall - Visit Tertiary Careers Market display booths – Universities,
Private Training Colleges, etc.
6.00 pm
BREAK OUT SESSIONS - 1
Scholarships Presentation – Macquarie University
Lecture Theatre – Lower(next to Hall): – Learn about what
universities are looking for in your Scholarship applications and find out
more about the range of scholarships on offer
Alternative Pathways to Degree/University – Uni. Of Technology
Sydney
Lecture Theatre – Upper Room C2.1 – Learn about some of the
Alternative Pathways in to university in general as well as specifically
those available at UTS.
6:30pm
BREAK OUT SESSIONS – 2
Scholarships Presentation – University of Sydney
Lecture Theatre – Lower(next to Hall): – Learn about what
universities are looking for in your Scholarship applications and find out
more about the range of scholarships on offer
Alternative Pathways to Degree – TAFE PATHWAYS & DEGREES
Lecture Theatre – Upper Room C2.1 – Learn about vocational
pathways to a career and more information about the various degree
programs on offer.
7.00pm
OFFICIAL WELCOME
Gary Johnson, Principal,
Cherrybrook Technology High School
UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS CENTRE (UAC) –
Applying to university via UAC.
Trudy Noller, Senior Community Liaison Officer,
Universities Admissions Centre
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION –STEM CAREERS RELATED
ZERO ROBOTICS
Ben Morrell, PhD student – University of Sydney,
Medal in Aeronautical (Space) Engineering.
8.00pm Question Time:
Opportunity to ask questions of the speakers on relevant topics.
Careers Advisers from the host schools will be available for informal discussions
with students and their parents at the conclusion of the evening.
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Contents
Program
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2
Contents
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3
Guest Presenter Profiles
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4
Parents and the HSC
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5
Questions to Ask About CAREERS
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6
Questions to Ask About COURSES
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7
Making Good Decisions on Tertiary Entrance
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8
The Australian Qualifications Framework, Life after School
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10
What does that mean? A university glossary
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13
Things You Wish You Knew About Going to University
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15
2016 University Open Days
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16
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Early Entry Schemes - Alternative Pathways by University
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19
Course Costs and Financial Assistance - Universities
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27
2017 Scholarships
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29
TAFE to University
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31
Degree Courses at TAFE
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32
TAFE and University Partnerships
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34
Labour Market - Projected Growth Industries to 2020
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35
Get Started with University and TAFE! Ten tips for a successful
transition and a top first year
……….
38
Useful Careers Websites
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Alternative University Entry Pathways
SRS, STAT & EAS
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Guest Presenter Profiles
Trudy Noller - Senior Community Liaison Officer
Universities Admissions Centre (UAC)
April 2007 to current
Trudy Noller is the public face of the Universities Admission Centre attending major Careers
related events throughout NSW. She provides valuable insight to Year 12 students, Parents,
Careers Advisers, Teaching staff and noncurrent school leavers regarding the HSC/ATAR; the
process of applying for university via the UAC on line system; as well as information regarding
the Educational Access Scheme and Schools Recommendation Scheme.
Trudy has also be instrumental in updating or creating UAC resources (on-line or print) that
assist students, parents and schools in preparing for senior studies, applying for tertiary courses
and the University Offer process through UAC.
Benjamin Morrell
PhD Candidate - Autonomous Navigation Systems Research at
University of Sydney
Benjamin Morrell grew up in Wollongong, NSW, and gained his Bachelor’s degree from the
University of Sydney in 2013 with first class honours and the University Medal in Aeronautical
(Space) Engineering.
Ben is currently an Aerospace Engineering PhD student at the University of Sydney, under the
supervision of Professor Gregory Chamitoff (former NASA Astronaut). His research focus is on
Autonomous Navigation for space based robotics, with a goal to implement and test his
algorithms on the MIT/NASA SPHERES robots currently on board the International Space
Station.
In 2014 Ben received the American Australian Association, Northrop Grumman Foundation
Fellowship. This gave him the opportunity to spend 2015 studying, researching and collaborating
in the United States.
In addition to research, Ben is enthusiastically involved in student projects, STEM promotion and
outreach. Zero Robotics, is one such program, which sees high school students writing code to
control SPHERES on the International Space Station. Ben was pivotal in establishing this
competition in Australia in 2015 and continues to work as Lead Mentor for the Australian
competition.
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PARENTS AND THE HSC
Obviously, practical and physical forms of support can be offered.
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A good place to study. Quiet, comfortable temperature, well ventilated, good lighting with adequate
desk/table space, free from distractions such as TV noise, telephone, conversations, siblings, etc.
Provision of good, balanced meals.
Encourage sensible levels of sleep and some regular exercise.
Provision of a positive and understanding environment
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Be supportive and encouraging.
Highlight strengths and successes. Encourage your child not to dwell on failures. Reframe failures as
“mistakes” and encourage them to see them as a learning experience that can give positive directions
for remedial action.
Be appreciative that most students are undergoing some form of high level stress, frequently without
obvious indicators. Fear of letting down the family (beware of setting unrealistic expectations) or not
being able to match siblings’ or other relatives’ performances. Also, many students are experiencing
fear of “departure”: leaving home, leaving lifelong friends, perhaps having to go and live in an alien
environment.
Appreciate that it is normal for people under pressure to become supersensitive and explosive from
time to time. Try not to overreact to such outbursts.
Avoid confrontations. (Save them up for after the HSC)
Avoid being picky (eg. Lights being left on, lid off toothpaste, chores not done, etc)
Avoid nagging (That doesn’t mean you can’t give a gentle reminder from time to time. Sometimes one
parent is more successful at this than the other).
Avoid or minimise family conflicts and dramas, if possible.
Avoid demanding gratitude for all the sacrifices you are making. (Guilt is not an ideal motivator.
Hopefully they will do the same for their kids one day.)
Encourage confidence by reassurance. If you have doubts, keep them to yourself.
Be realistic in your expectations as to where the HSC leads. For the majority of HSC students,
university study is an unrealistic option.
Encourage your child to seek help from teachers or the counsellor if they are having difficulty with
subjects, study organisation, stress or anxiety about examinations.
Make reasonable concessions, eg. release from some household chores, as study programs become
more demanding.
Encourage a reasonable balance between work and leisure. Planned leisure periods are an essential
component of a good study program. An occasional total escape for a few days may be excellent
therapy for a student feeling stale or excessively stressed.
Take an interest in what your child is doing if they will allow you to (some won’t), subjects or topics
being studied, how he or she has organised study timetables or programs, leisure pursuits etc.
(Note: Taking an “interest in” does not mean interfering.)
Don’t panic when they announce on the evening before the exam that they know nothing. (Reassure
them, even if you think they could be right) “Just do your best. We know you’re giving it your best
shot,” is a good standby.
Remember the occasional hug and “I love you” doesn’t go astray even when they are 18 years old!
Encourage your child to be as independent as they can possibly be. The more independent he or she
can be in meeting the demands of Year 12 the more prepared he or she will be to succeed at a tertiary
level or in the work place.
* * * * *
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Questions to ask about Careers
Do you have access to a careers
teacher or careers library?
If so, have you made good use
of the services offered?
Do you feel ready for
another year of study or
would you prefer to take
a break, ie. to travel or
gain work experience?
Have you thought
about how to
combine your
university studies
with other
commitments in
your life?
Did you know that
employers are interested in
the involvement that
students have in extracurricular activities, eg.
team sports, social clubs?
Have you collected
information about
possible work options?
Have you thought about
your interests, values and
temperament in relation to
possible work options?
Have you carefully read
relevant handbooks and
the UAC Guide regarding
appropriate courses for
your career plans?
Did you know that employers
prefer you to obtain courserelated work experience? If
that’s not available, then any
work experience is useful.
Will you be able to
develop the skills
required for the work in
which you’re interested?
Where can I go to further
discuss or obtain answers
to these questions?
Did you know that most
employers expect you to
be familiar with
computers, while others
require a certain level of
business acumen or
numerical ability?
Are you aware of the further
study options available upon
completion of a degree which
can help you to define a
career direction?
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The following people and
publications can assist you in
exploring these questions:
 Your Careers Advisor
 The UAC Guide
 Tertiary handbooks
 The internet
 Tertiary admissions
officers
 Course selection officers
 The Sydney Career
Information Centre located
at 477 Pitt Street, Sydney
Questions to ask about Courses
What prerequisite
(compulsory) subjects, if any,
do I need to have studied in
the HSC in order to apply for
this course?
Can I select subjects
from other faculties
as part of my course?
Is there any work
experience
involved in the
course?
How difficult is it to transfer
into another course once I
have gained entry to a
university?
What are the special
features of this
course?
Are there quotas
(restricted number of
places) in particular
subjects?
What are the core
subjects that this
course covers?
What marks do I need
to obtain an HSC to get
into this course?
Does this course
have any links with
Industry?
Can I defer (take
leave of absence)
from this course?
What types of jobs do
graduates go into
from this course?
Which elective
subjects can I choose
from?
How many students in each class?
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Are there any other
ways into this course
apart from the HSC, eg.
TAFE courses?
Can I combine this
course with one from
another faculty?
What methods of teaching
and assessment are involved
in each of the subjects?
MAKING GOOD DECISIONS ON TERTIARY ENTRANCE
Some Guidelines for Year Twelve Students
STAGE 1
Select initial preferences
You should:
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Read and reread publications, especially the UAC Guide book; university/TAFE course
information booklets or handbooks (also available on the internet).
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Talk to a careers adviser at school, representatives of universities, Institutes of TAFE or private
training providers, employers, family and friends.
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Visit careers markets and tertiary information days, open days, careers nights and course
information talks.
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Consider if you will apply for Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) – also consider STAT
preparation workshops. Further information: www.uac.edu.au/stat/
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Consider if you will apply for the Educational Access Scheme. Further information:
www.uac.edu.au/eas/
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Consider aspects associated with the courses, such as up front costs, travel time and cost,
public transport options, availability of parking and cost, accommodation details, and the
possibility of obtaining the required academic results.
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Lodge application on the Internet within the advertised closing dates. Apply to both Universities
and TAFE to cover your options. Keep PIN numbers in safe/easy to find place. Keep receipt
number in a safe place.
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Lodge application for accommodation where necessary by closing dates. This may be required
before the results of the HSC and ATAR are released.
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Comply with any additional selection criteria required and observe early closing dates where
they apply. READ the UAC Guide carefully.
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Collate folios and prepare for auditions where necessary. (This information will also be of use
when you review your decision later).
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Apply for scholarships – NOTE: the majority have a closing date in term three and therefore it is
necessary to allow time for your school to supply supporting documentation.
STAGE 2
Review initial preferences
For university entrance purposes, you will have the opportunity to change your preferences until early
January for consideration in the Main Round of offers. This will allow you to review your initial choices in
view of new information. For example: your ATAR and subject results; information regarding new
courses; courses which won’t be offered next year; details obtained by speaking directly with staff from
universities or TAFE Institutes. The following tips should help you through this stage:
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Keep all information together
Write information down when you think of it.
Write down a personal action plan.
Know the deadlines and procedures for changing preferences
Consider back-up plans.
When you receive your HSC results and your ATAR, take a ‘cooling off’ period to think about this new
information – don’t rush in and make a snap decision.
Many people decide to stick with their original preference list, but if you do wish to change, make sure
you are aware of the deadlines for change of preference and not leave the change until the last moment.
Important dates will be listed in the UAC Guide.
STAGE 3
Decide on action in response to course offers received (or not received!) in the Main Round.
Details of offers in the Main Round will be available in the middle of January. Most applicants will be
notified of the outcome of their applications in the Main Round. To accept an offer you must respond
before the published deadline.
You can:
1.
Respond according to the instructions included with the offer.
2.
Accept the offer and enrol in the course.
3.
Accept the offer to a course, even though it may not be your first choice. You can change your
preferences to be considered in the Late and Final Rounds i.e. add new preferences, rearrange
your existing preferences or leave them as is.
4.
Apply for deferment in the course when you accept the offer.
NB: Refer to the UAC Guide for the universities deferment policies.
5.
Reject the offer and submit a rearranged set of preferences,(as outlined in 3. Above) or withdraw
from the process.
6.
Change your UAC preferences to apply for a semester 2 course.
If you apply for a place in the Late and Final rounds of offers, you will need to consider: the ‘cut-off’
scores for courses in the first round of offers; whether you are likely to be considered for some or all of
your preferred courses; information on possible remaining vacancies; where you can go to get help with
these details.
If you don’t receive an offer you might consider back-up options which could either provide you with
alternative pathways to reach your desired goal or give you the chance to follow other acceptable career
directions.
These options could include:
1. Apply for Foundation Year Courses or Pathway Courses through the University you are
interested in. (please note not all universities offer these options).
2. Enrol into a similar or related course at either the university you are wishing to attend or another
university which has an entry ATAR lower than what you received. You will need to perform well
academically in this course to then be eligible to apply for transfer to your preferred course. (Most
st
Universities will accept transfers after 1 year. A few will allow transfers after six months.
3. Apply for courses at private universities e.g. University of Notre, Sydney; Campion College; Bond
University.
4. Apply for Bachelor Degree courses through Open University (www.open.edu.au) and study by
distance education.
5. Consider tertiary courses through Private Tertiary Colleges, commencing at vocational levels
(E.G. Diploma Courses) and then moving your way through the qualifications up to Bachelor
Degree Level.
6. Undertake a full-time or part-time Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Degree courses at
TAFE Institutes.
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7. Investigate the option of studying similar courses at an interstate or International University (E.G.
New Zealand)
8. Enter the workforce in either Full-time or part-time employment. Larger companies often have
Study Assistance programs when their employees undertake further part-time studies relating to
their companies filled of work.
9. Short or extended employment-orientated courses offered by government-sponsored agencies or
private providers. Experienced Careers Advisers can help you weigh up the pros and cons of
each option.
1. STAGE 4
Prepare for a tertiary course or other option.
Things to do at this stage include:
