University of Wollongong

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is located in the city of Wollongong, Australia’s 9th largest city (population 400 000), about an hour by rail or road from Sydney. Its blend of lifestyle, natural beauty, culture and entertainment makes this cosmopolitan city a great place to live and study.

Our reputation as one of Australia’s leading universities has been consolidated in recent years through the following achievements:
• Ranked in the world’s top 200 universities twice in succession
  (Times Higher Education Supplement – QS World University Rankings 2006/2007)
• One of the top Australian universities for teaching and learning
  Ranked by The Australian newspaper as one of the top two Australian universities for learning and teaching performance (3 October 2007) based on the Department of Education, Science and Training (now Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations) ‘Learning and Teaching Performance Fund 2008’
• Consistent 5-star rankings in key Australian Good Universities Guide categories
  UOW received the maximum five-star rankings in seven key categories in the Australian Good Universities Guide 2008, which ranks Australia’s universities over a range of criteria. The University has been ranked at the top for educational experience and graduate outcomes for the last seven years.

UOW has a total student population of 22 000, including about 4 000 international students from more than 70 countries. Our strong international focus provides you with the opportunity to interact with a highly diverse student population in a variety of academic, social and work environments – and to obtain an affordable, quality education designed to increase your employment options in the future.

Contact details

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Open Days, exhibitions and interview sessions

In Australia
For personalised campus tours and special events, call 1300 367 869 (for callers within Australia) or +61 2 4221 3218 (if calling from overseas).

Overseas
The University participates regularly in overseas missions, exhibitions and student interview programs. To find out when a University staff member will next be in your country, contact the University using the details above.

For details of UOW’s overseas agents/representatives email UniAdvice at uniadvice@uow.edu.au.

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Important dates for 2009

The academic year at UOW is divided into two main sessions:
• Autumn Session (between February and June)
• Spring Session (between July and November).

There is also an optional Summer Session (between December and February) when a limited range of subjects are offered.

Summer Session: 2 December 2008 – 6 February 2009
Enrolment and orientation: 19–27 February 2009
Autumn Session: 2 March – 26 June 2009
Mid-year recess: 29 June – 26 July 2009
Spring Session: 27 July – 20 November 2009

For more information on key dates visit www.uow.edu.au/student/dates/.

It is possible to start most courses in Autumn or Spring Session. Refer to the course descriptions in the course search or use UOW's online CourseFinder to find when you can start your course of interest.

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Admission requirements

Read Admission and selection for more information.

Admission requirements are the minimum qualifications you need before you can be selected for admission to a course of study.

As an international student attempting one of the following qualifications, you will apply for admission through UAC International and will generally be selected on the basis of your performance in these studies (that is, your UAI or equivalent):
• an Australian Year 12 qualification (either offshore or in Australia)
• an International Baccalaureate in Australia
• a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement Level 3.

When assessing your application UOW may take any or all of your qualifications or attempts at study into account.

Limited UAI
The University accepts the NSW Limited UAI for admission purposes - read 'Limited UAI' in UAI.

Additional selection criteria
In addition to achieving the standard of performance required for admission, for certain courses you must also satisfy additional selection criteria. These criteria include portfolio, interview, audition, questionnaire or test and are taken into account either instead of, or in conjunction with, your UAI or equivalent.

Details of additional selection criteria and how applicants can meet these requirements are outlined in the course descriptions. For course descriptions, visit the course search.

If you are undertaking your Year 12 studies offshore and are applying to a course that has additional selection criteria that you will find difficult to meet, email uniadvice@uow.edu.au for assistance.

Offers made to applicants who have a UAI (or equivalent) below the published cut-off

UOW has a number of alternative pathways for admission, which may allow applicants to receive an offer to a course even though they have a UAI below the published cut-off.

They are:
• Local and Regional Bonus Points Scheme
• Points to UOW
• Early Entry Scheme (most courses).

Local and Regional Bonus Points Scheme
If you have a UOW course as a preference and you completed your HSC in 2008 at one of the schools in our regional area, or at a rural or remote school in NSW, you will automatically receive three bonus points, which will apply to your UOW courses. A full list of the schools eligible for the regional bonus is located at www.uow.edu.au/prospective/bonus.html.

Points to UOW
At UOW we recognise that your UAI is not the only indication of your aptitude to excel at University. Strong performance in subjects relevant to the degree you wish to study is also an indicator of likely success.

Therefore UOW has introduced a new bonus points system that rewards students who perform strongly in HSC subjects relevant to courses in their preferred area of study. Your reward for outstanding performance is by way of bonus points up to a maximum of three additional points. This is in addition to any other bonuses for which you may be eligible, including the UOW Local and Regional Bonus Points Scheme.

For full details about Points to UOW visit www.uow.edu.au/prospective/pointstoUOW.html.

