News

News from our institutions – December 2025

01 Dec 2025

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Flexible entry pathways and scholarships

  • ACPE Early Entry for Year 12 students: early offers to ACPE courses based on students' Year 11 results and predictive scores.
  • Priority Entry: Admission to ACPE courses based on students’ performance in relevant subjects rather than ATAR.
  • Other alternative pathways to support non-current school leavers, whether they have taken a gap year, have just finished a vocational certificate, or are planning to change their study or career orientation.
  • ACPE scholarships: Available to support students from all walks of life in their education journey.

Upcoming events

  • Experience Day: Take part in taster sessions and bite-sized workshops in Sports, Dance, Health, Football and PDHPE Education, and explore the best study option through 1-on-1 consultation with industry experts and current students.
  • Career Spotlights (Alumni Video Series): Alumni sharing career journeys, insights, advice and professional experiences.

ACPE campus tours and personal consultations

Come see the campus, talk on the phone, or get help via email. Book an ACPE campus tour or personal consultation.

PD workshop for school career teams

Join Avondale University for the free 'Empowering Educators and Inspiring Futures' professional development event. Hear from experts Jobs & Skills Australia, UAC and wellbeing expert Prof Darren Morton. This NESA-accredited, half-day event will bring together careers advisers and Year 10 to 12 coordinators to explore student wellbeing, post-school transitions, labour-market trends, and higher-education insights. Register by 30 January – places are limited.

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood, Birth–5 Years)

Avondale University’s Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) (Birth–5 Years) prepares students to become confident, capable educators across a range of early-learning settings. With seven professional placements, students gain strong practical experience, supported by Avondale’s smaller class sizes and personalised care that ensure every learner is known and supported.

Offered on-campus or online, the program emphasises leadership, ethical practice and a values-based approach to early childhood education. Graduates are qualified to teach children from birth to five years and are well-prepared for roles such as early childhood teacher or service leader. With Commonwealth-supported places (CSP) available, this is an accessible and high-quality pathway into early years education.

Change of Preference Online Chat

For Year 12 students who didn’t receive the ATAR they were hoping for or have changed their mind about the course they want to study, CQU is here to help.

Students can join the Online Chat and receive guidance on how to change their preferences, alternative entry pathways and find the study options that will lead them to their dream course. Message the team via the CQUniversity Facebook page.

  • Thu 18 Dec, 9 to 11am (AEST)

Support for students after ATAR results release

If your students’ ATAR results aren’t quite what they expected, or they’re rethinking their preferences, Griffith’s team will be ready to help them make informed decisions about their next steps.

From 18 to 23 Dec 2025, Griffith's study advisers will be available online to discuss study options and guide students through the process, whatever their results may be. There is no need to prebook, and students can log on any time during support hours to start a personalised chat.

Extended support hours – ATAR results release day
  • Thu 18 Dec
  • 8am to 6pm (AEST)
Ongoing support hours
  • Fri 19 to Tue 23 Dec
  • 8am to 2pm (AEST)

More information about Griffith University's support for students
 

ICMS campus tours

Join an ICMS student adviser for a tour around the Northern Beaches campus or City campus. Learn about ICMS's courses and facilities and get your questions answered. Book an ICMS campus tour

ICMS Degree Taster Day

The ICMS Degree Taster Day on Tue 20 Jan 2026 gives students a sneak peek into what it’s like to study a bachelor’s degree in an area of interest. This is a chance for students to try out different specialisations – without any commitment.
 

Events, workshops and information for students

Explore Your Options at Macquarie University

Graduating Year 12 students can have all their questions answered at Macquarie University's Explore Your Options. They can receive personalised advice through 1:1 consultations, take a campus tour, and experience an exclusive extended access day on ATAR release day (Thu 18 Dec) for extra support.

  • Wed 17 to Thu 18 Dec
  • Register for Explore Your Options
Personal Consults

Book a 30-minute phone or Zoom consultation with one of Macquarie's expert student advisers. Students can talk through their individual circumstances and ask any questions they may have. They can ask about our courses, get help with understanding entry criteria, or simply find out more about university life.

Campus tours

Students are invited to book a tour of Macquarie’s Wallumattagal campus in North Ryde. They will be guided by one of Macquarie's current students who will be happy to answer questions. 

