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News from our institutions – March 2026

23 Mar 2026

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Free AIE workshops in April

Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) is hosting free, practical workshop days during the April school holidays for Year 10 to 12 students interested in exploring careers in the games, film, and animation industries. The sessions are delivered by industry professionals who have worked on blockbuster games and films, giving students a chance to learn directly from experts while trying out industry software.

  • Games and Animation Workshop Day (Wed 15 Apr): Learn how to create 3D animation, design, and code games with a day of hands-on workshops using industry software.
  • Film Production Workshop (Fri 17 Apr): Discover the film production process and get hands-on with cameras and lighting by making a fast film in teams! 

If students are thinking about a career in the games or film industry, then this is a great place to get started. Registrations are required for this free event as places are limited.

Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology (BEST) Hub guided tour

Join ACU for a discipline-specific guided visit at the BEST Hub, a health and performance facility at the Blacktown International Sports Park. 

2026 ACU Advisory Conference (Strathfield)  

This is your exclusive opportunity to discover ACU’s latest initiatives and experience the Strathfield campus. Click here to register your attendance: https://acufuturestudents.swoogo.com/2026_AC_NSW  

Discover ACU (NSW campuses)

Discover ACU is designed to give students an exciting first taste of specific disciplines, with an opportunity to speak with current ACU students to find out what life is like in their course of interest. Students from Years 10 to 12 can explore our NSW campuses and engage in hands-on workshops. 

Inspire tomorrow’s teachers 

Register now to host a primary school or secondary school ACU pre-service teacher at your school in semester 1. 

Talk with Industry webinars

ACU's Talk with Industry webinar series is hosted in May. Hear from alumni about their professional experiences after completing their studies at ACU. Students can take part in a Q&A session with ACU graduates to find out what their future could hold with an ACU degree.

Early Entry – applications open

Avondale University’s Early Entry program can earn students an offer into their chosen undergraduate degree before their final exams. Open to domestic Year 12 students who are eligible for an ATAR and that can demonstrate an average percentage mark of 65 per cent (or two Bs and three Cs) across assessable subjects in Year 11.

Offers will be released from 1 Sep onwards and applications close on 10 Nov 2026.

Sponsored (rent-free) accommodation offer – limited availability

To support students as they transition into university life, Avondale University is offering sponsored accommodation for eligible new students. This limited offer provides the chance to live on campus, experience a vibrant student community, and enjoy the convenience of being close to classes. Places are limited and fill quickly, so early application is recommended. More information, including eligibility criteria and application details, can be found on the Avondale University Student Life page.

Building character for life at Avondale University

The Avondale Character Experience (ACE) Lab at Avondale University offers first-year students a unique start to university life, focused on building character, resilience and strong community connections. Through weekly gatherings, outdoor challenges and opportunities to serve others, students develop confidence, leadership and a deeper sense of purpose. Grounded in research and Avondale’s values, the program helps students thrive both personally and academically, equipping them to make a meaningful impact in their future careers and communities. 

Scholarships

Explore a wide range of scholarships at Avondale University, designed to recognise achievement, support students' goals and help make study more accessible. Find out more about Avondale University scholarships

 

Early offer schemes and scholarships

  • ACPE Early Entry for Year 12 students: Applications are open for ACPE Early Entry based on students' Year 11 results.
  • Schools Recommendation Scheme: Students can apply for early offers through UAC's Schools Recommendation Scheme (applications open 8 Apr). Early entry is considered on the basis of Year 11 results and school ratings.
  • ACPE scholarships: ACPE has a range of scholarships available to support students in their education journey.

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.
 

Charles Sturt Medicine Information Night

Students interested in a career in medicine are invited to join Charles Sturt University’s online Medicine Information Night on Wednesday 1 April 2026.

The session will provide an overview of the Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine, outlining course structure, facilities, early clinical experience and entry requirements, including UCAT ANZ. Attendees will also hear from staff and current students who will share their insights into the program.

