News

News from our institutions - May 2023

16 May 2023

Australian Catholic University

ACU Guarantee applications open soon

ACU's early offer program, ACU Guarantee, offers eligible Year 12 students a place at ACU based on their Year 11 results. Applications for ACU Guarantee will open on 24 July and close on 18 September. Students can receive up to 10 adjustment factors to help boost their selection rank by submitting optional personal statements as part of their ACU Guarantee applications. Learn more about personal statements.

Blacktown campus nursing guided visits

Students can join a nursing-specific guided visit at ACU's Blacktown campus on Tuesday 30 May at 5pm or 6pm. Students will be shown around campus by a current nursing student, meet academic staff and get hands-on experience in the nursing labs. Register for the Blacktown campus nursing guided visits.

ACT enhanced guided visits

ACU's Canberra campus is offering new discipline-specific guided visits in 2023. These visits are more than campus tours – students will have the opportunity to sit down with academic staff and current students from their discipline of interest to learn more about these fields and get their questions answered. Students considering nursing and paramedicine will also get hands-on experience in the labs.

Capacity is limited so students should register early. These tours will run on the following dates:

  • Nursing and paramedicine guided visit – Tuesday 4 July, 10am to 1pm
  • Teaching guided visit – Thursday 12 July, 12 to 2pm
  • Social work guided visit – Wednesday 12 July, 11am to 1pm

Register for the ACT enhanced guided visits

ACU open days

Students and their parents are invited to explore the best ACU's campuses have to offer and experience the friendly welcome of an ACU Open Day. They can meet staff and current students, check out facilities, and learn more about their preferred courses.

ACU Open Day 2023 dates:

  • Blacktown Open Day – Saturday 29 July, 10am to 2pm
  • North Sydney Open Day – Saturday 6 August, 10am to 2pm
  • Canberra Open Day – Saturday 2 September, 12 to 3pm
  • Strathfield Open Day – Saturday 9 September, 10am to 2pm

Study abroad opportunities

Study Biomedical Science in Rome

ACU’s Biomedical Science degree, available at the North Sydney campus, now provides opportunities to study a core unit at the Rome campus to complement and enhance students' local studies. Students will typically be exposed to biomedicine-related employment opportunities, introduced to the entire job application procedure, and encouraged to learn about themselves and the skills they already possess or need to develop to become a competitive and employable job seeker. This new offering in Rome will expose students to a vastly different world and provide opportunities for significant growth, self-transformation and career realisation. Learn more about ACU’s Rome campus.

New courses from 2024

ACU Blacktown’s Bachelor of Nursing midyear intake opens soon

ACU graduate nurses are held in high regard for their clinical skills, quick thinking and compassion. ACU is connected to an extensive range of hospitals and healthcare partners, so students will get the best opportunities for industry placements and future employment.

Applications to study for a Bachelor of Nursing at the Blacktown campus in semester 2, 2023 will open soon.

New pathway for criminology enthusiasts

The new Diploma in Criminology can help students gain credit towards their first year of study and seamlessly transition into the second year of our Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Or they can exit with a standalone qualification to add to their CV. Students will be able to study a Diploma in Criminology at the North Sydney campus.

Campus and program updates

Western civilisation program

The Faculty of Education and Arts has welcomed its largest cohort of aspiring scholars into the Western civilisation program. Thirty-four new Ramsay Scholars have embarked on their journey through the past, present and future of Western intellectual life at ACU’s North Sydney campus.

New exercise and sport science facility opening in Blacktown

ACU Blacktown’s Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science and Bachelor of High Performance Sport degrees will be taught from the new state-of-the-art facility known as BEST (Blacktown Exercise, Sport and Technology hub). The facility will house specialist teaching labs for all Blacktown students. Purpose-designed exercise physiology, biomechanics, and strength and conditioning labs will allow students to develop knowledge, skills and experience in exercise and sport science. Students can attend the ACU Blacktown Open Day on Saturday 29 July for the chance to tour BEST via a shuttle bus to and from the new facility.

Australian College of Physical Education

Early entry

Applications for ACPE early entry are now open for Year 12s, allowing students to guarantee their place and secure their enrolment. Students don’t need to worry about their ATAR to secure a place – ACPE takes a holistic approach when looking at applications and consider a range of factors.