Students can visit facilities such as: 

  • various lecture theatres
  • the award-winning library (subject to capacity)
  • learning and teaching spaces in 1 Central Courtyard
  • the flexible and creative study spaces
  • the sport and aquatic centre
  • the Central Courtyard, where you can explore the many dining options.


Course updates

New major for the Bachelor of Business: Major in Artificial Intelligence in Business and Innovation

This new major for the Bachelor of Business will equip students with the skills to bridge emerging AI tools and real-world business needs across diverse industries. Drawing on insights from business, philosophy and information systems – and enriched by practical learning, industry collaboration and research-informed teaching – the non-technical major will prepare students to drive responsible innovation, manage organisational change and create sustainable business value in an AI-driven world. With an emphasis on application rather than coding, this major explores how small and large organisations are strategically deploying AI – from generative AI and large language models to emerging technologies.


Events for careers advisers

Save the date: Macquarie’s Schools Symposium

Join us Fri 27 Feb 2026 for Macquarie’s Schools Symposium, incorporating Careers Advisers and Teachers Day, which will feature an engaging keynote, 'The Big 5 for Mental Health and Life Satisfaction' with Professor Nick Titov, Macquarie University and Executive Director of MindSpot.

Discover MindSpot’s Big 5 – five evidence-based activities proven to boost mental health and life satisfaction. These practical strategies are simple, impactful and ready to apply in your personal and professional life and valuable tools for careers advisers or teachers helping students navigate their journey through school and beyond, or school leaders shaping the culture of their institution, this session will offer valuable perspectives and actionable takeaways.

To ensure you receive the event details confirm your contact information – you can also add colleagues who may be interested in the Schools Symposium keynote presentation.
 

2026 Career Advisors Update Session

You're invited to the University of Canberra's 2026 Careers Advisors Update Session! Come along to UC's beautiful Bruce campus for an informative and inspiring day designed to support the important work you do.

At this session, UC will share key updates for 2026, including exciting new course offerings and insights into how UC will continue to support you and your students. You’ll also have the chance to explore select campus facilities and connect with UC staff, faculty representatives, and fellow career advisers.

  • When: Fri 27 Mar 2026, 8am to 1pm
  • Location: University of Canberra, Bruce campus
  • RSVP: RSVP by Fri 20 Mar 2026
  • Catering: Coffee on arrival, morning tea and lunch provided
  • Accommodation: If you are travelling from interstate, accommodation may be available for Thu 26 Mar. Please express interest in the RSVP (link above) and Aiko will be in touch to arrange.
  • Contact: student.recruitment@canberra.edu.au 

Diploma in Social and Human Services

The new Diploma in Social and Human Services is for those who are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives. Students can explore the Social Sciences study area while gaining a qualification, and gain credit into selected undergraduate degrees at the University of Newcastle. Upon completion, students will also gain guaranteed entry into over 70 degrees and competitive entry into all degrees.

Open Foundation

Open Foundation will give students the skills they need not only to gain entry but to succeed at university and beyond. Upon completion, they will gain guaranteed entry into over 70 degrees at the University of Newcastle and competitive entry into all degrees.

Podiatric Medicine – Campus offering update

The University of Newcastle’s Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine can now be studied at Callaghan campus, with the first intake in semester 1, 2026. Students will work in advanced clinics and use modern technologies for diagnosis and treatment. Specialist clinical areas include sports injuries, paediatrics, surgery and more.

New Central Coast Campus – Gosford Central 

The University of Newcastle is expanding study options on the Central Coast in 2026 with the opening of their new campus in Mann St, Gosford. The campus offers a range of programs across business, commerce, education and social services. The nearby Central Coast Clinical School offers medicine, midwifery, nursing and psychological science. View the full list of programs available at Gosford Central.

ATAR Info Day 

University of Newcastle ATAR Info Day will be held online on Thu 18 Dec. If students have any questions or need advice after they receive their ATAR, they can call the University of Newcastle's helpful staff on +61 2 4921 5000 between 9am and 5pm.

Info Day

Come to Notre Dame's Info Day to discover everything you need to know to start uni next year, receive personalised advice and explore your study options. Students can tour the campus, check out the new student hub, attend information sessions and workshops about the degrees Notre Dame has on offer, enjoy live entertainment, tasty treats and much, much more.