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Identify all deadlines associated with the action you want to take (e.g. when you must enrol;
when you can withdraw from a course without penalty).
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Identify what actions you are required to carry out (e.g. making accommodation arrangements,
arranging a subject/course selection interview as appropriate).
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Make sure you understand how the university or TAFE institute will view your new results if you
are undertaking an alternative course in order that you might ‘upgrade’ your Year 12 results. You
need to know that the ATAR “cut-off” scores for entry to individual courses are not
predetermined but vary according to supply and demand, and can change from one year
to the next.
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Seek help to explore all the options open to you – there may be some relevant alternatives you
haven’t considered.
CHECK WITH YOUR CAREERS ADVISER.
THE AUSTRALIAN QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK
(AQF)
Qualifications certify the knowledge and skills that a person has achieved through
study, training, work and life experience. Achieving an AQF qualification is the result of
completing a government and industry accredited program of learning that leads to
formal certification showing that you have achieved the learning outcomes as described
for that level in the AQF.
An AQF qualification is recognised all around Australia and by other countries. School,
work-based qualifications and academic qualifications are part of a single system of
qualifications, allowing maximum flexibility in career planning and continuous learning.
The AQF links together the qualifications and is a highly visible, quality-assured
national system of educational recognition that promotes lifelong learning and a
seamless and diverse education and training system.
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Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Levels
Schools Sector
Senior Secondary
Certificate of Education
Vocational Education
and Training Sector
Advanced Diploma
Diploma
Certificate IV
Certificate III
Certificate II
Certificate I
Higher Education Sector
Doctoral Degree
Master’s Degree
Graduate Diploma
Graduate Certificate
Bachelor Degree
Advanced Diploma
Diploma
Life After School
Further Education
When you research your potential future career, you will quickly realise that leaving school is
not the end of your learning. These days, most employers expect you not only to learn on-thejob, but in many cases may require you to have or be prepared to obtain further tertiary (postschool) qualifications.
In Australia, tertiary education is covered in two catogories, vocational and higher education.
Under these two types of qualifications there are a number of levels which can allow you to
advance your skills and knowledge.
Vocational Education & Training
Vocational courses tend to be more practically orientated aimed a preparing you for
employment in a wide range of occupations. Traditionally, trade training and qualificationss
were considered vocational, but today there are vocational qualifications and courses for wide
range of occupations including Info. Technology; Business Administration and Marketing,
Engineering and Design, to name a few.
Vocational Educational courses can be offered at TAFE, Private Colleges, Registered Training
Organisations (RTO’s) and even university. You can even complete vocational courses while at
school through VET subjects. For Example – your school may offer Construction, Metals and
Engineering, Hospitality and Entertainment VET courses in Yr 11/12.
Vocational Education qualifications levels are as follows:
Certificate I and II – Provide you with the basic knowledge and skills to perform relatively
standard tasks and activities in a job. Cert. I will take between four to six months full time to
complete, while a Cert. II can take up to eight months fulltime to complete. Vocational Courses
at school are usually Certificate I or II, depending on the total number of hours in the course.
Certificate III and IV – These levels of courses provide more depth of knowledge and skills
than Cert. I or III. Cert.III combined with the four years of on the job training is recognised in
most trade occupations as making competent enough to work on your own and therefore a
Tradesperson. Cert.IV caters for those wanting to take on roles with greater responsibility or
complexity.
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Diplomas/Advanced Diplomas - give your broader and deeper knowledge than Cert. III and
IV. The skills and concepts you will learn will be transferrable to a wide range of situations
requiring more responsibility and problem solving skills. Diplomas and in particular Advanced
Diplomas will include developing your supervisory and management skills.
Higher Education Qualifications
Higher education courses are more theory based and are considered more academic than
vocational courses, There is less emphasis on practical skills but rather giving you the
knowledge framework from which to work. Higher Education Qualifications are further broken
into Undergraduate (before completing your first degree)and Post Graduate
(qualifications above your first degree).
UNDER GRADUATE
Associate Degree – are similar to Advanced Diplomas but are more academic rather than
practical taking up to two years to complete.
Bachelor Degree - usually take three to four years. A Bachelor degree gives you skills to
understand and evaluate new ideas, information and evidence from a wide range of sources,
and the ability to expand and apply that knowledge. You will develop research, writing, critial
thinking skills which are essential in a professional environment.
Honours Degree - are degrees where the person has opted to do a extra year of advanced
study in their Bachleor Degree to advance their knowledge of the field. Some occupations
reqire that you must do Honours studies to be qualified to continue in your training for that
profession. Eg Psychology requires honours study before you can advance to the Masters
Professional Qualification program.
Double Degrees – Combines two different degrees into one study program. Takes less time
than if you did each degree separately. Eg Arts/Law. Engineering/Science,
Business/Communication.
POST GRADUATE
You can go straight from your bachelor degree to post graduate studies (in some cases it is a
requirement to be professionally recognised eg Psychology, Dentistry).
 Most people undertake post graduate studies after working for a few years
o to expand their knowledge/skills base in their field of work
o to gain knowledge in a completely new area without requiring a new Bachelor
degree.
Post Graduate Studies include:
 Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diplomas - usually 1-2 years study
 Masters Degree – is usually combination of research and course work giving more
indepth knowledge or enhances professional/vocational skills.
 Doctorate - Highest qualification level in Australia. At least three years further
study/research after Bachelor degree plus presentation of a major research project and
thesis contributing to the knowledge base of your area of study as a whole. (Therefore
other people can refer to your reseach and thesis as a basis of developing knowledge
in the field).
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University Glossary – What does that mean?
Academic Year
The part of the year when students are enrolled at a university. The
academic year usually starts in February-March when classes begin,
and ends with the examination period in November-December. It
may comprise two semesters or three terms.
Additional Selection
Criteria
Compulsory requirements either in addition to, or instead of, normal
admission requirements which you must do to be considered for
selection into the course. Examples of additional selection criteria
include: interviews, auditions, portfolios, supporting statements,
questionnaires and tests.
Admission
Requirements
The minimum qualifications required for you to be considered for
entry to a particular course. Entry too many courses are
competitive. The attainment of minimum qualifications does not
guarantee you will be offered a place.
Alternate Entry
Gaining entry to a university course by means other than HSC/ATAR
results, such as by completing a diploma course, completing an
exam, presenting a portfolio or performing an audition.
Assumed Knowledge
Some institutions assume you have knowledge of specified HSC
courses or equivalent prior to beginning your course. If you do not
have the assumed level of knowledge but have met the admission
requirements you may still be selected for the course, but you may
find some difficulty coping with your studies. Bridging courses may
be recommended for some students who do not have the assumed
level of knowledge.
Australian Tertiary
Admission Rank
(ATAR)
The ATAR is a measure of academic achievement in the HSC that
assists institutions with ranking applicants for selection to tertiary
education courses. The ATAR is a rank, not a mark.
Bachelor Degree
An award requiring 3 or 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
study.
Bonus Points
Points granted to a student to add to their Selection Rank for entry to
a particular course or courses. Bonus points are usually given for
reasons of residential location, disadvantage, or strong results in
areas of study which relate to the course applied for.
Bridging Courses
Many institutions offer bridging or introductory courses to enable you
to achieve the required level of assumed knowledge.
Deferment
Permission to delay starting a course, usually for one year
Double Degree/Dual
Qualification
A program of study which allows the student to graduate with two
qualifications. These generally take longer to complete than a single
degree, but not as long as completing both degrees separately.
Enrolment
After you have been offered and have accepted a place in a course
you will be required to enrol at a set time. Each institution has its
own enrolment procedures and in many institutions special advice is
available about courses and enrolment plans. Successful applicants
will receive enrolment details with their offer.
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Fee Help
A loan for eligible fee-paying students to pay their tuition fees.
HECS Help
A loan for eligible Commonwealth-supported students to pay their
student contributions.
International Student
Students who are NOT Australian or New Zealand citizens or
permanent residents of Australia and meet the entire cost of their
studies by paying tuition fees.
Major Studies
Areas of in-depth study or specialization within a course consisting
of a sequence of subjects/units in a single discipline generally
studies throughout the course. Major studies comprise more
subjects/units than minor studies. In some courses you can take
more than one major. Some institutions may refer to major studies
as majors o specializations.
Minor Studies
Areas of study within a course consisting of a sequence of
subjects/units in a single discipline. Minor studies comprise fewer
subjects/units than major studies. Some institutions may refer to
minor studies as sub-majors, or additional or supporting
subjects/units.
Part-time Study
A method of completing a course offered to student who, for
employment or other reasons, is unable to undertake full-time study.
At some institutions, evening classes are available for part-time
students. At others, part-time students attend the same daytime
classes as full-time students but undertake fewer units of study than
full-time students. Part-time students usually spread courses over a
longer time period than full-time students
.
These are courses offered by most institutions, including TAFE
colleges, as a preparation for further study. They are usually
undertaken by students with insufficient formal entry qualifications,
or for those who have not participated in formal education for some
time.
Preparation/
Foundation Course
Prerequisite
Some courses and/or subjects require you to achieve a specified
standard (or equivalent) in a NSW HSC course before you can be
offered a place in the course or enrol in those particular subjects.
Recommended
Studies
These are NSW HSC or equivalent courses that the institutions
suggest will assist you in your chosen university course. If you have
not studied these courses, your chances of selection are not
affected.
Semester Pattern
The academic year is usually divided into first and second
semesters. Students can start courses at the beginning of first, and
in some cases, second semester. Also known as autumn and spring
semesters or sessions or half year.
Undergraduate
Course
An undergraduate course means a course leading to a first
qualification or a first degree of Bachelor.
University Admissions
Centre (UAC)
The Universities Admissions Centre is the central office that receives
and processes applications for admission to most undergraduate
degree, advanced diploma and diploma courses at the participating
institutions. UAC also notifies students of their ATAR and, on behalf
of participating institutions, mails offers to successful applicants.
www.uac.edu.au
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Things You Wish You Knew About Going to University
…..But were too afraid to ask.
1. When you begin studying at university you are known as an Undergraduate.
2. The program of study you take leads to the award of a Bachelor Degree.
3. A degree generally takes three years of full time study to complete.
4. Each university year is divided up into two Semesters. Autumn Semester (end Feb to
July) and Spring Semester (July/Aug to November) including exam time.
5. If you choose to do a Double Degree, it usually means that you will take 4-5 years of
fulltime study, but you will graduate with TWO degrees instead of one.
6. A Bachelor Degree title = your program of study, within this program are units = the
subjects you study.
7. In most degree programs you have to do certain subjects to be eligible for that particular
degree = CORE units.
8. In each degree you have to complete a certain number of Units to be eligible to receive
your degree.
9. The number of units you complete depends on the number of Credit points required for
that degree.
10. Bachelor Degree with (Honours) is a Three year degree with an extra 4th year of study
(usually more research based). You can apply through UAC for Honours courses if you
are a High Achieving HSC student (usually 90+ ATAR). Alternatively, if you commence
university and excel in your course (usually distinction average) you will be invited to join
the Honours Program and do 4th Year.
11. A Credit point is a point given to Unit of Study indicating its value – for example at
Macquarie University most Units are worth 3 credit points (some are worth 4). Most
degrees at Macquarie University are worth 68 or 72 Credit points, or approximately 23
Units that you will study to complete a 3 year degree.
12. A full time degree will take up the equivalent time as a fulltime job. In one Semester you
would usually do approximately 4 Units. For each Unit you should allow 9 hours of study
per week, including Contact time (lectures, tutorials etc). 4 x 9 = 36 hours.
13. Classes at university are also different. At University you can attend:
Lectures – Large Group information sessions, presented by a Lecturer who has
expert knowledge in that field?
Tutorials – Smaller breakout groups, whom you meet on a regular basis.
Practicals – Practical activities relating to your unit of work, usually group work – can
led by your Tutor or by another person.
Seminars –presented by guest lecturers or a standalone presentation.
14. Your Tutor, who you will meet in your first Tutorial, is the point of contact for your Unit.
They will: review and clarify the information covered in the lectures, answer any
questions, lead the group in discussions, set work to do individually or in a group, hand
out assessments and mark them, and generally provide you with support for that Unit.
15
15. Make sure you understand what is required of you in a Unit of study. You will be given a
Course Outline which will refer to the material to be covered each week, what to read and
by when, and details of tests and assignments. Make sure you read and understand the
Course Outline. Mark important dates in your diary (Assignment Due Dates, Practical
dates, exams etc).
16. University is not school- you will need to ask questions and find out information for
yourself. If you don’t ask, then you will miss out
17. Studying is not the only thing you can do at university!!!! There are a wide range of
sporting clubs, interest groups, musical groups, and societies that you can join to meet
your interests. The more you are involved the better your university experience will be
and the more people you will meet.
18. It is not compulsory to join the Student Union, but many of the university’s services are
funded by student contributions. Therefore, less contributions = less services. The
Student Union often organises social events such as Orientation week, Student Functions
and Events, Bands etc as well as run services such as Legal Advice, Accommodation
services, Childcare, Gyms, Bars etc.
19. What if I hate the course I started? You can apply to transfer to another course. How
depends on the University you attend. Some uni’s allow you to apply for an internal
transfer after the first semester or the first year if it is in a related field and you have been
performing well (at least Credit Average). Some courses will require you to reapply
through UAC as a Non school Leaver applicant. If you want to attend another university
you will have to apply through UAC. In many instances, subjects previously studied can
be credited to your new course if in a related area.
20. Many Graduates describe University as the “Best Time They Ever Had”! Only you can
make the difference. Choose wisely and try to study something you will enjoy. This will
maximise your chances of success and see you well on the way to your future career.
(Adapted with Permission from Macquarie University’s Lighthouse Magazine.)
16
Alternative University Pathways and Internal Transfer
Information on alternative entry schemes was currant at time of printing. However, it is always
advisable to check with individual institutions regarding the details of their particular schemes.
Schools Recommendation Schemes (SRS)
Schools Recommendation Schemes (SRS) are one way institutions make early offers to current
Australian Year 12 students who have applied for undergraduate admission through UAC.
SRS aim to facilitate access to higher education for current Australian Year 12 students who might
otherwise not be offered a place. SRS applications are assessed centrally at UAC, using school
recommendations and non-Year 12 academic achievements.
SRS is open to:
Year 12 applicants who are attempting:


an Australian Year 12 qualification or
an International Baccalaureate in Australia
In 2016, and are:



UAC applicants for undergraduate admission for 2016-2017,
an Australian or New Zealand citizen
A permanent resident of Australia or holder of an Australian permanent resident humanitarian
visa.
International students are ineligible to apply for SRS.
UAC provides a simple SRS application for students. Schools provide their assessment of a student’s
ability via a separate online rating process.
The following nine institutions will be participating in SRS in 2016-2017.











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Australian Catholic University
Australian National University
Charles Sturt University
Griffith University
Macquarie University
National Art School
SAE Creative Media Institute
University of Canberra
University of New England
University of Newcastle
University of Technology, Sydney
University of Western Sydney.
For more information and to download the SRS information booklet and application form go to the UAC
website at http://www.uac.edu.au/srs/
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Final applications close at midnight on Wednesday 30 September 2016.
17
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
What is STAT?
STAT is a series of tests designed to assess a range of competencies considered important for success
in tertiary study. It assesses your ability to think critically and analyse the material given, rather than
testing your knowledge of specific academic subjects.
STAT is used by many tertiary institutions in Australia as part of their admissions procedure for certain
categories of applicants. STAT is used in addition to any other information available when assessing your
application for admission. If you have no formal qualifications on which to base your application to a
tertiary institution, you may be eligible to be considered for entry to a course by sitting STAT.
Year 12 students
Most institutions don’t consider STAT results if you’re a 2016 Year 12 student. However, some courses
require all applicants, including Year 12 students, to sit STAT.
For more information refer to the section on the STAT in the 2016-2017 UAC Guide or go to
www.uac.edu.au/stat/
Educational Access Schemes (EAS)
What are Educational Access Schemes?
Most of UAC’s participating institutions have Educational Access Schemes which are designed to assist
students who have experienced long-term educational disadvantage to gain admission to university. EAS
are available for educationally disadvantaged students who have experienced educational disadvantage
in Years 11 and or Year 12 that have adversely affected your studies and therefore, potentially your
ATAR result.
Types of Disadvantages
The disadvantages considered for EAS fall into seven broad categories. These are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
disrupted schooling
financial hardship
home environment and responsibilities
English language difficulty
personal illness/disability
refugee status
school environment
How do EAS work?
Institutions use EAS to make offers of admission in one of two ways, they:
• Set aside a certain number of places for EAS applicants or they allocate bonus points to the
individual student to move their place in ranking for the course they have applied for, at that
institution.
Who can apply for EAS through UAC?
To be eligible for consideration under EAS for 2016-2017 admissions you must be:
• a UAC applicant for undergraduate admission
• an Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia
• a holder of a permanent humanitarian visa
• Demonstrate that you have experienced long-term educational disadvantage as a result of
circumstances beyond your control or choosing normally for a period of at least six months,
during Year 11 and/or Year 12, or equivalent.
Who can’t apply for EAS through UAC?
International students are not eligible to apply for EAS.
For more information about EAS Schemes go to the UAC EAS page at http://www.uac.edu.au/eas. You
will be able to download the EAS Booklet and the Application Form.
18
Early Entry Schemes, Alternative University Pathways
and Internal Transfer – Sydney Based Universities
Australian Catholic University
Early Entry Schemes

Early Achiever’s Program recognises achievements and contributions made by prospective
students to their communities through sustained voluntary activities undertaken through their
school, church, sporting or cultural organizations. Learn more by going to:
www.acu.edu.au/early-achievers

2017 EAP applications
•Open - Monday 8 August
Close - Monday 17 October
•Offers released by end of November 2016

ACU Edge is an early entry scheme which enables current Year 12 school leavers to be
considered to receive an early offer to courses at the Strathfield, North Sydney and Canberra
campuses. Year 12 students whose ATAR is equal to or higher than the previous year’s cut off
will be considered for an early round offer. Students do not need to complete a separate
application form to be eligible.