The earlier students apply, the earlier they may receive an offer to study at ACPE. Take a look at ACPE’s course list – students can choose up to two they’re interested in, and when they’re ready, submit their application.

Education degrees for mid-year commencement

If students are keen to pursue a career in dance or physical and health education, the Bachelor of Dance Education and Bachelor of Education (Physical and Health Education) will provide them with a graduate qualification to become a dance or PDHPE teacher. Apply now to commence study in semester 2.

ACPE Open Day

ACPE Open Day on 15 July is the ideal occasion for students to get a taste of what ACPE is all about. Students can explore the campus, chat with academic staff and current students and find out from admissions staff how ACPE can help them achieve their desired career path.

Plus, on the day, students will learn about our course programs, and career services, and receive the help they need with their application. That’s not to mention all the fun games and prizes they can win! Register for ACPE’s Open Day.

Coming soon: new postgraduate courses

ACPE is launching new postgraduate courses in the areas of Sport Management, Athlete Wellbeing and Management, Leadership in Sport, Sport Operations Management, and Ethics and Integrity in Sport. The courses will be available at ACPE soon, with commencements in October this year. Students can register their interest or apply for ACPE’s new postgraduate courses.

Griffith University

Creative Arts Open Day

Griffith University's Creative Arts Open Day on Sunday 21 May is the best way for students to explore what Griffith has to offer. Students can get immersed in hands-on experiences run by expert instructors in every study area – from visual and performing arts to film and animation, industrial design, architecture and more.

  • Sunday 21 May, 10am to 2pm

Application Support webinar

Students who need help with their application to Griffith can get expert advice with at the Application Support webinar.

  • Thursday 8 June, 5 to 6pm

International College of Management, Sydney

Early offer applications open 1 April

ICMS offer a number of alternate entry pathways such as:

These alternate entry pathways are for students who:

  • intend to start their studies at ICMS in February 2024
  • are currently in their final year of school or taking a gap year
  • are an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Alternate entry pathways (early offers) will close 8 September 2023.

100 scholarships awarded in March

Since its inception in 2011, the ICMS Professional Scholarship Program has awarded over $13 million worth of scholarships. At the March Scholarship Ceremony, 100 students received scholarships worth over $1.4 million. Scholarship applications for February 2024 students open soon.

Year 10 subject selection evening

ICMS invites parents, teachers, and students in Year 10 to join this information session to help students to navigate the HSC subject selection process. Representatives from the ICMS Admissions team and Universities Admissions Centre will speak at the event.

  • 16 June 2023, 5.30pm to 8pm
  • ICMS Great Hall, 151 Darley Road, Manly, NSW

Register for the Year 10 subject selection evening

ICMS Open Day 2023

At the ICMS Open Day, students can discover how ICMS’ personal mentoring approach could make all the difference to their future career success. They can attend degree course briefings with lecturers, get insights from current students, find out about scholarships, Early Entry, the Leadership Entry Program, and the Elite Athlete Program, learn about the Work Integrated Learning (Internship) Program, and speak personally to Admissions.

  • Sunday 6 August 2023, 10am to 2pm
  • 'Castle Campus', 151 Darley Road, Manly, NSW

Register for the ICMS Open Day

Macquarie University

Events and workshops for students

Year 12 webinar series

They Year 12 series provides students with everything they need to know about university – from applying and exploring our courses and entry programs, to reducing Year 12 study stress and leaving home.

  • Early Entry info session – Wednesday 7 June, 6 to 7pm
  • Study Without Stress – Wednesday 14 June, 6 to 7pm
  • Relocating to Macquarie – Wednesday 19 July, 6 to 7pm

Register for the Year 12 webinar series

Macquarie Open Day

Students can register for the Macquarie Open Day on Saturday 12 August to explore what Macquarie Uni has to offer. Register for the Macquarie University Open Day

Events and workshops for careers advisers

Macquarie University’s Careers Adviser Lunch and Learn series

  • Early offer schemes at Macquarie University – Wednesday 7 June 2023
  • Scholarships Masterclass – Wednesday 2 August 2023
  • Setting students up for success – Wednesday 6 September 2023
  • Pathways with Macquarie University College – Wednesday 11 October 2023

This online series is specifically designed for careers advisers and teachers to learn about what Macquarie Uni has to offer their students. Hear from academics and staff about key changes, course and faculty updates and other resources. Register for the Lunch and Learn series.