New admission pathway to Bachelor of Primary Education for rural and remote students

Designed to empower aspiring teachers from regional, rural and remote communities to earn a Bachelor of Primary Education without needing to relocate, Notre Dame’s new Reach Higher program will commence in semester 1, 2026. Students will benefit from flexible study options, with courses delivered online via Notre Dame’s Broome campus.

Notre Dame’s Oran Park Study Centre – undergraduate opportunities

Notre Dame is now offering courses in their Bachelor of Primary Education and Bachelor of Commerce degrees through the Notre Dame Study Centre in Oran Park. In their first year, Sydney students can choose to enrol in two courses at the Study Centre and two at the Broadway campus. Oran Park lectures are delivered online, combined with in-person tutorials at the Study Centre, featuring small group learning and pastoral support. 

Appointment of new Chancellor

Paul McClintock AO has been announced as the eighth Chancellor of the University of Notre Dame Australia. He will take up this role on 1 January 2026.

New degrees

Notre Dame has some new degrees available at the Sydney campus from semester 1, 2026, including:

  • Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science – The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science degree is a comprehensive, nationally accredited qualification. It equips graduates to play an important role in the community by examining the implications of physical activity on public health and sports rehabilitation. Students will choose three electives from the following: health sciences, behavioural science, biomedical science or business studies.
  • Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology – The Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology aims to produce graduates equipped to join and contribute to the allied health workforce. Specifically, graduates may work with diverse populations including individuals living with chronic disease such as cardiovascular, metabolic, musculoskeletal, mental illness, disability and long-term sporting injuries.
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences – The Bachelor of Health Sciences has been designed to prepare graduates for successful careers in the evolving health sector. The curriculum covers essential topics including anatomy, pathophysiology, evidence-based practice, psychology, health promotion and advocacy, interprofessional learning, health management and leadership skills.

University of Sydney Info Day

The University of Sydney Info Day 2025 will take place on Thu 18 Dec from 11am to 3pm. This event is designed for Year 12 students and their supporters to explore the campus and receive valuable information and tailored guidance before UAC preferences close. Attend information sessions, take a campus tour, speak with the team about admission pathways, and get degree-specific questions answered by the university's academics. 

For any last-minute questions on the day, students can also visit the Student Centre at the library or email the team before 6pm for a response.  

University of Sydney Info Week 

Can’t make it to campus on Info Day? Year 12 students and their supporters can join tailored webinars this December to get all the information they need before UAC preferences close. The University of Sydney's team will also be available to support you on ATAR release day – email them before 6pm on Thu 18 Dec for any last-minute questions: admission.pathways@sydney.edu.au.   

Explore undergraduate events at the University of Sydney


 

UNSW Info Day 2025

Students are invited to join the UNSW Info Day once they’ve received their ATAR to get personalised advice on which UNSW degree or pathway is right for them. They can attend lectures, join a campus tour, and chat with academics and current students in UNSW's advisory zones.

Career Advisers and Teachers Day – save the date

The Careers Advisers and Teachers Day will be held on Tue 3 Mar 2026, Parramatta City campus. This event is designed to connect careers advisers and teachers from high schools with Western and deliver insights on courses, career pathways, and up-to-date information to support your students' future choices. Registrations will open in December, and the final program will be released in early 2026.

Indigenous Entry Program January assessments

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Program offers an entry pathway based on the successful completion of the program's entry assessments. It's about students' potential, not their prior educational experience. The upcoming assessment dates for 2026 entry will be held online on Mon 19 and Tue 20 Jan 2026. Register for an Indigenous Entry Program entry assessment.

Girls' Tech Day

Girls’ Tech Day is for female students in years 4 to 12 and has been designed to engage both those who are already interested in STEM and those who may never have considered technology as part of their future. Participation is free for schools, and return bus transport is provided.

'What Can I Study?' video series

The Future Students team at Western has created a video series titled 'What Can I Study?', a helpful resource showcasing the diverse range of courses available at Western. This YouTube playlist is designed to give students a clear and engaging overview of potential study paths, helping them feel more confident about their future choices. Explore the full playlist on the Western YouTube channel and feel free to share it with your students as they consider their next steps.

Scholarships at Western

Western offers $20 million in scholarships every year, which includes a range of university and donor-funded opportunities. Find out more about scholarship opportunities for your students.