Insider info: How UOW assesses your eligibility

Although the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) still remains a vital aspect of university entry, there are some things that you can do to boost your chances of acceptance.

If you’ve missed the Early Admission window, don’t despair! There are other non-ATAR admission schemes available to get you where you want to go.

When applying through the University Admissions Centre (UAC), consider listing degrees with a range of ATAR requirements to improve your chances of securing a place, as many others do.

But this is also the time to aim high and apply for the degree you've always dreamed of.

Throughout the entire process, the UOW team is here to provide the encouragement and tailored advice to help land your place.

Establishing your Selection Rank (SR)

A key aspect of assessing your entry into UOW is whether your ATAR is eligible for a range of adjustment factors.

If you are qualify for an adjustment factor, you will receive adjustment points which are added to your ATAR.

Once adjusted, this figure becomes your Selection Rank (SR).

Adjustment factors

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for adjustment points, including:

• Catchment - If you attend high school in UOW’s catchment area or in regional NSW, you will be eligible for three adjustment points. When you apply through UAC, these points will be automatically added if applicable. Please note that eligibility is determined by the location of your school – not your residential address.
  
  
• Subject - If you do well in an HSC subject that is relevant to the UOW degree you'd like to study, you can earn up to three adjustment points. These points will be automatically added when you apply through UAC.
  
  
• Equity - You may be eligible for up to five adjustment points through UAC’s Educational Access Scheme if:
  • you have experienced significant educational disadvantage in your preparation for uni for example disrupted schooling, financial hardship, illness, disability, refugee status and socio-economic disadvantage.
  • your educational performance has been seriously affected by circumstances beyond your control, and
  • you are in Year 12, and;
  • you are a domestic student (an Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident of Australia, including a holder of an Australian permanent resident humanitarian visa).
  • Find out how to apply for equity adjustments through UAC, or speak to your high school career adviser.
    
    
• Elite athlete – If you have been classified as an elite athlete through the Australian Institute of Sport Elite Athlete Education Network (EAEN), you may be eligible for three adjustment points. To be considered, applicants must:
  • Apply for Early Admission or admission through UAC, and
  • Submit a form to UOW with evidence of sporting attainment against eligibility criteria.
    
    
• Veterans’ dependents – If you are the dependent or spouse of an Australian Defence Force veteran, you can apply for up to three adjustment points. To be considered, you must:
  • Submit your application to study via UAC
  • Complete and submit the UOW Veteran Scheme form.
    
    
• Bachelor of Pre-Medicine Science and Health – Applicants from a regional or remote area are eligible for up to 16 adjustment points.

Additional pathways 

UOW College is a fantastic resource for future students. If you don’t receive an offer for a particular UOW degree, you will automatically be assessed for a place at UOW College (UOWC) into a similar course, providing a pathway into your original preference.

For example, if you complete a Diploma of Business at UOWC, you will be automatically accepted into the second year of the Bachelor of Business at UOW. This means you don't lose any time in your studies. 

If you've taken a break from study, need to brush up on some basic study skills, or require experience in a particular subject, a UOW Bridging Course may be ideal. These free courses do not provide credit points, however they do appear on your academic transcript.

The power of your preference

Remember, universities can only make you an offer if the degree is listed in your UAC preferences.

When selecting your course preferences in UAC, be sure to include degrees with a range of ATAR cut-offs.

If you’re uncertain whether your ATAR will meet the entry requirements for a particular course, include a degree with a lower ATAR as a back-up – just to be safe!

Reaching out for help

If you’re not sure what to do once you receive your ATAR, please reach out to our Future Students team who can advise you on the next steps in your journey. 

In the coming weeks, there will also be an opportunity for you to discuss your study options at our Options Day event.

Stay tuned for details!