Course updates

Macquarie is introducing the new Bachelor of Business – providing a second broad-based business degree alongside the Bachelor of Commerce. The degree will commence in session 1, 2024. Here is a quick overview of the two degrees:

  • The Bachelor of Business offers six majors built around a broad range of foundation and future-focused business units that will help students build knowledge in areas such as management, entrepreneurship, human resources, marketing and strategy. In addition, they will develop a valuable set of employability skills – leadership, strategic thinking, problem solving, communication, teamwork, and sustainable and ethical thinking – which are highly sought-after in today’s rapidly evolving global business landscape. Depending on a student’s chosen major, they could find themself in a broad range of roles in many different industries.
  • In contrast, the Bachelor of Commerce offers 10 majors that will help students develop depth and specialisation in your chosen discipline, along with a set of extensive and integrated foundation units that will orient you to commerce and business. They’ll acquire employability skills in data literacy, business analysis, teamwork​, communication​, conflict resolution​, problem solving, critical thinking and a global mindset, among others. Career opportunities include specialist roles across a wide range of industries, such as health, law, psychology, science and technology.

University of Newcastle

New Early Entry Program for NSW/ACT HSC Students

Current Year 12 students can apply direct to the University of Newcastle and receive an offer before commencing their HSC exams. It’s free to apply for the Early Entry Program and students will gain access to HSC study support, free preparation courses and invites to VIP events.

New degree for 2024

University of Newcastle’s Bachelor of Media and Communication prepares students to create content for many forms of media. These include social, radio, podcasting, broadcast, streaming, and news platforms. Students can tailor skills for specific areas of interest, including drama and documentary, gaming and lifestyle, strategic communications, public relations and corporate communications.

Upcoming events

Mid-year info sessions

With over 100 undergraduate degrees available for mid-year entry at Newcastle, students can register now for an online webinar to learn more about starting their degree in July.

  • Thursday 1 June 2023, 5pm

Newcastle open days

Students can register their interest:

Campus tours

Book a campus tour at the University of Newcastle. There are five campuses tours to choose from across both the Newcastle and Central Coast campuses.

University of Notre Dame Australia

Early Offer Program

Applications are now open for Notre Dame University’s Young Achievers Early Offer Program in 2024. The program offers school leavers an opportunity to secure their place at a university that takes a holistic approach to education, emphasising the whole person.

The Early Offer Program gives applicants the chance to:

  • join a 5-star rated university*
  • gain recognition for their extracurricular activities and achievements
  • showcase their academic achievements
  • be part of an exclusive leadership program.

Find out more and apply direct to the Early Offer Program

* Notre Dame is rated 5 stars for Teaching Quality, Skills Development, Learner Engagement, Graduate Salary, Full-Time Employment, and Overall Experience, Good Universities Guide 2023, undergraduate category

Upcoming events

Undergraduate Pathways to Medicine at Notre Dame University – online info session

Join online to hear about the exciting new pathways into Notre Dame University’s postgraduate Doctor of Medicine degree via the undergraduate Bachelor of Biomedical Science* and Bachelor of Advanced Biomedical Science (Honours)* degrees. Both assured and priority pathways are available for students studying on the Sydney campus, as well as double undergraduate degree options.

This online info session is an opportunity to hear important information about these new pathway programs, admission requirements, and information on how to apply, course structure, as well as participate in a Q&A.

  • Monday 29 May 2023, 7pm to 8pm

*Subject to approval

Early Offer Program info session

Join in-person at the Broadway campus to learn more about how to secure a place at Notre Dame Uni. Hear from current students about the benefits of an early offer, and get information about Notre Dame’s Early Offer Program, including selection criteria, the application process, important dates, and more.

  • Wednesday 17 May 2023, 6pm to 8pm

New degrees and updates

Notre Dame University is offering a number of new degrees.

New to Notre Dame’s Sydney campus for 2024, these degrees offer students a strong understanding of advanced scientific investigations to prepare them for a range of careers such as a biochemist, researcher or biomedical scientist. Students studying biomedical science will also be able to combine their degree with a Bachelor of Laws or Bachelor of Commerce, diversifying their career options. These new Bachelor of Biomedical Science degrees also offer new pathways for aspiring doctors and medical research leaders via combined degrees with Notre Dame’s Doctor of Medicine.

*Subject to approval.