Passion for Business (P4B) provides a unique opportunity for students passionate about
business. Current Australian Yr. 12 students who have completed or are completing Business
related subjects in Year 11 and/or Year 12 are eligible to apply. Benefits include:
o
Guaranteed* entry into the ACU Business or Commerce courses.
o
Early Offer in September, before your final HSC exams and before ATARs are released.
o
Access to our Business mentoring program and business seminars and workshops
o
Access to our Student Leadership Professional Development Program
o
Co-op Bookshop voucher to the value of $300
o
Invitation to our welcome to ACU P4B event, includes transitional support program (high
school to university) conducted on campus
To apply you need to list an ACU business related course as a UAC preference, and complete the online
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application form by the 14 September 2016. For more information go to:
www.acu.edu.au/about_acu/faculties_institutes_and_centres/law_and_business/school_of_business/pas
sion_for_business
Elite Athlete and Performer Program – Under this program bonus points are awarded to applicants
based on their level of involvement in sporting and/or performance representation. For more information
and details go to:
www.acu.edu.au/study_at_acu/alternative_entry?elite_athlete_and_performer_program. Closing date for
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applications - Friday 25 November 2016.
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Pathway programs
If you are unsuccessful in gaining entry into your chosen course at ACU, then you should consider doing
a pathway course. ACU will consider the following pathways when considering students:

Tertiary Preparation Courses/TAFE Qualifications

STAT (Special Tertiary Admissions Test

ACU University Access courses - Full-time certificate courses are offered to Domestic students
in the following areas: Business Information Systems; Commerce; Educational Studies; Liberal
Studies; Philosophy and Theology. For more information go to:
http://www.acu.edu.au/courses/other_courses/pathway
.
Macquarie University
Early Entry Programs

Global Leadership Program (GLEP): Our Global Leadership Program allows you to join the
Macquarie community before you finish high school. Macquarie wants students who are not only
doing academically well but are leaders in their community who are actively involved in extracurricular activities and who succeed not just on paper but also in life. The benefits of the
program include:
o early offer to selected degree courses that is not based on your ATAR
o access to our facilities, including our world-class library, featuring study spaces and
borrowing privileges, and to our student hangout space MUSE (Macquarie University
Spatial Experience)
o access to campus Wi-Fi – just bring your laptop and connect away
o student membership prices at the Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre
o early access to the Global Leadership Program seminars and events, and recognition for
the activities you complete during 2016
o exclusive workshops designed specifically for Global Leadership Entry Program students
o early enrolment, support and networks to help with your transition to university
Successful applicants for the Global Leadership Entry Program are eligible for the Global
Leadership Entry Program (GLEP) Scholarship. Closing Date: Monday, 29th August 2016.

Gifted And Talented Program: Students who have participated in the Macquarie University
Gifted & Talented Program in Years11/12 will be eligible to enrol in a select number of degrees
from Macquarie University on completing Year 12 studies. For more information go to:
www.mq.edu.au/gifted

School Recommendation Scheme – Macquarie University participates in the SRS program.

Academic Entry Program – considers your HSC performance in individual subjects and
matches your strengths to a degree that suits you. We review your results for the NSW HSC
Board Developed Courses (Category A subjects only) that correspond to select Macquarie
degrees and make an early offer dependent on your performance in these subjects. The program
is available for 70 Macquarie courses.
There’s no need to apply separately for this entry program. Once you’ve submitted your
application to UAC, we’ll be able to assess your HSC results against your Macquarie
preferences. For the 5 January round, we’ll consider your 1st preference. From main round - 18
January onwards, we’ll assess all your Macquarie preferences in order.
20
Pathway Programs

Next Step Program: Recent high school leavers are students who completed their High School
Certificate (HSC) or Year 12 equivalent in the last two years (for 2016 that would be, in 2014 or
2015) are eligible to apply.
A minimum ATAR of 50.00 is required for all applicants who are recent high school leavers to be
eligible for the Next Step pathway. However, some degrees offered have higher requirements.
E.G. the B. of Science – 60.00 ATAR, and the B. of Commerce or B. of Business Administration
require - 65.00 ATAR.
Please note that bonus points are not considered for acceptance into the Next Step
program, the ATAR without the bonus points are the minimum criteria for all application
assessment purposes.
Students who complete 12 credit points with a minimum GPA (Grade Point Average) of 2.0, 2.25
or 2.5 or who complete 6 credit points with a GPA of 3.0 can gain admission into a limited
number of Bachelors' programs at Macquarie University. For more information go to:
http://www.mq.edu.au/study/other-entry-programs/next-step-program

Macquarie University International College – offers diplomas and foundation courses to help
you transition into university study. Successful completion of the diplomas will allow you to move
into the second year of the relevant course. Diplomas are available in Accounting, Commerce,
Business Administration, Engineering; Information Technology; and Media and Communications.
Minimum 60.00 or average marks of 60:00 for entry to the Diploma courses.
Foundation Programs will allow you access into the first year of a range of courses. The entry
criteria is completion of HSC or equivalent with a 50:00 ATAR for the Intensive Foundation
Program. Standard Foundation Program requires a minimum of completion of year 11.
For further information go to www.mq.edu.au/pathway-college

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Macquarie University will accept STAT Test results
when assessing students for entry into university.

TAFE and Private Colleges: Students can complete the following recognised courses and
can use them to apply via UAC or direct to Macquarie University: Australian Qualifications
Framework (AQF) Accredited Awards (e.g. specified Diplomas or specified Advanced Diplomas,
Certificate IV and Associate Degree courses)

Open Universities Australia: Applicants can enrol in units of study from the Bachelor of Arts
at Macquarie University with OUA. Entry not based on ATAR. After successfully completing four
Macquarie units applicants can apply for an on-campus place in the Bachelor of Arts at
Macquarie University through application to UAC. For more information
www.open.edu.au/courses/maq

Internal Transfers: You may be able to enrol in a degree with a lower ATAR (preferably in a
related area of study) and transfer into your desired degree if you meet the internal transfer
criteria. More Information www.mq.edu.au/internal-transfer

Pre- Law Pathway into Law: New applicants who have been admitted to a non-law degree
can apply for admission to the ‘pre-law’ pathway prior to their first semester of studies if they
achieve a minimum ATAR of 93. www.mq.edu.au/pre-law-pathway

Elite Athletes and Performers Entry Scheme: Elite athletes and artistic performers may
believe that their training and/or competitive commitments have affected their HSC preparation
and may be eligible to apply for this entry scheme
21

Rural Bonus Scheme
The Rural Bonus Scheme supports students from rural and regional Australia by offering
students bonus points. These are added to their ranking that determines an offer for a degree
course. The scheme supports students who do not have access to resources and support
networks that are available within cities and larger towns. Students in the outer Hills district area
may be eligible under the scheme due to lack of transport options, for more information go to
http://www.mq.edu.au/study/undergraduate/getting_in/bonus_points/rural_bonus_scheme/

Big History Scheme - The Big History bonus points scheme rewards you with 3 Bonus Points
to recognise your commitment to learning, acknowledging your participation and completion of
the Big History: Connecting knowledge MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) available through
the COURSERA® platform. For more information go to www.mq.edu.au/big-history-scheme.

The Warawara Alternative Entry Program for indigenous students: The Warawara
Alternative Entry Program increases Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation within
bachelor level programs across all areas of study within the University. It provides an opportunity
to Indigenous people who may not have completed their HSC or acquired a necessary ATAR for
entry into their degree of choice.
As part of the selection process, applicants will be required to attend an assessment day in which
they will be given the opportunity to demonstrate that they possess the minimal essential literacy,
numeracy, skills and knowledge in order to successfully participate in their chosen degree. For
further information, please contact Warawara on 02 9850 4209 or email
[email protected]
University of Notre Dame, Sydney
ALTERNATIVE PATHWAYS

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) - Applicants who are 20 years of age (or older) as at
st
1 March in their year of admission to the University, are eligible to sit the STAT. They can use
the results to meet minimum entry requirements into some of Notre Dame’s Undergraduate
degrees. A score of 150 for both the Multiple Choice and the Written English component is
required.

Tertiary Enabling Program or Foundation Year - By successfully completing The University of
Notre Dame Australia’s Tertiary Enabling Program or Foundation Year, students will have an
opportunity to apply for entry to undergraduate studies in Arts & Sciences, Business, Education,
Nursing and Philosophy & Theology.
(Please note: entry to certain degree programs such as Law and Medicine is not available to
students who have completed either the Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP) or Foundation Year
(FY). Certain other courses may also be excluded from the TEP and FY pathways at the
University’s discretion).
For specific information on regarding admission to the Tertiary Enabling Program or Foundation
Year, please contact the Prospective Students Office on (02) 8204 4404 or [email protected]

Studies at TAFE or other Registered Training Organisations – Students who have
successfully completed a Certificate IV, Diploma, Associate or Advanced Diploma or Associate
degree or higher level qualification academic re For more information regarding Alternative
entry Pathways go to: http://www.nd.edu.au/sydney/alt-entry
22
University of Technology Sydney
Entry Schemes

UTS year 12 bonus scheme: The year 12 bonus scheme awards bonus points to students
based on their performance in selected high school subjects that are relevant to the course they
have applied for. You do not need to apply separately for year 12 bonus scheme points. If
you've put a UTS course that awards points as one of the preferences on your UAC application,
after your ATAR results are released, we will automatically apply bonus points to that course in
your application.

inpUTS Educational Access Scheme - inpUTS is the UTS educational access scheme (EAS)
available to students who have experienced long-term disadvantage, impacting on their results in
school, vocational or university education. Apply through the Universities Admission centre by
completing the EAS application form.

