Answering parent FAQs about UOW

For the uninitiated, the path to university can be daunting, so we thought we’d break it down and directly answer some common questions that parents ask. We have also talked to some local parents to find out what’s on their mind and how we can make the path to UOW a little easier for everyone. Here’s what they asked!  

How do students apply to UOW? 

Year 12 students can apply now via Early Admission and/or apply directly through UAC. An Early Admission application is a free, direct application to UOW that assesses a variety of factors – not the ATAR.  

UAC stands for the Universities Admissions Centre. They facilitate applications to all public universities in NSW and the ACT. A UAC application will cost between $80 and $215 and for Year 12 students, the application is usually assessed only on the ATAR.  

Someone who has graduated high school in 2022 or before (we call these students ‘non-school- leavers) can apply to UOW via UAC or can also look at making a direct application to UOW.  Students can find a degree with the Course Finder tool on our website, check the application requirements, then click through the application process.  

When will students receive an offer from UOW? 

If they apply via Early Admission (EA), they will receive an outcome in the week of Monday 2 September.  

Students who apply via UAC will receive their outcome on specific dates, depending on when they apply, and non-school leavers who lodge a direct application will receive an outcome usually within two – four weeks of lodging their application.  

What is the enrolment process?  

Enrolment is fairly straightforward at UOW. Firstly, students need to accept their offer, then get organised for enrolment. This means choosing their subjects beforehand. We have First Year Enrolment guides for most degrees. If they have completed previous studies or have relevant work experience, they can apply for credit towards their degree. Encourage them to apply ASAP for this.  

When they’re ready to enrol, they just need their Unique Student Identifier (USI) and, if they’re deferring payment via HECS-HELP, they will need their Tax File Number (TFN). 

Then just follow the steps to enrol.  

How long can they defer their studies?  

For one year only. 

What are the key dates we need to be aware of? 

• 17 June to 9 August, 2024 - Early Admission application window  

• Week commencing 2 September, 2024 – Early Admission outcomes sent to all applicants 

• 2 December, 2024 – UOW enrolment opens 

• 18 December, 2024 – HSC results and ATARs released 

• 24-27 February, 2025 – Orientation  

• 3 March, 2025 - first session classes start 

How can we communicate with UOW? 

• Drop in! - come to any of our campuses and chat to our Student Services team in person or go on a campus tour. Find campus locations. 

• Email or call our friendly Future Students team on 1300 367 869.  

• Follow us on socials – read questions from other parents or students and the answers provided in the chat section. 

What are the payment methods used for uni study?  

There are a few different ways to pay for study at UOW: 

• Pay upfront – you can use your credit card, BPAY, direct deposit, Flywire or pay in person at Student Central on any UOW campus (no cash payments accepted). 

• Partial upfront payment – using one of the options above and balance placed on a HECS-HELP loan. 

• HECS-HELP loan for the full amount
  

What makes UOW the best choice for students?  

We combine a world-class education with a small-town feel. We genuinely care about the wellbeing of our students and offer a range of opportunities for all students to access including Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS). 

If they don’t get the ATAR they need, are there bridging courses? 

There are so many ways for your young person to undertake the degree they want, even if they don’t get the marks they initially need. UOW College offers bridging courses for most UOW degrees. Located on our Wollongong campus, some of the study undertaken can also reduce the length of their UOW degree.  

What accommodation options do you offer and how do we apply? 

Applications are now open for 2025! Our top tip is for your student to apply NOW, even before they receive an offer to study. Accommodation fills up quickly. 

Options include:  

• Bangalay - self-catered, located opposite our Wollongong campus. 

• Campus East - catered and self-catered, located across from the beach and close to Wollongong CBD. 

• I-House - Catered rooms, close to Wollongong campus and North Wollongong train station.  

• Kooloobong Village - self-catered on our Wollongong campus 

What scholarships do you offer? 

Regional students can apply for Early Admission to be made eligible for the Country to Coast scholarship as well as a host of others – current UOW scholarships. 

Are there opportunities for studying overseas? 

Study abroad offers UOW students the exciting opportunity to study in a foreign country before they graduate. This study program can count towards their degree, whether it’s a semester or short-term experience, students can choose from 200 destinations in 45 countries, opening up a world of opportunity and experience for them. Read more about studying abroad.