The Universities Admission Centre (UAC) is a great first point of call when considering what, when and where your university journey is going to start. Information is available about university applications, early entry and, this year the COVID -19 updates will be particularly helpful.
Note: UAC is your go-to if you are applying for uni in NSW or the ACT – go to the end of the blog for links to other states.
- Key opening and closing dates are good to diarise. Two upcoming dates are the close of the Schools Recommendation Scheme on 20 September and the Early Bird deadline on 30 September. Other key dates are here.
- Be aware of additional criteria for courses. You may need to prepare portfolios or attend interviews.
- A good work/life balance is key. Healthy study habits with time away from the books will benefit your overall performance!
- Practice good time management, you’ll need this once you’re at university or in the workplace. Create a timetable for the most effective time management.
- Stay motivated and keep your eye on the end goal. Keep those around you motivated too, so you all benefit from the buzz in the air!
Check out this video for further inspiration
UAC SUPPORTS YOU IN GETTING INTO UNI
The two most notable forms of UAC support for rural and regional students are the Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) and the Education Access Scheme (EAS). Applications to both of these schemes are considered by institutions along with your ATAR and other equity scholarships, such as a CEF grant.
SCHOOLS RECOMMENDATION SCHEME (SRS)
The Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) can bolster a Year 12 students early admission application for an undergraduate degree. It’s kind of like a job reference in the way that it considers your abilities, school’s commentary in those areas of study, your Year 11 studies, awards and achievements as well as any EAS application in the works.
Remember that the deadline for getting your SRS application to UAC is midnight 20 September 2020.
Kim Paino, UAC Marketing and Engagement Manager
We know that students in country Australia faces various challenges. UAC recognises this too and evaluates high schools by its Education Access Scheme (EAS). Schools in rural and regional Australia are assessed by UAC on their ‘educational disadvantage’. The two defining factors are:
- A rural school in a town with a population of less than 10,000 and a distance of at least 100km from the nearest centre with a population of 10,000; or
- A rural school with a town with a population of less than 5,000 people and a distance between 50km and 99km from the nearest centre with a population of 10,000.
Considerations have been made to ensure final HSC exams take place this year. Students are advised there will be a small delay on ATAR releases. It will be available on the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) website from 9am on Friday 18 December 2020. The deadline for changing preferences for December Round 2 will be midnight Saturday 19 December and December Round 2 offers will be made on Wednesday 23 December 2020.
EQUITY SCHOLARSHIPS AND GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE
Equity scholarships are offered to students from low socio-economic (Low SES) backgrounds, particularly those who receive Centrelink income support. Most tertiary institutions also offer equity scholarships via the Indigenous Student Success Program Australian government initiative.
“Some universities (such as Charles Sturt University) specifically target students in drought-affected areas. However, even if there is no specific scholarship such as this, the main criteria for receiving an equity scholarship is financial hardship, which would apply to many of these students,” Kim Paino, UAC Marketing and Engagement Manager
LOOK OUT FOR SCHOOL VISITS TOO!
UAC try to spend as much time as they can visiting country NSW schools to help students on their journey to university study; Ms Paino saying they are always incredibly warmly welcomed.
“In large part that’s simply a reflection of their gratitude that we make the effort to go to more than just metro areas. We also have specific schemes that offer tangible support for students in these communities who want to do their best in Year 12 and go on to succeed at university.”
- SATAC – South Australia and Northern Territory
- QTAC – Queensland
- VTAC – Victoria
- TISC – Western Australia
- University of Tasmania – Tasmania
This ‘More Than Your ATAR’ education series will be covering off such subjects as: where to start as well as tips and tricks for applying for a scholarship. We’ll be talking to all the experts – students, CEF committee members, high school and university advisers to help you on this long, windy road.
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