Other entry options

Non-ATAR entry options

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

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

UEP at UOW 

What is it? 

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

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

*Fee free is subject to terms and conditions. 

Who is it for? 

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

What are the steps to apply? 

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

Big Picture Pathway to UOW

UOW has partnered with Big Picture Education Australia and participating high-schools to provide a pathway into a range of UOW undergraduate courses without needing an ATAR.

You can apply for admission to UOW on the basis of your International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC) and your Big Picture e-portfolio from a Big Picture Learning Australia school.

Courses

Big Picture Learning Credential admission is offered for most courses at UOW.

Courses available to Big Picture students (PDF)

Apply now

Ready to join us? Apply directly and start your UOW journey by following the steps:

  1. Follow the link below to start your application to UOW
  2. Fill out each step. At Step 5, indicate that your ‘Qualification’ is ‘Big Picture Portfolio’ and attach relevant documents including:
    1. PDF of your most recent school report
    2. A link to your digital portfolio
  3. Make sure all fields are filled out before submitting your application
  4. UOW Admissions will be in touch with next steps upon receiving your submission

Submit a direct admissions application

Where can I get assistance?

Contact our Future Students Team by calling 1300 367 869 or emailing futurestudents@uow.edu.au.

Woolyungah Indigenous Centre admissions

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

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

Who can apply?

The IAP welcomes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who:

  • Haven't completed secondary school
  • Are not receiving an ATAR, or
  • Don't have the required ATAR for their preferred course.

Find out more.

Pathways to UOW and bridging courses

UOW College

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

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

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

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

What are the steps to apply?

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

Apply for a UOW College program.

Where can I get assistance?

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

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

Bridging courses

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

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

UOW Early Admission

What is it?

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

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

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

Who is it for?

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

What steps are involved?

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

Where can I get assistance?

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

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

Contact us


Do you have a question about studying with UOW? We're here to help.