Elite Athletes and Performers Special Admission Scheme - for undergraduate applicants
who are elite athletes and/or performers and whose sport or performance commitments have
impacted on their studies. Applicants will be asked to demonstrate that their commitments as an
elite athlete or performer have had an impact on their educational performance. For more
information:
http://www.uts.edu.au/future-students/undergraduate/essential-information/educational-accessschemes/elite-athletes-or

Jumbunna Direct Entry Program – For students who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait
Islander. Jumbunna can offer specialised assistance to help you gain entry into UTS. For more
information go to:
http://www.uts.edu.au/future-students/indigenous/getting-uts/jumbunna-pathways

Schools Recommendation Scheme - UTS also considers students under the Schools
Recommendation Scheme.
Alternative Pathways

Use your electives to study what interests you - If you don’t get your desired ATAR but still
want to come to UTS, you can enrol in a similar course with a lower ATAR and then choose to
study cross-faculty elective subjects from your original area of interest.
www.sau.uts.edu.au/enrolment/subject/cross-faculty.html

Transferring degrees within UTS - If you’re unable to achieve the ATAR required for your
desired course, you can enrol into a similar degree at UTS and then aim to transfer after six
months of study. Your transfer application will take into account your ATAR, as well as the marks
you achieve in your first year of university study www.sau.uts.edu.au/enrolment/course/transfer

Combining your degree at UTS - If you don’t achieve the ATAR required to enrol in a combined
degree, it’s possible to gain entry into one of the degrees and then apply to combine that degree
with another after your first year of study.
www.undergraduate.uts.edu.au/mature/pathways/related.html

Transfer from another educational institution - If you’re unable to meet the required ATAR to
study a particular course at UTS, you can accept an offer for a degree you want to do at a
university with a lower ATAR cut off, then apply through UAC (www.uac.edu.au) to transfer to
UTS for your second year of study. You may also be eligible for subject exemptions, or 'credit',
which will allow you to transfer into your second year at UTS and avoid redoing the same
subjects. Your application will take into account the marks achieved while studying in that
course. Other criteria may also be considered in your application, such as submitting a personal
statement or portfolio. www.undergraduate.uts.edu.au/mature/apply/additional
23

Study at TAFE or private college – then apply to transfer to UTS - You can undertake a
diploma or advanced diploma at TAFE and then apply to transfer to UTS after completing your
studies. This can count as past accredited study and you may be able to use this to apply for
subject exemptions at UTS. Contact the faculty you’re interested in and ask about recognition of
prior learning, or look at the application and admission requirements in the UTS Handbook:
www.handbook.uts.edu.au.For more detailed info visit the admissions page at
www.undergraduate.uts.edu.au

Complete an INSEARCH Diploma – then transfer to second year at UTS - Most of
INSEARCH’s full diploma courses are the equivalent of first-year study at university. Students,
who complete a Diploma at Insearch and receive a predetermined GPA, can gain entry into
second year at UTS. For information on entrance requirements for the courses visit:
http://www.insearch.edu.au/How-to-Apply/Entry-Requirements
University of Sydney
Early Entry Schemes

Early Offer Year 12 - E12 scheme E12 is for domestic NSW students currently undertaking the
HSC or IB who are from a financially disadvantaged background and/or are attending a
government identified 'low socioeconomic' high school. , If you apply successfully, a place will be
held for you at the University of Sydney. You need to meet the E12 ATAR cut-offs (which are
lower than standard ATARs) and the HSC subject bands for your preferred course, to have a
definite place when results come out. You will also receive a $5000 scholarship, an Apple I-Pad
and lots of supports to help you get started at university. For more information go to
http://sydney.edu.au/future-students/domestic/undergraduate/e12/

Future Leaders Scheme - This scheme offers Dux students and student captains of schools in
NSW a guaranteed place at the University of Sydney based on academic achievement and a
principal's nomination from their school. All schools in NSW are eligible for the scheme.
To get an offer via the Future Leaders Scheme, you need to:
o be nominated by your school principal by the due date (you cannot nominate yourself)
o achieve an ATAR of 70 or above (or equivalent IB score), and
o have your highest eligible UAC preference be one of the courses available to you under
the scheme
For more information go to: www.sydney.edu.au/dux
Pathway Schemes

Flexible Entry Scheme: This scheme looks at the whole students, not just the ATAR. or IB
results. You may still receive an offer for a course if you achieve an ATAR within five points of
the published ATAR cut -off. Flexible entry is available for about 70 undergraduate courses.
Most courses don’t require you to apply directly, but for Media & Communications, Architecture
or Engineering you will need to submit a separate application. For more information go to:
www.sydney.edu.au/flexible-entry

Transfer Options - If you do not reach the ATAR cut-off into a preferred course at Sydney you
may like to consider our transfer option. You can enrol in a similar degree at any University,
including Sydney. Once you near completion of first year, you apply through UAC for a transfer
place into your preferred course at Sydney. This is a highly competitive process with transferring
requirements varying between faculties. Generally, you will be assessed on the basis of your
university result for your first year of university study, or your ATAR, depending on which gives
you the better chance of admission To apply to transfer you need to apply through the
Universities Admissions Centre on http://www.uac.edu.au/
24

Broadway Scheme:
Domestic students who have experienced long-term educational
disadvantage may apply to the Broadway Scheme, which is the University of Sydney’s
Educational Access Scheme (EAS) coordinated by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
This scheme is mainly intended for current-year Australian Year 12 students who expect to
receive an ATAR (or equivalent). Over 600 Broadway Scheme places are awarded to eligible
applicants each year.

Cadigal Alternative Entry Program: This program is both a special entry scheme and an
academic support program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants from all types of
academic backgrounds. It is available for admission into all of the University’s undergraduate
courses that are offered through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). The program aims to
encourage greater participation in tertiary education by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
students. However, like all the University’s application schemes, applying under this program is
optional. You do not have to apply through this program just because you are an Aboriginal or
Torres Strait Islander applicant. For more information go to
http://sydney.edu.au/current_students/student_services/cadigal.shtml

Elite Athletes and Performers Schemes - This is for applicants who can demonstrate they are
elite athletes or performers, and have had training, competitive and/or practice commitments that
significantly affected their academic results. It may allow you to gain admission to a course with
an ATAR of up to five points below the usual cutoff. For more information download the booklet
at: http://www.susf.com.au/files/2017_EAP_booklet_web.pdf
UNSW Australia
Entry Programs

Guaranteed Entry - allows us to tell you today what selection rank (ATAR + Bonus Points) will
guarantee you a place in a particular degree here at UNSW. If you have a selection rank at or
above the published Guaranteed Selection Rank, you’ll receive an offer to study at UNSW in the
2017 UAC Main Round (as long as you've ordered your preferences in a way that allows us to
make you this offer). For more information go to:
https://www.futurestudents.unsw.edu.au/guaranteed-entry
Pathway Programs

Engineering Pathway – if you are passionate about Engineering and anticipate an ATAR
between 82.00 and 91.95 then you should consider the Faculty of Engineering Admissions
Scheme. For more information go to: www.eng.unsw.edu.au/feas

HSC Plus
Get a boost with HSC Plus. If you are an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident and you did
well in secondary subjects that are relevant to the degree you want to study, you may be eligible
for HSC Plus bonus points. HSC Plus bonus points are automatically added to your admission
rank, so you don’t have to apply separately. Find out if HSC bonus points can give you a boost
here: unsw.edu.au/hscplus

External Transfers – If you have studied for at least one year at another university, or have
completed a Certificate Iv, Diploma or Advanced Diploma you may be eligible for a place at
UNSW. For more information go to www.futurestudents.unsw.edu.au/how-to-apply

Indigenous Pre-Programs
If you are an Indigenous or Torres Strait Islander there are a number of pre-programs in the
areas of Business, Law, Medicine and Social Work. Visit the Nura Gili Pre-Programs page for
more information: nuragili.unsw.edu.au/pre-programs
25

Information Systems Admission Scheme Pathway – If you are interested in the B. of
Information Systems and anticipate an ATAR between 80:00 and 89:95 you can complete a
questionnaire and attend an interview to assess your suitability for the course. More information
at www.business.unsw.edu.au/bisas

Internal Program Transfer
Maybe you didn’t get it right when you chose your degree or maybe you didn’t get into the degree
you wanted to do in the first place. Either way, if you would like to change the UNSW degree
you’re currently studying, then you can apply for an internal transfer. For more
info www.unsw.edu.au/ipt

Portfolio Entry – If you expect an ATAR within 10 points of the cut –off for all the Art & Design
single degree courses and for most of the Built Environment courses, you can submit a portfolio
to improve your chances of an offer. For more details go to www.artdesign.unsw.edu.au or
www.be.unsw.edu.au/alternative-admission

UNSW Foundation Studies – Students who did not receive an ATAR that would allow them to
enter directly into UNSW may want to consider the UNSW Foundation studies. Once you have
completed the studies, you will be eligible for a place via a provisional offer to a UNSW
undergraduate degree. For more information go to www.ufs.unsw.edu.au.

UNSW Prep Program - If circumstances beyond your control have come in between you and an
ATAR that reflects your potential, you may be eligible for UNSW Prep. You will need to be
eligible for the ACCESS scheme or for entry through Nura Gili to compete for a UNSW Prep
place. For more information visit unsw.edu.au/unswprep17-19
Western Sydney University
Early Entry Programs


The Academy Global Leaders Program (AGLP) is designed to support and develop new
students who demonstrate academic excellence in their senior high school studies and who have
also shown leadership qualities within their school or community. The program includes
membership of the Academy, a $2000.00 Smart Start Scholarship, an overseas academic or
leadership
experience
and
a
guaranteed
internship.
Apply
at
www.westernsydneyedu.au/academy by Friday 30th September 2016.
Schools Recommendation Scheme –Western Sydney University also accepts applications
under SRS.
Pathway Programs

UWS College -Diploma programs at the UWS College allow you to complete the first year of a
degree in a supported learning environment. The ATAR requirement can be up to 15 points lower
than the corresponding Bachelor Degree program. Once you have successfully completed the
Diploma, you are guaranteed second year entry into the corresponding degree.
If your desired course is not offered as a Diploma, or if your ATAR does make the Diploma cutoff, you may consider a Foundation program. Foundation programs prepare you for university,
both academically and socially. One year of successful study provides you with first year entry
into the corresponding Bachelor Degree. For information on admission and fees, visit
www.westernsydney.edu.au/thecollege
26

STAT - administered by the Universities Admissions Centre. WSU accepts the STAT Multiple
Choice when considering applicants.

