Undergraduate applications and offers
Early offer schemes for Year 12 students
While the ATAR is still the main selection tool used by most unis, there are other ways for you to show that you’re ready to succeed at tertiary study. With the disruptions to your schooling this year caused by COVID-19 restrictions, you’re no doubt looking to explore all the options.
Many institutions have one or more early offer schemes for Year 12 students. Through these schemes, the institutions will assess you using criteria other than (or in addition to) your ATAR. Always check the institution websites to make sure the courses you are applying for are covered by the schemes.
Listed below are the key dates, assessment criteria and application details for the available early offer schemes.
OTHER ENTRY OPTIONS
Educational Access Schemes (EAS): Institutions use these to take into account the educational disadvantages many applicants experience. If you think this might apply to you, make sure you complete an EAS application and claim all the disadvantages that have affected your studies. This year, we’ve added new categories to help applicants who’ve been affected by a natural disaster, such as a bushfire, and those whose parents/guardians have been receiving JobSeeker or JobKeeper for at least three months. How to apply for EAS.
Pathway courses: If you successfully complete a non-degree course, such as foundation studies, a preparatory course, or a certificate or diploma, a university may guarantee you entry into a degree. Otherwise, you can use your non-degree studies to apply and compete for admission to other degree courses. You may also be awarded credit for studies undertaken in your non-degree course. This year, some unis are offering an even larger range of prep courses to help you move into your degree. Contact the individual institutions to get the most up-to-date information. Other pathways to uni.
Schools Recommendation Schemes: multiple institutions
The following institutions will make early offers to Year 12 students through the Schools Recommendation Schemes:
- Australian Catholic University
- Charles Sturt University
- International College of Management, Sydney
- Macquarie University
- National Art School
- SAE Creative Media Institute
- University of Canberra
- University of New England
- University of Newcastle
- University of Sydney
- University of Technology Sydney
- Western Sydney University.
These institutions use one or more of the following assessment criteria:
- Year 11 studies
- school’s rating of your aptitudes
- Education Access Schemes (EAS) application
- ATAR.
Applications are processed by UAC and close 20 September 2020.
Australian Catholic University
COMMUNITY ACHIEVER PROGRAM
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Your CAP early offer will convert to a course offer when you:
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How to apply |
After you submit your application, you’ll receive an email detailing what to do next. |
ACU GUARANTEE
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Assessment criteria | To be eligible you must be a 2020 Year 12 student (domestic or international) who completed Year 11 (including the IB) in Australia. You need to have successfully completed Year 11. You can also choose to supply a brief statement outlining your personal circumstances and motivation for university study, which may help improve your selection rank. | |
How to apply | Apply online via the ACU website.
After you submit your application, you’ll receive an email detailing what to do next. |
Australian National University
DIRECT APPLICATION
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Charles Sturt University
CHARLES STURT ADVANTAGE
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Assessment criteria | Short written submission demonstrating soft skills such as resilience, empathy and commitment to making this a world worth living in. |
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International College of Management, Sydney
EARLY ENTRY
Important date | 11 Sep 2020: Applications close |
How to apply |
LEADERSHIP ENTRY PROGRAM
Important date | 5 Feb 2021: Applications close |
How to apply |
ELITE ATHLETE/PERFORMER ENTRY
Important date | 5 Feb 2021: Applications close |
How to apply |
La Trobe University
ASPIRE
Aspire is an initiative for undergraduate school leavers and non-Year 12 students. The program recognises the positive impact you’ve had on your community when assessing your application to study with us and rewards you with a conditional offer into a La Trobe degree as early as September.
If you’re in Year 12, you’ll also be invited to be part of an exciting enrichment program designed to give you a head start with your university studies.
For further information about the Aspire program, including 2021 selection criteria and dates, visit the La Trobe University website.
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Macleay College
DIRECT APPLICATION
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Macquarie University
MACQUARIE LEADERS AND ACHIEVERS
Important dates | Applications open in school Term 2. |
Assessment criteria | Applicants need to demonstrate their leadership qualities and/or how they have contributed towards positive change in their community and consistently achieved good results at school. There are two selection components:
Note that applicants for the Bachelor of Marketing and Media and the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and its double degrees are required to have undertaken specific English and/or mathematics subjects in the HSC, ACT Senior Secondary Certificate or International Baccalaureate. Applicants for teaching courses need to complete a survey before an offer is made.All applicants must complete their Year 12 examinations (10 units of HSC courses, including at least 8 units from Category A courses and 2 units of English) or comparable ACT Senior Secondary Certificate or International Baccalaureate subjects. |
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Southern Cross University
STAR
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Torrens University Australia
EARLY ENTRY
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Assessment criteria | Standard course admission criteria |
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University of Canberra
EARLY OFFER ROUND (COVID-19)
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How to apply | Application details are on the University of Canberra website. |
University of New England
EARLY ENTRY DIRECT
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Assessment criteria | Your school’s assessment of your attributes and abilities. The assessment is based around your ability to work and learn independently, as well as your overall potential for academic success at UNE. |
How to apply | Apply online via the UNE Early Entry website. Ensure any additional supporting documentation is attached. Your application will be sent electronically to your school for the Principal’s report. Your school will approve and submit the application to UNE on your behalf before the closing date. After you submit your application, you’ll receive an email detailing what to do next. |
University of Newcastle
INDIGENOUS LAW EARLY ENTRY PROGRAM
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How to apply | List 483100 Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Combined as a UAC preference. |
YEAR 12 SUBJECT SPOTLIGHT
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Assessment criteria | Strong performance in one or more subjects related to your degree. View requirements for each degree on the University of Newcastle website. |
How to apply | Just apply through UAC. No separate application required. |
University of Sydney
E12 (VIA SRS APPLICATION)
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Tip: If a student’s residential address lies within the lowest 25% of the SEIFA index, they will receive an email to this effect the day after they complete their UAC application for undergraduate admission. They will then know if they have met this criteria. |
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University of Wollongong
EARLY ADMISSION
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How to apply | Apply online via the University of Wollongong website. |
UNSW Sydney
UNSW GATEWAY EARLY CONDITIONAL OFFER SCHEME
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Western Sydney University
HSC TRUE REWARD
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Assessment criteria | Depending on the undergraduate degree you choose, you need to meet a specified HSC band outcome in nominated courses. The following degrees are excluded:
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How to apply | Apply online via the Western Sydney University website. |
THE ACADEMY GLOBAL LEADERS PROGRAM
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Assessment criteria | Open to 2020 Year 12 students who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must:
The following degrees are excluded:
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