Early Entry Scheme
Current Year 12 students can apply for early entry into a number of UOW courses. Successful applicants will receive either a guaranteed place or a place that is conditional upon the results of final exams. Early entry is based on academic record (including trial HSC results) and an interview.

For further information, including details of which courses are available and application closing dates, visit www.uow.edu.au/prospective/earlyentry/.

International applicants applying for admission on the basis of qualifications other than those listed above must apply directly to the University, not through UAC International. For details visit www.uow.edu.au/prospective/international/applying/index.html.

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Students under 18 years of age

Before you are granted a student visa, the Australian Government must be satisfied that you have appropriate accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements in place for the period that you will be under 18 years of age while in Australia.

UOW does not accept responsibility for welfare arrangements for international students who are under 18 years of age.

For more information on what arrangements need to be in place, visit www.immi.gov.au/students/students/573-1/eligibility-student-18.htm.

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Areas of study

UOW offers a wide range of undergraduate courses in:
• Arts and Humanities
• Business and Commerce
• Computer Science and Information Technology
• Creative Arts
• Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Education
• Engineering
• Health Sciences
• Law
• Mathematics
• Media, Journalism and Communication Studies
• Nursing
• Science.

For courses descriptions, visit the course search.

Full details of all courses, including course descriptions and structures, can be found via the online CourseFinder at www.uow.edu.au/prospective/international/courses/index.html.

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Tuition fees

For information about tuition fees check the course descriptions in the course search.

Tuition fees are paid one session at a time. Your offer letter states the tuition fee payable provided that you accept the current offer and commencement date. The tuition fee will remain the same for the duration of the course, provided the course is completed in the minimum time, and is fixed at the level quoted in the final offer letter.

For full details of fees for each course visit www.uow.edu.au/prospective/international/fees/index.html.

Fees policy
For more information about UOW's fees policies, visit www.uow.edu.au/prospective/international/fees/index.html.

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Living expenses

Read Money matters for general information.

Living costs will vary according to your lifestyle, the type of accommodation you choose and whether you are single or bringing family members with you.

In addition to tuition fees, a single student living in Wollongong will require at least A$10 000 to A$12 000 a year for living expenses to cover accommodation, food and local transport.

The cost of living is generally much lower in Wollongong than in other metropolitan cities in Australia. For further information about living costs visit www.uow.edu.au/prospective/international/prearrival/UOW005224.html.

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Scholarships

Read Money matters for general information.

For more information on scholarships visit www.uow.edu.au/prospective/international/scholarships/index.html.

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Sponsored students

Read Money matters for general information.

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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Read Government requirements for general information.

UOW's preferred OSHC provider is Australian Health Management (AHM). However, you are free to choose your provider from the other three OSHC providers ie Medibank Private, Worldcare Assist or BUPA. For further information on AHM visit www.ahm.com.au/.

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Health services on campus

A range of health and medical services are provided on campus, including optometry, dentistry, naturopathy and acupuncture. Appointments and transport to a doctor (general practitioner) can be arranged through the centre. Information on doctors in Wollongong who speak other languages can also be provided. For more information visit http://unicentre.uow.edu.au/retail/UOW029414.htm.

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Working while studying

Read Government requirements for general information. You must have sufficient funds to cover all expenses before you leave your home country. You cannot rely on working in Australia to cover your tuition fees or living costs. Although working part-time can provide an avenue for meeting new people and some extra spending money, it should never be considered more than an 'added bonus'.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) now issues student visas with work rights attached automatically. Students are limited to working up to a maximum of 20 hours per week during the session (any volunteer or unpaid work also counts towards this limit).

For an explanation of the rules and procedures for obtaining a work permit, as well as advice on how to increase your chances of finding part-time work in Wollongong, visit www.uow.edu.au/prospective/international/prearrival/UOW005239.html.

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Preparing for student life

The Pre-Arrival website for international students provides lots of detailed information to help you prepare for life at UOW, visit www.uow.edu.au/prospective/international/prearrival/index.html.

These pages offer practical suggestions to help you to prepare for your time in Wollongong and highlight some of the items that you will need to organise before leaving home. It is important that you read through this information carefully, and any other materials sent to you by the University, as soon as possible.

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Acceptance, orientation, enrolment and deferment

Read Acceptance, orientation, enrolment and deferment for general information.

Acceptance

To accept your offer of admission, you will need to complete the Offer Acceptance and Payment Advice form attached to your offer letter and return it along with the total fee payable to commence the course as quoted in your offer letter.

The fees payable include tuition for your first session of study and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Payment can be made by credit card or a bank draft drawn in Australian dollars on an Australian bank.

You must ensure that payment is made as early as possible to allow sufficient time for visa processing. Depending on the country you come from, the visa process can take anywhere from several days to more than three months, so you need to allow sufficient time for this process. If you are using a University agent, they can assist you with acceptance and payment procedures.

When you have completed pre-visa assessment (where applicable) and paid all fees quoted in your offer letter, an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) will be issued and sent to you via email. It is important that you provide a current email address with your application so that your eCoE can be returned to you promptly. You will need the eCoE to apply for your student visa.

