University of Wollongong
Admission criteria and entry schemes
To be considered for admission to a course at the University of Wollongong (UOW) you must meet the minimum entry requirements listed in one or more of the following categories as well as satisfy English language proficiency requirements. Some courses also have additional selection criteria such as an audition or interview.
Undergraduate applicants
Australian Year 12 students
If you are a 2023 or 2024 Australian Year 12 student, you will generally be selected based on your ATAR (or equivalent in a recognised secondary qualification such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or GCE A levels). Refer to individual course entries for any additional selection criteria.
If you have undertaken subsequent tertiary study (eg Certificate IV or diploma) you may be assessed for admission based on this qualification instead of your ATAR.
Selection rank adjustments
Recent school leavers are selected on the basis of their selection rank, which is a combination of your ATAR (or equivalent) and any relevant selection rank adjustments. The maximum number of adjustment points you can receive is 11 (16 for Bachelor of Pre-Medicine Science and Health applicants from regional and remote areas).
Equity adjustments
Domestic Year 12 applicants who have experienced significant financial or educational challenges during Year 11 and/or 12 can receive a selection rank adjustment of up to up to five points through the Educational Access Scheme (EAS). You cannot receive an equity adjustment from UOW if you have attempted any tertiary studies since finishing Year 12.
Find out more about the Educational Access Scheme
Location adjustments
Students who attend an eligible school either in UOW’s catchment area or in regional NSW will receive three selection rank adjustment points. When you apply through UAC, these points will be automatically added to your selection rank.
For a full list of the eligible schools, visit the UOW website.
Students residing in regional, rural and remote areas as classified by the Australian Standard Geographical Classification - Remoteness Area (ASGC-RA) will be eligible for an additional five selection rank adjustment points for the Bachelor of Pre-Medicine, Science and Health.
Subject adjustments
At UOW, we recognise that strong performance in subjects relevant to the degree you wish to study can be an indicator of likely success. If you do well in an HSC subject that is relevant to the UOW degree you’d like to study, you may be eligible for up to three selection rank adjustment points. When you apply through UAC, these points will be automatically added to your selection rank.
If you're an interstate student, you can compare your Year 12 courses and results to NSW HSC courses and results. If you have completed the IB Diploma in Australia you can compare your IB subjects and results to NSW HSW courses and results.
For more information, visit the UOW website.
Australian Defence Force (ADF) Dependants
UOW acknowledges the sacrifices made by your family, and in recognition of the disruption to education that can ensue to service families, dependants of ADF personnel will receive three selection rank adjustment points.
To be considered, apply for admission through UAC and complete the UOW Veteran Scholar Scheme Adjustment Factors form and submit it directly to the University.
UOW Veteran Scholar Scheme details.
Criteria that may apply in addition to the ATAR
In addition to achieving the standard of performance required for admission, some courses have additional selection criteria, such as an audition or interview. These criteria are considered in conjunction with your ATAR or equivalent.
Details of additional selection criteria and how applicants can meet these requirements are outlined in the course descriptions in UAC's course search.
Assumed knowledge
Some courses and/or first year subjects are taught assuming that students have already achieved a minimum level of knowledge in a particular discipline area.
Assumed knowledge is not a compulsory requirement for admission but if you haven’t achieved a certain level of knowledge in the subject area you may find the course difficult.
If you have not achieved the recommended level of assumed knowledge, you are strongly encouraged to undertake a bridging course. Bridging courses are available in biology, chemistry, and physics. The courses run in early February. To find out more, visit Bridging courses - University of Wollongong – UOW.
To see whether assumed knowledge applies to an individual course, check the course descriptions on UAC’s course search.
Other admission options
Early admission
UOW Early Admission is our early offer program for students completing Year 12 during 2024. When you apply for Early Admission, UOW looks beyond your ATAR and considers your unique skills and experiences, alongside your Year 11 results, so you can receive an offer to study at UOW before you sit your final exams.
To apply for Early Admission, you must be completing an Australian senior secondary qualification (eg. HSC or interstate equivalent) or completing the IB Diploma in Australia.
Applications for Early Admission open on Monday 17 June and close on Friday 9 August.
To apply, visit the UOW Early Admission 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. You can apply for admission to UOW on the basis of your International Big Picture Learning Credential and your Big Picture e-portfolio from a Big Picture Learning Australia school.
How to apply for the Big Picture pathway to UOW.
Limited ATAR
UOW accepts the Limited ATAR for admission to all undergraduate programs. You must be at least 20 years old on 1 March in the year you complete your HSC studies. You must also complete between 5 and 9 units of ATAR courses, including at least 1 unit of a Category A English course.
UOW College Pathway Programs
Offering a suite of academic pathways, UOW College pathway programs provide students with a guaranteed* entry pathway to more than 35 bachelor degrees at UOW. All college students have access to UOW facilities while they study.
