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News from our institutions – September 2025

09 Sep 2025

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Calm and Conquer

ACAP University College is proud to invite students to Calm and Conquer; a virtual toolkit for navigating the challenges of Year 12 exams with confidence and composure. Created and delivered exclusively by ACAP University College, this free online workshop series features two dedicated sessions – one for Year 12 students and another for parent/carers.

  • Mon 15 Sep, 7pm
  • Tue 30 Sep, 3pm

Find out more and secure your spot

Upcoming events

Discover ACU: October school holiday workshops for Years 10 to 12

Discover ACU workshops offer Years 10 to 12 students a hands-on introduction to university life and study areas during the October school holidays. Sessions include campus tours, interactive workshops, and the chance to meet staff and students. Morning tea is provided. Registration is free, but places are limited it's recommended that you register early. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend select sessions.

Discover Teaching and Psychology at ACU Strathfield campus

Experience what it’s like to work as a teacher or psychologist through hands-on workshops and hear from current students in these fields.

Discover Business at ACU North Sydney Campus

Explore how ACU prepares students for careers in business, entrepreneurship and social innovation, with activities focused on technology and industry connections.

ACU Guarantee early offer program

Year 12 students can apply for the ACU Guarantee program, which provides an early offer to university based on their Year 11 results. Applications are open and close on 15 Sep 2025.

Students are encouraged to submit up to three optional personal statements (max 200 words each) as part of their application. These statements can cover topics such as community involvement and volunteering, overcoming adversity or disadvantage, and excelling at school amid family or language challenges. Personal statements can help increase a student’s selection rank by up to 10 points.

More information and ACU Guarantee application portal

Scholarships

New Computer Science scholarships at ACU North Sydney

For students passionate about software development, data analytics, programming, machine learning, or cloud computing: ACU North Sydney is offering new scholarships for those beginning studies in Computer Science and Data Science. These scholarships are designed to support and encourage students from diverse backgrounds.

  • The ACU NextGen Women in STEM Pathways Scholarship offers $3,000 to women experiencing financial hardship and demonstrating leadership, commencing or planning to study a Bachelor of Computer Science or Master of Data Science. Up to five scholarships available. Apply by 26 Oct 2025.
  • The Indigenous Code and Data Scholarship provides $3,000 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students beginning full-time study in the Bachelor of Computer Science or Master of Data Science in 2026. Applicants must show financial hardship and community commitment. Up to five scholarships available. Apply by 26 Oct 2025.
Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation) Scholarship

Year 12 students are encouraged to apply now for ACU’s Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation), as applications for the first round of interviews close on 8 Sep 2025.

This unique course invites students to engage with the great works, thinkers and ideas that have shaped the Western tradition. It’s perfect for those who enjoy reading, critical thinking, discussion, and exploring philosophy, history, politics, literature and art.

Key details:

  • Entry is based on academic results, a CV with references, a sample essay, and a successful interview.
  • Applications are now open, with up to four interview and offer rounds from September 2025 to early 2026.
  • Future interview cut-offs will depend on remaining scholarship places.
  • To be considered for the scholarship (valued up to $160,000), students must apply directly through ACU. UAC applicants will need to complete an additional section with ACU.

Western civilisation courses include:

For insights and tips on the application and interview process, a recording of the recent webinar is now available to watch.

Apply for the Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation) Scholarship

Early offer schemes

Flexible Entry Pathways and Scholarships

  • 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

Explore ACPE's upcoming events

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.

New course: Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) (Birth - 5 Years)

Avondale University is excited to announce the launch of its new Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) (Birth–5 Years), commencing in 2026. This purpose-built degree combines strong theory with seven professional placements, giving students valuable real-world experience from the very beginning. With the flexibility to study on campus or online, and ACECQA approval, graduates will be well-prepared for meaningful, job-ready careers in the growing early childhood sector across Australia and beyond.

Early Entry Program still open

Avondale University’s Eary Entry Program gives students the chance to secure an offer into their chosen undergraduate degree before final HSC exams. Open to domestic Year 12 students who are eligible for an ATAR and can demonstrate an average mark of 70% across all Year 11 subjects.

Students can reduce exam pressure, lock in their future early, and access a $2,000 Early Entry Scholarship when enrolling full time in 2026. Plus, a limited number of free accommodation places are available.

Offers released from 2 Sep and applications close 11 Nov 2025. Apply directly via the Avondale University website.

Making it in Media full-day workshop

At Charles Sturt University's Making it in Media full-day workshop, participants will dive deep into the dynamic worlds of design and content creation, news and media, and strategic communication. Registrations are now open.