This new degree offers students the chance to develop foundational knowledge and skills in psychology within a comprehensive liberal arts program, allowing them to complement their studies of psychology with an engaging range of majors or minors from a number of other areas of study.

**This degree is seeking accreditation with the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council. An accredited degree is a pathway towards registration as a psychologist after further accredited studies.

This engaging undergraduate double degree offers students opportunities to develop a diverse range of skills relevant to today’s workplace.

This degree offers students the opportunity to develop the skills necessary for entry into a management position in the sport and recreation sector.

Scholarships for new undergraduate students

Opportunity and Merit scholarships are available at Notre Dame for undergraduate students, worth up to $20,000 each.

  • The Notre Dame Opportunity Scholarship is designed to provide financial support to new Notre Dame students who have experienced, or are experiencing, financial hardship or other forms of educational disadvantage.
  • The Notre Dame Merit Scholarship offers financial support and encouragement to a commencing student who demonstrates academic promise.

University of Sydney

Year 12 Information Evening

Due to overwhelming demand, a second Year 12 Information Evening will be held on Thursday 25 May. Year 12 students and their parents/guardians are invited to come along to the campus to learn about university entry, scholarships, study options and more. This is an ideal opportunity for students to explore their options and ask any questions they may have about the next steps to joining the Sydney community. Visit the undergraduate events page for more information and to register.

  • Thursday 25 May, 4pm to 7pm

MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme webinar

Learn about the new MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme for students from low socio-economic backgrounds. Students will find out how to enter their dream degree with a lowered ATAR requirement and receive ongoing financial and other support, including an $8,500 per annum scholarship. Find out about the eligibility criteria, how to apply, benefits, and frequently asked questions.

  • Wednesday 14 June, 5pm to 5.30pm

The University of Sydney is visiting Dubbo

The University of Sydney will be in Dubbo 15 to 19 May. Students, parents, guardians and teachers are invited to join them for their Meet Sydney Uni evening event on Thursday 18 May 2023, 5pm to 6.30pm. Find out more and register for the Meet Sydney Uni event.

We would love for you to join us for a career adviser dinner following our event. We may have some space to visit your school to deliver presentations or workshops for years 10 to 12. Contact Tyrone at schools.outreach@sydney.edu.au to organise a school visit or reserve your place at our career adviser dinner.

ARTiculate Talk series: support for HSC students and resources for high school teachers

The ARTiculate talk series aims to support high school students undertaking the HSC to enrich their understanding in subjects related to arts, humanities and social sciences, and serve as a resource to teachers. Here are the upcoming sessions:

  • English: Critical and creative responses under pressure | Thursday 15 June, 5 to 6pm | online This talk aims to help students navigate critical and creative strategies in HSC exam in two parts – Part 1 for responding critically to unseen texts in Module A: Texts and Human Experiences, and Part 2 for responding to writing prompts in Advance/Standard Module C: The Craft of Writing and EAL/D Module: Focus on Writing.
  • Spanish Continuers and Extension: what is next? | Monday 31 July, 5 to 6pm | online
    This interactive webinar is designed around the 'Spanish-speaking communities' theme of the Spanish Continuers Stage 6 syllabus. We will explore the Spanish-speaking communities in different countries through their music, art, literature and film, as well as their relevant position in a global and interconnected world.

Film studies masterclass with Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton

Calling all budding film-buffs, scriptwriters and creatives! The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is cracking open its doors to 20 lucky guests to sit in with current creative writing and film studies students for a very special masterclass with Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton. Sign up for this unique opportunity to learn from Margaret and David about the films that changed their life, the evolution of the film industry, the power of language in film criticism, as well as how to turn your passion for cinema into a career.

  • Tuesday 23 May, 5.30pm to 6.15pm

Sydney College of the Arts (SCA) Portfolio Day: online and in person event

Online: The SCA at the University of Sydney invite students to attend our online portfolio feedback sessions to assist with the preparation of their portfolios and application to study one of our visual arts courses. Students can register for any session on Tuesday 30 May from 4pm to 7pm to receive personalised feedback on their portfolio and visual arts practice through a private consultation with one of our visual arts Academic staff. There will be one 30-minute presentation at 5pm for those wishing to hear more about the degree. Register for the online SCA Portfolio Day.