Online Chat

Students can get to know CQU a little better at the April Online Chat Session. The CQU team will be able to help students with information on their course of interest, pathway options, student support services, or anything else they might like to know about studying with CQU.

All they need to do is head over to our CQUniversity Facebook page and send CQU a message during the session. They’ll receive real-time answers to all of their questions.

Commonwealth-supported places at Excelsia

A Commonwealth-supported place (CSP) at Excelsia University College provides access to more affordable higher education. 

A not-for-profit institution, Excelsia covers the student contribution for eligible CSP courses, so there are no upfront tuition fees. Students are encouraged to pursue meaningful careers that positively impact society.

Countdown to Uni webinar 

Griffith's Countdown to Uni webinar is designed for Year 11 and 12 students, as well as their parents or guardians. Student Advisers will walk participants through everything they need to know to prepare for university life at Griffith. 

Experience Macquarie Days – limited places left

Students in Years 10, 11 or 12 are invited to make the most of the April school holidays by spending 'a day in the life' of a uni student!

Experience Macquarie Days give you the opportunity to attend information sessions, participate in interactive workshops, check out facilities and learning spaces, and take a tour around campus with a Macquarie student guide.

Limited places are still available.

Campus tours

Those unable to join the Experience Macquarie Days can book a guided campus tour to explore Macquarie's campus, facilities and student spaces. Available every second Saturday. 

Early Entry Round 1: Lock in an offer before the HSC

UNE’s Early Entry program gives students a guaranteed course offer before they sit their exams, whether they’re expecting an ATAR or not. Early Entry is available to all Year 12 students, and it’s free, easy to apply, and every student applying receives a UNE offer.

Applications are now open and Round 1 applications will close 17 Jul, with offers released 1 Sep.

Campus tours

Can’t make Open Day? Campus tours are another great way to experience the lifestyle of a university student. See where UNE students live, study and socialise and get a feel for the university lifestyle.

On a free UNE campus tour students will not only see UNE's vibrant and distinct residences, but also their sporting facilities, Dixson Library, cafés and shops and the historic Booloominbah Homestead.

Campus tours run all year round by appointment (excluding weekends and public holidays). Bookings are essential, and friends and family are welcome. More information about campus tours

Questions? Get in touch

UNE has a specialised Future Students Team, dedicated to guiding students through the process and answering any questions that they might have. Call 1800 818 865, live chat or email earlyentry@une.edu.au.

Upcoming event: Early Offer Information Evening

Curious to find out about securing an early offer from Notre Dame? Students in Year 11 and 12 are invited to attend the upcoming information evening to get all their questions answered.

Future You Admissions Pathway

Notre Dame’s Future You Pathway is their primary entry pathway for students from schools in low socioeconomic areas. Students benefit from a $1,000 scholarship to help with the cost of starting university, 10 ATAR adjustment factors (bonus points), as well as application and transition support to get them started at Notre Dame.

Notre Dame’s expanding campus

Notre Dame has acquired 4000 square metres over three floors on Mountain Street adjacent to their Broadway campus to be the new home for their health sciences programs in Sydney. 

UniPath (Broadway, Oran Park and Auburn intakes)

Designed for students completing a non-ATAR pathway or those who are uncertain about meeting entry requirements for university study, UniPath allows them to be a university student while still completing high school. 

Upon successful completion, Unipath meets academic entry requirements into a number of undergraduate degree programs at the University of Notre Dame Australia. Intakes are open for students to study at the Broadway campus, as well as sites in Oran Park and Auburn.

Tertiary Pathway Program

Notre Dame’s Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP) is a pathway that provides students with the skills, knowledge and experience that are essential for successful transition to university. Upon successful completion, students will be eligible to apply for entry to many of Notre Dame's undergraduate degrees.

Recently launched degrees

Notre Dame has some new degrees available at their 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 entry requirement updates

Indicative entry  

The University of Sydney constantly reviews entry requirements to ensure they are accessible and effective. Following a recent review, all undergraduate courses will now list an indicative selection rank. Indicative selection ranks are a guide based on the previous year's lowest selection rank admitted. The actual selection rank required to receive an offer for a future intake will depend on course demand and the availability of places.