Our higher education diplomas can provide you with a pathway into the second year of a range of UOW degrees. You'll also gain a nationally recognised qualification that can be used to pursue entry-level career opportunities while you continue your studies.
The University Entrance Program (UEP) has been specifically designed for domestic students who have not met the direct entry requirements for a UOW bachelor degree or who have experienced a significant disadvantage during their high school education. This 14-week course teaches the fundamental skills required for university study and maximises your chance of success in your degree.
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.
Selected courses are offered at UOW Wollongong, UOW Shoalhaven, UOW Eurobodalla and UOW Liverpool campuses.
*Guarantee is subject to meeting UOW entry requirements
To learn more visit the UOW College website or call 1300 367 869.
If you have previous higher education studies at bachelor level or higher (complete or incomplete) from an approved university or other tertiary institution, you can be considered for admission to a UOW course. If you have completed at least half of a standard year of full-time study (0.50 full-time equivalent) in one degree you will be assessed based on your academic performance. Please note admission to UOW Law requires a minimum of one year of full-time study (1.00 full-time equivalent).
Completed qualifications accredited by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) at Certificate IV, associate diploma, diploma, or advanced diploma, including vocational education and training (VET) qualifications will be considered for admission to most courses.
If you have previously completed an Australian Year 12 qualification you may be considered on the basis of your most recent ATAR or equivalent.
Enabling course options
University Entrance Program (UEP)
The University Entrance Program (UEP) has been specifically designed for domestic students who have not met the direct entry requirements for a UOW bachelor degree and or who have experienced a significant disadvantage during their high 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.
For further information, visit UOW College or call 1300 367 869.
Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you will be at least 21 years of age on 1 March in the year you commence your study at UOW, and do not otherwise qualify for entry to the University, you may apply for admission on the basis of STAT Multiple Choice. STAT cannot be used for admission to Engineering, Law, Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology (Honours) degrees.
Tertiary Preparation Certificate
If you have completed a TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC) you will be considered for admission on the basis of your Tertiary Entrance Score.
UOW welcomes students applying with qualifications from overseas. Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia with overseas qualifications should contact UOW’s Future Students team to discuss eligibility for admission before applying through UAC.
Details of overseas secondary qualifications that UOW will consider can be found on the UAC website. Check your qualification.
English language proficiency
If you hold overseas qualifications from countries where English is not the sole language of instruction and assessment, you must provide evidence of English language proficiency. If you do not meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements, you cannot be offered a place.
Woolyungah Indigenous Centre
Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (WIC) is committed to increasing the participation and engagement of First Nations people at UOW. It provides programs, services and facilities that encourage and support you from entry to university, through to successful completion.
With a focus on fostering a community environment, you’ll have the freedom to embrace your First Nations culture and an opportunity to achieve academic excellence. WIC is here to help you meet other students, guide you through university life and support your professional development with rewarding and empowering opportunities.
Indigenous Admissions Program
UOW’s Indigenous Admissions Program, run by the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (WIC), is an alternative pathway for First Nations people over the age of 17 seeking entry into UOW’s undergraduate programs or UOW College programs. WIC welcomes applicants who:
- have not completed secondary school,
- are not receiving an ATAR, or
- don't have the required ATAR for their preferred course.
Once you have started your studies at UOW, WIC will continue to support you to meet your education goals through access to support services, technology, and a place to study, as well as programs such as the Indigenous Tailored Academic Program.
The Indigenous Admissions Program is held at different times throughout the year. To find out when the next program is scheduled, visit the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre website or call WIC on (02) 4221 3776.
At UOW we seek to acknowledge the service of Australians who have served the nation through membership of the Australian Defence Force through our Veteran Scholar Scheme.
We value your experience in the Australian Defence Force: not only does UOW accept many ADF training qualifications for assessment (where they are equivalent to a Certificate IV or higher), we will also assess your service in the Australian Defence Force and convert this to a selection rank for entry to most undergraduate degrees.
Postgraduate applicants
For admission to most postgraduate coursework degrees, you would normally be expected to hold a completed bachelor degree in an appropriate discipline from a recognised tertiary institution in an appropriate discipline. You may also need relevant professional work experience and/or membership of a professional organisation. For some courses, entry is based on relevant professional work experience alone or a combination of tertiary study and professional experience. To see whether additional requirements specific to individual courses apply, check the course descriptions on UAC’s course search.
Overseas qualifications and English language proficiency
If you hold overseas qualifications from countries where English is not the sole language of instruction and assessment, you must provide evidence of English language proficiency. If you do not meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements, you cannot be offered a place.
General information for University of Wollongong
Location
UOW Student Central, (ground floor Building 17)
Northfields Avenue, Gwynneville NSW 2500