New course: Undergraduate Certificate in Human Services

Starting in 2026, Charles Sturt University's new Undergraduate Certificate in Human Services is the perfect pathway for anyone interested in studying human services or social work. Upon completing this undergraduate certificate, students will gain entry, with credit, into CSU's Bachelor of Human Services or Bachelor of Social Work programs.

STEPS Term 3 Information Session

Do you have Year 12 students who are unsure about meeting entry requirements for their chosen degree? The Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Skills (STEPS) course may be the right option for them.

The STEPS Term 3 Information Session will give them the information they need about course duration, how to apply, and how STEPS can help them meet the entry requirements of their chosen degree.

Online Chat Session

CQUniversity’s Online Chat Session provides an opportunity for students to get their university and TAFE questions answered in real time. Whether students have questions about TAFE or uni courses, university life, fees, scholarships, pathways, or the application process, our friendly team will be able to help.

Application support Q&As (5 Sep to 3 Oct)

Book a 15-minute Q&A session to explore study options, receive personalised application support and get advice on a range of support services available at Griffith. Video call or telephone appointments are available.

Book a Q&A session

Griffith's undergraduate diplomas

Griffith University’s undergraduate diplomas offer a supported start to university studies, helping students successfully transition to their chosen bachelor degree and fast-tracking them to second-year studies. Students can develop foundational knowledge and skills while accessing a wide variety of student support programs. Plus, their first year of study in the diploma is alongside their peers in the bachelor degree, so they'll finish their studies in the same amount of time, at no extra cost.

Learn more about Griffith's undergraduate diplomas

EmpowerED University Preparation Program

Griffith’s EmpowerED University Preparation Program offers a free, flexible online pathway to university. Designed to build students' academic skills and confidence, EmpowerED can help them qualify for a range of degrees, no ATAR required.

Learn more about EmpowerED

Academic Bootcamp applications close soon

Griffith’s Academic Bootcamps are designed to help Year 12 students achieve their full academic potential in their final external exams. They aim to improve confidence and understanding in senior science and maths subject areas, reducing anxiety around assessment and preparing students for future tertiary study. Spots are filling up fast!

Book now for an Academic Bootcamp

Events and workshops for students

Year 12 webinar series

Macquarie's Year 12 webinar series provides students with everything they need to know about university – from applying and exploring our courses and entry programs. You can watch the following webinars on demand:

  • Early Entry
  • Year 12 Guide to Uni

Personal consults

Students can book a 30-minute phone or Zoom consultation with one of our expert student advisors. This is an opportunity to talk through individual circumstances and ask questions about our courses, entry criteria, or student life at Macquarie.

Campus tours

Explore Macquarie University’s beautiful Wallamattagul campus by booking a guided campus tour with a current student.

Events and workshops for careers advisers

Macquarie University’s Careers Adviser Lunch and Learn Series

These interactive sessions are designed to provide need-to-know information in a bite-sized format and help careers advisers stay connected.

All sessions are online from 1 to 1.15pm.

Upcoming session:

  • Term 4: Wed 22 Oct.

Register to join live or watch prior sessions on-demand

Course updates

Bachelor of History

New in 2026 is the Bachelor of History. The course features internship opportunities, fieldwork and digital projects and students have the opportunity to explore 3D scanning, photogrammetry and remote-sensing techniques, and develop key literacies in using AI to interpret evidence. Students can access over 18,000 resources in the Gale History Museum (formerly known as Macquarie University History Museum). Career outcomes include working in policy, media, education, heritage or beyond.

Students can choose from the following four majors:

  • ancient history
  • archeology
  • modern history
  • public history and heritage.
Bachelor of International Studies

The Bachelor of International Studies has been reimagined for 2026 to reflect feedback from students, schools and industry.

The course is designed to develop human-centred thinking skills in blending cultural intelligence, storytelling, tech fluency, mediation and strategic thinking. Students will graduate with a real-world portfolio; an international network; and the ability to anticipate disruption, engage diverse perspectives and collaborate globally and work in public policy, global business, diplomacy, social enterprise or tech ethics or beyond.

Students will have the opportunity to work with industry partners from year one on case studies, sprint projects, stakeholders maps and genuine challenges and apply their learning in cultural contexts either locally or abroad – via internships, study tours, virtual exchanges or partner-led projects. International exchange and language studies are optional components of the course. The majors offered are:

  • global leadership and communication
  • humans and emerging technologies.
Bachelor of Psychology

The Bachelor of Psychology will now offer students the choice of three majors:

  • applied psychological science
  • cognitive and brain science
  • mental health and counselling*.