    In-person: Students can join us at the Camperdown main campus for a short presentation followed by a 1:1 personal feedback session on their current portfolio to identify opportunities for improvement before their final submission. Students are also invited to join a tour of the facilities by current students, where they can discover what it's like to study at the SCA. Register for the in-person SCA Portfolio Day.

    • Tuesday 30 May 2023, 4pm to 7pm

    Indonesia in Action Day: School of Languages and Cultures

    Indonesia in Action Day aims to bring Indonesian language students from multiple schools to the University with the ultimate purpose of encouraging lifelong interest in Indonesia and to strengthen the learning of Indonesian in NSW. This year’s event will have multiple rounds of fun activities and presentations aimed at increasing student engagement and exposure to Indonesian language and culture. Students will also have the opportunity to hear from current University of Sydney students and graduates who have studied Indonesian about their experiences, insights, and how Indonesian has boosted their career opportunities. Find our more and register for the Indonesia in Action Day.

    • Friday 9 June, 9am to 2pm

    Sydney Conservatorium of Music (SCM): submit your audition or portfolio

    Students should register their audition/interview via our portal if applying to the SCM for an undergraduate degree commencing in semester 2, 2023 or semester 1, 2024. The portal provides more information on audition/interview requirements, important dates and how to apply.

    New Bachelor of Agricultural Science

    The University of Sydney will be offering two new degrees in Agricultural Science from semester 1, 2024:

    • Bachelor of Agricultural Science (3 years)
    • Bachelor of Agricultural Science (4 years).

    These degrees will replace existing Science streams in Agriculture and Food and Agribusiness. Admissions requirements are ATAR 75.00 guaranteed (or equivalent) and no prerequisites. These new degrees will equip students with the skills required for professional work in the agriculture sector. Join our information session on Wednesday 14 June or arrange a presentation at your school on these new Agricultural Science degrees with one of our staff or academics. Email Yasodara, yasodara.puhulegamayalage@sydney.edu.au, to arrange a presentation.

    Webinar Wednesdays: May line-up

    Our Webinar Wednesdays series runs weekly throughout school terms and is designed to help students discover what it's like to study a bachelor’s degree at Sydney University. These webinars are best suited for students from years 10 to 12, and include tips on your school subjects, preparing for university and how to choose a course. The series also includes faculty-specific tasters. Here are the upcoming May webinars:

    • Interested in Studying Nutrition or Becoming a Dietitian? – Wednesday 17 May, 4pm to 4.30pm
    • Life of a Veterinarian – Wednesday 31 May, 4pm to 4.30pm
    • Entry Schemes and Admission Pathways – Wednesday 31 May, 5pm to 5.30pm.

    University of Wollongong

    UOW Parent and Student Information Evenings – May to June 2023

    University of Wollongong Parent and Student Information Evenings give high school students and their parents an insight into the UOW application process and studying with them in 2024. Attendees will learn about:

    • UOW courses and career outcomes
    • UOW Early Admission
    • ATAR and selection rank (and what it means)
    • important UAC application dates and deadlines
    • scholarships and opportunities for high-achievers
    • student accommodation options.

    UOW will be hosting events at a variety of locations across NSW and the ACT, as well as online. To see event locations, and to register, visit the UOW events page.

    HSC Subject Support Sessions – 19 to 29 June 2023

    The HSC Subject Support Series is designed to help students improve their knowledge and understanding of key subject content and discover what HSC exam markers and assessors are looking for. It will cover:

    • English Advanced
    • English Standard
    • Mathematics Advanced
    • Mathematics Standard
    • Biology
    • Business.

    Campus tours

    Book a free tour of the UOW Wollongong campus or Liverpool campus. The tours are run by UOW students who can answer your questions about student life. For a tour any of our other regional or metro campuses, please contact the campus directly to arrange a visit.

    Future Students newsletter

    Stay up to date with the latest news, upcoming events and UOW programs. Whether you are a student, parent, or careers adviser, this monthly newsletter will keep you informed. Subscribe to the Future Students newsletter

    Western Sydney University

    Bachelor of Tourism and Event Management

    Western’s School of Social Science has a brand-new degree, Bachelor of Tourism and Event Management. The degree, designed with industry, prepares graduates for professional roles in tourism, events, and the visitor economy.

    Western Sydney University Open Day

    If they love live music, food trucks and freebies, your students should head to the Western Sydney University Open Day on Sunday 2 July. They will meet current students and staff and be able to ask questions to get insider info on early offers and what uni life is really like.