July 19, 2021

UOW Early Admission gives Year 12 students certainty in uncertain times

Students can secure a university place before they sit final exams

Applications for the Early Admission  program for entry to the University of Wollongong (UOW) in 2022 are now open to students completing Year 12 this year wishing to apply and secure their future place at the University.

UOW recognises the additional challenges faced by Year 12 students as they complete their schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic and is well-prepared to help them transition to university.

In uncertain times, Early Admission can provide students with one element of certainty, enabling them to secure a place in the program of their choice before they sit their final exams. (Students need to complete Year 12 in order to take up their Early Admission offer.)

Last year, when Year 12 students faced similar challenges, Early Admission applications increased in all categories of measurement compared to 2019, with a boost in the numbers of applicants (+26 per cent), preferences (+25 per cent), and offers made (+33 per cent).

In particular, UOW experienced a record number of applications in the health sciences, psychological sciences, social sciences and business.

More than 1,000 offers were also made to UOW College pathway programs for students who needed an additional level of support prior to commencing their bachelor degrees.

UOW follows a five-step process to assess Early Admission applications and advises candidates of the outcome before the NSW HSC exams commence.

The Early Admission program looks beyond ATARs and considers the unique skills and experiences of each applicant and takes personal attributes and attitudes into account.

The Principal's Recommendation and relocation scholarships:

This year, UOW is showing their commitment to the Illawarra, Macarthur and Sutherland regions by awarding each school a $5,000 Principal Recommendation scholarship. 

The Principal's Recommendation Scholarship aims to support and encourage students who attend high school in the Wollongong, Sutherland, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven, Campbelltown and Wingecarribee local government areas to pursue undergraduate study at the University of Wollongong in 2022.

The Principal of each of the 95 schools from these regions will recommend an Early Admission applicant from their school for the scholarship based on demonstrated strengths across UOW's Key Indicators of Success:

• Academic Readiness
• Motivation & passion
• Communication & collaboration
• Planning & Persistence

Students from high schools in rural or regional areas of Australia who receive an Early Admission offer and who apply for UOW accommodation by 14 November will automatically be considered for one of 24 $5000 relocation scholarships.

UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia M. Davidson said Early Admission is a great option for students looking for certainty as they plan their university studies.

“The high school class of 2021 has faced unique challenges, having to overcome the disruptions of the pandemic through both Year 11 and Year 12, and I applaud them for the resilience they have shown,” Professor Davidson said.

“Early Admission is an opportunity for students to secure their place at UOW early and gives Year 12 students one less stress leading into their final exams.

“UOW is dedicated to providing certainty to students and remains committed to providing a face-to-face learning environment for these students starting at UOW in 2022, while keeping all COVID-safe protocols in place.”

University staff and current UOW students who entered via Early Admission are hosting a zoom webinar on ‘How to ace your application’ on Thursday 29 July. Interested students can register on https://www.uow.edu.au/early-admission/

KEY DATES: Early Admission applications for study in 2022 open on Monday 19 July and close on Friday 13 August 2021.

Students will be advised of the outcome of their application on 11 October, before the NSW HSC exams commences.