The University of Sydney no longer has guaranteed selection ranks for their courses.

Combining adjustment factors 

The University of Sydney constantly reviews admission pathways and entry schemes to ensure they are accessible and effective. Following a recent review, students can no longer stack adjustment factors across entry schemes. Students can still apply and/or be considered for multiple schemes, and the scheme that awards the most adjustment factors will be applied.

Bachelor of Advanced Studies

The Bachelor of Advanced Studies will not be offered to commencing students from 2027.  

Students wanting to study two fields may wish to consider one of our many combined degrees such as the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts, or the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts. Students can also still complete a major or minor from the shared pool of majors and minors if their degree grants access to the shared pool. Students who would like to complete an honours degree can still do so by applying for an appended honours year in the final year of their stand-alone degree. 

This change does not affect semester 2, 2026 admissions or current students (students who have already commenced their studies).

Dentistry at the University of Sydney

The Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Medicine double degree will not be offered to newly commencing students from 2027. Following completion of an undergraduate degree, graduates may apply to the Doctor of Dental Medicine to pursue a career in dentistry. This change aims to increase participation and improve access for a more diverse student cohort, ensuring graduates are well prepared to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Retiring the UTS Early Entry Program

UTS is updating its admissions approach from 2027 to ensure all school leavers continue to have strong opportunities to pursue their study goals.

As part of this change, the UTS Early Entry Program will be retired and will not be available from the Autumn 2027 intake.

The Early Entry Program was introduced to support Year 12 students whose studies were impacted by COVID-19, providing flexibility and reassurance during a period of disruption. As the impacts of the pandemic have eased, there is a sector-wide focus on making university entry fairer, clearer and more accessible.

UTS will continue to accept applications through UAC as the primary pathway for undergraduate study. Existing schemes and programs, including the Schools Recommendation Scheme, inpUTS, Year 12 Subject Scheme and the UniReady Enabling Program, will remain in place.

UTS also remains committed to expanding pathways and support for students from underrepresented groups, with ongoing updates to be provided to schools and students throughout the year.

UOW Early Admission

UOW Early Admission lets Year 12 students lock in a place at uni before the final exams. University of Wollongong will assess applicants' Year 11 results, skills and experiences, not their ATAR.

Discover Western webinar series

The 2026 Discover Western webinar series includes sessions aimed at educators, parents and students. Topics include early offer programs, alternative entry, scholarships and what life as a student is like at Western Sydney University.

What Matters? Writing Competition

The annual What Matters? Writing Competition, run by the Whitlam Institute, invites students in Years 5 to 12 across Australia to respond to the question 'what matters to you?'. Students submit a short piece of up to 600 words, with winning entries receiving cash prizes and being published online. Schools are also recognised for supporting student participation.

Considering Western for 2027?

Why do students choose Western Sydney University? Because it’s where ambition meets opportunity close to their communities. With diverse, industry-connected degrees and campuses across Western Sydney, Western gives students the chance to stay near the people and places that matter while building skills for a global future.

Applications to study in 2027 open Wed 8 Apr.

Find out more about studying at Western

Entry and Support Programs at Western

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Program

Registrations are open for Western’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Program. The next assessment commences Mon 11 May, with multiple dates available both online and on campus.

Student Veterans Program

Western Sydney University supports current and former Australian Defence Force personnel who are interested in studying while balancing service commitments or transitioning from military service. Find out more about the Student Veterans Program

Experience Design@WESTERN  

The Bachelor of Design 2027 Early Entry Interview Day will include early entry interviews for students seeking a place in the program, along with studio tours, talks and hands-on workshops for those interested in graphic design, branding, digital storytelling, UX/UI, photography and motion design.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for Year 12 students, parents and teachers to participate in course entry interviews for early entry offers (taking place in September), hear from recent graduates, meet design tutors and lecturers, explore our facilities and take part in interactive workshops.