For details on how to accept your offer of admission visit www.uow.edu.au/prospective/international/prearrival/UOW005213.html.

Orientation

Orientation sessions, including course enrolments, for all new international students commence on 19 February 2009. This will be your official introduction to the University and will give you the opportunity to make new friends and to settle into Wollongong before lectures start. Orientation Week is designed to familiarise you with the campus, staff and facilities. Information sessions and group discussions on a large range of topics will be held during the week.

These include:
• services and facilities available on campus
• Overseas Student Health Cover
• study skills and essay writing
• general information about living in Australia, local customs and attitudes
• how to stay safe and legal in Australia
• campus tours.

Faculty orientation seminars are also held and you will have the opportunity to consult with academic advisers from your course to assist with selection of subjects for your program of study.

For information about orientation visit www.uow.edu.au/prospective/international/prearrival/orientation/index.html.

Enrolment

The enrolment process commences on 19 February 2009 and involves registration in individual subjects, lecture and class times, obtaining your student card and other administration matters relating to your enrolment at the University.

You will be sent detailed information concerning enrolment procedures and dates with your offer letter. Students are normally not permitted to enrol after Orientation Week, unless written permission from UOW has been granted. If you have unavoidable circumstances preventing arrival by Orientation Week, you must request an Extension Letter (permission for late enrolment) by contacting UniAdvice (uniadvice@uow.edu.au). Under no circumstances will enrolment be permitted after the second week of session.

Students who arrive after Orientation Week will not be guaranteed places in the subjects of their choice – where subjects are compulsory, this could result in your course of study taking up to one year longer to complete.

Deferment

Deferment requests must be received by 31 March 2009 and can be made online at http://coursefinder.uow.edu.au/coursefinder/DeferralrequestDetail.aspx.

Do not enrol if you intend to defer. Deferments are not available for any of the creative arts or journalism degrees (including the double degrees) or the health sciences degree.

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Student support

UOW provides a wide range of academic and social support services to help you through your life and studies.

Some of these programs include:
• airport pickup
• learning development programs
• academic advisers and student liaison officers
• Momentum - student mentoring program
• International Friendships Program
• workplace learning to increase your employment prospects.

For the full range of services available visit www.uow.edu.au/prospective/international/services/index.html.

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Accommodation

Living @ UOW provides a range of accommodation options for students. Residences are in convenient locations and students benefit from an environment that is committed to providing high academic achievement, involvement, development and fun. The community culture in each residence provides a vibrant atmosphere with many social, cultural, sporting and other activities on offer.

Residences are catered, self-catered and flexi-catered. The catered residences are International House and Weerona College where 19 meals a week are provided. Campus East offers flexi-catered and self-catered options and also has designated postgraduate units. The self-catered residences are Kooloobong (for 2nd years and above) and Keiraview.

Applications for accommodation close 30 November 2008. If you are thinking of living @ UOW, it is important to apply online before the deadline as demand for accommodation is very high. Further information about the residences, fees and the application process is available at www.uow.edu.au/about/accommodation/index.html.

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Campus services and facilities

Chaplaincy

There are a range of services for different religious groups, including a Buddhist Temple in the city of Wollongong, a mosque within walking distance of the University, and a dedicated building on campus for Muslim prayer and other activities. Wad'u (ablution) facilities are also available. Student-based religious clubs include the Muslim Association of Wollongong University, Catholic Club, Chinese Christian Fellowship, Evangelical Christian Union, the Baha'i Society, and the Australasian Union of Jewish Students.

Counselling

Student Equity and Diversity Liaison Officers (SEDLOs) will help you settle into university life in Australia. They assist with orientation to the local area, homesickness, study difficulties, academic concerns, budgeting, legal/accidents, visa issues, health, personal problems, family emergencies and children's education. This service is free and completely confidential.

Sports and recreation

The University Recreation and Aquatic Centre (URAC) provides world-class facilities for sport and recreation. Facilities include playing fields, all-weather outdoor playing surfaces, a 50-metre heated swimming pool and tennis courts. The recreation centre has a fully equipped gymnasium, squash courts, basketball courts, sports store, cafe and 24 sports clubs. Activities offered include fitness classes, leisure and outdoor activities, learn-to-swim classes and a social sports competition.

Student organisations

There are over 35 clubs and societies on campus, ranging from religious and cultural groups to recreation groups. International clubs include the Chinese Students Association, Indian Society, Indonesian Students Association, Thai Students Association, Muslim Students Association, and Persian Culture Society.

The Illawarra Committee for International Students (ICIS) provides support and activities for international students such as bus trips, an English conversation group and student dinners.

For the full range of services and facilities visit www.uow.edu.au/prospective/international/services/index.html.

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FAQs and further information

For more information about studying at UOW as an international student visit www.uow.edu.au/prospective/international/index.html.

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