*Students interested in becoming an accredited counsellor would need to undertake further study.

Bachelor of Clinical Science – pathways to postgraduate studies

Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Psychology including any of the above-mentioned majors and meet the entry criteria for honours, can apply for the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours).

For students aiming for a health career that requires a postgraduate degree, the Bachelor of Clinical Science offers a fast-tracked option. Students could receive a single offer for the following options:

  • Bachelor of Clinical Science leading to Doctor of Physiotherapy
    Indicative Selection Rank: 96 (Places are competitive for this pathway)
  • Bachelor of Clinical Science leading to Master of Speech and Language Pathology
    Indicative Selection Rank: 94 (Places are competitive for this pathway)
  • Bachelor of Clinical Science leading to Master of Clinical Audiology
    Indicative Selection Rank: 94 (Places are competitive for this pathway)
  • Bachelor of Clinical Science leading to Master of Public Health
    Guaranteed Selection Rank: 92

Students who receive an offer can take advantage of the fast-tracked Bachelor of Clinical Science undertaking units in the intensive summer session and complete their undergraduate degree in two years. Then, if they meet the progression requirements will receive direct entry into the postgraduate course. The postgraduate courses are full-fee paying with limited CSP places available for each course.

Create for a Day

Back by popular demand, SAE University College is running its Create for a Day event in the October school holidays. SAE invites future creators to Create for a Day, a one-day, hands-on workshop designed to expand skills and get students working on inspiring creative projects in the fields of animation, audio, film, games, music, design, computer science and VFX.

New Mann Street campus, Gosford

The University of Newcastle is expanding its study options on the Central Coast in 2026 with the opening of its new campus in Mann Street, 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 campus

Update to Schools Based Traineeship admissions pathway to Bachelor of Nursing

The University of Newcastle’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, in consultation with Industry Partners, TAFE and VET providers, is expanding the School Based Traineeship. It will now include the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) CHC33021 and associated NESA HSC VET Human Services Courses, along with the 700 hours of industry-based learning in a recognised hospital or aged care facility. This expands the admission scheme to include private VET providers as well as the already approved TAFE scheme.

A reminder that one of the criteria for applicants interested in the Bachelor of Nursing via the SBT Admission Pathway is the completion of the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC).

2026 on-campus accommodation info session and key dates

Applications for 2026 on-campus accommodation at the University of Newcastle are opening soon.

Early Entry Program applications open Tue 16 Sep at 4pm. New resident applications open Thursday 25 September at 10am. Living on campus is popular, so students are encouraged to apply as soon as applications open.

Students interested in living on campus in 2026 can review the relevant application guides available on the Student Living website – Early Entry Program and New Residents.

Ma & Morley Scholarship: applications close 14 Sep

Applications for the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program close midnight 14 Sep 2025. The program offers commencing and continuing students at the University of Newcastle the opportunity to join a cohort of likeminded individuals in a values-based leadership program.

With just one application, students could earn up to $75,000 of financial assistance and access to a program that aims to inspire, educate and cultivate the next generation of globally aware and socially conscious Australian leaders.

Free on-campus accommodation for the first trimester

First-year students starting study with UNE in 2026 can receive free trimester 1 accommodation at participating UNE residential colleges with the Settle in for Free offer. To access this offer, students need to enrol in their course from Nov 2025 and confirm their accommodation by 31 Jan 2026. No extra forms, no hassle – just instant support to help them settle into the UNE experience. Terms and conditions apply.

New 2026 courses

  • Bachelor of Environmental Science and Master of Resource Management: Stand out to employers with UNE's innovative combined degree, enabling students to graduate with both a bachelor and a master qualification in just 4 years. This course will position students to take advantage of growing demand for a broad range of environmental science roles, including leadership, policy, consultancy, and specialist positions.
  • Bachelor of Nutrition and Health Science: This degree offers more than foundational nutrition knowledge – it prepares students to lead in an evolving sector where health, sustainability and science intersect through real-world problem-solving that spans individual health, public nutrition policy, and food systems innovation.

Early Offer Program: applications still open

Notre Dame’s Early Offer Program is an opportunity for students to have their skills, experience and achievements recognised and to secure their place in their preferred course at Notre Dame before their final exams. Offers are made on a rolling basis.

New admission pathways to Notre Dame

Future You Admissions Pathway

The Future You Admissions Pathway is Notre Dame's primary entry pathway for students from low socio-educational backgrounds, designed to support them from application through to their first semester at Notre Dame.