Tertiary Education Pathways and Partnerships – TAFE, Community College and private
providers accredited courses from Certificate III or higher in any field will provide you with an
academic ranking, which can be used instead of an ATAR. If you study a TAFE or VET Course
that links to your desired degree, you may receive academic credit (time off your degree). For
further information www.westernsydney.edu.au/tepp

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students – can apply the Badanami Alternative Entry
Program if they do not have the HSC or have an ATAR lower than the required cut-off. For more
details go to www.westernsydney.edu.au/badanamiadmissions
Course Costs and Financial Assistance
Course costs
Types of courses
Your course costs will depend on the type of course you are enrolled in. There are two types of courses
for domestic students:
 Commonwealth-supported place (CSP)
 Domestic fee-paying (DFEE).
CSP courses typically cost you less than DFEE courses. Not all institutions offer CSP courses and not all
institutions offer DFEE courses – course types are specified in UAC's course search.
Commonwealth-supported place (CSP) courses
CSP courses used to be called HECS courses. You only have to pay part of the cost of your course (a
student contribution); the Australian Government pays the remainder of the cost.
The amount you pay for your student contribution depends on the institution and the type of course. Each
institution sets its own student contribution level for each unit of study within a range set by the Australian
Government. The range varies depending on the area of study.
Tax file numbers
Students who plan to pay their student contributions through the HECS-HELP scheme MUST have a tax
file number (TFN).
If you are a Year 12 student the easiest way to get a TFN is through the secondary schools TFN
program. You will need to include details from your Australian birth certificate, Australian citizenship
certificate, or overseas passport on the TFN application form.
Forms should be completed and returned to the school so your identity can be confirmed and the forms
sent to the Australian Tax Office (ATO). A TFN will be posted to you within 28 days of the application
being received. Call the ATO on 132 861 for further information.
All other applicants must contact the ATO for a TFN.
Domestic fee-paying (DFEE) courses
DFEE courses typically cost you more than CSP courses because you pay the full cost of your course (a
tuition fee). There is no subsidy from the Australian Government.
The amount you pay for your tuition fee depends on the institution and the type of course. Each institution
sets its own tuition fee for each DFEE course. You can find DFEE courses through the course search.
Other fees and charges
Check the participating institutions entries in the UAC guide or go to their websites for more information
on their fees and charges.
27
Financial Assistance
Australian Government payments
The Department of Human Services provides assistance to eligible students through income-tested
payments such as Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY and Austudy. Full details are available from the
Department of Human Services website at http://www.humanservices.gov.au/
If you are planning to apply for one of the following payments, you can lodge your claim 13 weeks before
you start studying. We encourage you to lodge your application claim online as early as possible, so that
it can be assessed and your payment can start from the day you first become eligible.
Youth Allowance
Youth Allowance provides financial help for young people who are studying full-time, undertaking a fulltime Australian apprenticeship, training, looking for work or are sick.
Austudy
Austudy provides financial help to people aged 25 or over who are studying or undertaking an Australian
apprenticeship or traineeship full-time.
ABSTUDY
ABSTUDY provides financial help for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who are studying
or are undertaking a full-time Australian Apprenticeship.
Pensioner Education Supplement and ABSTUDY Pensioner Education Supplement
The Pensioner Education Supplement helps students receiving a qualifying pension or payment with the
ongoing costs of study in a secondary or tertiary course.
Other assistance
If you receive Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY, Pensioner Education Supplement or ABSTUDY
Pensioner Education Supplement you may also be eligible for:




an Education Entry Payment to help with the costs of books and fees, if you are returning to
study or training to improve your skills and qualifications
a Fares Allowance (for students who have to live away from home to study) for the cost of a trip
to university at the start of the year and a return trip at the end of the year. A Fares Allowance is
also available for secondary students in receipt of ABSTUDY
other concessions and allowances such as a Health Care Card and Rent Assistance.
Visit the Department of Human Services website to find out if you may be eligible for a payment
or to make a claim.
Commonwealth Scholarships Program
The Commonwealth Scholarships Program (CSP) assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
from low socio-economic backgrounds, particularly those from rural and regional areas, with costs
associated with higher education. Since 2010 the scholarships are now only available to commencing
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students.
Applying for Scholarships
The CSP is administered on behalf of the Australian Government by eligible higher education providers.
Providers are responsible for conducting their own application and selection procedures on the basis of
guidelines issued by the Commonwealth. Potential applicants need to direct their enquiries on application
procedures and timeliness to the university where they are studying or plan to study
Other Financial Assistance
Travel Concessions
A travel concession of half the normal adult fare is available to full-time university students. When you
enrol, ask whether you're eligible for concessions and how to apply.
Employers
Some employers provide financial or study leave assistance by means of cadetships or other forms of
support and sponsorship. These sources of assistance are sometimes advertised in the media. Some
participation institutions may also provide further information. Read their information in Part 2 of the UAC
Guide.
28
2017 Scholarships
Information on scholarships was currant at time of printing. However, it is always advisable to
check with individual institutions regarding the details of their particular schemes .
Equity Scholarships
www.uac.edu.au
Equity Scholarships assist financially disadvantaged students with the costs associated with higher
education.
Equity Scholarships through UAC comprise:
 Commonwealth Scholarships (CS) for Indigenous students established and funded by the
Australian Government
 Institution Equity Scholarships (IES) funded by individual universities. Some IES are funded by
donations or sponsorship.
Further information can be found at the UAC website and individual university websites.
Individual University Scholarships
Below you will find a summary of the University Scholarship websites. Listed you will find just some
examples of the types of scholarships available for some of the local universities. This is not a definitive
list as there are many more scholarships available. Please seek further information via the individual
university – and individual faculty. You also need to be aware that opening and closing dates for
applications vary with each university and even within each faculty.
Always remember to check with the relevant university for any changes!
Australian Catholic University
www.acu.edu.au
Scholarships and Bursaries
Find scholarships or bursaries you may be interested in applying for by following the link below to the
scholarship summary page:
http://www.acu.edu.au/study_at_acu/courses/scholarships_and_financial_support
Australian National University – www.anu.edu.au
Find scholarships you may be interested in applying for by following the link below to the scholarship
summary page: www.anu.edu.au/scholarships
Charles Sturt University – www.csu.edu.au
Find scholarships you may be interested in applying for by going to: http://www.csu.edu.au/scholarships.
Charles Sturt has several Foundation Scholarships and more scholarships can be found within the
various Faculties.
Griffith University – www.griffith.edu.au
Find scholarships you may be interested in applying for by following the link below to the scholarship
summary page: www.griffith.edu.au/scholarships
La Trobe University – www.latrobe.edu.au/aw
Find scholarships you may be interested in applying for by following the link below to the scholarship
summary page: www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships
Macquarie University – www.mq.edu.au
Find a full list of scholarships you may be interested in applying for by following the link to:
www.mq.edu.au/scholarships.
Southern Cross University – www.scu.edu.au
Find scholarships you may be interested in applying for by following the link:
www.scu.edu.au/scholarships.
29
University of Canberra – www.canberra.edu.au
Find scholarships you may be interested in applying for by following the link below to the scholarship
summary page: www.canberra.edu.au/scholarships.
University of New England – www.une.edu.au
Find scholarships you may be interested in applying for by following the link below to the scholarship
summary page: www.une.edu.au/scholarships
University of New South Wales – www.unsw.edu.au
Find a very comprehensive list of scholarships and you will find this website and application process very
user-friendly: www.scholarships.unsw.edu.au .
UNSW Co-operative Scholarships: University of New South Wales Co-operative Scholarships offer
industry experience. More information can be found on the UNSW Co-operative website:
www.co-op.unsw.edu.au/future_students/professional_development/index.html
University of Newcastle – www.newcastle.edu.au
Find scholarships you may be interested in applying for by following the link below to the scholarship
summary page: www.newcastle.edu.au/scholarships/
University of Notre Dame- www.nd.edu.au
Notre Dame Scholarships
Academic Merit Scholarships may be awarded to successful domestic applicants who have
demonstrated outstanding academic record and who will support the mission and goals of the University.
Scholarship application forms must be submitted by 31 December 2015.
External Scholarships - a number of scholarships are offered by external organisations. More
information can be found on the Notre Dame Scholarships page
www.nd.edu.au/scholarships/sydney.shtml.
University of Sydney – http://sydney.edu.au/
Find scholarships you may be interested in applying for by following the links for detailed descriptions:
www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/school
Sports Scholarships information can be found at www.susf.com.au.
Faculty Scholarships offer a good opportunity for first-year students and there are links for more
information offered by faculties at www.sydney.edu.au/faculty-scholarships
University of Technology, Sydney – www.uts.edu.au
Find scholarships including UTS Co-operative Scholarships by following the link:
http://www.uts.edu.au/future-students/scholarships.
University of Western Sydney – www.uws.edu.au
Find scholarships you may be interested in applying for by following the link to the scholarship summary
page: www.uws.edu.au/informationabout/scholarships_home
University of Wollongong – www.uow.edu.au
Find scholarships you may be interested in applying for by following the link below to the scholarship
summary page: www.uow.edu.au/about/scholarships/index.html
Private Tertiary Education Providers – Many of the Private Tertiary Education
Providers offers scholarships to potential students. These scholarships are often for Full or Half Fee
Reduction on the course fees for the duration of the course The Selection Process for these Scholarships
vary widely Some of these are based on Academic Merit, some require you to sit a test, others require
you to complete an targeted essay; or to complete a design brief as well as attending an interview. For
more information contact the Tertiary Provider you are interested in.
30
TAFE to University
Many TAFE graduates gain admission to university each year and receive credit for their TAFE
studies.
 Various courses offered by TAFE are part of agreed articulation pathways with Australian
universities.
 You can graduate with two recognised qualifications - a TAFE NSW diploma and a university
degree - in as little as 3 years.
 You can use a Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma qualifications to apply for entry to
most universities. Contact your chosen university to check the entry requirements.
 You can find out more about credit transfer and articulation arrangements for qualifications
gained at either TAFE NSW or universities at
https://www.tafensw.edu.au/career/pathways/tafe_to_university.htm .
 Contact your chosen university to check current and specific credit transfer arrangements.
Contacts for universities in NSW and the ACT are listed on the Universities Admissions
Centre website www.uac.edu.au .
 TAFE has Degree Pathway arrangements in place with a number of universities. See below.
Advantages of the TAFE to university pathway
 It's cost effective. You can save thousands of dollars on university fees due to receiving credit
for your TAFE studies.
 You can use your TAFE qualification to gain work while you continue your studies at
university.
 You'll develop independent learning skills (e.g. effective research, analytical, presentation and
teamwork skills) that will prepare you for university level study and increase your chances of
success.
 The practical skills you gain in TAFE enhance your employability as a university graduate.
 You can make sure you like the career you've chosen before you commit to further study.
Articulation
Many TAFE courses “articulate” with each other, and with university courses. This allows people
to move between courses or qualifications and receive credit for previous studies. This means
that their studies are connected and join together to form a recognised whole. The example
below illustrates how this can work.
31
Degree Courses at TAFE
TAFE NSW currently offers five degree qualifications.
Course
code
20501
20510
20520
20521
20522
20524
Award
Location
Duration
Bachelor of
Design (Interior
Design)
Bachelor of Early
Childhood
Education and
Care (Birth-5)
Bachelor of 3D
Art and
Animation
Bachelor of
Applied Finance
(Financial
Planning)
Associate
Degree of
Accounting
Design Centre
Enmore
3 years full-time February 2016
Shellharbour campus
Nirimba campus
4 years full-time February 2016
Design Centre
Enmore
3 years full-time February 2016
St George campus
Meadowbank campus
3 years full-time February 2016
Liverpool campus
Meadowbank campus
St George campus
The Hills campus
Ultimo campus
Wagga Wagga
campus
Meadowbank campus
2 years full-time February 2016
Bachelor of
Information
Technology
(Network
Security)
Next intake
3 years full-time February 2016
Fees & payment
Fees for higher education courses are charged on a per-subject basis. Each subject represents 10
credit points.
The fees charged for each subject will vary between courses. You should check the course you wish
to apply for to determine the relevant course fees.
Equipment and other costs
In addition to tuition fees, you may be required to purchase additional resources (such as equipment,
protective clothing, licence fees and textbooks) in connection with some subjects of your degree
course.
Fee payment options
An invoice will be issued to you upon TAFE NSW receipt of your acceptance form, explaining the
flexible terms available for payment of fees. Cash is not accepted but you may pay fees and other
enrolment-related charges by:






