Your path to uni as a non-school leaver

Whether you’ve finished school in the last few years or much longer, we have insider tips and tricks to help you start your undergraduate degree at UOW. Gain the knowledge and skills you need with a degree to make your dream career a reality.

Where are you at?

As a non-school leaver, you have the opportunity to gain entry into a wide range of degrees. We value your experience, past qualifications and determination to take on further study in order to find a career that suits you.

If you’re unsure what to study, one of the first things we recommend is booking a one-on-one consultation with our friendly non-school leaver specialists. They will explain how we assess your work and study background so you'll know which degrees will be available for you.

Find your degree

Some people know exactly what they want to study, and others have a vague idea. We can also help you with the decision-making process. Use our Course Finder tool and take the time to read the degree description, potential career outcomes and how to apply.

If you want to dig a little deeper, use the Course Handbook, which breaks the degree down into core and elective subjects and provides all the detailed course information you need.

Whether you want to become an engineer, teacher, or just expand your creative skills and knowledge, we can help you plan your path ahead.

Need a boost?

Not sure if you will be eligible for your preferred degree? Don’t despair, there’s always more you can do to make it into your dream degree. Bridging courses and diplomas are available through UOW College as a path to a UOW degree. For some of these courses, you can transfer directly into the second year of the UOW degree, meaning you won’t be behind your peers.

What it costs

One of the major barriers for potential students is the cost, but most undergraduate courses offer Commonwealth-supported places (CSPs), which means the Australian government pitches in. You cover the student contribution, making study incredibly affordable for domestic students.

You can also apply for additional financial support through Services Australia with Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY for eligible students.

But wait, there’s more! Don’t disregard scholarships. Make sure you apply for any eligible scholarship through the government or UOW. You never know!

How we assess your application

Whether you finished school a year or 10 years ago, we will use your Year 12 results (or equivalent) to assess your eligibility. Any previous tertiary study will be considered. You could even receive credit points for these subjects depending on their relevance to your preferred degree.

Get prepped

Been a while since you studied? You’re not alone. Here’s what you need to get ready to study at UOW.

• Choose your course – use our Course Finder tool and Course Handbook to find details of your ideal degree.
• Apply – then wait for your offer. 
• Enrol – to secure your dream timetable, try and enrol ASAP as classes fill up quickly.
• Register for your student card.
• Sign up to SOLS and Moodle
• Note key dates – orientation, Census, assignment due dates, exams and holidays.
• Attend orientation – connect with your peers, find your classrooms and lecture halls, familiarise yourself with campus, meet your teaching staff.
• Connect on socials – don't miss an event or an announcement.
• Plan your commute – you can walk, bike, catch a FREE or paid bus service, train. 
• Work out your budget and study plan.

Support every step of the way

We are here to help you throughout the whole process. From choosing a degree that will lead to your dream job, to blitzing the application process, preparing for uni, finances, and more!

• Student success portal - Enrolled students can view services, book appointments, sign up to programs, chat to mentors, and much more.
• Academic skills and study support - If you're finding it hard to keep up with your studies, need help accessing resources, or feel unsure about referencing, we offer a range of support services to help you succeed. From workshops and Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) to online study skills support and digital literacy guidance, we're here to assist you every step of the way.
• Support and wellbeing - UOW has a range of FREE, confidential services including counselling, student support coordinators, and personalised accessibility assistance.
• Careers and employability - Find all the support you need to kickstart your career including resume reviews, career chats and events, workshops and guidance on how to transition into the workforce.