Admitted students enrolled in this pathway benefit from a $1,000 scholarship to help with the cost of starting university. They will receive application and transition support to university life, as well as the opportunity to receive up to 10 adjustment factors (bonus ATAR points). Visit the Future You webpage for eligibility and application info.

UniPath

Notre Dame's 12-week pathway program, UniPath, is open. UniPath allows students to begin their pathway to university while completing Year 12. Upon successful completion, students are guaranteed direct entry into many undergraduate courses at the University of Notre Dame Australia.

Programs with direct entry from UniPath completion include Arts and Sciences (excluding Architecture and Psychology), Business, Education (Primary & Early Learning only), Health Sciences (excluding Health and Physical Education: Secondary), Philosophy and Theology. Capped places for entry in Bachelor of Nursing.

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 which 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 Exercise and Sport Science (Assured Pathway) into Master of Physiotherapy – If you are interested in exercise and sports science and are an aspiring physiotherapist, this program offers a pathway for you. With this assured pathway program you will be eligible to apply for the Master of Physiotherapy program upon completion of Notre Dame’s Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science with a 2.5 GPA throughout the course of your undergraduate degree. See our webpage for more information.
  • 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 is a 3-year program 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. In the first year, students focus on Health and Human Function.

University of Sydney Open Night (18 Sep)

Join the University of Sydney's online Open Night on Thu 18 Sep, 5 to 6.30pm. Open Night is an interactive event designed for prospective domestic undergraduate students from interstate, regional Australia, New Zealand and offshore.

Explore study options, entry pathways, scholarships, and campus life. Hear from current students and connect live with faculty, admissions, student support, scholarship teams, and accommodation providers in breakout rooms.

Register for Open Night

Scholarships webinar (17 Sep)

The University of Sydney offers over $135 million in scholarships each year to support domestic undergraduate students. With a centralised application form, applying is easier than ever, and some scholarships don’t even require an application! 

Students are invited to join a webinar on Wed 17 Sep to explore the range of scholarships available, check their eligibility, and learn how to make their application stand out. They’ll also have the chance to get their questions answered live by our expert team. 

Register for the Scholarships at Sydney webinar

Year 11 Gadalung Program

Registrations are now open for our 2025 Gadalung Residential program! This program is open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Year 11 (going into Year 12 in 2026).  

This program gives students the chance to experience university life, explore world-class facilities, and meet current university students and staff. Students will learn useful skills for their final years at school and get a heads up for their future at university and beyond.

Register for the Year 11 Gadalung Program 

Accommodation

The University of Wollongong usually experiences high demand for student accommodation. Students should submit an application as soon as they can for 2026. How to apply for UOW accommodation.

Scholarships

University of Wollongong scholarships reward students who have demonstrated excellence in areas of academia, leadership and community. It is also committed to providing support to students experiencing financial and other educational disadvantages through equity scholarships and grant programs.

New courses

  • Bachelor of Engineering Technology – Equips problem-solvers with broad, practical skills in maths, physics and engineering fields to prepare for impactful careers in future industries.
  • Bachelor of Computational Technology – Prepares innovators with practical skills and majors in Computing, Physics, Cyber Security and Data Science for diverse STEM careers.

Your diploma pathway to UNSW Sydney – apply now through UAC

Applications are now open for UNSW College diplomas via UAC – offering students a pathway into second year at UNSW Sydney.

Even if trial results were not what they hoped, with a UNSW College diploma, students can still reach their UNSW degree, with no time lost. Diplomas provide the same academic content as first-year degree study, plus the benefit of smaller classes, personalised support, and access to campus life from day one.

Options include diplomas in Architecture, Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Media & Communication, and Science – each designed to prepare students for success at UNSW.

With three intakes a year and term 1, 2026 applications now open through UAC, this is the perfect time for students to secure their place.

Learn more about UNSW College diplomas

UNSW scholarships for commencing undergraduate students

UNSW has a wide range of merit scholarships to support students starting their undergraduate studies. These scholarships celebrate achievements in academics, sports, leadership, and more.

Most merit scholarship applications close at 11.59pm Tue 30 Sep 2025, so don’t miss out!

UNSW also offers Equity Scholarships to support students experiencing socioeconomic or educational disadvantage.

Visit the UNSW scholarships website to explore your options and apply before the deadlines.

UNSW Gateway Admission Pathway Round 2 applications

UNSW Gateway Admission Pathway offers alternative entry to UNSW for eligible students, with successful applicants receiving either an early offer or early conditional offer to their preferred degree. Round 2 applications open 4 Sep and close 12 Nov.