EFTPOS
Visa
MasterCard
personal cheque, bank cheque or money order
at your local Australia Post office
By BPAY.
32
Help with fees
What is FEE-HELP? FEE-HELP loans allow you to study now and pay later.
The Australian government provides assistance to higher education students through the Higher
Education Loan Program (HELP). FEE-HELP is a student loan scheme provided by the Australian
government and is available to eligible fee paying students to pay all or part of their tuition fees.
Formore information regarding FEE-HELP please go to www.studyassist.gov.au
TAFE & University Partnerships
Many TAFE Colleges have established partnerships with various Australian universities and
other higher education providers to give their students opportunities to gain a degree
qualification. You can enrol in TAFE and university at the same time, study university subjects at
TAFE to complete a degree or gain credit for your TAFE studies towards a degree.
Northern Sydney Institute of TAFE – University Partnerships
Charles Sturt University
TAFE NSW - Northern Sydney Institute (NSI) and Charles Sturt University (CSU) have
developed pathways from advanced diplomas with NSI to a bachelor qualification from CSU.
You can study these courses at NSI, and move from an advanced diploma qualification to a
degree qualification in a very short time.
Bachelor of Business Studies (articulation program)
Bachelor of Hotel Management (integrated program)
Bachelor of Hotel Management (articulation program)
Macquarie University
Successful applicants who have completed the relevant modules in one of the following
Advanced Diploma Courses( Hospitality Mgt; Business; Marketing; Management) above courses
will receive 24 credit points towards their Bachelor of Business Administration.
The Associate Degree in Information Technology is a paraprofessional qualification offered by
Macquarie University as a transition pathway between TAFE and University study. Students that
complete the Associate Degree in Information Technology (with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of
2 or greater) will be granted entry into the third year of a Bachelor of Information Technology
at Macquarie University. To be eligible for admission you are required to hold one of the
following Diploma of IT diploma qualifications in (Database, Design and Development; Website
Development or Software Development)
Northern Sydney Institute of TAFE, in partnership with Le Cordon Bleu Australia Pty Ltd,
delivers a Bachelor of Business – International Restaurant Management at Ryde College.
The Le Cordon Bleu degree is a three year program. The course is made up of six month stages,
two of which are professional experience to allow students to develop and apply principles and
practice in the workplace. TAFE NSW students can apply to Le Cordon Bleu Australia for
recognition of studies that have been previously completed.
Western Sydney Institute of TAFE – University Partnerships
Study the Bachelor of Applied Management with the University of Ballarat and receive up to
two years credit for a Diploma and Advanced Diploma . You can major in Project Management;
Human Resource Management: Marketing for Managers; International Business; Applied
Workplace Practicse and Entrepreneurship, Accounting for Managers.
33
AUSTRALIAMN LABOUR MARKET FORCAST TO 2020





The long term structural shift in employment towards services industries is projected to
continue over the coming five years.
Health Care and Social Assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to
employment growth (increasing by 250,200),
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (151,200)
Education and Training (121,700)
Retail Trade (106,000). Together, these four industries are projected to provide more than
half of total employment growth over the five years to November 2020.
Share of projected employment growth, by industry1 - five years to November
2020
Other
11.2%
Financial and Insurance
Services
3.5%
Health Care and Social
Assistance
23.2%
Public Administration and
Safety
4.8%
Transport, Postal and
Warehousing
4.9%
Construction
8.1%
Professional, Scientific and
Technical Services
14.0%
Accommodation and Food
Services
9.2%
Retail Trade
9.8%
1
Education and Training
11.3%
‘Other’ consists of Administrative and Support Services; Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services; Other Services; Arts and
Recreation Services; Information Media and Telecommunications; Wholesale Trade and Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste
Services. Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing; Mining and Manufacturing are excluded from the chart as they are not projected to
grow over the five years to November 2020.
34
GET STARTED AT UNI AND TAFE!
10 tips for a successful transition and a top first year
Make Friends
1.
One of the keys to surviving first year is to develop a network of friends and acquaintances on
campus. University and TAFE campuses can seem dauntingly large and impersonal, and you
may feel somewhat isolated and alone. If you come from a small school or from out of town or
overseas, you may not know anyone else in your course. Now you are part of a larger and more
varied community, and you may not even see the same people in each class, or even each day.
Apart from the pleasant social aspects of having friends on campus, you need to develop a group
of people with whom you can discuss lectures and assignments, collaborate on difficult tutorial
problems, share references or borrow or swap notes if you miss a class. Friends and colleagues
can also be an important source of support when you don't understand concepts and need extra
help or reassurance.
Make a positive effort to meet new people in the first few weeks of semester when workloads are
light. Attend faculty welcomes and other orientation activities. Talk to the person sitting next to
you in hour lecture or lab group (but not during the lecture!). Greet people whom you recognize
from your classes when you meet them on campus. If you see someone who is in one of your
classes, ask if you can join him or her for coffee! Join a club, play a sport or join your faculty
association.
Turn Up
2.
In the first few weeks when the weather is fine and there are so many new activities and facilities
to try out, it can be tempting to skip classes. However, important information about course
structure, organization and assessment issues is given in early lectures. Keep an eye on faculty
notice boards and have a look at the faculty information on the web. The first few weeks are the
best time to meet both other people in your course and academic staff in your area. If you go to
class, show some interest, and try to do at least some of your work, your tutor or demonstrator
will know who you are, and appreciate that you are making an effort. If you don't turn up you
won't know what is happening. Set some good habits early in the semester. Make it a goal to
attend all of your lectures, tutorials and lab sessions. If you don't know many people on campus
it can be tempting to leave straight after classes, but a better plan is to circulate, meet people
and orient yourself. Find the location of your faculty office, your main lecture venues, and your
faculty notice board. Make sure you do join a library tour and familiarize yourself with the library
layout
and
procedures.
Spend time practising using the computer terminals to search for information. What are the most
commonly used call numbers for your area of study? What are the main journals or books in
your area? Where are they kept? Find a place in the library where you'd feel comfortable to
work. Check out the sports complex, the union building and the various food outlets. Where is
the best place on campus for cappuccino?
The more time you spend on campus, the more you will start to feel a part of the place.
Remember, campus is your place too.
Tune In
3.
Most students start university with good intentions about study. However, it is very easy to
become overwhelmed by both the workload and the extra curricular activities and to slip into a
pattern of drifting through a course, particularly when you are responsible for your own progress
and there are no teachers to keep you on track.
Try to see the "big picture" of how your course fits together as a whole. Focus on the objectives
for each of your courses. What are you expected to be able to know or do, at the end of the
35
course? Examine your course outlines very carefully and try to determine how the topics fit in
with the course objectives. What is the logic of the way the classes are organized? How do the
different topics link together? Are tutorials or lab classes parallel with lectures or arranged
differently? What assessment tasks will be asked of you? When are assessments due?
Keep Up
4.
Many students have the mistaken perception that after the stress of Year 12, university will be a
breeze. The workload in the first weeks of semester can be deceptively light. The early classes
are usually introductory and some maths and science classes even cover some quick revision of
Year Twelve work. There are no assignments at this time and no one checks whether or not you
have finished your tutorial reading or tutorial problems. However, a university semester is much
shorter than your school semester, and the pace of learning accelerates sharply.
Consider these three comparisons:
i.
the school teaching year is 39 weeks long, but the university year is only 26 weeks;
ii.
the level of information you are learning is much higher and more detailed than at school;
iii.
you will be expected to learn more material in a shorter time at Uni than at school;
You are responsible for your own learning, study and revision. Allow yourself to fall behind,
particularly in subjects where the knowledge is sequential, it can be very difficult if not impossible
to catch up. In some faculties the only assessment is end of semester exams, which is an extra
stress when so much is at stake.
Review Regularly
5.
Regular review of lectures helps you to retain concepts in your long-term memory and is the key
to success at university, particularly for examinable subjects. The study period leading up to
exams is simply not long enough to cover all your work at the end of semester. To be most
effective, you should review your notes soon after the lecture, consuming process; it should only
take 15 minutes or so per lecture and is a good activity to do in those odd spaces on your
timetable between lectures. This regular review process should not simply be a passive rereading of your notes but ACTIVE thinking process. What were the main points covered in the
lecture? Are there any concepts you don't understand? Are there any formulae to be
understood or equations solved? Are there any gaps in your notes?
Be Prepared
6.
Many students turn up for lectures expecting to be surprised or entertained, but you will get more
out of your classes if you prepare for them. Few students have time to read and prepare for
every lecture. However, even if you only have time to quickly skim read a textbook chapter (or
article, if relevant) at the beginning of every new topic, then you have some basis for what you
are about to learn. You have an understanding of how the content might be organized, or what
some of the main issues are, and you are familiar with some of the new terms or concepts that
may be introduced. At the very least, try to arrive at the lecture in sufficient time to read the
previous lecture so that you have some context for the new information you are about to hear.
For tutorials, it is expected that not only have you completed the prescribed reading, but you
have also considered the tutorial questions and how the topic fits in with the overall aims of your
course. It's difficult to participate actively in tutorials if you don't prepare for them.
36
Plan Your Time
7.
Time management is a crucial issue at university or TAFE as your time is less structured than at
school. There are no teachers to monitor progress or even check on your own work, so it is easy
to procrastinate or to spend all of your spare time on the lawn, at the coffee shop, the Union bar
or the Sports Centre. These activities are all a valuable part of the university experience but you
must achieve a balance with the time you spend on your studies. Uni work should not be treated
as a hobby; the workload required to complete a full time degree is similar to that of a full time
job.
Whatever course you study, there are routine tasks which need to be completed every week:
preparation for lectures and tutorials, preparation and/or completion of labs or practicals. Ideally,
your timetable should have all of these tasks listed at regular times. Assignments and essays
are extra tasks, which need additional time. Spend a similar amount of time each week on each
subject.
Use small bits of time. There is a common perception that you need a large spread of
uninterrupted time to achieve worthwhile study, but there are many tasks, which fit quite well into
the one-hour time spaces between your classes. You can use this time to read for a tute, to
review several lectures, to brainstorm an essay topic, or to complete one problem.
Diaries are useful as are weekly and daily "to do" lists.
Reward Yourself
8.
At university or TAFE, it can sometimes be hard to gauge your progress. Whereas at school you
were constantly assessed and had a good understanding of your standard in relation to your
classmates, at Uni you may work for long periods of time without any feedback from academic
staff. If you are studying arts or commence subjects then you will likely have several
assignments to complete during first semester, but you are unlikely to have them returned to you
before the end of semester. If you are studying engineering, medicine or the sciences, there
may be little assessment apart from the end of semester exams.
Also, the standards at university are much higher. If you have been accustomed to being at or
near the top of your class, then you may have to adjust your expectations, or your self-esteem
may be dented when you receive your first assessment results. At university you are studying in
a more competitive environment and relatively few students receive honour grades for their work.
Learn to value your own achievements and don’t judge your progress solely on the basis of the
marks you receive.
Reward yourself for submitting work on time, completing a difficult tute sheet, understanding a
complex theoretical concept, participating in an oral presentation or simply for keeping on top of
your work load, balancing work commitments and a social life and coping with the demands of a
university course.
Stay in Touch
9.
Lecturers and tutors, although busy with teaching, research and administrative commitments are
interested in your progress through the course. It’s important to let them know if you are having
problems or need an extension or special consideration. If you fail to submit work or stop
attending classes, they will have no idea what has happened to you, and may assume you have
dropped out. If you need to contact one of them it is best to make an appointment either directly
by phone or email, or through the faculty office.
Know Where to Get Help
10.
At university or TAFE, you are expected to be an independent learner responsible for managing
your own studies, but that does not mean that you have to handle all of your problems on your
own. There are lots of people on university and TAFE campuses who can help you, but you
need to ask for assistance. Many students run into difficulties at some stage of their course.
37
Most university faculties have a member of the academic staff designated as a coordinator for
first year students, and this person can often effectively deal with your initial problems or
questions about course organization. Course advisers, contacted via the faculty office, are also
a great source of information about credit points, subject combinations, and advice about
changing subjects or courses and procedures for special consideration.
If you are having problems with your work, other students in the course can often be a great
source of help and support. Working collaboratively with others to solve problems or
brainstorming ideas can benefit all members of the group. Often, there will be a Learning Skills
Unit on campus to provide academic support. This facility, where it exists may also offer study
skills classes, individual appointments and a wide range of materials on study skills. Take the
initiative: enquire!
Personal, emotional, health and financial problems can also impact on your study and affect your
ability to keep up with the workload. Find out where information is available about other services
on campus (for example, counselling, financial aid, chaplaincy, legal aid), which can help with
difficulties in these areas. The student union or information office can refer you to appropriate
services.
***********
Acknowledgement: Learning Skills Unit
University of Melbourne
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USEFUL CAREERS RESOURCES
AA Apprenticeships Pathways Find out all about Australian apprenticeships.
http://www.aapathways.com.au/Home
Follow links to job pathways, job descriptions, careers resource section and with a
career quiz
Ace Day Jobs
Information and videos on a variety of jobs to tell you what sucks and
http://www.abc.net.au/acedayjobs/
what’s great about them, starting salaries and much more
Australian Apprenticeships
This site covers information about apprenticeships
https://www.australianapprenticeships.
gov.au/
throughout Australia
Career One
Find job listings including what’s popular, career advice including job
http://www.careerone.com.au/
interview tips and guidance on how to write a resume. There are also complete lists of
courses in Australia
Careers With Code – website that celebrates and highlights all the opportunities
available within STEM careers.
https://careerswithstem.com/code/abou
t/
https://careerswithstem.com/code/readit-here/
Careers with Code 2015 Booklet
ENYA
If you are a young person who would like to know how to start a business
http://enya.org.au/
this organization, The Enterprise Network for Young Australians
Good Universities Guide
Comprehensive database of courses, careers and
http://www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.
au/
education institutions with ratings and rankings to assist with comparisons.
http://www.graduatecareers.com.au/
Graduate Careers Australia (GCA) is the leading authority on graduate employment
issues in Australia. GCA produces a range of graduate-related publications and
research that informs students, employers and careers practitioners about industry,
salary trends, graduate employment opportunities and career development.
Group Training Australia - Australia’s largest network of employers of trainees and
http://www.grouptraining.com.au/
apprentices. The Pathways to Success tab has podcasts, information and activities for
students, teachers and parents.
Grow Careers
This site provides career information and resources for entire school
http://www.growcareers.com.au/
communities including current and former students and parents, as well as staff as
people who support the career development of students and as people with their own
career development concerns.
I Choose Technology The I Choose Technology site is an initiative between the ICT
http://www.ichoosetechnology.com.au/
industry, Government and the Education and Training sectors.
Job Access This site has links to expert career help and advice, government
services and fact sheets for people with a disability.
39
https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/
Job Outlook Good site to use when exploring different careers.as it has an
http://joboutlook.gov.au/
alphabetical listing of 350 different occupations with labour market information such as
job prospects and weekly earnings. There is also an interactive Career Quiz that
helps you identify what types of work you would most like doing and matches these to
occupations you are most likely to enjoy or be good at.
Job Search It’s good to view the array of jobs available on this site, one of
http://jobsearch.gov.au/
Australia’s largest free online job websites. It is filled with relevant, up-to-date career
information.
LINC The Logistics Information & Navigation Centre is a national web portal linking
http://www.the-linc.com.au
/
users to a huge variety of Transport & Logistics (T&L) information and
resources. Focusing on T&L industry careers, LINC has over 70 specific career briefs
and an exciting Interactive Career Pathway builder that you can use to map out an
entire career on the LINC site.
Myfuture
Australia’s free career information and exploration service. It can help
https://myfuture.edu.au/
you explore career options based on many criteria including your skills, interests, and
workplace preferences. Use the My Guide section to do heaps of career quizzes and
record your profile as you narrow down your options. The Facts section is full of
accurate information about occupations and the further education and training
required for each job.
My Skills This site helps students and employers to connect with training
http://www.myskills.gov.au/
organisations that best suit their needs.
Open Colleges Open Colleges offers over 150 flexible online courses. Their
http://www.opencollegesgroup.com.au/
accredited courses are designed in consultation with industry and include TAFE and
other nationally recognised qualifications.
Open Universities allows you to study degree courses on-line from the convenience
https://www.open.edu.au
of home or work or where every you wish to.
Quality Indicators of Learning and Teaching (QILT) website, gives feedback from
http://www.qilt.edu.au
thousands of students about their experiences studying higher education in Australia.
You can use this site to assess the different university courses and the universities to
help you find the best one for you.
Raw Resume The free job-finding and interview-getting resources in this guide cover
http://www.rawresume.com/
everything from making a resume, revising your resume, making a great cover letter,
networking effectively and becoming great at interviewing.
Seek
You may find it interesting to search through an extensive listing of jobs
www.seek.com.au
according to the salary offered. You’ll also find some career development resources,
training information and tips on how to look for and apply for jobs.
Skills One
There are hundreds of videos for you to watch on this site showing you
http://www.rawresume.com/
how to go about getting a trade or skill.
Skills Road This is a comprehensive site that provides information, advice ,careers
quizzes and careers test s to assist people in managing their career
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http://www.skillsroad.com.au/home
Study Assist This site provides information regarding Australian Government
http://studyassist.gov.au/sites/StudyAs
sist/
assistance for financing tertiary study.
Youth Central - really helpful site for young people. It helps you search for a job,
http://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/jobs
-careers
apply for a job and find information about rates of pay, working hours, conditions of
employment and employment agreements.
Youth.gov.au
Young Australians who are looking for work and thinking about the
future will find many useful links on this site.
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http://www.education.gov.au/youth